The #1 Breeding & Buying Mistake That’s Costing You Winners


Hey there!

I have seen it too many times.

A breeder spends a fortune on stud fees, convinced that a high price means high success.

A buyer walks into the auction ring, dazzled by a glossy catalog page, and drops six figures on a yearling.

Then, two years later, that "future champion" can’t even break its maiden.

Sound familiar?

I know because I made the same mistakes.

For years, I trusted the industry’s so-called “wisdom.” Nick ratings. Sales trends. High-dollar stallions.

I assumed that if a pedigree looked good, the horse would be good.

I was wrong.

The truth? Winners aren’t found in price tags or sales catalogs—they’re found in pedigrees.

Pedigree analysis, when done correctly, can predict success before a horse is even bred or bought.

Just ask Stipulate’s owner.

Recently, this filly delivered a gutsy performance to break her maiden at Oaklawn Park. I identified and purchased her using my OPTIMAL Mating Sales Selection strategy. She wasn’t the “hottest” name in the ring, but her pedigree balance, genetic strength, and racing potential were undeniable. Now, she’s proving her worth where it counts—on the track.

👉 Read about Stipulate’s win here: Stipulate Breaks Through with Determined Victory at Oaklawn​

It’s time to stop guessing.

In my latest article, I break down:
âś… Why most breeding & buying decisions fail before they even happen
âś… The dangerous trap of sales hype & commercial trends
✅ How to use data—not gut feelings—to stack the odds in your favor
âś… A proven system to breed and buy winners with confidence

If you’re serious about making smarter Thoroughbred investments, this is a must-read.

👉 Read the full article here: The Breeding & Buying Mistake Costing You Winners—Fix It Now​

Don’t let another bad decision set you back.

Your next winner starts with the right choice—before they ever step on the track.

Best,
Clark Shepherd
Shepherd Equine Advisers

Hi! I'm Clark Shepherd.

I offer my expertise as a bloodstock agent, sales consultant, and pedigree analyst to assist in breeding or purchasing superior thoroughbred racehorses through sound pedigree principles, horsemanship, and consistent implementation of well-designed plans. Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!

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