Continuing our series featuring feedback on the European stallion with first runners this year, bloodstock agent Ghislain Bozo of Meridian International shares his view with a particular focus on the French scene.
He said, “Generally speaking it is always tough to get a strong idea of the first-season sires at this stage but of course we are always keeping our ears open. I'm always a little but careful when the talk is too hot but this time there has been no strong word like we might have had in the past.
“I am involved in a couple of stallions myself so I am trying to be objective but I hear a lot about the 2-year-olds by Almanzor (Fr). People seem to like them and a lot of them are very nice looking but they are probably going to take a bit of time.
“I like the stock of Ribchester (Ire) and obviously that is the same Iffraaj (GB) line, and again they may take a bit of time. We have some by Churchill (Ire) who are very nice but not early types.”
Bozo also highlighted a young son of Dark Angel (Ire) at stud in France. He added, “We also have some 2-year-olds by Birchwood (Ire). They look racy and I think the trainers like them, and they are going to be probably the most precocious ones. They seem consistent, very good in their heads and straightforward horses, which is a very good sign.
“Another stallion I like is Al Shaqab's Al Wukair (Ire) and I think there is a positive word about his stock. The same can be said for Zarak (Fr). There have been a lot of good comments from trainers and breeders about his stock.
“I don't have a strong feeling for one horse in particular but I will be following these stallions with particular interest as the season progresses.”
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