Ryan. What did you think of Digital Dan? You had said before what a good looking horse he was when he was racing, do you still feel the same? Net Asset just didn't do it for me. He lacked a lot of punch physically, and I think you'd have to be pretty careful about the mares you breed to him. Unless he gets a big runner soon, like this year, I don't think he'll do much here. Too many others with better stuff to offer. Then again, Regal Intention and Vying Victor are both getting old so when they go, maybe some more doors will open for the little guys!
I really am not sure what to make of Yoonevano. If you look at his numbers carefully, they are not all that great. I know he's got 2 great runners, but between the 2 of them, theyy have earned the majority of his earnings. The rest of the crew just don't seem to be pulling their own weight.
Storm Victory didn't impress me...he struck me as the smooth, papmered rich kid who wanted to hang onto mommy's apron a bit longer
He just seemed boring to me. Not much presence, and a bit common, although he's quite handsome. He also has quite the parrot mouth. Bad legs IMO, especially if you have a mare light on bone and not quite perfect.
I really liked Bright Valour, and I think these tough running, hard knocking studs are the way to go. I like the thought of a horse that can run hard, then walk off the track into the breeding shed without help. BV has a lot of presence, and is a very commanding looking horse.
Perfect Score, although I am biased because of my connection with his owners, I am very impressed with. I think he is going to be great for the market. He too was a very hard knocking stud with 69 starts. I think this will transpire to some seriously tough horses on our tracks. Market wise, I have no idea how his foals will sell, but i think anyone who gets one of his foals will be a very happy camper once they start running. Score is a great looking horse, as well as having the comformation needed to stand up to a rigorous race campaign. He has a very nice temperment, but has enough edge that you know he's a stud, and a potent one at that.
Silver Fox I think is an underrated stallion in my opinion. He hasn't gotten the best book of mares in his time here, but he is an amazing looking stallion. Very handsome, gorgeous build and balance. Many of his foals are not having much chance to show their form due to injuries and illness. Silver Donn had health problems and has not fully returned to former glory, I hope he does this year. A very promising 2 YO of last year, Sly Reply, fractured a sesamoid bone in his stall after being a demon in his works and having high expectations for his first start. Hopefully he will return in 05 and show his true form.
Orchids Devil and Recreation do not overly impress me, especially since they are out of the same mare. If you look closely at the dam, she really never produced much as far as runners go, and neither of those studs did much on the track. Screams soundness issues maybe? I have not seen either in the flesh, so I don't know what they look like. But to me, if a stud hasn't proven he can withstand the rigors of racing, that makes me leary of how his foals will stand up to it, especially on a track like Hastings.
Okay, I've rambled on long enough for now. Can't wait to hear the responses
A woman needs 2 animals in her life-the horse of her dreams, and a jackass to pay for it!
