As we approach the opening of the 2023 breeding season, the TDN staff is once again sitting down with breeders to find out what stallions they have chosen for their mares, and why. Up this week, Jim Connor.
GIBBET (m, 8, War Front–Cross, by Mighty), in foal to Liam's Map and going to Practical Joke in 2023
I own this mare in partnership with my cousin Vincent Colbert, who bred Chocolate Gelato, so he is a big Practical Joke fan…didn't take much to convince me. We take turns picking the stallions, but she threw two beautiful colts from Arrogate and Volatile in the last 2 seasons–both sold at Keenland this past year. Really looking forward to this year's Liam's Map foal as well.
DIASTOLE (m, 9, Lonhro {Aus}-Bridgette Bordeux, by Medaglia d'Oro), foal to Catholic Boy and going to Mitole
A++ nick to Mitole. With Mitole's speed and Diastole's power and size from Lonhro, this should be a nice match.
PURE VALUE (m, 15, Value Plus–Melancholy, by Run Softly), in foal to Creative Cause and going to Cupid
A+ nick to Cupid. I purchased Pure Value in foal to Global Campaign [for $10,000 at KEEJAN] last year and she had a great looking filly by Global Campaign. Cupid is on the rise–a true bargain for $5,000.
KILKEA (m, 6, Blame-Miz Topgallant, by Mizzen Mast), in foal to Tacitus and going to Volatile
A recent digital auction purchase for me. My first mare (Gibbet) had her first foal by Blame. So, I've been a big Blame fan ever since and watched [SP] Kilkea race and have a lot of success. Almost $200,000 earnings and a stunning grey/roan, I had to have her. Sending another mare to Volatile was easy decision helped by the A + nick. But I'm very bullish on Volatile.
SUNCOAST VIXEN (f, 3, Malibu Moon-The Other Woman, by Tiznow), going to Independence Hall
I purchased The Vixen as a 2-year-old with plans to race her, but she had a couple of minor setbacks and I decided she was very worthy of going to breeding shed. Who wouldn't want a Malibu Moon broodmare?! Winstar agreed Independence Hall would be a great match so I chose him. He is a stellar looking stallion and I'm excited to be on the front end of his career.
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