What makes an $11,000 stallion work?
The stunningly handsome Showtime has kept the best of company as a yearling, as a racehorse and now as a member of Arrowfield's stallion roster. (PHOTO: Georgina Lomax)
Supporting a stallion in the bottom spot on the Arrowfield roster, like Showtime this year, has been a smart decision by more than a few breeders over the past decade.
The now-retired Not A Single Doubt filled that spot for six seasons when he stood at just $13,750. By the end of the 2011/12 season, he’d made it into the top 30 of the Australian Sires’ Premiership and his yearlings were selling for six figures.
And he was only warming up. Today he’s a top 5 sire of 14 Group 1 winners and his 2020 yearlings have sold for an average of almost $300,000.
So what factors help cheap stallions become hot properties?
High on the list is the backing of a strong farm and enthusiastic owners that can both send and attract good numbers of mares. Not A Single Doubt covered 491 mares in his first four seasons and among the resulting foals were the three horses that put him on the map in 2010/11: Group winners Doubtful Jack, Squamosa and Magic Millions star Karuta Queen.
Showtime’s first book in 2019 numbered 129 mares – one more than Not A Single Doubt’s first book – and more than half of them were sent by Arrowfield and the Showtime Syndicate. They’ll be doing it again this year.
That kind of support does more than boost foal numbers. It will also strengthen Showtime’s representation at yearling sales, which can in turn determine the stables his progeny go to, and the racing opportunities they will receive.
Another advantage for Showtime is that he was bred by Arrowfield and has returned there to begin his stallion career. Arrowfield’s previous homeboys have achieved exceptional success: Champion Sire Flying Spur, Champion 2YO Sire Danzero, Group 1 sire Beneteau and Not A Single Doubt, collectively responsible for 220 stakeswinners, including 35 Group 1 winners.
Standing alongside current leading and Champion Sires doesn’t do a young stallion’s profile any harm either.
When Not A Single Doubt retired to Arrowfield in 2005, his barn-mates included his sire Redoute’s Choice and Flying Spur, who would claim the next two Australian Sire Premierships.
Showtime benefits similarly from the aura of his sire, three-time Champion Snitzel, rising star Dundeel, 5-time Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun and now Champion Victorian Sire Written Tycoon.
Even in this company, Showtime offers a tempting package, and especially at $11,000.
A Group 2 winner at 1400m and 1600m, twice Group 1-placed and in the frame with the likes of Trapeze Artist, Brave Smash, Hartnell, Le Romain, Tosen Stardom, Catchy and I Am Excited.
The son, grandson and great-grandson of Champion Sires, with 15 Australian titles among them.
The full brother to Group 1 winner Sweet Idea and grandson of dual Group 1 winner Electronic.
And devastatingly good-looking with a charming, laid-back personality to match.
View Showtime’s full profile here.
We welcome your inspection of Showtime at Arrowfield – please call the Stud Office (02) 6545 3999 or one of our Bloodstock & Sales team to arrange a time:
Jon Freyer – 0408 583 888
Sally Gordon – 0421 080 021
Peter Jenkins – 0408 667 876
Adam Brandwood – 0412 332 202
Alison Brassil – 0439 338 630
