Magic Millions soars to new heights as Maher continues buying spree

19 min read
Another bullish session continued the record-setting pace of trade at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with the second day highlighted by four $1-million-plus lots, including a $1.7 million Not A Single Doubt colt purchased by Ciaron Maher Racing and Tony Fung Investments.

At A Glance

All key indicators sit substantially higher than last year's record-breaking Sale, with the Sale average at $287,004 (was $258,773 last year), the median $227,500 ($180,000), the overall aggregate of $97 million.

The highlight stat is the clearance rate, sailing at a stratospheric 94.4 per cent (88 per cent last year).

Zoustar sits on top of the stallion aggregate totals, with $9.1 million across 22 lots, while Not A Single Doubt leads the averages on $1.025 million across three lots sold. I Am Invincible, with $9 million of sales at an average of $599,000, sits second in both categories.

Justify (USA) and The Autumn Sun are staging quite a battle for first-crop sire honours, with the former leading the aggregate battle on $4.845 million, just $20,000 ahead of the Arrowfield freshman, who leads the Coolmore shuttler on averages, $344,643 to $323,000.

Ciaron Maher Bloodstock remains the leading buyer with 17 purchases for a total of $6.35 million, a total which doesn't include the $1.7 million Sale-topper as that colt was purchased in partnership.

Newgate Farm stays as the leading vendor on aggregate with $6.9 million across 17 sales to date, while Emirates Park leads vendor averages on $562,500.

The top lot, a colt from the final crop of Not A Single Doubt, was offered by Segenhoe Stud.

I Am Invincible had two seven-figure lots, a filly from Emirates Park which sold to Sheamus Mills for $1.55 million and a colt secured by James Harron from Yarraman Park for $1.1 million.

A China Horse Club-bred colt by Zoustar offered by Sledmere Stud was secured for $1.3 million by the Victorian Alliance.

No Doubts for Maher on quality colt

A spirited bidding battle for Lot 261, the Not A Single Doubt colt from Segenhoe Stud, ended in the favour of Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and Tony Fung Investments, who won the battle for the first foal from Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Miss Admiration (Sebring), paying $1.7 million.

Lot 261 - Not A Single Doubt x Miss Admiration (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

It was the second-highest price ever for a yearling by Not A Single Doubt, whose final crop features this year, and who was the sire of the first Group 1 winner Maher and David Eustace trained in partnership, Kenedna.

He is also a stallion which Tony Fung has shown great affection for, purchasing several of his leading colts and fillies across his various investments over the years.

Maher held his nerve in a strong contest for the colt, who opened on a bid of $800,000.

Lot 261 - Not A Single Doubt x Miss Admiration (colt) and Ciaron Maher

“It was what I expected really given the price of Not A Single Doubt. He’s obviously retired, there’s no more of them, out of a really good race mare, with a lovely physical, and being by that stallion I always thought we’d have to bat up for him and we’re rapt to get him and hopefully he can come back here," Maher said.

“There’s a few attributes of the Not A Single Doubts that we’ve had really good success with in the stable. They’ve really good temperaments, great movement and great physical. Not over-big but they don’t need to be.

“They’ve (Not A Single Doubts) got really good temperaments, great movement and great physical. Not over-big but they don’t need to be." - Ciaron Maher

“Generally Not A Single Doubt sharpens mares that get over a bit of ground right up and the main thing is the quality is there."

Miss Admiration, who was placed in a G1 Australian Oaks, and raced in the Segenhoe Stud colours, is out of stakes-placed Street Cry (Ire) mare Admiring, from the family of stakes winners Ballet Girl (Covetous) and Empire Dancer (Second Empire {Ire}).

It was yet another outstanding result for Segenhoe, who have had sold at least one seven-figure yearling in each of the past five Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales.

“We knew he was going to sell very well. He had all the right people on him, Coolmore were the underbidders on him and Rosemont Stud were very strong on him. He was extremely popular from the day he got here," Segenhoe Stud General Manager Peter O'Brien said.

Peter O'Brien | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“You never expect him to make $1.7 million but we knew he would be a seven-figure colt.

“It’s terrific for the Maloney family, they bought the mother as a yearling, raced her and specifically went to Not A Single Doubt. She’s a lovely, big staying mare, to put muscle tone and speed in and that’s what we got. I think we got nearly 100 per cent Danehill rather than 50-50."

O'Brien was delighted to see the colt end up with Maher and Eustace, who have enjoyed such great success with Segenhoe-bred horses such as Merchant Navy.

“It’s terrific for the Maloney family, they bought the mother as a yearling, raced her and specifically went to Not A Single Doubt." - Peter O'Brien

“He’s in the best of hands. We’re absolutely over the moon that he went to them, they’re good friends of them and they’re terrific trainers with a terrific system, all the team are professionals and he could not be in better hands," he said.

Miss Admiration, who did not produce a live foal in 2021, visited Newgate's Capitalist last year.

Miss Admiration when racing | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Maher's spree continues

Ciaron Maher Bloodstock added another seven horses to the 13 it purchased either in its own name or in partnership on Day 1, taking its total spend to over $9.62 million after the first two days of selling.

Among its other purchases on Wednesday was Lot 376, the Merchant Navy half-sister to G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner September Run (Exceed And Excel), offered by Coolmore Stud for $700,000. That purchase was in partnership with Best Bloodstock.

In its own right, it purchased Lot 327, a filly by Justify (USA) out of Now Now (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) from Silverdale Farm for $400,000. The filly, who was a $200,000 weanling purchase, is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Fiesta (I Am Invincible).

Gallery: Some of Ciaron Maher Bloodstock's purchases on the first two days, images courtesy of Magic Millions

It also paid $380,000 for Lot 260, a Snitzel filly out of R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Mirror Mirror (Dehere {USA}) offered by Strawberry Hill Stud, and $360,000 for Lot 277, a Zoustar filly out stakes winner Modern Wonder (Snitzel), the sister to Maher and Eustace's Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Away Game. She was offered by Kia Ora Stud.

