Stallion Spotlight offers stud farm representatives a chance to address breeders and answer questions as they plan their future matings.
In this edition, Erin Robinson of Rockridge Stud discusses Disco Partner, a record-setting turf sprinter whose first foals are yearlings of 2022.
Disco Partner
Gr. or ro. h., 2012, Disco Rico x Lulu’s Number, by Numerous
Race Record: 33-11-6-8; $1,487,560
Advertised Fee: $4,000
Question: What makes Disco Partner an attractive stallion for potential breeders?
Erin Robinson, Rockridge Stud: I personally love that he is a Citidancer-line stallion. Citidancer was highly underrated in his time, having struggled with fertility issues throughout his career, and there aren’t nearly enough left with this bloodline. Disco Rico was a fantastic sire himself for New York, and I really like that our Disco is helping continue that bloodline. With Disco Partner’s dam, as well, contributing Numerous, Concorde’s Tune, and Dixieland Band blood – it’s really a lot of pedigree that you don’t see enough of any more.
If I’ve got a mare that needs help from a stallion to improve a physical aspect, what can Disco Partner best contribute to that equation?
Robinson: He has a nice hip and a lovely shoulder. His foals are actually better than we anticipated, so it’s clear he’s passing on his best traits.
What are some of the common traits you’ve seen among the Disco Partner yearlings so far?
Robinson: They have lovely balance and look very speedy. We can only dream that some of them are as talented as their sire.
Disco Partner was an elite turf sprinter on the racetrack. What do you see in him that made him so talented, and what about that do you think can be passed on to his foals?
Robinson: Disco had some troubled starts at the gate, and was often in the back of the pack at the first quarter. He had that come-from-behind surge power in him and it didn’t matter what happened at the beginning of the race or how many lengths behind he was. That is, of course, talent, but a lot of heart – I really hope we see that heart pass through.
If you had to show breeders one race to explain to them what Disco Partner is all about, which one would it be, and why?
Robinson: I highlight it every year at our stallion show – you have to watch his 2017 Jaipur win. World record time of 1:05.67 for six furlongs on the turf that still stands five years later. An incredible finish.
What do you think makes Disco Partner a good fit for the New York program?
Robinson: He doesn’t have the commercial appeal to be a Kentucky stallion, but he certainly had the career to warrant a chance to see what he could pass on: world record holder, multiple graded stakes winner, multiple Grade 1-placed (third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint twice), nearly $1.5 million in earnings. He deserved a chance, and with Disco Rico being such a wonderful stallion for New York, it was the right place for him.
What is something about Disco Partner that you think goes overlooked?
Robinson: I think breeders are starting to get it – he had some nice first crop foals last year, and it’s hard to ignore a chance to broaden the gene pool. Don’t look for an “A” nick with him: there’s not enough Citidancer blood floating around to get a good read on what the pedigree crosses can achieve. Go with your gut.
What makes Disco Partner a value in his price bracket?
Robinson: He’s going to get runners – and those New York-sired New York breeders’ awards are just waiting for someone to snatch them up.
What else should breeders know about Disco Partner before picking up the phone?
Robinson: He can add value to any pedigree – there is basically no broodmare sire or sireline that you couldn’t cross him with.