1990--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Computer’s Role in Thoroughbred Handicapping”,
American Turf Monthly, December 1990

In his first feature article, Faversham examines the strengths and weaknesses of the computer in picking racetrack winners. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring data with the PC but leaves the responsibilty of plotting outcome scenarios and executing the wagering decisions to the human mind.

1991--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Kentucky Derby Future Book“,
American Turf Monthly , March 1991

In this piece, Rommy and two other pedigree writers compile a thorough table of the bloodline/dosage parameters of all potential 1991 Kentucky Derby participants.

“A Spring Classic Profile”,
Western Gambler , March 6, 1991

What have been the most frequently shared elements in the previous 116 Derby winners? Rommy Faversham’s search finds some interesting, and previously undocumented, findings.

“A Dosage Angle for the Derby”,
American Turf Monthly , May 1991

Here, Faversham outlines his concepts regarding the “optimal genetic makeup of the classic winner”. His theory of the “Phalaris/Non-Phalaris Genetic Signature” is introduced for the first time in print. The Signature had a magnificent 1991 Kentucky Derby when 6 of the 16 horses in the race had the described cross. These six ran 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/ 6th and 11th. (This collection did not, in fact, include the 1st or 2nd choice of the betting
public) With this latest Derby, 19 of the last 26 winners carried the signature.

“A Conversation with Jeff Siegel“,
American Turf Monthly, June & July 1991

Rommy interviews the horse owner, handicapper and analyst about the racing game, proper wagering techniques and the future of the sport.

“The Phalaris / Non-Phalaris Theory”,
Owner/Breeder , July/August/ September 1991

This comprehensive, three part study examines the “classic Mega-Nick”; the cross between the Phalaris tail-male line and Non- Phalaris line mares. A random sample of over 4700 pedigrees are evaluated to derive population values for the four quadrants of genetic signature. It is found that the P/NP signature makes up less than a third of the American species at large. This is far less than the quadrant‘s present impact on racing of a classic nature and stallion rankings as a whole.

“Unlocking the Maiden Mystery”,
American Turf Monthly, September 1991

A nifty feature which points out some nuggets to use while handicapping the maidens. It includes a short list of Phalaris -based stallions who have shown excellence at siring winners at an early age.

“Body Language Checklist“,
American Turf Monthly, October 1991

A review of the eight most common patterns of a horse’s appearance in the paddock . Keys in on the visual signs of a horse's attitude .

“Pedigreee and Current form: Keys to the Mile?“,
American Turf Monthly, November 1991

In ATM’s Breeders’ Cup special issue, Faversham reveals the six characteristics of a B.C. Mile winner. These benchmarks are based on pedigree, class and form In its seven year history, twelve milers have met all 6 criteria and 7 of them won.

1992------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

`“A Conversation with Trevor Denman”,
American Turf Monthly, February 1992

One of the nation’s top race callers casts a critical eye on the state of the game. Topics that Denman discusses include “best bets”, use of Lasix, the whip and international racing.

"Playing His Cards Right: A Conversation with Racing Secretary
Tom Robbins", American Turf Monthly, April 1992

A behind-the-scenes look at carding a day's action with Santa Anita's director of racing. Tom Robbins discusses such topics as creating a condition book, developing relationships with owners and trainers and the assigning of weights.

“Origin of the Grey”,
Owner/Breeder, May 1992

Complete with charts and graphs, Faversham presents the definitive work on the thoroughbred’s grey coat color trait. The 6-page piece explores the grey’s rich racing history, as well it‘s method of transmission. The article concludes by promoting the study of trait inheritance for the purpose of furthering our knowledge on the breeding of racehorses.

“PC Dosage Pedigree Analysis Software”,
American Turf Monthly , June 1992

A review of an PC-based program which provides useful pedigree information for any racing card. The article shows some of the better ways to utilize the acquired data in the handicapping process.

“Exploding a Few Seaside Myths”,
American Turf Monthly, August 1992

Using graphical analysis and quotes from an interview with nationally ranked trainer, Gary Jones, Faversham presents the pitfalls of Del Mar patrons’ most overused cliche: “horses for courses”. The article, also, keys in on the characteristics of the Del Mar grass course and the horses who run well over it.

“Origin of the Chestnut”,

Owner/Breeder , August/September 1992

Using a similar format to “Origin of the Grey”, this article is a thorough discourse on the inheritance and history of the chestnut coated racehorse. It points out a number of fascinating trends and concludes with a complete list of chefs-de-race and their coloration.