“This is always probably our biggest sale of each year. Last year it was and this year’s sort of shaping up pretty well as well. Gerry and Katie always do a great job and it’s a good time for the clients. We get as many up here as we can and we’ve got a really good hand heading into raceday as well," Maher said.

“This is always probably our biggest sale of each year. Last year it was and this year’s sort of shaping up pretty well as well." - Ciaron Maher

TFI, who was the leading buyer at last year's Sale, has also been very busy for far in 2022, buying nine horses under its own name as well, spending $3.025 million.

Market at full speed

With considerable momentum built in the market through the first two days, Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch is delighted with how things have proceeded through the first two days.

"It was a fantastic day. We predicted that Day 2 would gain a bit of gusto, and another deep solid day’s trade," he said.

Barry Bowditch

"It’s always good to work through the glass ceiling ($1 million lots) and we did that on several occasions today but it was just a good, healthy, diverse market. Everyone’s getting a turn and the vendors have been realistic but they’re giving the buyers confidence to play on their horses.

"It was just a good, healthy, diverse market. Everyone’s getting a turn and the vendors have been realistic but they’re giving the buyers confidence to play on their horses." - Barry Bowditch

"There’s still another 531 horses in Book 1 to offer and Book 2, so we’re far from over. We’ve got to continue the momentum, continue the enthusiasm and ensure that the market’s good from Lot 1 all the way up to Lot 1235."

Bowditch said the strong competition for the top colts was a great sign after the first day was dominated by fillies at the top of the market.

Magic Millions bid spotters in action on Day 2

"When a quality colt that’s bred well enough walks in, there’s many a bidder on them. Most of those horses were making big, big money. It was more than a duel, it was spirited competition all over the auditorium," he said.

"We’re thrilled with how it was conducted today. It was seamless. It felt good. It just gained from that strong first day of selling and the traction just continued."

Mills Doubles down on Vinnie strategy

Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA) paid $900,000 for an I Am Invincible filly (Lot 102) on Tuesday and backed up his enthusiasm for the Yarraman Park sire by paying $1.55 million for Lot 306, a filly from the draft of Emirates Park.

The filly is out of Najoom (Northern Meteor), who was purchased by Emirates Park as a yearling. She was a Group 3 winner on the track and both her foals to the track have been winner, including this filly's sister Najmaty, who won a the Listed Redoute's Choice S. last year for Peter and Paul Snowden.

Gallery: Sheamus Mills' I Am Invincible purchases, images courtesy of Magic Millions

It's a family with a host of black type on the page, with her third dam, Joleur (Bite The Bullet {USA}) a sister to Mica's Pride, the dam of Group 1 winners Criterion (NZ) and Comin' Through (Fastnet Rock).

“I’ve seen enough of these Vinnies. He’s the one stallion who just continually produces a type and he’s a horse you can really trust in that regard," Mills said.

"I suppose in terms of looking into the future and the long-term project of breeding out of these horses and so on, you hope that black cats get black kittens and that they’ll produce types like themselves."

"I suppose in terms of looking into the future and the long-term project of breeding out of these horses and so on, you hope that black cats get black kittens and that they’ll produce types like themselves." - Sheamus Mills

It is not the most expensive I Am Invincible filly that Mills has purchased. That honour belongs to the daughter of Hips Don’t Lie (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) he paid $1.95 million at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He said from a commercial perspective, the focus on fillies by the Yarraman Park resident made perfect sense.

“I think more than any stallions, I guess he’s the guy that’s risen to the top of the Sale averages, he consistently produces type," he said.

"I see a lot of horses on complex that look like their dam sires, so I’m obviously hoping we’ve bought the next superstar on the racetrack. When you’re paying that sort of money, you need a good back up plan and treat it like a business and that’s what we’re doing.

Sheamus Mills

“We firmly believe that over the next five to 10 years we’ll have a program in place that makes all these things make sense."

Mills, who buys for an ownership group which also includes Newton Thoroughbreds and Chesapeake Thoroughbreds, said a trainer for the filly will be determined after the Sale.

"I’m sure there will be no shortage of trainers put their hand up, but I’ll work that out at the end of the Sale. There’s a couple other horses there that I like and we’ll just see what we end up with and we’ll go from there as far as trainers go," he said.

Too commercial to retain

Najoom has blessed Emirates Park with four fillies from her past four foals and that led to the commercial decision to offer this filly for sale according to General Manager Bryan Carlson.

Najoom when racing | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

"It was a great result. It was a bittersweet to see her go, but when you bring horses of that type and quality, they tend to sell well," Carlson said.

"She was probably the filly in the Sale that ticked all the boxes in terms of type, stallion, pedigree and everything. It was great result for everyone."

"She (Lot 306) was probably the filly in the Sale that ticked all the boxes in terms of type, stallion, pedigree and everything. It was great result for everyone." - Bryan Carlson

Emirates Park is well placed to go on with the family with Najoom having a Tassort filly last year before going to Capitalist. Lot 306's half-sister, Najmah (Snitzel), visited I Am Invincible last year to start out her breeding career, while Najmaty remains in work, but has plenty to offer as broodmare when that time should come.

"It was purely a commercial decision and as much as I would have loved to see her race in the green silks, it was one of those things you have to do," Carlson said of the filly sold on Wednesday.

Najmaty | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Victorian victory

The Victorian Alliance, which made a major splash on the Gold Coast last year, landed its first blow of 2022 when paying $1.3 million for Lot 375, a Zoustar colt offered by Sledmere Stud.

Lot 375 - Zoustar x Pirapala (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

The China Horse Club-bred colt is out of Pirapala (Sepoy), the half-sister to G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Instant Celebrity (Not A Single Doubt) and continues a brilliant Sale for the progeny of the Widden Stud stallion, who leads all stallions on aggregate with $9.1 million across 22 sales.

