Hello, I'm Laurie Ross, welcome to my website. Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds was created in 2008. The company name is in honor of Iron Maiden, a daughter of War Admiral out of the blue hen Betty Derr, by Sir Gallahad. Iron Maiden was foaled in 1941 and compiled a 61-12-10-10 race record. She won the 1947 Del Mar Handicap against colts and was second in both the Vanity Handicap and San Diego Handicap in 1948. The hardy mare bore twelve foals, four of whom were stakes winners. Her most celebrated son, Iron Liege won the 1957 Kentucky Derby over Gallant Man. Iron Maiden's daughter Iron Reward produced 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps. Iron Maiden and Iron Reward are the only mother-daughter duo to bear Kentucky Derby winners.

About Me:

I am a Pedigree Analyst, Handicapper and published author. I am also a member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association. I have committed my passion for horses to the intensive study of pedigree and breeding theory for the last twenty years and have been mentored by some of the most respected pedigree gurus in the business. Starting in my teens, first as a hot walker and then an exercise racing stables I learned valuable lessons about Thoroughbred conformation, gait and temperament. I continued my passion for horses as a volunteer with rescued and retired racehorses. I first became interested in pedigree research when the sons and daughters of my favorite horses started their racing careers.

Pedigree Consultation Services:

Client goals are first and foremost. As a "Personal Shopper" for Thoroughbreds, I support clients with all aspects of pedigree consultation and management. Working closely with owners and trainers, I find the best horses and bloodlines to suit their objectives. Owners can relax and enjoy their acquisitions while I assist in taking care of the little, but important details such as paperwork and nominations. Please visit the Pedigree Services page for more information. Clients include national leading owners, racing/breeding syndicates, the little guy with one mare and everyone in between. My client's success is foremost. I treat each client's breeding and racing objectives as if they were my own.

Handicapping:

I've been handicapping since my uncle (isn't it always an uncle?) asked me to read the past performances for him because he was too vain to put on his reading glasses. I was five years old. I picked up plenty of betting tools since then, and my favorite, of course, is pedigree. In 2010, I joined Horse Racing Nation, the second largest horse racing website by visits, as their Pedigree Analyst/Racing Correspondent. On my blog Pedigree Power at Horse Racing Nation, I provide handicapping pedigree insight of up and coming sires, plus two and three-year-old stakes winners on the Triple Crown trail. Additionally, the yearly "Kiddie List" identifies future stakes winning two-year-olds from around the country, noting their morning breezes and pedigrees.

Products:

Yearly Freshman Sire Guide:

Around 2008, some friends were discussing the dearth of information regarding the offspring of the new sires. They had no idea what to expect, so these handicappers would avoid playing the maiden races and miss out on huge payouts. Thus, the first yearly Freshman Sires Guide was foaled in 2009 and has continued to this day. This unique guide, available as a pdf or hard copy, reviews how the offspring of the year's freshman sires should perform over various surfaces and distances. I invented the precocity ratings, very similar to a Tomlinson number, and after a bit of tweaking discovered that the precocity rating system is very accurate. The Freshman Sire Guide is the only book in the United States that offers detailed information on the offspring of twenty - plus sires and how to bet their progeny.

Triple Crown E-Book Series:

I offered the initial Triple Crown E-Book series in 2009, giving viable information on each horse and a detailed assessment of each horse's chances based on this data. Readers were delighted to cash in on one of the biggest payouts in Kentucky Derby history when I named Mine That Bird as my longshot pick. Word got out and the creators of Minethatbird.com asked to feature my detailed assessment profile of Mine That Bird and Kentucky Derby race analysis which included him as my longshot selection.

Publications:

Besides twice-weekly contributions to Horse Racing Nation, my work is also featured at US Racing, and Everything EQ. My articles have been published on many national and international websites and in newspapers. The Paulick Report's "Best of the Blogs." and Sid Fernando's twitter feed of "best blogs" mention my work frequently. The sports radio shows Straight Bet Talk and Pass the Buck Talking Horses have graciously interviewed me every year for pedigree insights to the Kentucky Derby. The IMT Blog features stakes races for two and three-year-olds, plus a shiny new chat room where we preview major stakes days. Many a longshot pick has been mentioned during the fun, informal handicapping chats. Social Media is everywhere. Come find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google Plus, and Contently.

Giving Back:

Introducing newcomers to the sport of horse racing and bringing the attention of the racing public to the serious issues of Thoroughbred rescue and retirement are very important to me. In 2011, I accepted the role of South Florida Coordinator and Advisory Board Member for the national non-profit Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association (ThoroFan). Working closely with race fans and Gulfstream Park management, we created the South Florida ThoroFan Chapter at Gulfstream Race Track. Besides meeting new and existing fans and offering handicapping and social events, our main project and goal is assisting Thoroughbred rescue and re-training groups via fundraising. One of our fundraisers, the ThoroFan Award Brunch, is part of the NTRA Eclipse Awards event. If you live on the east coast of Florida and would like more information about ThoroFan or would like to join us, kindly contact me or click on the "ThoroFan" button.

I strongly believe in breeding responsibly and taking lifelong care of the animals we breed. Therefore, I donate up to twenty percent of my yearly profits to Thoroughbred rescue and re-training organizations.

Thanks for visiting the Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds website. Take a look around and explore the links. New content will be added at intervals. If you have any questions or comments, please Contact Me.