“A Round Table Decision”,
Owner/Breeder , October 1992

In an unprecedented event, Faversham re-classifies the great stallion, Round Table, from Solid to Intermediate/Solid chef-de-race . In an exhaustive study of his traits as a sire, the report documents Round Table’s true aptitudes. The article is followed by its acceptance by vote by the International Dosage Committee by a vote of 6 to 1

“Phalaris: the Past, the Present, the Future",
Owner/Breeder , November 1992

This article describes the sireline of Phalaris and explains the numerous factors that have led to its bloodlines’ dominance in the second half of the 20th century. Included is a graph which demonstrates the sub-branches of Phalaris most likely to carry on the male line into the 21st century.

“What Counts in the Long Run”,
American Turf Monthly , November 1992

This article hones in on the key factors in handicapping the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Using profiles of the 8 previous winners of this race, Faversham describes specific criteria in form, class, pedigree and preps to look for.

1993--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What’s Wrong with the Dosage Index?”,
Owner/Breeder , February 1993

In this piece, Faversham isolates two glaring weaknesses in Roman’s Dosage Index:
1) its failure to treat Dosage as a spectrum
2) its failure to give equal genetic representation to the
sire and dam
By correcting the flaws, a new formula is presented which provides more accurate Dosage parameters. This formula is already finding approval with select international breeding periodicals.

“Overdosing the Derby?”,
American Turf Monthly , May 1993

This piece describes many of the pitfalls of Roman’s Dosage analysis and why it has lost much of its interest and credibility. Faversham provides a much more logical approach in using pedigree information to measure a Thoroughbred’s liklihood of getting the Kentucky Derby’s mile and a quarter.

“Klairon: Intermediate Chef-de-Race",
Owner/Breeder , July 1993

The French stallion, Klairon is analyzed and shown to have expressed a distinct breed-shaping effect on the Thoroughbred. The racing traits he transmitted are examined and shown to be, overall, of an Intermediate nature. A review by the Dosage Advisory Committee follows, which by a vote of 7 to 0 appoints Klairon to Intermediate chef status.

“Who’s the Fairest of Them All?”,
American Turf Monthly , November 1993

In his third year of analyzing a specific Breeders’ Cup race, Faversham tackles the Juvenile Fillies contest. By reviewing the nine previous runnings of the BCFillies, we find this race is won with a combination of class, recency, pace and pedigree.

“Nearctic: Brilliant Chef-de-Race “,
Owner/Breeder , December/January 1993

In another hallmark report, Faversham provides a comprehensive review of Nearctic’s impact on contemporary bloodlines. His overall effect on the breed is shown to be of a Brilliant nature, both as a sire and broodmare sire. The Dosage Advisory Committee follows up with a unanimous vote (7-0) in favor of classifying Nearctic as a Brilliant chef-de-race .

1994-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Do Greys Make Better Mudders?”,
Owner/Breeder , March 1994

In response to the reader mailbag, Faversham tackles the question of Thoroughbred coat color and whether it’s linked to racing skills on off tracks. In a study of 237 graded stakes races run on wet tracks from 1990-93, it’s found that all the coats ran to their populational frequencies. The liklihood of a correlation, then, is unlikely. Faversham concludes with some thoughts on the importance of a mudder’s foot and gait.

"The Delta Pattern",
Owner/Breeder , August 1994

In this feature article, Faversham unleashes an uncommon, yet most auspicious form of inbreeding. The Delta Pattern is inbreeding a full brother and sister in tail-male and female line. A large list of individuals who demonstrated the pattern are enumerated and outlined. The predominant qualities of Deltas are shown to be Brilliance and a Superior ability as Producers. A genetic basis for the inbreeding formula is also provided.

“The Uncertainty Principle”,
American Turf Monthly , October 1994

In this short thesis, Faversham shows how the fundamental principles of quantum physics serves as a useful model in the consideration of horse race handicapping. The analysis process is seen as having two distinct approaches: the “micro” and the “macro”. The former sees each runner as an individual, while the latter views the race as a whole and seeks to find who stands to benefit from the predicted pace profile.

"Inbreeding & Outcrossing in the Natural Herd Environment" ,
Owner/Breeder , October 1994

In this article, breeding patterns of the horse in the wild are analyzed and compared with some important observations within the Thoroughbred population. The natural tendency of equine herds to limit inbreeding to tail-male lines is introduced and then contrasted with the direction many racehorses have been bred. Examples are given that help to explain why some previously potent sirelines may have declined or become extinct.

“Sudden Impact”,
American Turf Monthly , November 1994

For the 1994 edition of the Breeders’ Cup, Faversham takes on the Juveniles. A number of angles are identified by using ‘impact values’. Specific parameters of class, pedigree and training are suggested as criteria for winning this race. A brief history of this race is included for the purpose of highlighting the perils of supporting any odds-on favorites in this contest.

