In and Out of the Shed

- Songster is heading back to training due to "unspecified infertility issues". Bloodhorse reports that none of the approximately 60 mares he bred are in foal. O-fer 2008. Bummer. I hope he comes back to New York because I was a fan and enjoyed being at Belmont to see him race several times. Here's a photo I took of Songster in 2006:

- Daaher has been retired and is heading to Shadwell to stand for $30,000. Now this just reeks of getting him off the track before he does any more damage to his reputation. He's done nothing since winning the 2007 Cigar Mile and one may think that the Grade 1 win was a fluke. So, the fine folks at Nashwan will print up all of their "Milers are the Best Sires" material, boast about the Northern Dancer lineage and the success of his full sister, Spun Sugar. Hmmm. I almost convinced myself that 30 grand is a bargain. But really, I was never a fan and in my opinion, Daaher is just not as good as everyone thought he was.

- Kingmambo is returning to duty after his latest recovery from his chronic injuries. It seems to me that he doesn't receive his share of credit as a top sire. Perhaps it is because many of his most successful runners are overseas. His book is limited to 60 mares this year at $250,000 per cover. He is a $15 million business by himself. That's what 72 stakes winners and impeccable breeding get you.

- It's early in the season, but the top of the General Sires list is interesting to me. Has the torch been passed to the next generation? Top two stallions Giant's Causeway and Pulpit are sons of perennial leaders Storm Cat and A.P. Indy, respectively. And Indian Charlie continues to throw winners while bringing a different bloodline to the top of the charts.