In this TDN series we ask a group of experts for their predictions for the 2020 flat season in Europe. Today we hear from Whatton Manor's Ed Player.
TDN: Who do you think will be the leading first-season sire this year?
EP: I'm a big fan of Shalaa (Ire). He has it all; good looks, racing ability and he bred a fantastic first crop of mares.
TDN: Have you raised/bred many by Shalaa? Does he typically stamp his stock?
EP: We sold an outstanding yearling colt by him, out of Vayasa (Fr), to Shadwell at Tattersalls for 110,000 gns. He goes into training with Sir Michael Stoute. We also have two yearling colts this year by Shalaa. All three are great physicals, very strong, good minds, and very athletic.
TDN: Hope for the 2020 flat season?
EP: To breed sound, healthy, and talented horses. We have been lucky enough to sell a group winner each of the last 10 years, so it would be great to carry this on.
TDN: We have been running a series in TDN recently on value sires. What European stallion(s) do you think represents the best value?
EP: It's hardly original, but I think Darley's Night Of Thunder (Ire) for €25,0000 is outstanding value. We are lucky enough to have four client mares visiting him and we ourselves are sending the dam of Alligator Alley (GB), who we have high hopes for in 2020.
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