Continuing our assessment of the prospects of first-season sires with runners in 2021, bloodstock agent and breeder Liam Norris shares his view on this year's crop.
He says, “Ardad (Ire) was such a good 2-year-old. We sent mares to him and from what I saw of his stock at the sales, they looked forward and racy types. I'd be disappointed if they don't pop out of the traps with huge precocity.
“I was always a huge fan of Highland Reel (Ire) as a racehorse. It's important not to forget that he was a good 2-year-old himself who was out in June and won the G2 Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood the following month, and his stock looked like they wouldn't be backward. They had balance and great movement and I'd be very hopeful he will be a great sire. I bought two yearlings by him who are now with Spain's champion trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta and I know he is very happy with their progress.
Norris adds, “The sire for the future whose stock were exceptional for me is Almanzor (Fr). They have great presence and he is a classy, exciting stallion. With both Highland Reel and Almanzor I will expect to see their first-crop runners coming to the fore in the second half of the season.”
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