"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

We have been so fortunate to associate with the very best owners and breeders the past thirty years. Contributing to their success is the most rewarding experience possible. The past five years have been extraordinary with ARTIE SCHILLER and his Breeders’ Cup win in 2005, BARBARO and his Kentucky Derby in 2006, STREET SENSE and his Kentucky Derby win along with LUCARNO’s St Leger win in 2007, and MONBA and his 2008 Blue Grass win, as well as RAINBOW VIEW, recognized European Champion Filly in 2008.

MONBA was rewarding not only because of his accomplishments but because he was bred by my mother Alice Chandler, Mill Ridge Farm, and dear friend Tolie Otto. His dam, Hamba, branches from Alcibiades, a foundation mare of my grandfather, Hal Price Headley. She was a champion runner and producer through her son Menow who was a significant influence through his son Tom Fool. These are foundations which continue to bloom over time and provide just rewards.

STREET SENSE Alexander Barkoff

Equally rewarding in 2008 and 2009 was the development of RAINBOW VIEW. Bred and owned by the recognized sportsman and horseman George Strawbridge Jr., she has captured Europe’s respect with her brilliance and undefeated two year old season. Her win in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile (G1) made her the highest rated two year old filly ever. By the prolific stallion, Dynaformer, she is a daughter of NO MATTER WHAT who was bought as a yearling and went on to win the Del Mar Oaks (G1). Speaking of foundations, this family is in full bloom with RAINBOW VIEW’s siblings WINTER VIEW (G3) and JUST AS WELL (G1) winning Graded Stakes this year to go along with close relative RAVEN’S PASS win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Mr. Strawbridge’s breeding program has been very successful over the years, mostly by paying attention to detail; culling when needed and contributing to the whole with acquisitions which enhance his program.

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:

MONBA

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 don’t 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, isn’t 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.