Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010? -- by Scot T. Gillies

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

bryan t — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:11:20 GMT

Afleet Alex?!?

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Alfonso from Spain — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:36:13 GMT

Kallisto (Ger)

Intikhab

Arch

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

TTK — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:41:42 GMT

Most of my choices are already listed. Northern Afleet and City Zip are at the top.

A few others not yet mentioned are:

Pure Prize - top class stallion with great strike rate.

Touch Gold - his fee is dropping but he still throws tons of runners. Average earnings are WAY up there.

Doneraile Court - It's not been long since Cocoa Beach and Ariege!

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

birdy1031 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 02:27:21 GMT

For my money I think Mutakddim was excellent value when he was 7500 at 10 this would chnge his book a little. I would think he would be excellent for shuttling due to his grass %. Graeme Hall is also good at 5 and his runners are consistent and with Dehere being his sire GH should be a good broodmare sire.Freud(6500) has been really good in NY and with Fanny Freud this year he has proven that he is not just a sire of state breds. Montbrook has put up excellent numbers and can get good sales horse and Graded winners as shown with Big Drama.And my personal favorite the Nerud influenced Quiet American who daughters will influence the sheds for years to come. Thanks for this column ewhat a great idea

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Lexington — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:54:59 GMT

From very modest mares ands mall crops, Bright Launch has high percentages of starters & winners, as well as a steady string of stakes horses (ie.Spotsgone, Yaeger,L aunch Light, Launch Light Lady, etc.) His family is solid, and his stud fee is quite reasonable. Definitely a useful and undervalued sire.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Gary at Rough Creek — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:56:33 GMT

Quite late to this, but we've developed a genetically based system to evaluate compatibilities between mares and stallions, and we are always on the lookout for value when designing matings.

We LOVED Smart Strike from the beginning, and he was a tremendous value for years...still is.

We booked four of our mares to Birdstone months before MTB won the KY Derby. I wouldn't call him a bargain now though, but a sound investment.

Graeme Hall in Florida is a great value. Love this horse's pedigree and conformation.

We have an awesome Yonaguska out of our Street Cry mare. Bred very similarly to Musket Man, but even better in our opinion. At 19th currently on the General sire list, we hated that Yonaguska was exported. His runners need time to hit their best. And check out the current stats for Yonaguska...he already has 50% winners to runners for 2010. that's better than most. His babies run and win, and several now are competing in and winning graded stakes.

Northern Afleet is a great bargain, and he's showing his ability to sire classy runners.

Stephen Got Even is definitely tempting...as we are after classic horses. A little thin on the production numbers though.

One of our first Thoroughbred purchases- back in 2002 - was a daughter of Mutakddim. Obviously he sires runners. He's just having trouble getting top class runners, especially NA colts. And without top class, NA graded stakes winners, the stud fee will be low. That is, if the stallion isn't exported.

Totally agree with the previous post that identified Slew City Slew as a great deal. Solid performer for years.

We chased Real Quiet to PA, and got a nice colt by him out of our Corporate Report mare. He's 3 now, out with Chip Woolley, and Chip is rather excited about him. There are several issues with Real Quiet though, which make him less of a bargain now in our opinion.

Pleasant Tap has been good value for a long time.

We bred 6 mares to Kitalpha this year. He's currently a great deal...catch him while you can.

One of our biggest head sratchers - who is unfortunately now deceased - is Dixie Brass. Watch out for him as a broodmare sire.

As far as younger stallions go, we think that Pollard's Vision and Silver Train are currently bargains.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Aluminaut — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:36:25 GMT

Bellwether,

Is the #12 TC winner coming in 2012? Who will be the sire?????

A first crop sire? An oldtimer? A horse sold to Korea, Turkey, Japan or South America? From whose sireline?

Although it's not that great for breeders in KY, how about a filly.

The girls have been hot lately. How about a marketing tool where you sell 3% shares in the next TC winner's first foal, with the Farm where his is standing and the snydicate or owners keep the majority interest. Same in the unlikely case that there's a filly winner.

