The 2010 Breeding Season is almost upon us and more than ever, broodmare owners are faced with a number of important and tough decisions.

Now, more than ever, breeders are forced to make one vital decision before deciding their matings for 2010 - and that is to ask themselves if they are breeding to sell, or breeding to race, the resultant progeny.

The opportunities to gain spots in selected yearling sales are
getting harder and the costs of pursuing that course are getting higher. We, at INDEPENDENT STALLIONS VICTORIA, see a pleasing growth in the broodmare owners looking to race their progeny and we are confident that we can present stallions to fit that mould. We believe we can offer proven and unproven stallions at affordable fees which limit the downside in this very tough and competitive business.

We trust you will agree that our 2010 roster offers something for breeders at all levels of the industry.

We are excited to be standing Champion European Sprinter US Ranger, one of the last star sons of the legendary sire Danzig.

US Ranger is currently standing his first season at Pauls Mill Stud, Kentucky, following an outstanding racing career in Europe which saw him unbeaten at two and rated Champion Sprinter at three and four. He was a blindingly fast front-running sprinter, taking the Gr 3 Prix Djebel [a race also won by Nuyerev, Machiavellian and King Mambo], in France and placing in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret, before being beaten a head by the Champion European Sprinter, Marchant D'Or in the prestigious GR 1 July Cup, at Newmarket.

He had the speed factor at top level racing that appeals to Australian breeders, is an outstanding individual and carries a great stallion pedigree, top and bottom line.

Triple Group 1 winner Helenus who is an emerging young sire is also joining the Independent Stallions team this year. A winner of the Caulfield Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and VRC Derby he brings proven stamina in his pedigree.

DENON (USA) a 4 time Group 1 winning son of Pleasant Colony who has been extremely well supported returns in 2010 with his progeny already showing ability on the racetrack both here and in Europe. As his progeny mature and get over suitable distances the breeders who supported him will begin to reap their rewards.

KEMPINSKY (NZ) covered almost 400 mares in his first three seasons at stud. His oldest progeny are 3yo's of the 2010 season and include the unbeaten and emerging filly Hearts and Diamonds.

Our two older Champions, BRIEF TRUCE and ARAZI will be covering limited numbers in light of their advancing years.
BRIEF TRUCE has been a success of great order with his progeny but is now leap-frogging up the Broodmare Sires ranks as well. From foals we have seen over the last two years, we remain confident that his next top class horse is not far away.

ARAZI continues to add to his reputation as a broodmare sire with yet another Group One victor in the US in June. His statistics, from his limted number of broodmares at stud across the world, are quite staggering.

We wish broodmare owners every success in 2010 with the tough decisions they are facing. We certainly hope our stallions can attract your interest and please remember that every day is an OPEN DAY at INDEPENDENT STALLIONS VICTORIA. Please call us at any time to arrange to see our stallions, have a chat or join us for coffee and the famous TAHBILK WINERY next door.

Yours faithfully,

 
 Mike Becker