Should I have changed stallions?

[Worksoplad]

I have been a reader of this forum for several years but this is my first post. I wondered what other people would have done in the following situation.

I bought a 3yo filly to race in California four years ago. The filly won her first race, a NW1X Allowance, but, unfortunately, then was injured in the next race and became an enforced broodmare! The mare's name is Splendeur by Desert King out of Saumareine (Saumarez). Her first foal is a good looking yearling colt by Street Cry. However, she had a difficult foaling and did not get in foal again after foaling even though she had 3 covers to Perfect Soul. (Another two of my four mares have had foals by Perfect Soul this year.)

Anyhow, I booked Splendeur to Aptitude this year. She was first covered in March and supposedly tested in foal, but then was determined not to be in foal. After various cultures etc (I am not too familiar with the process. My foals are kept on a small commercial farm in Kentucky) she was bred again twice more in April and did not get in foal. Finally she was bred a fourth time In late May and is thankfully in foal.

However, in the meantime, Splendeur's half brother, Gentlewave, who didn't run as a 2yo has won four out of five races in Europe, including the Group 1 Italian Derby and Group 2 Prix Noalles. (He should have been unbeaten, according to his jockey Christophe Soumillion and trainer Andre Fabre. He was caught on the line and lost by a nose in the Group 2 Prix Harcourt when Soumillion dropped his whip in the last 100 yards. His next race is the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris on July 14.)

After all that preamble, my question is, should I have persevered with Aptitude, or should I have cancelled after the first attempt and gone to a more commercial sire, based upon the serendipitous exploits of Splendeur's half brother?

I would really appreciate independent input and any suggestions for next year.

[madelyn]

I think the answer is in your stallion contract. You have to abide by its terms, since you signed it. Sometimes what you might want to do is not necessarily the same as what you are permitted to do.

Why do you think you should have switched your mare? Because of Gentleware? Anyhow, I believe most contracts let you out after the third cover.

[LSB]

It's kind of a moot point now, isn't it? Whether you change your mind after the fact or not, she's still in foal to Aptitude.

Nevertheless, Aptitude is having a much better year this year than he did last. He currently stands at the top of the Second Year Sire List. So at the moment, I don't think you have a lot to regret.

Good luck with her and welcome to the forum!

[austique]

I think you'll be fine. Aptitude has gotten a boost from Steppenwolfer. He should have some nice late year 3yos. At least you got her in foal and the blacktype from her half-brother isn't going anywhere

Edit: Ahhhh! LSB is controlling my mind!

[LSB]

Edit: Ahhhh! LSB is controlling my mind!

We do our best...

[louis finochio]

Gentlewave by Monsun is my favorite stallion. Congrats on the one-half to Splendeur.

I have a suggestion for a future breeding of your mare Splendeur.

Splendeur is 4 X 4 to Northern Dancer and 5 X 5 to Natalma.

The stallion Pleasant Tap would be an excellent choice for your mare Splendeur. Their is a classic nick between the male sire line of Pleasant Tap Rabelais and Northern Dancers sons and grand-sons.

Keep this in mind when you are looking for a stallion for your mare Splendeur. Yours in Sport Louis Finochio.

[Worksoplad]

Thank you very much for your suggestion, Louis. You know, I never thought of Pleasant Tap for Splendeur, but funnily enough, I sent my other mare, Variety (by Theatrical out of Kamsi), who just had a colt by E Dubai in April, to Pleasant Tap and she has tested in foal.

I think Pleasant Tap is a really great value for money for someone who breeds to race, like I do. He gets cracking, hard nocking runners, and has thrown a surprising number of graded stakes runners for the level of mares he gets.

I will certainly consider him for Splendeur