Even if most racing is delayed, we're all hoping it will get underway sometime this spring or early summer, if for no other reason than so we can all find out the answer to our annual favorite question. We surveyed some top judges on who their leading first-crop sire is, and to give us some under-the-radar picks as well.
LINDA RICE
I am a big fan of Nyquist. He was a brilliant 2-year-old, winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Eclipse Award, and he carried that into his 3-year-old year, winning the Kentucky Derby. From what I have seen of his offspring, he is passing along some of his best traits, as well as those of his very successful sire, Uncle Mo.
I also really like Exaggerator. I purchased a weanling from his first crop for a client and he was a balanced, athletic-looking colt with a good walk. We received nothing but good reports from the farm and he is now in training with Eddie Woods, who is also very pleased with his progress. I look forward to his arrival in New York this spring.
Another freshman stallion I like, who may be slightly under the radar, is Speightster. He was a very talented son of Speightstown and his offspring display many of the physical characteristics you look for in a good racehorse. He did not run until he was three, but showed tremendous talent on the track and is from a deep female family in Classy and Smart and Dance Smartly. It will be interesting to see how his foals runs this year.
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