As far as good value goes, my friends and some of my family talk smack about Giacomo, even calling him names, but I must say I was impressed with his attitude and presentation in the Derby Winners video on Bloodhorse. Somewhat of an outcross also if that's what you're looking for.....A young stallion.

On Topic:

I agree that Langfuhr is a good value now.

Scot's reply: Thanks for your evaluation! Anyone who missed it can view the Kentucky Derby Winners: Giacomo video on BloodHorse.com.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Slew — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:29:21 GMT

If I took into account just looks, I'd want a colt by Yonaguska or Kafwain. However, if I were looking for a colt with Grade I ability, I believe Stephen Got Even is the most undervalued sire on the list. This economy has caught up everywhere it seems. (but I still remain extremely impressed by that huge muscular neck of Yonaguska)

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Rachel — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:50:19 GMT

Smarty Jones has sired a number of graded stakes winners and stakes win/ placed in at least 4 countries. This is what, his 3rd crop to race? He has a great future. They just have to figure out who clicks with him, maybe not base it just on Mr Prospector/Elusive Quality nicking patterns...

KEIAI GERBERA (Japan) has won over a million $$

BACKTALK

Be Smart

SARAH CATALDO

Rescue Plan

LA EQUIVOCADA won gr3 in Puerta Rico

Smart Coco placed in Ireland

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Pedigree Shelly — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:11:54 GMT

Sceptre , You brought up a good point about Smarty maybe leaving Kentucky ! I have a feeling he might end up back in his home state ,( mine too) of Pennsylvania ! Penn Ridge Farm , also the new home of Real Quiet is a good up and coming farm ! I noticed that Pa is aquiring some nice sires due to their excellent Breeders incentive program !

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

sceptre — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:23:50 GMT

Hi Scot,

So nice to again read your words. Did notice your perceptive remarks on the Sadler's Wells-Mill Reef nick and offered a post. Very much miss your Five Cross Files.

Haven't seen, in person, any of the Ten Centuries', but Doug told me he's very pleased. It will be an uphill battle, but hope he makes it. Heard he had trained well, but being unraced is a big question mark. Not much more than a guess about Echo Of Light-but he's priced very reasonably. I tried to convince them to leave him here when he came over for the BC Mile. Actually, always preferred him to Dubawi but, in retrospect, likely mistaken. Hope they bred him to mares with good "minds"... I was crazy for Dubai Millennium, but wasn't too impressed with the mares (pedigree-wise) they offered him. I like Echo Of Light more for his look and running style than his female line. Probably just a hope more than anything.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

sceptre — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:39:33 GMT

Petionville, Terrell, Echo Of Light (no runners yet).

Scot: Can't agree with your optimism re- Smarty Jones. He had received a quality book of numbers. Was given far more opportunity than most. He essentially "wasted" the production of many good mares (nothing unique here). More recently he received lesser quality/quantity. Why then do you "see a bright future"? Rather, his future is likely not in KY.

Scot's reply: Good to hear from you Sceptre! I'm looking at Smarty's future based on his current stud fee. At his entering price, he didn't meet the unrealistic expectations that some fans had for him. (It would've taken a Triple Crown winner and 40% stakes winners in his first crop to match the dreams of some of them!) But at ~$10,000, Smarty Jones's foals should be profitable at the sales and will be moneymakers at the track. And eventually he'll get a couple of "big horses" to really make his name as a sire. I say his brightest days are in the future because he'll be judged more realistically. I like your confidence about Echo of Light. Have you seen any of the Ten Century foals? He's the Dubai Millennium stallion standing stateside.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Pedigree Shelly — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:57:51 GMT

I'm sorry if I was too hard on "Smarty " !! He could throw a good horse at anytime ! I don't want to give up on him just yet !!!

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Billy's Empire — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:32:45 GMT

You guys beat me to it, but IMO

Posse

Stephen Got Even

Afleet Alex

Yankee Gentleman

City Zip

these five are producing great runners currently.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Theoden — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:22:31 GMT

have to agree that Belong to Me is ridiculously under priced. Sire of 10 Grade 1 winners. Come on!

