Pedigree Query

Here is my quick rundown of who I like & dislike of this years new sires.
the top in order
1 Ghostzapper
2 Roman Ruler
3 Southern Image
4 Purge
5 Badge of Silver
6 Oratory
7 Forest Grove
8 Wildcat Heir
9 Medallist
10 Eddington

Honorable mention
Grand Reward
Pico Central
Powerscourt
Gators N Bears
Ministers Wild Cat
True Direction
Eurosilver
Proud Accolade


My worst in no order
Castledale
Closing Argument
Colonial Colony
Borrego
Bwana Charlie
Kela
North Light
Taste of Paradise

Just curious - what about Country Only!

Borrego hasn't officially retired yet, he'll have to go on next year's list

I'm going to go with Kittins Joy over Roman Ruler .

I would definitely not list Wildcat Heir, he's had so many soundness problems, I'd be surprised if his foals even step foot on the track. Roman Ruler is crazy and his offspring will probably be even more unstable than FuPegs. From what I've heard from our friends down under, FuPeg isn't winning them over and I wouldn't be surprised if they stopped shuttling him. His kids are so crazy, they won't settle down and run any sort of distance.

hi intrinsic worth

The fact that Wildcat Heir is a 5-year-old turning 6-year-old leads me to believe that he is very close to being (if not fully) mature, and his lack of bone will probably be a real concern to many serious...knowledgeable breeders.

Very simply Wildcat Heir is light boned. I find him Very difficult to recommend...but...for those who might consider using his services, I strongly suggest BEWARE when selecting a mare for him.

I believe that (for the most part) he will get the light-boned...fragile-looking type (unless the mare has a significant influence).

Respectfully

I'm surprised that Saint Liam, Rock Hard Ten, Afleet Alex and Limehouse didn't make your lists.

Does that mean they're not in your top 18 picks or your bottom 8?

Closing Argument had too much heart not to make a decent sire, IMHO. Time will tell.

I'm very new to this. Kela is a nice looking match for 1 of my mares, what makes him hit your worst list. Help please

Where would Indian Ocean lie in people's estimation of success?

Also, I saw Bwana Charlie and, as a pysical specimen, I was quite impressed with him both in conformation and mental soundness.

He seemed an incredibly sensible horse at the stallion show where almost all the others were lip-shanked, and he just walked around calmly, viewing the crowd with curiousity. I loved his long fluid walk.

What are the negatives with this guy? He is a good physical match with my mare.

I have to add POLLARD'S VISION to your list. A Carson City that can go two turns, and have his kind of heart, deserves a close look. Any thoughts?

I have to echo cjl's comment, why does KELA make your list of losers?

This was a very good physical horse ($70,000 KeeJan yearling; $150,000 KeeSep yearling by Numerous) that was a very good racehorse (Triple Crown hopeful, eventual Grade 1 winner, 2nd in BC Sprint). He is big with bone and substance and has some family....Dynaformer, Darby Creek Road, Offlee Wild all hail from the On The Trail family.

I have to think he priced fairly ($7,500LF) and will get some breed to race breeders as a result. This bodes well as those offspring will be raised to be racehorses (not sales yearlings) and therefore have an arguably better chance on the racetrack.

Kela did obviously have a lot of talent but I cant endorse closing sprinters as potential stallions as a very large % are flops. Kela's pedigree is very lacking as well in being by the very average Numerous, who did have a super year in the last though. Kel's female family also leaves alot to be desired.

I would consider KELA a miler (Grade 3 Texas Mile defeating Taste of Paradise, Supah Blitz - 2nd to Congaree in the G2 Del Mar BCH mile)) who had enough speed to be competitive as a Grade 1 sprinter - what's the old adage "milers make the best sires"?
It seems to me there is a definite difference between a "closing sprinter" and a miler.

While Numerous may not be a great sire, I think he is proving to be at least useful. And he is by Mr. P, so who knows...there has to be more potential there than with a son of Halo's Image.

I think the family is hard to knock - other than the immediate presence of a 1/2 brother that is a successful sire it is a strong family that has produced sires. KELA's family is unquestionably superior to those of Southern Image, Badge of Silver and Oratory.

But, in the end this is merely a matter of opinion .

I think you're dead wrong on Castledale. I think he'll fit alot of mares physically. He's a Grade One winner on dirt and turf and was very good at two. A real athlete with a terrific turn of foot, he'll do great with In Reality and Mr. Prospector line mares.