Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

ruffianruns — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:09:31 GMT

Alan!

I'm devastated!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Alan Porter — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:45:23 GMT

Hi Ian,

I was bluffing. I have the Jockey Club Pedigree Analysis program (see at www.equineline.com), so it could find the stakes winners with those patterns in seconds.

I did fill in their backgrounds from memory, which made it sound off the cuff! I'm really impressed by the number of readers who did the hard way.

It does highlight the change in the business since I started in the game. The skill set has changed from memory and knowing which books to look in, to anybody with the right program be able to get the information, and skill set being interpretation.

Ann in Lexington: I noted the reverse connection in Observatory's best two winners in the Euro round up. Well spotted!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

ruffianruns — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:25:56 GMT

Ian,

Thanks for explaining SS. I'm sure glad I declared my ignorance before asking that question! So many more questions arise!

I didn't use the new tool you spoke about - so hopefully I came by my answers a little more honestly!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Ian Tapp — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:40:44 GMT

ruffianruns,

SS = Seattle Slew in that case. Myrtlewood is the 5th dam of Seattle Slew and 4th dam of Mr. Prospector.

Equineline.com has a new pedigree analysis tool that allows you to Query By Position, meaning that you could figure the puzzle out very quickly using this. I'll try to find a balance and make the next puzzle both challenging and possible with or without the Query By Position.

Ian

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

ruffianruns — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:26:55 GMT

refrain and Ian - I'm sure it is frustrating for people with true pedigree knowledge to see answers that Google spits out. At the same time, as a fully admitted newbie (see above), Google spit out VERY LITTLE in terms of puzzle answers! I read a lot of wikipedia entries and different articles on sires and mares and I looked at the pedigrees on pedigreequery.com. It took me a long time to solve the puzzle. Twice Over was the hardest for me. Maybe I'm so new that I don't know where to look.

Anyhow, my point: I learned a lot about different lines, terminology, horses, naming patterns, etc., so don't make future puzzles TOO hard for people like me who don't have "hard copy" reference materials and "hard copy" knowledge!

I am so impressed with Alan's response and Ann's response. You both sent me on some additional chases. Thanks!

Maryland called the Mr. P and SS pairing the "Myrtlewood Cross." I found Myrtlewood on Mr. P's dam side, but not on Seven Springs side. Am I missing something? Forgive my ignorance!

Slew, I went down the "bull" road for awhile, too.

Thanks again for the challenge.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Slew — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:35:23 GMT

Refrain: I guarantee I know so little about pedigrees for the most part, it was Google and 5-cross files, and guesses.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Ian Tapp — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:17:14 GMT

refrain,

I agree, and I've got a couple ideas to make the next puzzle "computer-proof"...you'll see.

Ian

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

refrain — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:24:20 GMT

Ian,

These puzzles can be fun, but not sure how well it tests pedigree knowledge vs computer/research skills. It would seem a difficult task, but why not try to devise something which negates the latter.

Alan's reply would almost suggest answers off the top of his head (no use of research-but for use of, perhaps, 5x pedigrees). So tell us Alan, is this inference correct?

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Pedigree Shelly — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:25:48 GMT

I am really kicking myself right now ! Twice Over is the fifth dam of a filly I once owned !!! Wasted Words

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Pedigree Shelly — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:16:42 GMT

Sorry , I know my comment is a little too late but , when your computer has been down for 30+ hours things get a little frustrating :( I came up with Macho Uno fairly quick but,the rest were very tricky ! Congrats to those who succeded ! Is it just my computer or is anyone else having trouble with Equineline.com ????

