The Optimal Distance Test
Performance Genetics is pleased to announce the launch of its “Optimal Distance Test”, a genetic test that uses multiple variations in the equine DNA code to determine the optimal racing distance of thoroughbreds.
The test follows the release of the company’s highly successful Sales Select product last year. The test, which is available for all untried stock, yearlings and older, has been developed using the latest genomic sequencing techniques and modeling. Developed and tested on over 800 horses, this new product indicates if the tested horse is likely to be a sprinter or a route/distance runner.
“After the launch of our Sales Select product last year, which includes a prediction of both optimal racing distance and class, a number of clients requested that we offer a test for distance alone in order to aid their training and management decisions, especially when the class of the horse seems to be known and their career needs to be managed to maximize it.” said Performance Genetics CEO Byron Rogers.
One of the first horses that was tested last year using the product while it was still in its beta phase was the grade one winner Turbulent Descent. The multiple grade one winning mare is one horse whose genetic profile in terms of optimal distance was much more like her broodmare sire than her sire or female family with her trainer Mike Puype commenting:
“After winning the Santa Anita Oaks at a mile and a sixteenth I wasn’t completely sure if the mile and an eighth of the Kentucky Oaks was what Turbulent Descent wanted. I had Performance Genetics perform an Optimal Distance test on her and she came up as a pure sprinter. That confirmed my thoughts and we switched her back to sprinting even though she had come off a win near the Oaks distance. Given her subsequent performance, the test was very helpful in determining the best career strategy for Turbulent Descent.”
The “Optimal Distance” test will be available at the upcoming two-year-old in training sales and at all major yearling and two-year-old sales in North America. The product is priced at US$250 per test, with discounts available for bulk orders (click to view more information and order).