The Victorian Alliance is a colts syndicate which brings together several prominent Victorian breeders and it is headed by Rosemont Stud. Bloodstock agent Suman Hedge (FBAA) and David Redvers Bloodstock are also involved in selection and co-signed for this colt.

Ryan McEvoy

"We’ve had a bit of luck with the stallion. We bought Brereton here last year for a similar amount of money and we were rapt to hit the scoreboard with him early when he won the (G3) Maribyrnong S. This is a colt that has a very similar profile to Brereton who we’ve got with Moods (Peter Moody)," Rosemont Stud's General Manager Bloodstock Ryan McEvoy said.

"He’s a horse that combines a great pedigree. I notice that James Harron’s one that won on Saturday (at Caulfield - Philosopher) was a Zoustar out of Sepoy mare also. This is a great family, a great speed family. It’s the profile of a mare I think Zoustar really enjoys and works best with."

"This is a great family, a great speed family. It’s the profile of a mare I think Zoustar really enjoys and works best with." - Ryan McEvoy

McEvoy said a trainer for the colt would be determined in time, with the colts in the syndicate spread out across several stables.

"After Easter last year we sat down and determined the trainers for all of them and we’ll do the same again. There’s no guarantees. Ultimately, we’ll get the horses home and tend to give them a week or two before we break them in and start to scratch the chin on a potential trainer," he said.

Pirapala, who is out of Group 2 winner Celebrity Girl (Starcraft {NZ}), was an $850,000 yearling purchase from this Sale in 2015 by China Horse Club. She won two races, including one at Moonee Valley for Lindsay Park before being retired to stud. This is her second foal, and she has since produced a filly by Russian Revolution last year before visiting Kia Ora Stud's Farnan last year

Celebrity Girl when racing | Image courtesy of Sportpix

McEvoy said the China Horse Club connection with the colt was another compelling reason to secure him.

"He’s off a really reputable farm and bred by a great breeder. We’ve actually been doing a bit with China Horse Club, we stand a stallion at theirs, Strasbourg, and they’re partners in Extreme Warrior with us, so nice to be still doing some reciprocal business with them here," he said.

Harron finds his target

James Harron's first strike for the week was a decisive one as the respected bloodstock agent went to $1.1 million for Lot 253, an I Am Invincible colt offered by Yarraman Park.

The colt is a brother to dual juvenile stakes winner and Swettenham Stud stallion I Am Immortal, with the pair out of Group 2-winning mare Meliora (Ad Valorem {USA}), whose I Am Invincible half-brother Whypeeo, was a Listed winner.

Lot 253 - I Am Invincible x Meliora (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Harron, who fended off a stern challenge from the Victorian Alliance who were the underbidders, said Lot 253 was a colt that quite literally, ticked all the boxes for his colts syndicate.

“It comes down to the quality of the horses. He’s a lovely horse and he’s by a stallion that needs no introduction. He’s got a very good pedigree, a very fast pedigree. The mare’s a proven producer and he’s a fantastic physical," he said.

"He’s (Lot 253) a lovely horse and he’s by a stallion that needs no introduction. He’s got a very good pedigree, a very fast pedigree. The mare’s a proven producer and he’s a fantastic physical." - James Harron

Harron has sourced a host of star horses out of this Sale, including Group 1 winners and future stallions Capitalist and King's Legacy, and while the I Am Invincible colt was the only purchase across the first two days, he said that was a reflection of the level of competition for the top horses.

“It’s been a very good marketplace. It’s great to see the depth of the buying bench and there’s a lot of nice horses. There’s still a lot more nice horses to come. We’ve got nice horses to be watching through the week," he said.

James Harron

Meliora has been an outstanding commercial producer for Yarraman Park, with her colts by Hinchinbook and I Am Invincible selling for $600,000 and $650,000 respectively in 2019 and 2020. She produced an I Am Invincible filly last year and went back to that stallion for a sixth time.

Busuttin/Young struck by Savabeel factor

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have had more individual winners by Waikato Stud's Champion stallion Savabeel than any other Australian-based trainer. So it was no great surprise that they were the winning bidders, in partnership with All Winners Thoroughbreds, for Lot 237, the brother to G1 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas winner Noverre (NZ), who secured a pricetag of $950,000.

The colt from the Sledmere Stud's draft was offered on behalf of his breeders at Waikato Stud, and was one of three Savabeels in the Sale. There was strong expectation on him, based on his brother's recent heroics and the way he presented.

Lot 237 - Savabeel x Magic Dancer (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Busuttin and Young's first-ever Group 1 winner, Sangster (NZ), was by Savabeel and they have prepared 28 further winners by him since. The only trainer that has more winners by him is New Zealand's leading horseman, Jamie Richards.

“They love work. They love being in the barn. The harder you are with them the better they are. They cop anything, they eat up, they’ve got great constitutions and they’re generally just nice horses to work with and they’ve just got a good heart and give their best on the track. The results speak for themselves," Young said.

"They (Savabeels) love work. They love being in the barn. The harder you are with them the better they are. They cop anything, they eat up, they’ve got great constitutions and they’re generally just nice horses to work with." - Natalie Young

“I think they’ve all won a race, the majority of the ones we have had. We’ve always had a couple of stars out of them."

Lot 237 is out of Group 3 winner Magic Dancer (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}). Her only foal to race in the Te Akau-owned Noverre, who was an NZ$800,000 yearling himself when sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and purchased by Te Akau.

Hong Kong-based All Winners Thoroughbreds will be partners in the colt.

“We’ve bought him with Denys Chan and Hong Kong’s All Winners. They’ve taken half and we’ll fill the other half," Young said.

“We’re not generally those buyers that spend too much. I like to dabble in the sort of get a bit of bang for your buck field, but he’s worth it even if he doesn’t race. He’s got the pedigree there."

The price tag is uncharted territory for the Cranbourne-based training pair, but Young said they are keen to back themselves in the market.

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young

“We bought one last year that we paid $925,000 for Bonheur and she ran third on debut at Caulfield last week and she’s going to go on and do good things going forward, she’s a lovely filly. We just want to get here and buy the ones we love," she said.

