As we approach the opening of the 2023 breeding season, the TDN staff is once again sitting down with leading breeders to find out what stallions they have chosen for their mares, and why. Today we caught up with Robert Tillyer, farm manager of William and Donna Shively's Dixiana Farm.
HAVANA DREAM (m, 10, Quality Road – Mayo On the Side, by French Deputy) to be bred to Constitution
This stakes-placed mare is carrying her third foal by Yaupon. She is from the family of MGSW Midcourt (Midnight Lute) and throws foals with a lot of size. Constitution should suit her physically. This is a sire line she has not been to.
I'M A FLAKE (m, 15, Mineshaft – November Snow, by Storm Cat) to be bred to Curlin
The dam of Grade I winner Express Train (Union Rags). She throws big, strong, correct foals. The mating of Curlin with A.P. Indy-line mares is proven. He had three Breeders' Cup winners in one day!
Layla's colt out of Liam's Map brought $625,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale | photo courtesy Dixiana Farm
LAYLA (m, 9, Union Rags – I'm a Flake, by Mineshaft) to be bred to Flightline
The full-sister to Express Train. She proved that she can have a very good individual. Her first foal, a Liam's Map colt, sold for $625,000 (1/43) at last year's Keeneland September Sale. Flightline needs no introduction. He's equine perfection. For a young mare to go to such a talented horse, it gives her every chance.
AMERICA'S TALE (m, 8, Gio Ponti – America's Friend, by Unusual Heat ) to be bred to Jackie's Warrior
Mr. Shively purchased this mare last November in foal to Medaglia d'Oro. She is one of two mares that we have going to Jackie's Warrior. An incredible racehorse and he is stunning.
REVITALIZED (m, 5, Uncle Mo – Excited, by Giant's Causeway) to be bred to Life Is Good
This mare is from the family of MGISW Spain (Thunder Gulch) and a half to two graded stakes horses. Her first foal is a Munnings filly and is very impressive physically. She is in foal to Authentic. Life Is Good will suit her physically.
STARGIRL (m, 8, Medaglia d'Oro – Campionessa, by A.P. Indy) to be bred to Justify
A full-sister to the dam of 2022 GII Jessamine S. winner Delight (Mendelssohn). Her second foal is a very attractive Good Magic yearling filly. We thought we would try a similar cross as Delight with Justify (Scat Daddy). For a sire that we didn't expect to be early, he is off to a great start. I think he has an exciting future ahead and he should put some size into her foal.
SWOOP AND STRIKE (m, 10, Smart Strike – Dance With Doves, by A.P. Indy) to be bred to Golden Pal
One of four mares going to Golden Pal. What a talented and fast horse. Two Breeders' Cups, a track record and a stakes record. And a son of Uncle Mo. I was really impressed when we saw him at Ashford.
TIGER RIDE (m, 11, Candy Ride [Arg] – Royal Tigress, by Storm Cat) to be bred to Not This Time
This Grade I-placed, Grade III-winning mare is carrying her third foal by Charlatan. Her second foal, a Tapit filly called Tiger Tap, was retained by the farm and is showing a lot of talent. Tiger Ride has not been to this sire line. Grade I winner Epicenter and GII winner Simplification, both by Not This Time, are out of Candy Ride mares.
TRUE ELEGANCE (m, 10, Distorted Humor – Sealy Hill, by Point Given) to be bred to Bolt d'Oro
This mare's first foal Elegant Joy (Kitten's Joy) beat the boys at Arlington in her first start. She has an impressive yearling colt by Authentic. True Elegance is a half to MGISW Cambier Parc (Medaglia d'Oro), as well as many others. Bolt d'Oro is off to a great start as a sire. Mr. Shively thought this was the obvious choice for her.
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