The TTR Ten with Darren Dance

1. Best value stallion in the country?

For me, I Am Immortal at $8800 - if you send the right mare, you will get a city winner or maybe even better. Been a great for us to date.

2. Most exciting new stallion for 2025?

I am pleased that Celestial Legend is standing in Victoria at $27,500 - he was a serious racehorse and is a lovely type.

3. Breeding more, less, or the same as last year?

Our breeding stocks are the lowest they have been in 10 years mainly due to selling our farm and our mares needing to be replenished with fresh stock over this period.

4. Best breeder in the country?

Arrowfield Stud and Gilgai Farm - they just keep breeding winners.

Gallery: Darren Dance's picks for best breeders

5. Best judge of a weanling/yearling?

Johnny McKeever keeps popping up world wide, and Shane McGrath has done well in recent times - one to watch.

6. Best pound-for-pound trainer?

Graeme Begg - amazing results for a trainer with a small team.

7. Most talented young person you’ve come across recently?

Tyler Donaldson-Aitken, he is the son of Stan Aitken. Horse breaker in Ballarat, and he now has a trainer's license - has a big future from what I have seen.

8. Redistribute prizemoney across races, or happy as is?

Difficult question. I think the prizemoney overall is distributed pretty well across the board. There is always opportunities to improve. Returns to owners are critical to keep them in the game, given the rise in cost of living and the rising costs to have a horse in training.

9. Tariff on imported horses - great idea or misguided protectionism?

Leave it as it is - it's a free trade model and it attracts the best to compete. That’s what we want to see.

10. Your best mate in the business?

My wife, Liz. She does all the hard yards in our organisation.