The third day of selling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale begins at 10am local, (11am AEST) on Thursday.

Top lots

261Not A Single DoubtMiss AdmirationCSegenhoe StudCiaron Maher Bloodstock$1,700,000
306I Am InvincibleNajoomFEmirates ParkSheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)$1,550,000
375ZoustarPirapalaCSledmere StudRosemont-Victorian Alliance/Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA)/David Redvers Bloodstock$1,300,000
253I Am InvincibleMelioraCYarraman Park StudJames Harron Bloodstock$1,100,000
237SavabeelMagic DancerCSledmere StudBusuttin Racing/All Winners Thoroughbreds$950,000
359I Am InvinciblePasar SilbanoCElement HillLegend Racing Pty Ltd$900,000
313I Am InvincibleNayeliCNewgate FarmChina Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing$850,000
201SnitzelLater GatorCArrowfield StudChina Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing$825,000
342SnitzelOur Crown MistressCEdinburgh ParkMick Wallace as agent for Freedman Brothers$800,000
376Merchant NavyPittsburgh FlyerFCoolmore StudCiaron Maher Bloodstock/Best Bloodstock$700,000

Top buyers

Ciaron Maher Bloodstock18$6,850,000 $380,556 $900,000
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing12$5,665,000 $472,083 $850,000
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott/Kestrel Thoroughbreds11$4,785,000 $435,000 $900,000
Annabel Neasham/Brian McGuire11$3,525,000 $320,455 $650,000
TFI9$2,840,000 $315,556 $650,000
Legend Racing Pty Ltd4$2,650,000 $662,500 $900,000
Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)2$2,450,000 $1,225,000 $1,550,000
Mick Wallace As Agent For Freedman Brothers5$2,135,000 $427,000 $560,000
Trilogy Racing/CB Bloodstock10$1,980,000 $198,000 $310,000
Chris Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock5$1,880,000 $376,000 $500,000

Top pinhooks

242Extreme ChoiceMambo LadyTony Fung InvestmentsLegend Racing Pty Ltd$210,000$475,000 $265,000
304SpiethMy Lady's ChamberWilliam Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA)Ciaron Maher Bloodstock$60,000$325,000 $265,000
263Written TycoonMiss BallantineJames Harron BloodstockAustralian Bloodstock/Mick Price Breeding And Racing$230,000$450,000 $220,000
310Lean Mean MachineNashville SkylineRobyn WiseMunce Racing/Arthur Hoyeau$42,500$240,000 $197,500
274Saxon WarriorMisty RockPaul Willets BloodstockGriffiths de Kock Racing/Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (FBAA)/Heywood Bloodstock$30,000$210,000 $180,000
314Written TycoonNelumBelmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA)Magic Bloodstock & Associates$220,000$400,000 $180,000
329Written TycoonO'RachaelTelemon StudEdmonds Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd$100,000$280,000 $180,000
335Brave SmashOlympic MedalEdinburgh Park Stud Pty LtdAnnabel Neasham/Brian McGuire$70,000$225,000 $155,000

Vendors by aggregate

Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW17$6,900,000 $405,882 $900,000
Coolmore Stud, Jerrys Plains, NSW18$6,775,000 $376,389 $900,000
Arrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW23$6,025,000 $261,957 $825,000
Sledmere Stud, Scone, NSW12$5,080,000 $423,333 $1,300,000
Widden Stud, Widden Valley, NSW15$4,995,000 $333,000 $600,000
Segenhoe Stud, Scone, NSW9$4,470,000 $496,667 $1,700,000
Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW11$3,960,000 $360,000 $1,100,000
Vinery Stud, Scone, NSW12$3,295,000 $274,583 $500,000
Yulong, Nagambie, Vic8$2,940,000 $367,500 $900,000
Newhaven Park, Boorowa, NSW9$2,525,000 $280,556 $450,000

Vendors by average (3 or more sold)

Emirates Park, Murrurundi, NSW4$562,500 $2,250,000 $1,550,000
Tyreel Stud, Agnes Banks, NSW4$508,750 $2,035,000 $750,000
Segenhoe Stud, Scone, NSW9$496,667 $4,470,000 $1,700,000
Strawberry Hill Stud, Mt White, NSW5$454,000 $2,270,000 $950,000
Sledmere Stud, Scone, NSW12$423,333 $5,080,000 $1,300,000
Edinburgh Park, Wingham, NSW3$418,333 $1,255,000 $800,000
Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW17$405,882 $6,900,000 $900,000
Highgrove Stud, Darling Downs, Qld3$385,000 $1,155,000 $525,000

Sires by aggregate

Zoustar 22$9,130,000 $415,000 $1,300,000
I Am Invincible 15$8,980,000 $598,667 $1,550,000
Snitzel 17$6,710,000 $394,706 $825,000
Deep Field 20$5,830,000 $291,500 $800,000
Justify 15$4,845,000 $323,000 $900,000
The Autumn Sun 14$4,825,000 $344,643 $550,000
Written Tycoon 14$4,455,000 $318,214 $575,000
Capitalist 15$3,775,000 $251,667 $750,000
Russian Revolution 12$3,430,000 $285,833 $600,000
Not A Single Doubt 3$3,075,000 $1,025,000 $1,700,000

Sires by average (3 or more sold)

Not a Single Doubt 3$1,025,000 $3,075,000 $1,700,000
I Am Invincible 15$598,667 $8,980,000 $1,550,000
Savabeel 3$516,667 $1,550,000 $950,000
Lope de Vega 3$443,333 $1,330,000 $650,000
Zoustar 22$415,000 $9,130,000 $1,300,000
Extreme Choice 5$403,000 $2,015,000 $700,000
Snitzel 17$394,706 $6,710,000 $825,000
Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Ciaron Maher
Tony Fung Investments
Not A single Doubt
Zoustar
I Am Invincible
Savabeel
Sheamus Mills
James Harron
Victorian Alliance
Natalie Young
Bryan Carlson

Fillies in fashion for those window shopping with Neasham

5 min read
It looked early on Wednesday like ladies' day for Annabel Neasham and her freshly announced helping hand, former Sky Racing mounting yard analyst Lizzie Jelfs, as they pounced on a lineup of fillies to get busy at the start of the day, securing some exciting girls.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

While Neasham, who works closely with bloodstock consultant Brian McGuire, said she minded not whether they were colts or fillies she bought, just so long as her team liked the horse, the fillies were fast strolling into her Sydney stable, or her 'shop window' as she put it.

