Dbacks

[Abe Froman]

I was wondering what the interest would be in my QH Dbacks if I were to put him to stud after this year. I am kinda torn between retiring him, or running him another year.

[Lea McPherson]

I'd keep him in for at least the start of next year, Jarrod, just see how he gets on then if he's not the same horse you could retire him

[John Hannibal Smith]

Bear in mind that I have been playing for seven weeks only or thereabouts, but...

Looking it at purely with objectivity, I would advise standing him as soon as possible. Mind you, I'm separating any 'sporting thrill' gained by running another year from what I think is a mechanical analysis of choice x vs. choice y.

Part of my advice stems from a theory that I am applying to the scenario and it may or may not be exactly accurate. Essentially, you are part of the 'benchmark' class. Dbacks is the gold standard for QH 'hook' runners, proving that by annihilating the only other committed Y24 stallion. By retiring now (or soon rather), Dbacks is one of only a handful of available sires and is one of only two (as of now) with a discernible race record and is THE paternal stamina influence in the breed.

Perhaps next year, with more tracks, and eventually more horses running - several new stars emerge, running faster and earning more than the preceding generation. It seems likely that if twice as many QH run next season as ran this one, and then a similar increase the following year - it will not be long before your colt's status as that gold standard is challenged.

It could be as soon as the coming racing weeks.

Here's how it shakes out to me:

If you retire - you are guaranteed a significant portion, if not the preponderance of the first crop QH breeding industry. By the second year, that number will drop off a little in all likelihood as track records from a 'smaller' first season are broken and fresh blood is introduced to duty. It is difficult to speculate as to what type of long term (season 3 and beyond) foothold Dbacks will secure as a stallion; we haven't seen enough runners yet to see if his accomplishments and the standards set will withstand the test of several crops.

But the certain reality is that a fertile Dbacks standing sooner rather than later is one that is guaranteed to make a significant impact on the first few crops, perhaps foundation sire style.

If you do not retire - the guarantees are gone. You roll the dice that as more runners mature and either test him, or the standards that he has set in his genre (870), his status as gold standard will be discredited. Even if this 'new blood' stays in training while you get a jump in the shed, some that may have bred to Dbacks earlier in the season may now wait to retire and go for the new blood.

Even though this scenario may play out by season two or even mid-season one even if you retire now, the early foothold could be crucial to mass, or long term recognition - you would think that a large percentage of the best 'first generation' QH broodmares would be serviced by Dbacks if he heads off now.

But in the end.. it looks like a 'can't lose' choice... you can only choose a little better and that'll probably never be evident... chuckle... good luck

[Abe Froman]

That pretty much sums up my whole dilemma John. I want to stand him for the what if he isn't as good next year factor, and the fact that it looks like there should only be a couple QHs who stand this year. I don't know how many mares will retire, and while Em has a couple RL stallions for the mixed breeds, It would be nice to breed to someone that you can see what they are capable of doing.

[John Hannibal Smith]

If I had a mare that was a one-dimensional 220-300 yard runner that could not win a stakes race against this year's group -- I would breed her to Dbacks without hesitation regardless of age. Again and again.

At least until a more brilliant stamina influence came on to the scene...

[Anna Leroux]

If I had a mare for him I'd use him. He's handsome and I think will make a great stallion for you!

[Matthew McMahon]

I have nothing to add to this conversation, but I am just hoping my $500,000 investment off the sales page for Heliolatry will pay off. I think he has a real chance against Dbacks next week, but he will definitely keep running next year

[Abe Froman]

My downside will be the 2 week break. I originally planned on going week 10-12-15, but he didnt vet well enough to sponsor a week 12 race, but vetted will by week 12 wednesday, so I have to hope that he will be ready after 2 weeks this time.

[Tim Matthews]

I think he's good enough to run another year which would probably increase his value as a stud prospect because he will most likely make you a bunch more money.

[Landon Alexander]

I would retire him. John Hannibal had great advice. The most money to be made in QH racing is as 2yos and 3yos. Dbacks will be past that prime age. If you retire him you will get a large book of mares to put on the ground and through the auction ring. There is more money to be monopolized from Dbacks at stud. The current standign stallions are all specialists for 300 to 550 yards give or take... none have the staying stamina that Dbacks is flashing! His foals will be valuable. You'll get a jump on others by having one of the 1st (if not the only) crop of Sim-bred weanlings -- you'll find out a year earlier (than if you continue to race) that he has a good stallion record and thus leave him competitive in the stallion barn amongst those that may end up more talented on the racetrack than him...


I think I made sense.. lol kinda tired right now!

I vote for retirement. I know I will have a good handful of mares to retire depending on what QH stallions hit the shed after racing this year including some for Dbacks.

[Abe Froman]

I'm going back to my original plan of retiring for a fee of 10-15k or so.

[Landon Alexander]

Besides, Did I Win & Goldmine will be marketing mares that loved 400-yards to 650-yards. Dbacks is in his own league by marketing 870-yard loving mares; he didn't enjoy anything besides that.

[John Hannibal Smith]

I have a 2yo filly that I wish was a year older as it would be a simple decision to send her immediately... but I will keep my eyes open for some mares to send specifically to him.

[Landon Alexander]

After tonight, I think I have about 5 mares that will love visiting Dbacks!

[Abe Froman]

After tonight, I think I have about 5 mares that will love visiting Dbacks!

I saw 1 or 2 that I would have liked to buy. HAHA