just a quick question if anyone can answer. is there any chance of breeding a grade 1 winning horse from horses that are from grade 1's foals themselves, but never achieved more than a class 2? or is that a no-hoper and i need to get at least 1 good grade 1 winner to breed at the least?

I find its best to have a G1 winning stallion go over the mare to begin with, then as your mare's improve all the better.