Nicks have
become an integral part of the decision-making process in the mating
and purchasing of Thoroughbreds. An affinity or compatibility can
exist between two Thoroughbred sire lines, such that, when crossed,
those lines yield a greater proportion of superior runners than when
either one of them are crossed with other lines.
Studies
show that approximately 25% of the Thoroughbred population are the
product of highly successful ("A" rated nicks) while over 70% of
stakes winners are "A" rated nicks! With overwhelming results like
these, the Werk Nick Rating should become an important part of any
breeders’ selection process.
The nick ratings are based on the percentage by
which a certain sire line, when combined with a certain broodmare
sire line, exceeds it performance, on average, with other lines. The
percentage is converted to a letter grade ranging from "A" to "F".
An "A" rated nick indicates that a far greater percentage of stakes
winners has resulted from that cross than expected. An "F" rated
nick indicates that the number of stakes winners resulting from a
cross is at least 50% below expectations. This does not
mean that there cannot be success or will not be success from
such a mating in the future. It only means that in all the experience
of the last 20 years of winners of open stakes races, that type of
mating has had a lack of success as measured by stakes winner
production.
The overall evaluation
of Thoroughbred matings is a complex proposition, and to be
successful requires the use of every tool available. Thoroughbred
breeders can gain an important advantage when they use the Werk Nick
Rating to plan matings or evaluate proposed purchases. The Werk Nick
Rating enables breeders and buyers to avoid crosses that had had
little or no success in the past. At the same time, it enables them
to duplicate successful sire line crosses, thus dramatically
increasing their chances for success.
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