The measure of any stallion is the ability to upgrade his mares.  Danzig retired after only three minor wins and dominated from the start of his stud career despite initially covering small books of mares.

Danzig’s grandson Dane Shadow is not only improving the physical quality of the progeny of his mares, but also significantly upgrading their performance on the racetrack.

Timeform highlighted Dane Shadow’s ability to upgrade his mares when it rated the Kitchwin Hills resident top of the list of Australian stallions for leaving quality horses from mares of dubious background.

His progeny’s median rating figure of 87 came off a book of mares that average a median figure of only 70 from their matings to other stallions – a massive 17 point upgrade in 2009-10.

His son Five O’Clock will step out as one of the main chances in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast this Saturday  The Alan Bailey trained gelding is poised to become his family’s first top-class galloper for three generations, despite his dam and second-dam having many opportunities after producing foals by leading stallions in the past.

Five O’Clock (2g Dane Shadow – Curtail by Catrail) is in the Magic Millions up to his ears according to Bailey.  However, he claims the gelding is there on raw ability and the best of him will be seen over time.

Dane Shadow filly Holdontoyahorses emerged as a potential star after her victory at Caulfield last Saturday.  After her last-to-first win, trainer Mick Price will set the filly on a G1 Blue Diamond Stakes campaign.

Holdontoyahorses (2f Dane Shadow-Dorothy Dinosaur by Canny Lad) doesn’t have a racehorse of note going back four generations and that augurs well for Dane Shadow.

“He has just covered a wonderful book of mares compared to his first four seasons,” Kitchwin Hills manager Mick Malone said.  “We have seen both the support and the quality of mares improve dramatically since initial crop hit the track running.

“It’s an exciting time for Kitchwin Hills, and for those breeders who have supported the horse.  We should really start to see the benefits when his 2012 yearlings go under the hammer.”

Dane Shadow served 115 mares at a $16,500 fee at Kitchwin Hills last year.