“Fulfilling Dreams”,
Daily Racing Form , November 17th, 1994

Upon invitation by DRF’s Bloodstock Editor, S.H. Fernando, Faversham provides this special that ran on the day of the paper’s 100th anniversary. Prompted by Nannetta’s victory in the 1994 California Cup Distaff, Rommy describes his partnership in Esprit de Corps Stable and its members. Included in the discussion, is the unique form of female family inbreeding (the Formula One form of the Rasmussen Factor) found within Nannetta’s pedigree. This breeding pattern has long been championed by stable partner and ‘Bloodlines guru, Leon Rasmussen.

“The Power of Pedigree: Handicapping Cal-Breds”
American Turf Monthly , December 1994

In this feature for ATM, Faversham details many of the important pedigree factors that go into handicapping Cal-bred races. Listings of the Top Ten Speed, Turf, and First Crop Stallions in California are provided along with useful characteristics and trends for each sire.

1995------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Formula One: A Unique Method of Inbreeding”,
Owner/Breeder , March 1995

In comprehensive fashion, Faversham explores the special qualities of inbreeding when both the sire and dam both share a common tail-female matriarch. A two page table of prominent Thoroughbreds who have carried the Formula One pattern is included. This article comes on the heels of Rommy and Leon Rasmussen’s Nannetta winning the 1994 California Cup Distaff. Nannetta’s dam demonstrated the Formula One pattern.

“Give ‘em the Axe: the Mahmoud / Equipoise Cross”,
Owner/Breeder , June 1995

In this cover story, Faversham explores the breeding formulas of J.R. Keene & H.P. Whitney that led to 1930’s racing hero, Equipoise. In turn, it is shown how this “Equipoise pattern” became the optimal cross for chef-de-race, Mahmoud when he was imported to the U.S. in 1940. This “Mahmoud / Equipoise cross” is closely examined and shown to be worthy of duplication (particularly through the sire, The Axe II) in contemporary pedigrees.

“Summer School”,
American Turf Monthly, August 1995

In ATM’s Del Mar Preview issue, Faversham gives an overview of handicapping turf races at the local spa. Track bias, pedigree considerations and the old war cry “horses for courses” are highlighted. Trends used in Rommy’s 1992 Del Mar piece are updated and shown to have been successful over the past three years.

“The Spanker Mare: The Thoroughbred’s Ancestral Mom”,
Owner/Breeder , September 1995

In this hallmark piece co-authored by Faversham and his ‘Bloodlines’ mentor, Leon Rasmussen, the never told story of the Spanker Mare is revealed. It is shown that this unnamed matron, foaled c. 1690 is the dominant female in the pedigrees of all three of the Thoroughbred’s foundation stallions: Eclipse, Herod and Matchem. This presence is shown to be first through her tail-female line and, then, in subsequent generations, through inbreeding to this remarkable individual. The Spanker Mare is also shown to be an extreme example of the ‘Formula One’ pattern. This thesis is, most probably, the strongest case ever made for the powers of the Rasmussen Factor and its influence on Thoroughbred development.

“A Piece of the Action”,
Thoroughbred of California, October 1995

For the journal’s gala pre-Cal Cup issue, Rommy was invited to recall “the thrill of being part of Nannetta’s career and upset win in last year’s California Cup Distaff”. The article complete with color photographs of Nannetta and her connections reviews the chestnut’s roller coaster career on the track, culminating with her $34 + shocker in the ‘94 Distaff.

“The Rasmussen Factor Pays Off”,
Daily Racing Form, December 21, 1995

As an installment of DRF’s Bloodstock Exchange, Faversham describes how to use the software, PC Dosage to uncover the uncommon pattern of female family inbreeding. The successful results of following (betting) first-time starters expressing the Rasmussen Factor over a 6 month period are reviewed.

1996------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Shaping the breed for the 21st century”,
Thoroughbred Times, February 3, 1996

This article is a comprehensive analysis of the methods of inbreeding to the foundation stallion, Northern Dancer. It highlights the powerful affinity between this great sire and the progenitor, *Teddy and how this blend can be applied in the inbreeding process to Northern Dancer. Included in this presentation is a Northern Dancer Time Line, photographs of the stallion and his great son, Nijinsky II, as well as a table listing all 49 Group/Graded SWs in North America & Europe (through 1995) who have been inbred in this manner.

“Rasmussen Factor has reared its Classical Face”,
Daily Racing Form, March 15, 1996

Here, Faversham reviews the five generation of all 354 nominees to the VISA Triple Crown Challenge. From this pool, nineteen individuals are found to demonstrate some variation of the ‘Rasmussen Factor’. A complete chart providing the name, sire/dam, inbreeding pattern and race record of these 1996 sophomores is provided.

