As we approach the end of the calendar, we turn our attention to the incoming sire class of 2021. We asked several judges who their favorite incoming sire is for next year and if there are any other stallions, new or otherwise, that have caught their eye as under-the-radar picks.
DEREK MACKENZIE, Vinery Sales
Higher Power (Medaglia d'Oro), $10,000, Darby Dan
My favorite new sire for 2021 is Higher Power. Physically, he's just phenomenal and his pedigree is hands down the best this year for the new sires. I also think he is incredible value at $10,000, where I thought he would probably have a $12,500 or $15,000 stud fee factoring in that he's a Grade I winner by Medaglia d'Oro with that tremendous female family.
Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno), $7,500, Hill 'n' Dale
For under-the-radar stallions with outstanding value this year, I would have to go with Mucho Macho Man at $7,500. What he's done with the small crop sizes at the racetrack is outstanding– including two Grade I winners. I also love his offspring physically, as they always have great balance to their frame with plenty of length to their hip just like him. His yearlings all just look so athletic and for him being such a big horse (over 17 hands), that is a credit to him that neither he nor his babies are awkward in any way.
Bolt d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) [Spendthrift] is another one I really like for value at $15,000 for this year. I've loved his babies physically and he's got a big chance to hit when they hit the racetrack as he ticks all the boxes, including being a good 2-year-old himself.
Do you have a favorite incoming sire pick for 2021 or a stallion that you think might be under-the-radar next year? Email the TDN's Katie Ritz at katieritz@thoroughbreddailynews.com to give your response.
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