Contestants were presented with six groups of sires whose offspring were racing this year for the first time. The goal was to choose one sire from each group and create a stable of six horses that would produce the most total earnings in 2010.
So far, it's not looking so good for me. My rank is 667 out of 1,507 contestants. While that does put me in the top half, I've got a long way to go to threaten winning this thing.
More than two-thirds of my $297,715 in earnings have come from one sire -- Bluegrass Cat. In fact, his two-year-olds are the top money winners in the whole competition. It's not surprising, considering that his pop, Storm Cat, is the most highly-regarded modern-day sire. And Bluegrass Cat's blood is infused with greats such Secretariat, Seattle Slew, AP Indy and Northern Dancer.
Still, great bloodlines do not always equate to two-year-old winners at the track (or any winners for that matter!)
But not being an expert on pedigree, for me, Bluegrass was a hunch play. I remember picking him at 30-1 for the exacta underneath Barbaro in the 2006 Kentucky Derby -- the first Derby I actually wagered on outside of living room bets with my family. I was still learning the game at the time, so I don't know where that pick came from, but Bluegrass Cat is etched in my brain forever.
Other horses in my stable that have produced a number of winners so far are Bandini and Borrego. I was told by someone with solid insight into breeding that one of my other picks, Niigon, might turn out to be a good choice as well. The two-year-old racing season is just ramping up, so there's a long way to go.
Good thing, too, as my remaining choices, Hurricane Run and Strong Contender, have just about been shut out. Strong Contender's offspring have made a measly $148 this year.
If you entered the contest, I'd love to hear about your stable!
No comments:
Post a Comment