Comparing Florida's Bridlewood Farm to Kentucky's Claiborne, Avalyn Hunter celebrates the good news of new prospects for the Sunshine State's stud farm....
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Taylor Made's son of Unbridled died at 20--but the gray stallion leaves a slew of stallion sons and producing daughters to carry his blood into future generations....
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If any proof were needed that a Thoroughbred can be quite a volatile asset, one need look no further than Starship Truffles....
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Some thoughts on Estimate and No Nay Never at Royal Ascot....
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Animal Kingdom left Royal Ascot without the historic win he sought, but his mere presence was somewhat out of the ordinary for American-based runners. Avalyn Hunter reviews the phenomenon of U.S. horses competing abroad....
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Not impressed by recent Belmont Stakes (gr. I) efforts? ...
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With the confirmation that Unlimited Budget is a go for the 2013 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Avalyn Hunter identifies several advantages available to top-flight fillies who take on the colts in big races....
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In Excess was a great success story--one of those horses lacking a remarkable pedigree or influential connections who nevertheless prospered. Stories like his keep the hope alive wherever Thoroughbreds are raised....
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Oxbow's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) upset may mean we're not heading into June with a Triple Crown on the line--but it introduced its own touching story line....
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Hollywood Park is now more valuable for its acreage than for the revenue it can bring in as an operating track. And so the memories of Citation and Noor, Swaps and Round Table, will fade away beneath housing, office space, and asphalt. ...
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For many Thoroughbred owners, the horse comes first. Avalyn Hunter uses Orb's classic victory as an opportunity to celebrate the human connections who still view horseracing as a sport....
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While best known as the sire of the popular and versatile California-based gelding Lava Man-the first horse to win grade I races on dirt, turf, and synthetic surfaces-Slew City Slew was a stallion for Everyman. ...
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With his progeny stakes scores now in triple digits, Unbridled's Song is a stalwart of American Thoroughbred breeding. But what of his legacy, asks Avalyn Hunter....
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Stallions just don't have much better days than Tapit did Feb. 2, when three of his progeny rolled home in graded stakes at three different tracks and over two different surfaces. ...
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Pedigree analyst Avalyn Hunter eulogizes departed champion Lord Avie....
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Avalyn Hunter eulogizes deceased stallion Pulpit and reflects on his contribution to North American Thoroughbred breeding....
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Two sons of Dynaformer are part of the equation as the most famous farm in the bluegrass enters a new phase--and looks to restore its legacy in the American classics....
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Historically, soft markets at the middle and lower levels have been warning signs of a lack of stability in the overall market. If you're a player below the top tier, caution is the watchword for 2013....
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A rule change in Ontario promises to affect provincial breeders and owners quickly and significantly. With the Thoroughbred industry a topic of American political debate, what can U.S. horsemen learn from our northern counterparts?...
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Avalyn Hunter believes a strong, centralized policing authority is necessary in the Thoroughbred industry--but that the U.S. Congress is the wrong master. Is a federal takeover avertable?...
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The impressive Suburban Handicap (gr. II) victory of Mucho Macho Man on July 7 is in interesting juxtaposition to the pensioning of his grandsire, Holy Bull, which was announced one day later....
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(By Avalyn Hunter) This year's Royal Ascot meeting saw two coronations. One was that of Frankel as possibly the best miler Europe has ever seen--rarefied air indeed when one considers the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Miesque, and Goldikova. The other was that of Black Caviar as not only the world's best sprinter but as a champion whose heart matches her stunning talent, overcoming both injury and an...
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Dynaformer was not a horse that had everything handed to him. While a multiple grade II winner on the track, he started his career in the shadow of two similarly-bred sons of Roberto, both members of his crop, who were both better racers: champion turf male Sunshine Forever and multiple grade I winner Brian's Time. But Dynaformer eclipsed both at stud.... (Avalyn Hunter reflects on Dynaformer's legacy.)...
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The American Thoroughbred industry has reached a crossroads. Medication is by no means the only problem facing horse racing, but because of its position in the public eye, it is paramount....
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Three stallion lines dominate the list of potential 2012 Triple Crown candidates. Avalyn Hunter identifies the prospects--and also discusses the one stallion that appears well on his way to becoming universal in the pedigrees of American classic winners....
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