“We’ve got a few orders so we’re starting to fill a few of those but a lot of what we buy is on speculation,’’ she said.

Annabel Neasham

“A number of clients like to sit back and see what we buy. You do put your neck on the line a little bit but I’ve got a good team around me and a good bunch of owners.

“I think in order to build a client base, you’ve got to buy horses and have a shop window essentially.’’

Stocking the shelves

Warming up to stock the shop’s shelves with the second and third lots of Day 2, Neasham started with a filly by Justify (USA) out of Koonoomoo (Dubleo {USA}), a Group 3-winning mare, for $200,000 from Segenhoe’s draft, and then a Written Tycoon out of Falvelon mare Kryptelon, for $230,000.

Lot 182 - Justify (USA) x Koonoomoo (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“The Written Tycoon filly from the Baramul Stud draft, we bought her early," Neasham said. “She’s a really strong, running type, a big hind quarter and looks really fast.

“Obviously, Written Tycoons are flying. Coolangatta looks like the one to beat this Saturday and I don’t think you can go wrong with a sharp-looking Written Tycoon. I thought she was pretty good value in this market.’’

Neasham said her team had been beaten on a lot, but they weren’t shy in having a go and stepped up the game when a filly by her favourite sire, Not A Single Doubt, stepped onto centre stage at Lot 198.

“We’ve got a beautiful Not A Single Doubt filly. He’s my favourite sire and obviously these are the last of them, so we’re pretty happy to get her.

“We’ve got a beautiful Not A Single Doubt filly (Lot 198). He’s my favourite sire and obviously these are the last of them, so we’re pretty happy to get her.’’ - Annabel Neasham

“We had to pay $650,000 for her but she reminded me a lot of Soaring Ambition who is a Not A Single Doubt from the same (stud’s) draft that I bought last year,’’ said Neasham. “(Soaring Ambition) is obviously lining up in the (R. Listed) Magic Millions (2YO Classic) this year. There’s a lot of similarities. I can really envisage being back here with her next year.’’

Another well-related filly strutting onto Neasham’s lineup was a Russian Revolution out of Nothin Leica Storm (Anabaa {USA}), a half-sister to G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Stay Inside (Extreme Choice). It took $600,000 to secure her from the Kingstar Farm draft.

“She’s an absolute ripper.. A sharp, running type,’’ Neasham said.

Lot 325 - Russian Revolution x Nothin Leica Storm (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

This season’s new look

A Trapeze Artist filly and a Brave Smash (Jpn) colt, as well as an I Am Invincible colt later in the day were also among those picked up by Team Neasham.

Between her and her bloodstock consultant Brian McGuire, they spent nearly $2.5 million on five fillies and two colts on Wednesday.

Brian McGuire, Bloodstock Consultant at Annabel Neasham Racing | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Neasham said there wasn’t a deliberate colts or fillies strategy and they were also hitting some first-season sires. On Day 1 they purchased only colts and Wednesday’s buying was dominated by fillies.

“It’s just a mixture, colts or fillies, we don’t mind, we’ve just got to like the horse,’’ Neasham said.

“It’s just a mixture, colts or fillies, we don’t mind, we’ve just got to like the horse.’’ - Annabel Neasham

The 'we' includes Jelfs who had been working well with the team to really help whittle down the numbers for Neasham’s shortlist.

“We’re really enjoying that work together. The Race With Lizzie horses, we haven’t got any yet, we’re trying to look for value but we haven’t found that easy but it’s a long week, it’s only Day 2, and we’ll be active in Book 2 as well and we’ll just keep trying to look for value.’’

Wrong selection

Neasham was critical of herself at Tuesday’s barrier draw when she pulled the outside barrier for her strong hope Soaring Ambition (Not A Single Doubt).

Soaring Ambition after winning the R. Listed Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“Hopefully I’m better at buying horses than picking barriers,’’ she said. “I’m not overly worried by it. She was drawn wide at Wyong and it worked in our favour.

“You see horses, I think Houtzen won from the outside gate, Away Game was drawn one or two in from the outside gate. You’d always like to draw a little further in but I’m not going to lose sleep over it. It might end up being the place to be.

“It is what it is and I said to Tommy Berry, you just have to ride her better now.’’

Annabel Neasham
Soaring Ambition
Not A Single Doubt
Race With Lizzie
Russian Revlolution

Magic Millions: Yarns with Gus

1 min read
Each evening of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, TDN AusNZ's Gus Roland will have a chat over a beer with members of the bloodstock world to discuss the day's events.

As the sun went down on a day of million-dollar action, Gus Roland caught up with Boomer Bloodstock's Craig Rounsefell and Toby Liston from Three Bridges Thoroughbreds to mull over the Day 2 fireworks.

Value Buy: Magic Millions Day 2

4 min read

Written by Bren O'Brien

Each day of the Sale, TDN AusNZ will find a 'value buy', where an opportunity has been spotted - even in this hot sale market.

Bennett Racing back in Zoustar formula

Securing fillies by Zoustar has been no easy task for buyers on the Gold Coast this week, with his daughters selling up to $950,000, but for avid fans of the Widden Stud stallion, Bennett Racing, it was a case of waiting for the right chance.

Lot 187, a filly by Zoustar out of La Fluorescent (NZ) (General Nediym) went through early on the second morning of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale as part of the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft and it was the Bennett Racing team who snapped her up for a relative bargain of $180,000.

