Our Philosophy
Our formula for success is simple: Find the best athlete at auction, with the least conformation flaws, at affordable prices.
At Fantasy Lane Stable we have a different philosophy than most. We don't mark our horses up 100% as many of our competitors do. We want our investors to actually experience being an owner. This means that you don't have to stand on the sidelines cheering unless that is all you really want to do.
You're always most cordially welcome to join us at auction. We encourage you to come to the barn to watch the day to day operations. Once you do you'll quickly realize all of the hard work that goes into a single trip into the Winner's Circle.
Our approach is to concentrate on purchasing unraced two-year olds in the price range of $40,000 to $75,000. Any unused funds after purchase is used to defray training costs for as long as possible.
Unlike our competitors we do not look for the colt with the fastest black-type work in the sale. We do not hype our purchases and then mark them up 100%, 200%, or even 300% to guarantee a profit. We charge a modest 10% without any hidden extra's. We have to be right in our assessment or else we've spent a great deal of time and expense as we're in there sharing the risk with you. We perform extensive due diligence in looking for modestly priced prospects up to $75,000.
We feel you don't have to spend huge dollars to find a real runner. Pedigree is last in our pecking order as we prefer athletes, those candidates with huge upsides. Our team is confident that we can develop precocious youngsters into stake horses. If we do not see the potential in a prospect we're simply not interested. We employ bloodstock agents to assist us in identifying the candidates that we most wish to consider.
Alan Seewald is one of the perennial leading trainers on the New Jersey - Pennsylvania- Florida circuit. He has a keen eye for a good horses and spends a grueling week at each sale personally canvassing the barns. With the advent of VLT's (slot machines) in Pennsylvania we realize that lucrative purses will make PA racing that much more attractive.
Alan is a hands-on person, as he leaves no stone unturned. He investigates behind-the-scenes, gathering as much information as possible. He personally inspects the horses we covet most with a fine tooth comb. It takes a great deal of work to put together the short list of acceptable candidates.
We reject over ninety percent of the horses offered at auction for a variety of reasons. We watch the prospects breeze in the under tack show. Afterward we meticulously study the videotape. Once satisfied, we return to the barn to physically examine the horse after the breeze. Absolutely nothing is left to chance.
Before making a bid we engage our FLS veterinarians to thoroughly examine the horse. If we have any doubts we take X-rays. Once the candidate passes muster, then and only then, is the horse placed on our selective list to bid on.
From there we spend countless hours prioritizing our list and then hope to get lucky at the auction. If we feel a candidate is overpriced, we practice restraint and pass. We then move on to the next prospect. And our partners are free to join us during part or all of the entire time we attend the auction. It's not a prerequisite for enrolling just a cordial invitation we extend to our wonderful partners.
R Betty Graybull winning the $200,000 NATC Futurity in 2008
We race primarily at Monmouth Park, Saratoga, Belmont Park, Philadelphia Park, Aqueduct & Tampa Bay Downs.
We're always sold out out long before 2010 rolls around. If you plan to wait until we buy the horse it may be too late.
