In his fairly short tenure in the Thoroughbred business, Bobby Flay has proven to be as savvy a breeder as he is a chef and businessman. (He's not a bad writer, either.) Here, he discusses matings for his European-based mares. Check out today's TDN American edition for his U.S. matings.
AULD ALLIANCE (Ire), 15, Montjeu (Ire)–Highland Gift (Ire), by Generous (Ire). To be bred to Lope de Vega (Ire)
This mare's three-year-old last year, The Euphrates (GB), really updated this already rich Ballymocol family with a stakes win and a few Group placings. I love Lope De Vega. He injects versatility, speed and stamina. His progeny are constantly showing up in the most important races in Europe and the U.S.
OLD SCHOOL (GB), 6, Frankel (GB)–Auld Alliance (Ire), by Montjeu. To be bred to Lope de Vega (Ire)
I moved this Frankel mare and daughter of Auld Alliance back to Europe to visit Lope De Vega. Good bloodlines deserve great sires.
CONTEMPORARY ART, Dubawi (Ire)–Cover Song, by Fastnet Rock (Aus). To be bred Blue Point (Ire)
Tremendous family by a tremendous sire [Dubawi]. One of the better young sires in Europe, Blue Point has proven enough to me to stroke a check to Darley's gatekeepers for this gorgeous mare with purple bloodlines.
FINAL GESTURE (IRE), 6, Dubawi (Ire)–Secret Gesture (GB), by Galileo (Ire). To be bred to Sea The Stars (Ire)
Currently a very active family in Europe. Her brother Hidden Law looked to be on target for superstardom last year. Year after year, Sea The Stars proves to be a powerhouse in the stallion ranks. Can't wait to see this foal roll.
GLINTING (IRE), 6, Galileo (Ire)–One Moment in Time (Ire), by Danehill. To be bred to Wootton Bassett (GB)
A fabulous Coolmore family going back to Wootton Bassett who seems to be a superstar stallion who can't be stopped. This mare's first foal from the same sire went through the Tattersalls ring for 580,000gns to the always sharp Shadwell team. Going back for more of the same.
JAAZIAH (GB), 8, Dansili (GB)–Hadaatha (Ire), by Sea The Stars (Ire). To be bred to Mehmas (Ire)
I purchased this mare at Tattersalls in foal to Night of Thunder a couple of years ago for what now looks like a bargain price. She's a beautiful physical, comes from a good family and has produced a gorgeous foal. I love stallions like Mehmas who prove themselves through their progeny as opposed to their public relations team.
LADY FRANKEL (GB), 11, Frankel (GB)–Lady Vettori (GB), by Vettori (Ire). To be bred to Siyouni (Fr)
She's a sister to Lope De Vega and a Group winner. She resides in France, so why not send her to best France has to offer? Siyouni (Fr) sires champions. I like this mare's chances.
SINGING SWEETLY (IRE), 8, Galileo (Ire)–Sing Softly, by Hennessy. To be bred to Starspangledbanner (Aus)
Starspangledbanner reminds me of Fastnet Rock–an Australian-bred stallion that works with Galileo mares. Pizza Bianca was a product of that strategy. I'm going to try it again.
OTTILIEN, 6, Holy Roman Emperor (Ire)–Vezina (Fr), by Bering (GB). To be bred to Kingman (GB)
This mare has a bunch of “G's”on her race record. Kingman continues to get better and better as an elite sire. I'm looking for a middle-distance champion from this mating.
TEN DIMES, 4, No Nay Never–Cushion (GB), by Galileo (Ire). To be bred to Zarak
I love this sire. He's seems to be next in line in France. Because of that, I'm moving this just-off-the-track filly to Deauville for her first date.
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