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.

Yearling Sales Prep Update

The Keeneland September yearling sales catalogs are now online. 5,555 hips -- a lot to look through. My colt is progressing through his sales prep and should be looking good by mid-September.... Read More

Is This a Broodmare?

A mare might be a perfect fit for one breeding program but not for others. How exactly does one determine if a mare is a "broodmare quality" Thoroughbred?... Read More

Yearling Season Starts Ominously

Fasig-Tipton July numbers are worrisome for breeders with yearling offerings later in the season. Also, a look at the progeny sales results of my colt's sire and broodmare sire.... Read More

Eating for Two

Nutrition for your broodmares makes a huge difference in their foals' development. How confident are you in your feed regimen?... Read More

Dear Memories

For a Thoroughbred breeder, few things are more exciting than watching a new crop of yearlings tearing across the field in youthful rivalry. But not everything is always as it seems.... Read More

Domino Delivers

It might be fiction, but this story's equine details are terrific. Think War Admiral ... Blue Larkspur ... and a Domino-line sire. Thoroughbred pedigree fans, you don't want to miss this.... Read More

Where Did They All Go?

They're stallions who've underperformed and sent off to a foreign land... or are ferried away by high bidders abroad while they're still young. These exported Thoroughbred stallions are a big loss for American breeders.... Read More

September, Here We Come

Breeding decisions made in 2006... foals born in 2007... yearling sales in 2008. I've got a colt headed to Keeneland September... follow along with his sales prep and all the joys (and pains) of sending a yearling through the ring.... Read More

Belmont Brown?

Everyone's asking "Will Big Brown win the Triple Crown?" So I won't! Instead, let's assume he does win it all -- and try to figure out what his stud fee will be.... Read More

Fitz Fits

Seattle Fitz (ARG) has stunned the 2-year-old market in 2008. Why didn't I get in on the action?... Read More

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