Lot 187 - Zoustar x La Fluorescent (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Nathan Bennett and his team sourced Group 3 winners The Astrologist and Zou Dancer, who are both by Zoustar, out of this Sale, both for $150,000, and they have proven flagbearers for the Victorian-based syndication company over the last few years. Bennett Racing also purchased three Zoustar yearlings in 2021.

The $180,000 paid for the filly on Wednesday may be the equal most they have ever paid for a yearling, but Bennett told TDN AusNZ, it a hot market, they felt they had got a real bargain.

Nathan Bennett, Rick Wells and Phil Wells | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

"She was a very nice buy. She was a cracking type. We were pretty pleased to pick her up," he said.

"This filly fitted the mould of the Zoustar type that we try to find. She had that beautiful hip on her and is very athletic. We are pretty excited."

"This filly (Lot 187) fitted the mould of the Zoustar type that we try to find. She had that beautiful hip on her and is very athletic. We are pretty excited." - Nathan Bennett

There is plenty of the pedigree to suggest there will be good residual value in this Makybe-bred filly as well. The dam, La Fluorescent, is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Savvy Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) and Group 3 winner Addictive Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) out of the family of Group 1 winner Hasahalo (NZ) (Savabeel).

La Flourescent has five foals to the track for four winners, including the recent city-winner Oughton (More Than Ready {USA}). Her progeny have also fared well through the sale ring, with Oughton a $900,000 Magic Millions yearling, while this filly's sister, Bright Comet, sold to Gai Waterhouse, Adrian Bott and Go Racing for $250,000 last year.

Gallery: La Flourescent's progeny

"It’s a very active family as well, there are a lot of runners to come, so it could improve as we get her through the system," Bennett said. "She is Super VOBIS as well, so she ticks a lot of boxes."

He admitted that with sale averages and medians tracking at record level, there had been a few moments where he was worried he might not get a bid in on a horse in Book 1.

"To be honest, yesterday and part of this morning, I thought we might struggle to buy a horse, but we just stick to our guns and try and buy value," he said.

"To be honest, yesterday (Tuesday) and part of this morning (Wednesday), I thought we might struggle to buy a horse, but we just stick to our guns and try and buy value." - Nathan Bennett

"You have to find those value horses which slip through the cracks, which we do seem to have a knack of doing.

"We have done the homework. We have seen every horse in Book 1 and over the next few days we will get a look at every horse in Book 2 as well. You just have to hope that work pays off and you get those ones that get through."

The Zoustar filly will head to the Pakenham stables of Phillip Stokes.

Phillip Stokes | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

"I don't think she will be an early type, she might be an after-Christmas 2-year-old. Generally most of ours are later 2-year-olds," Bennett said.

"We put them in our system and give them 8-12 weeks out after this Sale as it is a lot on them. We break them in and then take it easy on them. They don’t get the trainers until July as we don't like to put that pressure on them too early."

Value Buy
Magic Millions
Zoustar
Bennett Racing

Pinecliff juvenile remains undefeated in Caulfield ransack

6 min read

Written by Jessica Owers

As the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale rolled through Day 2, down at Caulfield it was business as usual on Wednesday with a midweek meeting. First off the blocks was a 1200-metre race for the 2-year-olds and, in a five-horse field, it was the Pinecliff Racing filly No Diggity (Sebring) that got the better of them all.

No Diggity is trained at Mornington by Anthony and Sam Freedman, and she was backing up in this race after a debut win at Geelong on Boxing Day. The filly is now undefeated in two starts, and she made a proverbial mess of them on Wednesday.

Anthony and Sam Freedman | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Ridden by Craig Newitt, No Diggity jumped from barrier two to contest the lead as slow pace through the first 150 metres. Thereafter, she was a narrow leader on the rails from Concentric (I Am Invincible) on her outside and Toronto Terrier (Toronado {Ire}) widest of all.

They chugged along in that order until entering the turn for home, wherein No Diggity came to life and exploded away, opening up a gap for the final 200 metres.

The filly was untouched by the field and she eased right down inside the last 100 metres of the race, cruising to the line under a soft ride.

No Diggity after winning the Vale Rick Hore-Lacy H. at Caulfield

The final margins were 2.25l to Toronto Terrier and 2.35l to third-placed New York Scandal (Manhattan Rain). The race was ticked off in 1:11.78 on Caulfield’s Good 4.

Sydney bound

Representing the Pinecliff ownership of Jonathan Munz, Rod ‘Rocket’ Douglas was trackside to witness the filly’s second win.

“She was pretty easy, wasn’t she?” he said. “She had to take good improvement from her first-up win though, so you’d expect her to do that.”

Douglas said the small field, the tempo and No Diggity’s record all played a hand in her Wednesday effort.

“They cantered early and it played to the horse in front,” he said. “She’s had race experience where a few of those other horses were a bit new. She might be a filly going places.”

Douglas confirmed that No Diggity would likely take a rest after her two winning races and then return for a possible tilt at Sydney in the autumn.

“She’ll have a breather I think and then Anthony will head her towards the end of Sydney for some of those 1400 metre and mile races,” Douglas said. “That’s what she looks like she’s going to do.”

“She’ll (No Diggity) have a breather I think and then Anthony (Freedman) will head her towards the end of Sydney for some of those 1400 metre and mile races.” - Rod Douglas

Out of the saddle, jockey Craig Newitt said he had high opinions of No Diggity after the pair teamed up on Boxing Day for that initial win.

“I thought she won well that day without visually looking impressive,” the jockey said. “The time was there to match it and today, with the winkers going on, she jumped and travelled a lot more kindly up front underneath me. Albeit it was only a small field, I think she’s got better things in store.”

Win some, lose some

Pinecliff Racing got hold of No Diggity at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She was Lot 683, a filly from the very last crop of the late sire Sebring.

No Diggity was the fourth foal from the Elusive Quality (USA) mare Rare Ruby, and this is an interesting family.

