Is it possible that Otsego Farms could consider selling stable icon Nightwing?
It has been discussed recently at the highest levels because there just isn't enough room for five stallions, and that's the road I'm heading down.
Currently we have three excellent distance stallions; Nightwing 14, War Machine 12, and Union Jack 10. Additionally, we have two current racers who beg to stay on after they retire; Refractor, and Methy Bus.
Refractor is a no-brainer as a stallion prospect. He has shown world-class ability at 16F, stringing together an eye-popping list of times and PSR's. He may be the best 16F horse that Photo-Finish has seen. His unique abilities guarantee him a spot as a stallion at Otsego Farms.
Methy Bus was not originally in my plans as a breeder. His continued excellence however, has caught my attention. He has exceeded 100 PSR in 15 of 21 career races and has proven to be a GR1 threat at distances from 8F to 12F. His ability, consistancy and potential length of career make him a prime stallion prospect. This sets up a dilemma for Otsego Farms.
As stated above, I am not inclined to keep five stallions. My stable stall limit of 60 is inviolate and the plan calls for three stallions. Four would be a stretch, which would cause an annual alteration of my plan, but would be workable. Five is out of the question.
Given my current inclination to keep Refractor and Methy Bus after they retire, something has to give, and that something may be Nightwing's spot as an Otsego stallion.
It would be a very tough business decision, since Nightwing was the cornerstone that built Otsego Farms. In my first year of operation, he earned $3.6M, putting me on the map and giving me instant success. It would be very hard to reward Nightwing's contribution with a ticket out of town, especially since my longtime goal was to keep him forever.
However, the ultimate decision will be put off for at least one more season. Both Refractor and Methy Bus will race at least one more year. In fact, Methy Bus, with his long career peak may race two or three more seasons.
I'm thinking about it now though, and it's not pleasant to contemplate my stable without Nightwing...