“Crossing Squaws”,
The Thoroughbred of California, June 1996

In this feature article, the hallmark broodmare, The Squaw II is studied in depth. After re-tracing the life and times of this “blue hen” along with her distinguished daughters, comprehensive analysis is presented that demonstrates the disproportionate amount of success derived from inbreeding to this illustrious family. Grade One winners who have carried strains of The Squaw II family through both sire and dam include Broad Brush, Lost Code, Sham Say, Southern Truce and Private Persuasion. The latter two were Cal-breds who came from a very small pool of runners carrying the auspicious cross.

“A Relative Matter”,
Thoroughbred Times, December 7th, 1996

In both qualitative and quantitative fashion, Faversham provides convincing evidence of the auspicious cross between the close relatives, *My Babu, *Ambiorix and *Klairon. The piece includes a list of the 28 International Group/Grade One Winners carrying the cross, as well as progeny comparisons of leading stallions whose effectiveness in siring group winners doubled when bred to mares who established one of the combinations of this cross. Based on the pedigrees of 1991-95 Keeneland yearlings, the percentage of the Thoroughbred population with the My Babu / Ambiorix / Klairon cross appears to be less than 1%. This article provides ample evidence that these genetically select individuals are far exceeding their statistical expectations.

1997------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Numbers don’t lie: RF runners by a mile”,
Daily Racing Form, January 17 th, 1997

The year end totals for the 1996 VISA nominations to the Triple Crown are provided. In addition, the DRF published along side the entire 3/15/96 article listing the 19 nominees carrying the Rasmussen Factor. The results were scintillating. Of the 327 nominees without the RF: 32 became graded SWs (9.8%), 9 being grade 1 SWs (2.8); whereas amongst the 19 nominees with the RF, 8 became graded SWs (42.1%), 3 of which were grade 1 SWs (15.8%). Additionally, the ‘RF stable’ made well over $6 million, an average of over $320K per individual.
In the following Sunday issue of the DRF, Bloodstock editor, Sid Fernando devoted his column to a lively phone interview with Rommy and Leon Rasmussen discussing the ‘96 VISA results, the impact of the Rasmussen Factor as well as their collaboration on the book detailing the history and impact of the RF.

“RF Nominees Ready to Roll”,
Daily Racing Form, January 17 th, 1997
Following the same method as 1996, the nominees for the 1997 VISA Triple Crown Challenge demonstrating the Rasmussen Factor are identified. The list includes 25 nominees from 368 colts and geldings preparing for this year’s Classics.


1998------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“California’s New Stallions for 1998”,
California Thoroughbred, February 1998

A review of freshman sires starting their stud career in California. They include River Flyer, Vaudeville, Urgent Request, Siberian Summer, Ambivalent, Illinois Storm and Holding Court. The relocated stallions, The Wicked North and Fountain of Gold are also discussed.
To better help the local breeder, successful female family inbreeding patterns that could be created with each of these sires are discussed.

“A Forester among the trees”,
The Australian BloodHorse Review, Feb. 1998

In his first article for this periodical, Faversham recalls a runner from the mid-18th century, Forester, whose pedigree and family development express the merits of female family inbreeding. The pedigrees of Forester, as well as Eclipse, the greatest stallion of all time, are both shown to have demonstrated inbreeding to Forester’s Family Number Eleven for two consecutive generations.

“How Sirelines Often Survive”,
The Australian BloodHorse Review, May 1998

This article examines the continuous weave of female family inbreedings that has occurred along the surviving male line of the Godolphin Arabian. Accordingly, based on his pedigree and race record, the new shuttle sire Honour and Glory is presented as an appropriate candidate to continue on this legendary but currently tenuous sireline.

“Sirelines:Fappiano”,
The Australian BloodHorse Review, October 1998

Describes the impact of female family inbreeding within the male line of Fappiano. This process was initiated by John Nerud and Tartan Farms. Statistical as well as anecdotal evidence of the RF outperforming its opportunites for both Fappiano and his most notable sons at stud are provided.

1999------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Inbreeding to superior female lines”,
Thoroughbred Times, August 14th 1999

Describes the most recent successes, by way of Graded/Group victories enjoyed by international Thoroughbreds demonstrating the Rasmussen Factor. Includes table of U.S. Graded SWs during the first 6 months of 1999. Also includes 5 generation pedigrees of Almutawakel, Tranquility Lake and Sumitas.

2000------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“A History of Female Inbreeding in California”,
California Thoroughbred, February and March 2000

In this two part feature, the concept of the Rasmussen Factor is outlined. In Part One, Major stakes winning Cal-breds demonstrating the RF from 1950-1990 are highlighted. In Part Two, Cal-bred stakes winners of the recently completed decade are featured. Additionally, a chart is provided that suggests appropriate matings for stallions standing in California whose foals are not yet of racing age.