Vikki,

That is really great news! That will really help your stallion's
advertising for sure! How is his first year going for you so far? Best of
luck with him.

Lori


Hi Lori!
Yes, it can only help! It seems as though Mackenzie Slew passes that great
Seattle Slew speed, but her babies also seem to get better with age, too. Even
with his severe injury and never being completely right afterwards, Louis Arthur
blossomed under Cole Norman's care at five and six, just like Top Commander did
last year and now. The difference is Top Commander never got hurt (that I'm
aware), let alone as seriously as Louis Arthur, but their sameness is the heart,
determination and class they both have when push comes to shove. Top Commander
can't pass that forward, but Louis Arthur can and I can't hardly wait for those
first babies to hit the track.

This was a tough year to start, though. All the rain and cold has really slowed
it down for a lot of people, us included. You can't breed a mare if she's not
cycling and this cold and rain really shut down a lot of these AZ mares from
getting in the groove "early". Most are cycling now, but if they don't put out
a good follicle the first time, we're looking at late foals. People breeding to
race, or just not wanting to raise new babies in the heat, are understandably
deciding to blow off a year and get in early next year, assuming we go back to
"normal" next year.

My farm manager said it's the slowest season they've had since they opened the
place 6 years ago, but under the circumstances he's very pleased with the
response to Louis Arthur. I hope we can get some good conformation shots of him
for next season's advertising. He looks soooo gorgeous! In fact, one guy, who
makes several deliveries up there, kept seeing him out in the pen, really liked
how he looked and wanted to know his breeding. When he saw the pedigree that
went with the body, he sent TWO mares! One is a winning multiple stakes
producer and the other is a 12 time winner who has a nice solid winner, herself.
Both mares are bred very well, so we're pleased about them, all around. And
he's intent on racing what he gets, so we should have a couple nice babies on
the track in three or four years! (ARRGGGHHH!!!! The waiting is hard!)

Thanks for asking!
Take care,
Vikki

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