Any thoughts on Bernstein at $20,000?

[Rokeby Forever]

Castleton Lyons dropped him from $30,000 to $20,000 in 2008.

Why does this sire warrant a decrease as compared to other sires? His yearlings sold well in 2007 ($49,000 average off a $15,000 fee in 2005), he got over 100 mares last year, and he does improve his mares (lifetime 1.89 AEI vs a 1.40 CI). Out of his 29 SWs, 18 are Graded - granted that several raced in Argentina, but I think that South American racing is on the improve. And his SW/foals of racing age ratio is at 7%, as good (or better) as many higher priced stallions.

Even though he's a Storm Cat, he's female tail to Busanda - it doesn't get better than that! (You hear me, Maven???).

What do you think? Does his production to date warrant a 1/3 decrease? He was certainly bumped up to $30,000 fast enough.

[horsenuts]

Castleton Lyons dropped him from $30,000 to $20,000 in 2008.

Why does this sire warrant a decrease as compared to other sires? His yearlings sold well in 2007 ($49,000 average off a $15,000 fee in 2005), he got over 100 mares last year, and he does improve his mares (lifetime 1.89 AEI vs a 1.40 CI). Out of his 29 SWs, 18 are Graded - granted that several raced in Argentina, but I think that South American racing is on the improve. And his SW/foals of racing age ratio is at 7%, as good (or better) as many higher priced stallions.

Even though he's a Storm Cat, he's female tail to Busanda - it doesn't get better than that! (You hear me, Maven???).

What do you think? Does his production to date warrant a 1/3 decrease? He was certainly bumped up to $30,000 fast enough.

The best thing about the annual onslaught of over-priced newbies entering the market every year(and espicially true this year) is you can get a bit of value at times on some tried and proven stallions. Is Bernstein worth $20,000... I'd like him better around $10,000..... but even at $20,000 I sure like him better then Street Sense at $75,000. And given the choice of breeding to either one should the price be equal I'd go with Bernstein. And since the price is no where near equal Bernstein looks like a bargain in comparison.

[madelyn]

But there is just an amazing number of Storm Cat sons at stud.. they are like fleas. Here's where those silly Werk nicks come into play. If you run a Werk for your mare with Bernstein and, say, Newfoundland, you get the same score.

[brogers]

But there is just an amazing number of Storm Cat sons at stud.. they are like fleas. Here's where those silly Werk nicks come into play. If you run a Werk for your mare with Bernstein and, say, Newfoundland, you get the same score.

Madelyn,

There is a program in the works that is about three weeks away from production that deals with this issue, and a number of other issues that have been raised on this forum and others.

www.truenicks.com

[madelyn]

Thanks, Byron.

It makes me seriously question the intelligence, education and lucidity of a stallion manager when I have sent in a request for a mare to a stallion, and they rabbit on about Werk nicks.

I recently inquired about a nice stallion who, unfortunately, was in the process of heading to Korea, the deal having been made BEFORE he got his latest GSW's. Anyhow, the farm came back offering no apology, no discount, no deal and threatening that if I sold my mare they would take stud fee from proceeds. It was extremely poorly written, I suppose. The horse was a questionable new prospect, by Holy Bull, standing his first season for $10K. I have learned enough now about the market, and that particular farm, to run the other way from a first year horse. Anyhow, they wanted me to KNOW that it was an A nick. Big flipping Deal. So is a $3500 horse at Buck Pond. Kiss My A-Nick.

[winds]

Madelyn,

You put things so diplomatically. I love it! LMAO. If I went with the Werk nicking there are alot of horses that they say is an A nick with my mare, but I don't like the cross once I see it on paper and then the one I love is a C+ nick. Guess what? I'm listening to my gut and not the Werk nicking. If I like what I see, what do I care what the %'s are? I'm going to go with what my experience and instinct tell me is right.

winds