About Sheikh Mohammed at the sales:

[Ill-bred]

I totally disagree on the Empire Makers. I saw quite a few and there were maybe 3 I thought looked the part. The rest had skinny necks and a lot of maturing to do. The Keeper Hill was a particular disappointment. Great female families, though. I'm going to be curious to see the 2 year olds next year. The Vindications were a much nicer bunch as a whole, IMO.

I was very impressed with some of the Vindications I saw.

Judging only by what I've seen at Keeneland, I'd rank the big three rookie sires like this:

1) Vindication
2) Mineshaft
3) Empire Maker

Of course, how they perform on the track next year could completely alter my rankings.

[toadie]

The Keeper Hill was a particular disappointment. The Vindications were a much nicer bunch as a whole, IMO.

Did you get to see the Keeper Hill baby in the barn? He was an out in the sale. One of my favorites the 2nd day was the Vindication/Silvery Swan colt. Couldn't find anything wrong with him! A mere 4.6M What a steal

[Ill-bred]

I did not see the Keeper Hill.

The Silvery Swan was awesome! A can't miss horse in my book, if such a thing exists.

I also loved 646 (Vindication-Swingin On Ice colt) and 757 (Vindication-Chimichurri filly).

Honestly, I didn't see that many Empire Makers, so I am more neutral on him at this point. The Vindications just seemed to catch my eye left and right. Let's hope they can run and stay sound.