"Whether a commercial or a private breeder, the first objective when preparing a mating is to breed a racehorse. All the ingredients one considers are too numerous to mention, however, I like to utilize a proven/productive stallion whose fee is generally 20% of the mare value. Generally, the stallion will not be the “hot horse” at the moment, but I like to try to anticipate who will be popular two to three years down the road. Obviously I blend pedigree patterns and attempt to strengthen weaknesses on the dam side with strengths from the stallion"

	BARBARO

The reality that we have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a Thoroughbred athlete by selecting its parentage is a true gift. Very few arenas provide this and then, to have the incredible recent fortune of horses like BARBARO, STREET SENSE, LUCARNO and MONBA it goes beyond what one could possibly imagine.

MONBA added to the good fortune we have had by winning the 2008 (G1) Blue Grass here in our back yard of Keeneland and allowing us to live the dream of the Kentucky Derby. Regretfully he had a very rough trip going into the first turn and lost all chance but you can never erase the thrill of the Blue Grass and dream of the Derby.

STREET SENSE Alexander Barkoff

What made MONBA particularly rewarding were his connections. Bred by family farm, Mill Ridge, Alice Chandler, in partnership with dear friend Tolie Otto and owned by sportsman and friends Jack Wolf, Paul Saylor and Don Lucarelli, MONBA was home brewed and very special. His dam Hamba, goes back to Alcibiades, a foundation mare of my grandfather, Hal Price Headley. She was a champion runner and champion producer through her son Menow who was a prolific stallion influence through his son Tom Fool. It doesn't get much better than that and will forever be cherished.

Nicoma has been blessed to be a part of some truly special matings throughout the past. This would not be possible without the support of our clients whose mares make it a most enjoyable adventure year in and year out in the pursuit of creating the next champion on the racetrack. Some of the matings that Nicoma has been fortunate to assist in:

KEEPER HILL

Planning a mating combines many intuitions and as much information as possible to assist in making choices. The Thoroughbred is an ever changing breed, for it is influenced by successful lines which dominate for a period until man changes them through duplication. Tools used today with research from the computer like Nicks exemplify how technology and more easily accessed data has enhanced mating choices. However, we cannot lose sight of the time factor and how long it takes to determine if a mating or particular nick was successful. That is why we mention intuition; for it is like being an artist and having that ability and imagination to visualize the picture before applying it to canvas. The difference in a Thoroughbred mating is that of the most significant ingredient: nature and its role. Management of the offspring plays an equally important part. However, if you dont have an athlete, no farm or trainer is going to be able to change that. They will just provide it the best opportunity for success. And really, isnt that what you are attempting to do with your entire program? Providing the best opportunity for success by assembling as many effective pieces as possible to make that athletic whole. That is the role we are playing in planning a mating. Taking the ingredients provided and attempting to produce a foundation for success in its physical make up and heritage is what we strive for.