BEL ESPRIT'S SUPERIOR SEX?

An interesting article on the Eliza Park website sees an analysis of Bel Esprit's progeny, in particular the theory that his fillies are superior to his colts.

There is a pervading belief among industry pundits that Bel Esprit’s fillies are superior to his colts. And, to a point, they are right: out of Bel Esprit’s nine stakes winners to date, Group One winner Bel Mer and the unbeaten Black Caviar – both of the female variety – are his two best horses.

However, a quick look at Bloodhound reveals that Bel Esprit has had 76 winning males (62%) and 67 winning females (58%) with the stakes winners split 4 (males), 5 (females).

What’s more, of the $9,081,647 Bel Esprit’s progeny have accumulated, $5,199,728 has been won by males (57%), while females have dragged in $3,881,919.

In other words, Bel Esprit fillies make up 48% of the runners for 43% of the stakes.

So, what does it all prove? Breed or buy yourself a Bel Esprit – colt OR filly!

BEL ESPRIT – GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

While we’re on the subject, Bloodhound also shows that Bel Esprit’s first crop – of which Spirited Halo is a member – has now won over $4.1 million in stakes.

If you had paid the service fees for each of his 94 live foals, it would have set you back $1.7 million (although chances are we would have given you a discount for that many bookings!).

And, if you had snapped up each of the 52 first crop yearlings sold in 2006 that would have cost you $2.8 million.