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

MaryEllen Kennedy (Ontario) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:41:53 GMT

Unquestionably CITY ZIP and MINESHAFT.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

nmh — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:13:37 GMT

scott: you refer to smarty jones

getting off to a "rocky start"

what did you mean by that?

thanks

Scot's reply: Early auction averages were disappointing relative to Smarty's six-figure entering stud fee, and it took a while for his first stakes winners to appear on the scene. For the average stallion, it would've been an average start to a stud career ... but because Smarty was "America's horse" and widely celebrated, there were unrealistic expectations for his first crop. Fortunately, he's now being judged on the merits of his runners, and as I said before, his future looks bright.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

goodwin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:32:24 GMT

Holy Bull

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Tom federle — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:11:27 GMT

What about katalpha.A mr p son who is beautiful and has produced some champions.Not in Us.Just look at his female side,fantastic,tom.

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Rachel — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:12:39 GMT

Northern Afleet

Stephen Got Even

Langfuhr

Pleasant Tap

Yes It's True

City Zip

Speightstown

Stormy Atlantic

Grand Slam

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Bellwether — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:48:21 GMT

I wANT TO NOE WHOS GOING TO THROW #12???...

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Pedigree Shelly — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:11:34 GMT

Belong To Me is also a very Underrated Sire ! If you like him dont wait too long , he's getting up there in years ! He was on my short list along with Offlee Wild and Stephen Got Even , for my first broodmare "Wasted Words " The Belong To Me - Relaunch cross resulted in Forever Together

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

tombr — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:53:06 GMT

Best Value:Holy Bull. Great runner and very solid sire. Worst Value: -------. High stud fee and gets very few SW and nice horses. I think he should stand for 10K.

Scot's reply: Thanks for the vote for one of my favorite horses. I'm hoping to send a mare to Holy Bull in 2011. Apologies for having to strike out your "worst value" choice. Your reasons are sound, of course -- high stud fee and few nice horses are a poor combination, and are the opposite of the undervalue we're looking for!

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

Kevin A Burke — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:02:27 GMT

Raffie's Majesty Stud Fee: $3,000

New York State's open secret for getting a foal to the races, and to win, is to breed to Raffie's Majesty.

He is a complete out cross to Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer, and Mr. Prospector.

Bred for the most part to regional inconsistent mares, Mr. R.M. progeny have on track shined brightly.

From a small crop over the past eight years he has 80% starters from foals bred, 80% winners from starters, 11% Stake Winners, & 16% Stake Placed. His progeny have won from 5 fur to 10 fur.

They have demonstrated speed, stamina, endurance, and most important to race owners, longevity on the race track.

Why he has been overlooked by those who breed to race, I do not understand. Why he is not bred to a higher class mare, I have no answer. It is my opinion that he offers more value then any other stallion, based not just on stud fee, but more so by the resulting progeny he has so far produced.

There are stallions who stand for 20 times his fee that do not produce the results he does. Some individual with a Graded Stakes Winning mare, who has so far not lived up to her race record in the breeding shed, should consider this stallion, there well could be a very pleasant surprise in the resulting foal.

Scot's reply: Raffie's Majesty is definitely on my radar! I wrote about him last spring in my Five-Cross Files blog (U.S. Stallion With German Pedigree Influences and Sharp First Crops -- $3,000 Live Foal).

re: Who are the Most Undervalued Thoroughbred Sires in 2010?

munna22 — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:43:27 GMT

City Zip is a great bargain and currently 8th on the leading sire list. Northern Afleet stands for a $10,000 stud fee and is 16th on the list. Also, Monarchos has sired G1 winner Informed Decision and stands for $6,000.

Others that I would put on my list are Stephen Got Even, Pollard's Vision, Holy Bull, Pleasant Tap, and Quiet American.

The sire who should win a life-time achievement award as the best under-valued sire of all time is Slew City Slew.