From The Paddock

What is the right number of mares for a stallion to serve?

The last few years in particular have seen a number of stallions in Australia serve well in excess of 200 mares in a season. What is fair and where is the balance? This is a subject receiving much attention at present. There is significant financial risk and effort that goes into standing a stallion for any stud and his shareholders. To balance that there is also a lot of blue sky for that stud and his shareholders if a commercial stallion can be created. For mare owners, how can a breeder on average expect to sell a yearling commercially if he has 200+ half siblings to compete with at sale?

Whatever your views we thought we should make it clear to all just what Kitchwin"s policy is on Dane Shadow and Duporth in regards to their 2010 books.

Kitchwin has always gone by the adage "you have to look after those that look after you". We take the view that if our clients aren"t making money, then our future is bleak. Dane Shadow and Duporth will cover limited books in 2010. We will target roughly 150 mares allowing enough room for breeders to make an earn by keeping the supply of yearlings going to sale at a reasonable level. This, whilst at the same time, giving both horses enough runners to give them a realistic chance to make it on the track, therefore ensuring their long term vliability in what is a very competitive market place.  We think it’s important to “leave a bit of meat on the bone” so “everyone gets a feed”. It makes more sense long term!

Dane Shadow 2YOs set to fire this weekend

Two Dane Shadow 2YOs present themselves as a real show this weekend. In the opening race in Sydney, he has Shadows in the Sun whilst on the Gold Coast he is represented by last start winner Bust "N" Loose in the Listed Ken Russell Memorial.

Whilst still in Sydney, Shadows in the Sun will be aiming at the Group races over the Queensland carnival after an impressive run in the Group 1 Champagne over 1600m two weeks ago. Shadows in the Sun was last and made up significant ground against proven Group 1 horses to be beaten only 2 lengths, and speaking with Anthony Cummings - this colt has a big future.

Bust "N" Loose returned in impressive style winning first up by 2.5 lengths - also two weeks ago. Lightly raced, he is going well and can beat this quality field.

Farm Conditions Update

There was no rainfall recorded this week.

Weekend Acceptances

FROM THE PADDOCK RUNNERS

Saturday May 8

Australia
GCTC
1:25pm Race 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic L, A$100000 1200m
Bust "n" Loose (AUS) 2007 (C. by Dane Shadow-We Love Coffs) - Here’s a horse that’s on the up and has form around some pretty good horses last preparation. All reports are that he’s doing well and he should be right in this. Good luck to owner/breeder Gino Loiero and connections.

3:10pm Race 6 Gold Coast Guineas Gr.3, A$125000 1200m
Phelan Ready (AUS) 2006 (G. by More Than Ready-Nancy Eleanor) - Sold at the 2008 Magic Millions for $150,000. Golden Slipper winner who on his day would blow these away. Second up form is dodgy at best and you take the 30/1 at your own peril – I will be! Good luck to breeder Carl Holt.

STC
12:25pm Race 1 Calmsley Hill City Farm 2YO H., A$70000 1300m
Shadows in the Sun (AUS) 2007 (G. by Dane Shadow-Best Out West) - Sold at the 2009 Magic Millions for $280,000. Only beaten 2 lengths in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes last start and by all reports could have won with a bit of luck. Drawn the outside again; however his class might just see him prevail here. Good luck to breeder Grahame Mapp.

2:10pm Race 4 Nepean Engineering H., A$70000 1500m
Shadow Minister (AUS) 2006 (F. by Dane Shadow-Zabere) - Sold at the 2007 Magic Millions June Sale for $20,000. Beaten ½ neck two starts back by Rock Classic who has since won at the elite level and shown himself as one of Australia’s leading 3YOs. That’s good enough form for me and she did have a small throat operation after last start failure, each way all the way here!! Good luck to breeder Grahame Mapp.

Sunshine Coast Turf Club
4:50pm Race 8 SPC Cleaning Service H., A$12000 1200m
I"m Ruthless (AUS) 2005 (G. by Redoute"s Choice-Bimbo Limbo) - This week is a stepping stone to bigger things over the winter carnival where he’ll appreciate a bit more ground but again class alone should see him running home strongly against this lot. Good luck to breeder Terry Dickson and owners Kitchwin Hills and connections.

OTHER RUNNERS OF INTEREST

Saturday May 8

STC
3:20pm Race 6 Lord Mayor"s Cup, A$100000 2000m
Music Review (GB) 2004 (F. by Singspiel-Vivid Concert) - Slashing 4th last start in the Group 2 Emancipation where she should have won. Has worked the house down earlier this week and is a deserved favourite for this assignment. Good luck to owner Neil Werrett.

GCTC
3.50pm Race 7 A.D. Hollindale Stakes Gr.2, A$300000 1800m
Snapy Halo (ARG) 2004 (C. by Southern Halo-Esnaola) - Takes on favourite Road to Rock with an extra 4 kg"s but the form is good around the Doncaster and he is a big strong horse that may well carry weight. Speed on, an extra 200m for him, look to Snapy to be hitting them late. Good luck to the Snapy team!