DANSILI'S VERSATILITY CONFIRMS SUPREME RECORD
Dansili’s Versility confirms supreme record
By Nancy Sexton
In the space of just over four seasons, DANSILI has become a premier sire in Europe, with the winners of the Arc, Criterium de Saint-Cloud and Grand Prix de Paris to his credit.
Famous Name, another by the sire, finished a fast-closing second in this season’s Prix du Jockey Club, while Price Tag passed the post first in the 2006 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, only to be demoted to third for interference. The filly went on to land the Grade 1 Matriach Stakes at Hollywood Park.
Unlike his illustrious siblings, which include Banks Hill, Intercontinental, Cacique and Heat Haze, DANSILI's own racing career was one of near misses rather than top-level glory. The Andre Fabre trained son of Danehill finished placed in six Froup 1 races such as the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, Sussex Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Mile.
He did notch up five victories however, headed by the Group 2 Prix du Muguet. DANSILI never competed at less than 7f or further than 1m1f, yet his offspring win over a variety of distances. For instance, Rail Link was only ever campaigned at 1m3f – 1m4f, while Zambezi Sun is most effective at 1m4f. At the other end of the spectrum is Grecian Dancer, who has wins over 5f – 1m to her credit.
If the 33% generated by three runs over 2m1f is disregarded, DANSILI records his strongest strikerate – 20% - over 1m3f. He also returns a strong 15% over 5f, 1m2f and 1m4f, which makes him one of the most versatile sires standing at stud.
A 13% return on two-year-old runners is also respectable for a horse who only made one winning start as a juvenile. But while notable juveniles such as Passage Of Time and Strategic Prince have boosted DANSILI's two-year-old record, it is worth remembering that the likes of Rail Link, Zambezi Sun and Silver Touch were unraced at two, and that most of his progeny are highly progressive.
The statistics show that most of DANSILI’s stock thrive on good or faster ground. He returns a strike rate of 19% on firm, yet only 8% on soft. An overall all-weather return of 14% is also noteworthy.
Key Progeny Characteristics
With the odd exception, most runners are far happier on a sound surface, with 13% scoring on good, 12% on good to firm and 19% on firm. Classy winners such as Illustrious Blue, Dansant, and High Heel Sneakers also contribute to a 14% return on the all-weather.
Progeny are generally highly progressive – Rail Link, Zambezi Sun, and Silver Touch all improved with age.
Although a miler himself, DANSILI sires winners at a range of distances, meaning that a runner’s optimum distance is likely to be guided by the female line.
Date:
01 July 2008