:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6010027/144987378.0.jpg)
Here’s my first take on the group entering stud this year. Ones I really like are in green, those that I don’t care for are in amber. My opinion in this case is based mostly on value rather than potential. I think that the ones in green will be commercially viable stallions and/or good value in relation to their stud fee. Those in amber are basically just those that I feel the stud fee is too high, not that they are/will be bad stallions. Non-highlighted ones are probably right where they should be. (disclaimer: add "In my lowly educated opinion" to the end of every sentence in this entire article)
| STALLION | SIRE | FARM | STUD FEE | COMMENT |
| Union Rags | Dixie Union | Lane's End | $35,000 | Too high for a horse that seemed to top out as a 2yo. |
| Bodemeister | Empire Maker | WinStar Farm LLC | $30,000 | About right |
| To Honor and Serve | Bernardini | Gainesway | $30,000 | Waaaaay too high. Great horse, not sold on him at 30k |
| Americain | Dynaformer | Calumet Farm | $20,000 | Like him. Dunno how Calumet will market him. |
| Shackleford | Forestry | Darby Dan Farm | $20,000 | Not for 20k. Not many are sold on him as a stallion. |
| Stay Thirsty | Bernardini | Ashford Stud | $20,000 | Interesting. Should cross well with lots of mares. Ashford will breed him to 200+ |
| Creative Cause | Giant's Causeway | Airdrie Stud | $15,000 | Only if you are looking for a 2yo. Not sold. |
| Gemologist | Tiznow | WinStar Farm LLC | $15,000 | Good price. |
| Tapizar | Tapit | Gainesway | $15,000 | Would like to see him lower, Not sure how commercial he will be since he developed as an older horse. |
| The Factor | War Front | Lane's End | $15,000 | Durability issues; not for at 15k. |
| Hansen | Tapit | Ashford Stud | $12,500 | Tooooooo Muuuuuuuch. |
| Brilliant Speed | Dynaformer | Three Chimneys Farm | $10,000 | Interesting, will only get a grass horse. |
| Caleb's Posse | Posse | Three Chimneys Farm | $10,000 | Good Price. |
| Jersey Town | Speightstown | Darby Dan Farm | $10,000 | Hopes to replicate Munnings' successes. |
| Algorithms | Bernardini | Claiborne Farm | $7,500 | Interesting and strong family. May be a deal. |
| Astrology | A.P. Indy | Taylor Made Stallions, Inc. | $7,500 | Perfect Breeding Tepid Results. Just ok. |
| Bullet Train (GB) | Sadler's Wells | Wintergreen Stallion Station | $7,500 | Interesting. As half to Frankel he's interesting. |
| Dialed In | Mineshaft | Darby Dan Farm | $7,500 | No. Only ever won two things. |
| Lentenor | Dynaformer | Calumet Farm | $7,500 | No. good horse, but will have to prove something to me. |
| Mission Impazible | Unbridled's Song | Sequel Stallions New York | $7,500 | eh. Lots of 2nds, very few wins. |
| Mythical Power | Congaree | War Horse Place | $7,500 | Never that good. No. |
| Santiva | Giant's Causeway | War Horse Place | $7,500 | Only won one race and was a 2yo. No. |
Additionally, I’ll Have Another’s stud fee in Japan was published as JPN3,200,000 (approximately $37,000). That’s right in line with the other Grade 1 winners on the list.
Remember, these prices are usually negotiable. For instance Spendthrift has a number of different programs that involve bundling, multi-year breeds, et cetera, that can significantly reduce the stud fee. Foal Shares are one of the big ones where the farm and the breeder agree to split the proceeds from the foal when sold as a weanling or yearling.
Bullet Train (GB) is by far the most intriguing on the list. As a ¾ brother to Frankel (same dam, Galileo is a son of Sadler’s Wells) and as a Group 3 winner in his own right, he certainly brings a powerful family to the table. If I could work a deal with Wintergreen, I’d be interested, but I wouldn’t be willing to foot the bill on my own since the response to him could be pretty chilly in his first year(s). As a Euro turf horse that served as Frankel’s pacemaker, it’s had to get a read on his true viability here in the states. But that doesn’t mean his pedigree isn’t fantastic.
Loading comments...