Speed And The Thoroughbred

Designing Speed in the Racehorse is an indispensable reference by Ken McLean, one of the world's foremost bloodstock advisors and pedigree experts. McLean discusses genetic affinities and pedigree patterns, analyzes the pedigrees of important sires and ancestors to isolate elements of speed and stamina, explains what characteristics to look for in a sire, and updates the elite mare list. Breeders will be especially interested in McLean's analysis of the conformation of many of the breed's most illustrious sires and the physical attributes and faults they passed on to their progeny. Best of all, he tells the current sire and dam lines most likely to produce quality racehorses. With his recommendations at hand, today's Thoroughbred breeder has an edge in the competitive world of racing.

Why the Thoroughbred was created, how, by whom, and how its progenitors survived war, politics and the ambitions and jealousies of monarchs, noblemen and politicians is the subject of this book.

For serious handicappers and serious horse owners, racing provides attainable goals. Both are in search of speed. As Handicapping Speed looks at each factor, from the industry in general to the finest details of the mathematics of time, it will be for the purpose of finding what adds and detracts from speed.

This advanced guide to handicapping, which includes a new Foreword by the author, is chock-full of the wit and wisdom that have made Beyer a legend in the sport. The Winning Horseplayeroffers the sophisticated bettor invaluable advice on handicapping and betting. "(Beyer) is the grand guru . . . of handicapping".--Boston Globe

A Thoroughbred horse is bred for speed. The horses that take part in many storied races, such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, are all Thoroughbreds. In fact, almost all racehorses the United States are Thoroughbreds. The compelling text discusses how these swift steeds are bred, raised, fed, and more. Great horse photographs are featured and accompanied by information about the history of the breed.