Freshman Sires

[Tavasco]

I was going thru the list of 2015 freshman sires and I noticed that to date, of Gio Ponti\'s crop of 110 only 40 had started a race. Could be that many are in the Southern hemisphere or are waiting for 3 y/o turf opportunities. His stallion fee is a modest $12,500, which might explain the relatively good size crop.

Of course I remember his success on the turf and $6M in career earnings is significant. So now I\'m curious about one of his get who looks to be a sprinter and headed for the triple crown trail. Drefong kind of catchy c/b a RAP thing?

I don\'t think he could have been more impressive when breaking his Mdn @ DMR. Since he is trained by Bob Baffert he is not under the radar. Looks like they intend to try 7F next against no less than Nyquist and Exaggerator in the San Vincente.

Bottom Line when I look at a young horse whom I expect to be a potential turf route monster and he runs a dirt sprint like he did it gets my attention. I see Hollendorfer also has a well bred prospect I Will Score pointed at the race also.

So the race isn\'t until 2/15 but it is about that time of the year when the nations top two year olds and their press are becoming old news. I begin to look for new shooters. The trade off between precocious win early 2 y/o\'s and those of curious potential that work their way into the spotlight.

[Ill-bred]

I was a fan, but Gio Ponti is a disappointment here early at stud.

Drefong was only fast 2yo on dirt (and Gio Ponti had a LOT of nice looking yearling bring top dollar).

He still has the time and #s to turn it around...

[mlnolan00]

Hi, I\'m not sure if it will help or not but I write a piece for HANA Monthly every spring on Handicapping the Freshman Sires, and last year I profiled GIO PONTI, HAYNESFIELD, PADDY O PRADO, and UNCLE MO.  

I give a few thoughts on each sire regarding how I\'ll be betting their progeny based on race record and pedigree of the particular stallion.

GIO PONTI is a very neat subject due to the fact his sire Tale of the Cat is best known for precocious, speedy animals on dirt, and Gio wasn\'t that.

Here\'s the article (starts on pg 10) http://horseplayersassociation.org/july15issue.pdf if you\'re interested in getting a bit more guidance on betting his runners.

If not, no worries, but thought I\'d put it out there just in case.  
Cheers!

[Tavasco]

Ms. Nolan you tell this story so much better than I. Your write-up helps explain the Baffert colt. That guy doesn\'t miss much. Thanks a bunch for ringing in. I enjoyed all of your article.