Any opinions on Grand Reward?

henthorn · Postby **henthorn** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:48 pm

While looking for a suitable alternative for Vivid Dreams to visit if needed this late in the season, I found at Hill 'n' Dale Farms a son of Storm Cat/Serena's Song named Grand Reward. What upside potential he has! Champion dam, top sire, and a runner with decent conformation by report, having made over $500K on track. And his dam has turned into a very productive mare, with five stakes horses out of five to race.

Look at the hypo-mating of Grand Reward with Vivid Dreams: I don't think I could find a better matchup!? Her Vision and Verse colt was a beauty last year, but this match has much more commercial potential, being a new sire and son of Serena's Song.

I'll be in Lexington later this week for the TOBA Breeding Clinic and will inspect him while I'm there, and several others I need to evaluate.

austique · Postby **austique** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:06 pm

I don't think you can go wrong with him. We've got one in to him this year, but haven't heard if she's in foal. He could never live up to the expectations placed on him at the track, but who could? Main knocks I've heard are that he has 'small' genes and is viewed as being more turfy. My mare's pretty big, so size isn't really an issue for her and the turf thing I don't get. Yes, he has turf lines, but he, his momma, and his daddy were dirt horses or at least proven on dirt (in his case).

I think he's one of the best 1st crop values out there

LSB · Postby **LSB** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:38 pm

Well austique, I'm going to agree with you again :wink:

because I think he's a great value for the price as well. You really can't beat that pedigree and at the very least, I bet he'll be a commercial success when his first couple of crops sell.

louis finochio · Postby **louis finochio** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:09 pm

I have heard thise phrase over and over on this forum. Hes a turf horse and I wouldnt breed to him.

Its better to say I'll breed to him and send his offspring across the pond, where I know he will be trained by a professional trainer that gives him time to develop.

summerhorse · Postby **summerhorse** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:55 pm

It sounds like he may not be here for next season: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todays ... 3&subsec=6

austique · Postby **austique** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:07 pm

He's just shuttling for the Southern Hemi season. Most of those leases are written for a year even though they only refer to the southern breeding season.

henthorn · Postby **henthorn** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:47 pm

Verrrry interesting! I was told by Hill 'n' Dale that he is shuttling to Argentina and leaves on the 25th of June. I hope Austique is right, and the "one year lease" is only in regards to a Southern Hemisphere season. I'll need to see him Friday or Saturday, or he'll be gone. I'll see if I can find out the real scoop when I visit the farm.

Hill 'n' Dale shuttles a lot of stallions, but sometimes they never return: a la Geri. They were no doubt hoping he would return from Japan to glory and acclaim, but most of his progeny were lackluster in the sales and on the track. I've not heard whether he's been well-received in Japan.

louis finochio · Postby **louis finochio** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:31 pm

I like Grand Rewards 24 lifetime starts and his 9 crosses of NP.

GR pedigree is faultless and will be well received if he shuttles.

All systems go. Its sign up time before GR leaves the launching pad.