The queen to Bernardini

[Thoroughbred Fan]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

Dynaformer's a piece of work. They probably have a number of reasons for trying to avoid maiden mares, but his temperament combined with Zenyatta's size? I think they'd absolutely think twice about allowing it. What if he hurt her? What if he got hurt because of something she did? It's unnecessary drama. I'm sure they have an idea about his fertility, and if it's reasonably strong and he's in good health, it's worth suggesting they come back next year (if they plan to go at all).

I doubt Dynaformer was even their first pick anyway. They went to a promising stallion with a good female family, a nice conformation, and a nice cross with her dam already. Makes sense. I'm skeptical that we'd see a Zenyatta yearling go through the sale. Not that they'd never part with a colt, but she's their queen, and they're not exactly poor. I'm sure Darley would make them a generous offer in the future if they liked what came out of this mating.

The real reason they don't take many maidens to Dynaformer is that he gets large foals. Large foals are very tough on maidens. Small, previously unused hole + large foal = holy shiit on foaling day. No one would subject a mare this valuable to the increased risk of damage or death to her or the foal.