It's that time of year: with just weeks to go to the start of the turf season, thoughts are turning to which of this year's freshman sires will be making a splash with their first runners. With 26 European first-crop stallions to consider, we have asked the views of those who have seen a good range of young stock at the sales. Today we speak with Oliver St Lawrence.
“I loved the Almanzors at the yearling sales last year,” St Lawrence said. “I think he'll be the stallion of this generation. We bought two Almanzors, a colt and a filly [lots 158 and 185 at Arqana's Deauville Select Sale]. There is a colt out of Minakshi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) who is with Ger Lyons; he's our first horse in Ireland. He is a lovely colt and I know Ger is very happy with him. He's not going to be early but he looks a nice type.
“For [leading] first-season sire, I'm going to go with Ribchester (GB). I thought they were nice types. I don't think they'll be early early, but I'd like to think they'll be out in July in time to make an impact. We bought one and we have a homebred out of Shumoos (Distorted Humor), who was second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint.”
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