The Five-Cross Files

Female families… patterns of inbreeding… sire line nicks… what really influences the strength of a Thoroughbred pedigree? How do conformation and class factor in? The Five-Cross Files explores bloodlines old and new, analyzes Thoroughbred pedigrees, tests breeding tools, and simplifies the science (and art) of successful Thoroughbred breeding.

Fasig-Tipton Catalog Updates -- Nice!

Fasig-Tipton includes a useful tool to keep its November Selected catalog pages up to date. (Even if you're not impressed by that, take a look at the sample page I've cited -- think Sea the Stars' family and Rachel Alexandra's sire.)... Read More

Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Eagle Time has an interesting story. From the Alleged/Hoist the Flag sire line, this 12-year-old stallion ran from 2 to 7, served a few years at stud, and is now back at the track because running is what he most loves in all the world.... Read More

What Becomes of the Broodmares?

The equation is pretty clear: Lots of mares removed from breeding careers, plus high upkeep costs to get a mare through another year, minus any hope of income or profit, equals broodmares at risk.... Read More

Uh oh. Winter's Coming.

So I'm wondering what the season will bring this year. It's been a wet, cool year from spring to autumn... does that translate to a snowy, cold winter? I like to think of the first nine months of 2009 as "mild" in hopes that the winter before us is mild, too. ... Read More

If At First You Don't Succeed...

... buy, buy again! Or, that's what Keeneland is hoping you'll do, at least. The Thoroughbred sales company has opened up RNAs from its premier yearling sale to an electronic re-bid program. ... Read More

Stallion-Making Stakes Races

Do you watch for the Breeders' Cup Classic winner to go on to a successful stallion career? The Travers, maybe? Or is it one of the juvenile races that "makes" a stallion for you?... Read More

Fast Facts -- What Is the Comparable Index (CI)?

The Comparable Index is a tool that helps evaluate how strong a stallion's book of mares is -- either from year to year, or compared to other sires in a given year. It has many applications -- and I include an example of how commercial breeders might benefit with a bit of smart prospecting.... Read More

Beyond Perfection Saves Best for Last

Beyond Perfection was barren three times, slipped three more, and produced one dead foal (along with five less-than-impressive runners) before being booked to Candy Ride in 2005. The resulting grade II winner indicates the trouble was worth it -- but was it a good breeding decision?... Read More

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