Caption: A female with a strong family pedigree – loaded with winners – has a greater probability of becoming an above-average dam. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)

BACK in the June edition of Chase, we looked at some breeding suggestions put forward by US pedigree analyst Ed Messina and we continue that look now.

It comes from an article Ed wrote entitled “Critical Factors In The Selection Of Broodmare Prospects”.

Yes, it is thoroughbred-related, but the words of wisdom from Ed should interest many.

Ed says there are four critical factors: 1 Race Record, 2 Pedigree, 3 Produce Record (for established mares), and 4 Conformation. We looked at his preferences in regards to race record in the June edition.

Let’s look at pedigree:

It is no mystery why a filly with a strong family pedigree, that is one loaded with black type, has a greater probability of becoming an above-average broodmare.

Simply put, either by design through the breeder or mother nature, the family has concentrated the dominate positive genetic influences that contribute to an above-average racing and reproductive record.

In other words, the family has highly desirable genetic influences that are inherited in a more reliable fashion than other families.

These fabulous families are often out of reach of many in the industry.

But Ed says we could source females by leading sires.

It is always preferable to acquire such females if their own dams were winners and stakes producers. Ed says success can be achieved if the second dam was a winner and the third dam a stakes producer.

Another option is to look for females from high-class stallions (stud dogs) who may NOT have been great sires of sires.

These males had all the necessary genetic requirements to be great on the track, but not all the dominate positive genetic influences to become sires of sires.

However, the daughters of these will inherit the important sex-linked characteristics of mitochondrial density important to racing quality.

Ed says: “Be sure to select females that have black type in at least the third dam and try to acquire those whose own dam was a winner and a winning producer.”

He also advocates acquiring females with more than one leading broodmare (broodbitch) sire in her pedigree.

“Examine the four-generation pedigree” says Ed. “It contains eight females and seven broodmare (broodbitch) sires. Acquire or retain females that have as many prominent broodmare (broodbitch) sires in their families inclusive to the fourth generation.

“The genetic influences of these will diminish by 50 per cent in each generation removed from the first. Therefore, I limit analysis to the fourth generation of a broodmare prospect’s pedigree.

“Once again, this strategy attempts to concentrate the dominant positive genetic influences to increase the genetic potential for success.

“Two processes are genetically operational in pedigrees: genetic dilution and genetic concentration of the positive dominant attributes for racing and reproductive success. This strategy attempts to achieve genetic concentration to enhance the female’s potential.”

Now let’s look at what Ed says about produce record:

It is easier to evaluate the pedigree and reproductive record of an established female. Females with a lot of black type will be expensive. An alternative focus will be on females that have SOME black type.

This is essential as it indicates some elements of the family can produce quality runners. Once again concentrate on the bottom line of the pedigree, that is the first three dams. These dams should be winners and they should show that they could produce fifty per cent or more winners.

Should the female in question have a decent pedigree but her progeny by quality males are moderate, then one stay away.

But females with ordinary production records to lesser sires can be worth chasing if the cause is to put her to high quality males.

Ed says conformation means little in regard to high-class race females.

Their success on the racetrack means their conformation is just fine.

They have already genetically demonstrated they have the mental and appropriate biochemical and biomechanical attributes necessary for success.

Obviously physical problems should never be contemplated.

Inheritable traits that contribute to unsoundness must be avoided.

It has been said by others “that pretty does as pretty is”.

“Finally, I very highly recommend that if all of this is a bit much, then you have two options,” says Ed. “Do not become a breeder or get help and quality advice.”