The Five-Cross Files

Domino Delivers

sgillies — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:18:00 GMT

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)

Top 6 Breed-to-Race Sires in 2008

sgillies — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:16:00 GMT

Six stallions made the cut and proved themselves the best value for breeders looking to keep and race their foals....(read more)

But Aren't They All Supposed to Race?

sgillies — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:36:00 GMT

In theory, racehorse breeders are all striving for a similar primary goal: foals that will go on to successful race careers. In practice, it's not so simple. ...(read more)

Is Sire-Line Outcrossing Possible Anymore?

sgillies — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:25:00 GMT

We've all heard of "hybrid vigor," so outcrossing seems like it would be a common Thoroughbred breeding scheme. But is outcrossing even possible in 2008?...(read more)

Where Did They All Go?

sgillies — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:20:00 GMT

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)

Sales Yearling: Stallion Choices

sgillies — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:55:00 GMT

Finding the right stallion for my mare was a big step....(read more)

September, Here We Come

sgillies — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:58:00 GMT

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)

Pure Future: 2008 Incoming Sires

sgillies — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:49:00 GMT

Scot reveals his pick for best incoming sire of 2008 -- and looks for readers' choices....(read more)

The Other Belmont Entrant Looking Towards History

sgillies — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:04:00 GMT

One of Big Brown's opponents has a pedigree you might want to bet on....(read more)

Belmont Brown?

sgillies — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:40:00 GMT

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)

Northern Dancer Pensioned

sgillies — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:14:00 GMT

Northern Dancer's two most important male-line scions bow out within 24 hours. What now?...(read more)

Fitz Fits

sgillies — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:25:00 GMT

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

Bittersweet Derby and How Our Picks Fared

sgillies — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:11:00 GMT

Some comments on the Derby ... how Five-Cross readers fared with their picks ... new poll of the week....(read more)

Who's YOUR Derby Pick?

sgillies — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:23:00 GMT

I've named my favorites for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. I'd like to know who you think should win it, based solely on pedigree. ...(read more)

Kentucky Derby Winner, Guaranteed

sgillies — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:01:00 GMT

Just in time for the KENTUCKY DERBY, here are a couple of must-read features. Plus, my TOP 3 picks for fame and glory this coming Saturday....(read more)