Rare Ruby is the granddaughter of the broodmare Ruby (Seventh Hussar {Fr}), who was the dam of no less than the brilliant sire Rubiton. Ruby also foaled the stakes winners Euclase (Century), a full brother to Rubiton, and Rory’s Power.

Rare Ruby | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Rare Ruby herself was bred by the Hutchins family of Element Hill. She is a half-sister to the Australian Champion 2-Year-Old Meurice (Strategic), and she had four foals at Element Hill, the last of which was No Diggity.

Josh Hutchins, the general manager at the Queensland-based Element Hill, remembers the filly well.

“It’s always nice to breed a very good horse,” he said. “Obviously the flagbearer for the farm at the moment is Golden Sixty, but No Diggity is now two-for-two as a 2-year-old and she’s looking like a really smart horse.”

“Obviously the flagbearer for the farm at the moment is Golden Sixty, but No Diggity is now two-for-two as a 2-year-old and she’s looking like a really smart horse.” - Josh Hutchins

Like much of the bloodstock industry right now, Hutchins is on the Gold Coast this week. He had a word with the filly’s trainers on-complex and he said the Freedmans are in good spirits about No Diggity.

“They have a very good opinion of her,” Hutchins said. “They seem to think she’ll get over some ground as well, so all systems go for her.”

Hutchins said the filly was a very fine yearling at this Sale last year.

“She was a lovely, strong and scopey filly at the Sale,” he said. “She really didn’t put a foot wrong. She was hugely popular and had 16 x-ray hits, so we put $150,000 on her thinking she would make $300,000 or $400,000, and luckily for Dean Hawthorne she just stopped at $150,000 and that was that.”

No Diggity as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

In hindsight, it was disappointing for the Element Hill team, and it proved very good buying for Pinecliff Racing.

“I’m not really sure what happened but these things do occur,” Hutchins said. “You come to a sale and you present a horse, and sometimes they just stop for no obvious reason. All you can do is let the market decide.”

No Diggity was one of Hutchins’ favourites, despite her making far less than he anticipated. He remembers her as a pleasure to bring to the Sale and always very easy to do anything with. On that fact, he is not surprised she has won two on the trot so early.

Josh Hutchins

He expressed a little bit of regret that the farm, in 2020, sold Rare Ruby at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for just $50,000 to the Vieira Group (of Trapeze Artist fame). Since then, Rare Ruby has produced a colt by Trapeze Artist and she revisited the Widden stallion this spring.

“We got four foals out of her, and after those she hadn’t yet proved fruitful as a broodmare,” Hutchins said. “So we sold her and of course then out comes Putontheredlight, who was stakes-placed, and the Helmet gelding has won a few races. And No Diggity has come along now.

“It’s always the way but we’re happy for Bert Vieira. These things happen in breeding and you win some, you lose some.”

No Diggity
Caulfield Races
Element Hill
Josh Hutchins

Notable names sell in the first Inglis Digital Sale of 2022

5 min read

Written by Jessica Owers

The first of Inglis Digital’s Online Sales for the new year occurred on Wednesday with the 295-horse catalogue of the 2022 January (Early) Online Sale. It was topped by Lot 19, the racing prospect Higher (Exceed And Excel), who was sold for $85,000.

The 3-year-old gelding Higher is currently with trainer Lee Freedman on the Gold Coast, and the horse’s only start was in mid-December in a maiden sprint. Higher was a hot-favourite that day and bucked his way out of contention, failing to finish at his only start.

Lot 16 - Higher (gelding) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Nevertheless, the gelding was a promising prospect in this Sale. He had won two of three trials for Freedman and was second in one other, and he’d been prepared for Hong Kong at one time.

It was this Hong Kong potential that led to Higher being sold to Dr Alan Lee of A Value Consulting.

Higher interest from Hong Kong

Dr Lee was bidding for Hong Kong clients on Wednesday, albeit the 3-year-old gelding will remain on the Gold Coast for the time being.

“Higher will stay in Queensland to race with his trainer for now, and if he can have some performances like I think he can, he may be imported to Hong Kong as a PP-raced horse,” Dr Lee said.

“Higher will stay in Queensland to race with his trainer (Lee Freedman) for now, and if he can have some performances like I think he can, he may be imported to Hong Kong as a PP-raced horse.” - Dr Alan Lee

“We are lucky that we have a good relationship with Lee Freedman, so we confirmed the horse is healthy to race and we are happy to keep the gelding with him in the stables he is familiar with.”

A Value Consulting has been a past supporter of the Inglis Digital platform, sending a number of horses to Hong Kong from the Sale. Dr Lee said most have had Hong Kong Class 3 and 4 ability, and he added that his clients have been pleased in the past to secure horses from the Inglis Online platform.

Higher was one of two purchases on Wednesday for A Value Consulting, which also grabbed the 3-year-old Kuroshio gelding Early Crow for $70,000.

Lot 4 - Early Crow (gelding) | Image courtesy of Inglis

The Sale-topper was originally a $210,000 weanling at the 2019 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, sold by Riversdale to Laceby Lodge Stud. He was then withdrawn from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale the following year, and sold at that Sale’s COVID-affected Round 2 for $60,000 to Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA).

Higher is the first foal from his dam, the Denman mare Duhallow. She was a two-time winner and a half-sister to the stakes winner Sabie (Exceed And Excel) and stakes-placed pair of Ankaret (Desert Prince {Ire}) and Graskop (Manton).

Duhallow as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Notable former colts

The Chris Waller gelding Captivare (I Am Invincible) and the James Harron gelding Unforgiven (Snitzel) were the next highest-sellers in the Sale, going for $80,000 apiece.

Captivare, who was purchased by Steven O’Dea Racing, is a son of Captivating Claire (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and, as such, a full brother to the G2 Gimcrack winner Catch Me (I Am Invincible). He was a $1.4 million colt at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, selling from Segenhoe Stud to Tom Magnier and Hermitage Bloodstock.

