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We are
introducing "Key
Nicks" in 2010". This is a new term for
a nicking technique that has been used successfully over the
course of 27 years.
For our stallions
with a sufficient number of starters, we determine the nicks that
have proven to be productive with that individual stallion.
The most reliable nicks for a stallion are those which are
determined by his own offspring. For the younger
stallions, we also look at the proven nicks for similarly bred,
and similarly built, stallions. For younger stallions with yet
sufficient numbers of runners to evaluate, the key to nicking lies
in identification of the physical similarities in the horses upon
which the traditional nicks are based.
| We
have great respect for the Werk Nick Rating System, and, more
often than not, Key Nicks will coincide with Werk Nick
Ratings. There
are, however, instances in which we do recommend matings
which are not Werk “A” nicks.
The differences may be because: |
| The
individual stallion in question may have demonstrated an
affinity for a broodmare sireline that is not typically
reflected in his sireline. |
| The
physical traits of an individual stallion may mesh favorably
with the physical traits that are true to a particular
broodmare sireline. |
| It
is possible that an increase in the number of open stakes
winners may actually lower the Werk Nick Rating for a
particular sire or sireline, even though the nicks continue
to produce open stakes winners.
The top-rated Werk Nicks indicate that a higher
percentage of open stakes winners has been achieved by a
given sire or sireline through a particular broodmare
sireline. When
that given sire or sireline produces many open stakes
winners with a variety of broodmare sirelines, the lowered
concentration of a particular broodmare sireline lessens its
signifigance. For
example, due to such changes in percentages, we have
seen Werk Nicks drop with both Uncle Abbie and Special Rate,
even though the nicks continue to be extremely successful. |
| Regional
sires and regional broodmare sires are provided limited
opportunity to produce open stakes winners, upon which Werk
Nick Ratings are based.
The bulk of stakes races run in our area are
restricted stakes races. |
Werk
Nick Ratings range from A through F, with F being the lowest
rating, and A+++ being the highest. A Werk Nick Rating of
"0SW" simply indicates there have been no open stakes
winners from the cross. It is neither a negative nor
positive rating.
Key Nicks range from K to K++.
A rating of K indicates a very good nick, and a rating of K++ is
our highest recommendation.
Some
examples and comparisons of Werk Nicks and Key Nicks are shown in
the following table.
| Sire |
Broodmare
Sire |
Werk
Nick Ratings |
Key
Nicks |
Top
Runners |
| Lil's
Lad |
Red
Ranson |
B |
K++ |
SW
/ $100k |
| Lil's
Lad |
Storm
Cat |
C |
K++ |
SW
/ $107k |
| Lil's
Lad |
Rubiano |
C |
K++ |
SW
/ $70k |
| Uncle
Abbie |
Slewacide |
A |
K++ |
SW
/ $400k |
| Uncle
Abbie |
Flying
Granville |
0SW |
K++ |
SW
/ $175k |
| Uncle
Abbie |
Wayne's
Crane |
F |
K++ |
$127k |
| Tinners
Way |
Fred
Astaire |
D+ |
K++ |
SW
/ $114k |
| Tinners
Way |
Skywalker |
0SW |
K++ |
$290k |
| Tinners
Way |
Batonnier |
B+ |
K++ |
$177k |
| Wajir |
Hurlingham |
B+ |
K++ |
$113k |
| Wajir |
Tsunami
Slew |
A |
K++ |
$104k |
| Special
Rate |
Valid
Appeal |
C+ |
K++ |
SP
2yo |
Key Nicks and/or Werk Nick Ratings are factored into our breeding
recommendations. Other factors, including inbreeding or
linebreeding, influence from the broodmare, and physical
compatibility are taken into consideration as well. For more
details, see The Key Ingredients,
located under Breeding 101.
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