TWO CONTRASTING SIRE CHARTS

American import Kinoch Brae (pictured) continues to dominate the open race sires table with more than double the number of winners of his closest rival writes Floyd Amphlett.

However (see second table), it is worth noting the benefits of versatility with the average winning distance of his offspring set at 568m.

Although a ‘Sprint Champion’ that would be on a typical American ‘bottomless’ 550 yard course.

In the likes of Shotgun Bullet, Oakfield Caesar and Inky Holdem you can see the sort of versatility last seen in another American import, Hondo Black.

But just as valid – Brae has sired twice as many open race winners compared to any rival over Towcester’s Derby course – including Astute Missile.

The last truly versatile champion sire before Black was arguably Westmead Hawk.

That should ring alarm bells for the industry given so many of those in the chasing pack are much happier throwing early pace.

A lack of stayers leads to fewer staying races being filled, leading to a downward spiral in variety of racing.

An exception is Droopys Cain who looks set for a top three position, possibly even by later this year.

Aero Majestic and Ballymac Eske are another two another exciting younger sires who are capable of throwing progeny from two to eight bends.