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!
Why “Good-Looking” Horses Keep Losing: The Cost of Ignoring Pedigree Structure
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Hello! Every sale, the same mistake repeats. A flashy colt enters the ring. Clean throat. Big walk. Everyone’s watching. “He just looks like a runner,” someone whispers. But a year later? They’re wondering what went wrong. Here’s the truth: looks don’t tell you the whole story. That’s why we don’t start with appearance. We start with pedigree structure, then conformation and then price. And that approach just delivered again last week. Twice. Bosun, a recent Fair Grounds winner, was a sales purchase selected through our OPTIMAL Matings system. Full 7-generation analysis. Balanced duplication. Reinforced female family. His catalog page wasn't obvious—but the pedigree structure backed him. Great physical, too! Read more: Bosun Dominates Turf Debut with Powerful Fair Grounds Win!​ Three day later, St. Armand’s Key picked up his second win of the meet at Fair Grounds, only 2/5 of a second off the course record. He isn't an OPTIMAL Mating—but he was selected using our strict physical evaluation standards. No shortcuts. No surface-level guesses. Just the right type for the right program. Read more: St. Armands Key Shines Again with Gritty Fair Grounds Win​ Different sources. Same result: disciplined selection. No hype. No surprises. If you’ve ever spent six figures on a horse that didn’t deliver, this article is for you: 👉 Pedigree Over Pretty: What Really Makes a Winner​ Inside, you’ll learn:
This isn’t about luck. It’s about removing guesswork—before the hammer drops. Clark Shepherd |
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!
Hi! You’ve heard it before: “Don’t use that stallion. He’s not popular right now.” But what if he’s exactly what your mare needs? Too many breeders pass on a strong mating because they’re worried the market won’t like it. They chase what's selling today and lose out on what could win tomorrow. In my latest post, I walk through why stallion selection should never start with trends. It should start with pedigree logic, physical balance and what actually makes a better racehorse. You’ll learn:...
Hey! Breeding and buying Thoroughbreds shouldn’t feel like a shot in the dark. You study pedigrees. You check the nick. You get advice from all directions and still feel unsure. That’s exactly why I wrote this: A clear, practical guide to using pedigree the right way. Whether you're breeding, buying or pinhooking. Inside, you’ll learn: How to use inbreeding and outcrossing with purpose Why female families are your hidden advantage What to actually look for in a 7-generation review And how to...
Hello! You’ve seen it. A yearling steps into the ring. Carries itself well. Big-name pedigree. Seems like a sure thing. The bidding climbs. Buyer feels confident. Months later… nothing. No starts. Just invoices. What went wrong? The warning signs were there but most people don’t know where to look. In my latest post, I break down the most common mistake investors make when buying yearlings and how to avoid it. You’ll learn: Why a strong first impression can lead to a weak return Which parts...