In this new series we ask agents and others who book a lot of mares for their clients which sires might be flying slightly under the radar in this breeding season. Who might be getting overlooked in the rush for the new, hot thing? Read on.
Liz Crow
BLAME, Claiborne, $30,000
Munnings and Lookin At Lucky are two of my main 'go to' sires when getting mares started, or helping clients that are operating breed-to-race programs. I also really like Blame as a sire that has proven he can get a top Grade I winner, as well as an athletic individual buyers will pay for at sales.
In 2018, Blame's yearlings averaged over $135,000 on a stud fee of $25,000 in 2016. This is over 5x the stud fee which is a great return for breeders. He was headlined by the talented GISW Marley's Freedom, who ran a -2.5 Thoro-Graph when winning the GI Ballerina S., and GISW Fault who won three graded stakes in a row on dirt and turf. He was also responsible for the two 3-year-old graded stakes winning turf stars Beyond Blame and Maraud.
I love the versatility he has shown and feel he offers good value even at the increased fee of $30,000 at Claiborne, a farm that does a great job supporting their stallions. In 2018, he bred 112 mares, his second biggest book, with by far the highest CI (comparable index) of mares bred in his stud fee range.
The best is yet to come.
Click for Blame's Blame.pdf">catalogue-style pedigree or race record.
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