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Slew — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:50:53 GMT

Well...that makes me feel quite fuzzy-brained. I guess the bulls won't run...and I had the totally wrong angle. Some days are just too hot to think straight. Thanks for some fun, Ian.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

russf — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:04:01 GMT

1. Macho Uno

2. Twice Over

3. Triple Bend

4. Quadrangle

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Slew — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:58:02 GMT

This is my final take...I took a wrong turn some where. My scalp is bloody from missing hair I already pulled out, my eyes are crossed, and my fingertips have been worn to a nub. I thought the connection was "bull" but I'm getting Triple Bend for #3 and can't find the connection. As for #4, it comes down to Mr Busher as a sire, but then Bull Lea had so many champions I must concede defeat. You got me Ian. (I mean Mr. Prospector and Bull Lea really spread themselves out across todays TB's)

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Slew — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:25:16 GMT

Well I'm back. I've figured out the connection between the four is that as in Macho Uno sired by Holy Bull, and Bull Dog was the grandsire of Two Lea...the connection is horses with "bull" in their name since this week in Pamplona is The Running of the Bulls.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Slew — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:38:41 GMT

Ian, I've been going nuts for 2 days and have figured out only one, Macho Uno. The rest may make me try harder, or just beat my head against a wall while pulling out my hair. I now need a nap.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Pedigree Shelly — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 04:04:46 GMT

The first pedigree is that of Macho Uno !

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Pedigree Shelly — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 03:42:49 GMT

Thank You so much ! I've been waiting for something like this !! I will have my answer soon :)

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

ruffianruns — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:39:18 GMT

It's all about the numbers, right? Macho Uno, Twice Over, Triple Bend, and Quadrangle? I'm fairly new to the nitty gritty details of racing and breeding, so this puzzle taught me a lot! Thanks!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

NCBred — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:51:00 GMT

1-Macho Uno - the easiest

2-Twice Over - most difficult

3-Triple Bend

4-Quadrangle

Very cute - and a fun way to kill some time!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Ian Tapp — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:49:31 GMT

We're getting some great comments -- can't wait to post these on Monday!

Several people have figured out the common theme, and one noticed how it ties in with this particular weekend.

Good job to all!

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Ann in Lexington — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:23:47 GMT

First was pretty simple - Ta Wee's son had to be Great Above, sire of Holy Bull, which led logically to 1) Macho Uno

The second one gave me the most trouble, I guess because he is a Euro. When I started looking at sires with Roberto as a damsire, I found almost all of them were Northern Dancer-line. Finally came across Observatory, figured he had to be the sire. Which led to Twice Over. Interestingly, Observatory's best daughter, African Rose has the same damside stallions upside down - dam by Quest for Fame out of Nijinsky mare. Sure someone else has noticed this by now.

2) Twice Over

Third one had to be sired by either Bold Reason or Never Bend (Staunch Eagle a nonstarter). Fairy Bridge's damsire Forli is Hyperion line, but in 4th generation. Same for J. O. Tobin's damsire Hillary. Go to list of Never Bend's better SWs; aha! Triple Bend's damsire is Gun Bow, in utero import.

3) Triple Bend (I actually got to watch him race, back when I was a newcomer)

Oddly enough, the list of good sires who had La Troienne as a second dam is fairly short. Make Tracks and Immortality were good in Argentina, but unlikely to get mares by sons of Bull Dog. Leaving the old reliable Cohoes, who had only one real headline horse - Quadrangle, from a Bull Lea mare.

4) Quadrangle

1=Uno=one

2=Twice=2 times

3=Triple=3 of a kind

4=Quadrangle=4-sided

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

gracy — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:49:35 GMT

Macho Uno

Triple Bend

Quadrangle

Numbers in the name? Couldn't get number two and it is painful since I am sure it will seem obvious once I find out.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

Independence Day — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:23:28 GMT

Macho Uno - Twice Over - Triple Bend - Quadrangle

1-2-3-4

Happy Fourth of July

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

MyBigRed — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:17:50 GMT

I see Teddy/Ajax in all of these bloodlines.

re: Reader Challenge: Pedigree ID

refrain — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:04:45 GMT

Ian,

Must admit, is very neat tie-in-

1-2-3-4.