A Fresh Look

When it comes to the freshman sires, I should start by saying I have already put my reputation on the line by purchasing a Caravaggio (out of a Galileo {Ire} mare) for $200,000 at Keeneland. With that kind of price tag it goes without saying that I really loved the horse and he was the Caravaggio that I wanted, so I'm confident he will make an impact when he hits the track this season. The Profitable (Ire)s looked racy and they sold very well, particularly for a sire that started...

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...

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...