Captivare (navy silks) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The 4-year-old Captivare was a Newcastle winner in 15 starts and he was consistent with seven placings. He took a while to get going but was sold to O’Dea as a sound, on-going racing prospect with maturity behind him.

“He’s only won the one race but he’s been pretty consistent through his form, so he’s a horse who should fit in really well up here,” the Doomben-based trainer said. “I’ll get some stable clients into him, and I’ve got some who wanted to get an up-and-coming, running horse, so we thought Inglis Digital was the best place to go and source one, and I’m pretty happy with this fellow.”

“He’s (Captivare) only won the one race but he’s been pretty consistent through his form, so he’s a horse who should fit in really well up here (Queensland).” - Steven O'Dea

Equally, Unforgiven was sold on similar specs to Peter Colley.

The 3-year-old gelding was a six-time starter in the Harron silks, winning his penultimate start last month and running third since then at Sandown.

Unforgiven is a son of the Bite The Bullet (USA) mare Rose Of Cimmaron, making him a half-brother to the stakes winners Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) and Bull Point, the latter a sire at Kingstar Farm.

Siege Of Quebec | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Colley, of Lustre Lodge, said he was unsure just yet who would train his new purchase, but Unforgiven would certainly be targeting the provincial and country circuits, likely through trainer Damien Lane or Warren Gavenlock.

“He’s only raced six times and he’s won one and placed twice, including a third in town last week, so he’s definitely got a future,” Colley said. “We want to target Highways, The Kosciuszko and Country and Provincial Championships with these types of horses, so hopefully they can step up for us.”

Glen Spratt, Peter Colley and Louis Le Metayer | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The January (Early) Online Sale grossed a strong $2,596,050 across its 295-horse catalogue, with a clearance rate of 80 per cent. The top three lots represented the tried-horse market and this, according to Inglis, is in line with the 1600-plus Digital graduates that won 2520 races across Australia last year.

Entries are now open for the Inglis Digital January (Late) Online Auction, which will run from January 21 to January 26.

2022 Inglis Digital
Inglis January (Early) Online Sale
Higher
Dr Alan Lee
A Value Consulting
Unforgiven
Captivare

Rapid Reflections with Lisa Manning

4 min read

In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Darley Australia's Nominations Sales Consultant Lisa Manning.

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?

Lisa Manning: Willowy winning the G1 VRC Oaks. It was my first day back at the races after lengthy Victorian lockdowns and it was definitely the icing on the cake that day!

TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

LM: Really looking forward to some more seriously good stallion prospects joining the Darley roster in 2022.

Josh Owen and Lisa Manning | Image courtesy of Marcus Oldham

TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

LM: I’d be a jockey. It would be great to get a view into the mindset they need to have when they ride on racedays and I would love to feel what it’s like to ride a horse of the calibre of Winx or Black Caviar and the likes. To feel the acceleration and power of a racehorse going flat out would be amazing.

TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire to stud did you send mares to this season, and why?

LM: At Northwood Park we sent mares to our two new stallions Ghaiyyath and Earthlight. Ghaiyyath covered some really nice, young mares including Brilliance, a Street Cry daughter of Accessories and Smooth, a full sister to Pierro. He was the highest-rated horse in the world last year and is the best-ever son of Dubawi. Earthlight covered the likes of Slipper winner Forensics, Altitude, the dam of Exosphere and Virage De Fortune amongst others. He is a dual Group 1-winning 2-year-old and a son of Champion Sire Shamardal. They are two very different horses, both with fantastic records and by two of the best stallions in the world. Hopefully Slipper winners and Cox Plate winners abound. They will both get every chance with the calibre of mares they have received.

Gallery: Darley first-season sires

TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?

LM: Bridgerton- looking forward to season two!

TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this year? (not solely racing related)

LM: The Olympics were obviously a highlight and I loved the eventing, but I don’t think you can go past Ariarne Titmus’ gold medal wins, not to mention her coach Dean Boxall’s own gold medal performance!

TDN AusNZ: What's the first overseas trip you will be taking for fun post-COVID?

LM: I would love to get over to NZ to visit some great friends that I really miss and haven’t seen for far too long!

TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?

Kermadec (NZ) | Standing at Darley

LM: I love Kermadec as a physical type. He impressed me from the moment he got off the truck to stand his first season with us (at Northwood Park, Victoria from Kelvinside, NSW). He is beautifully balanced, has good bone, a great shoulder and girth and a very attractive stallion's head. He’s also a great mover and has a lovely temperament. I admit I have a real soft spot for him. Sometimes I go over to the stallion barn at Northwood to feed him extra carrots

TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?

LM: Two small children took care of that for me and fortunately I was able to continue working so a new hobby didn’t even get a look in, but I would like to take up landscape painting one day.

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?

LM: A more national approach to racing would be great…

Rapid Reflections
Lisa Manning

Daily News Wrap

6 min read

Momentum builds at Keeneland

The Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale gained in strength throughout Tuesday’s opening session to end the day with figures that surpassed last year’s first day.

A total of 249 horses sold on Tuesday for a gross of US$18 million (AU$25 million) at an average of US$72,400 (AU$100,300) and a median of US$39,000 (AU$54,000).

Keeneland

Three Chimneys Farm purchased the session-topping lot when going to US$750,000 (AU$1.04 million) to dissolve its partnership with Hill 'N' Dale Farm on the 2-year-old filly Princess Lele (USA) (Quality Road {USA}).

Pharoah moving on up

Second-season Coolmore Stud shuttle stallion American Pharoah (USA) backed up his Kilmore double on Tuesday with the maiden victory of Decisive Move at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 3-year-old’s breakthrough victory marked the 11th winner for American Pharoah this season.

Decisive Move | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Capitalist got his 32nd Australian winner for the season with the victory of the Chirs Anderson-trained Royal Rebellion at Doomben.

Clark full of confidence

Tim Clark believes Shihonka (Capitalist) to be the forgotten horse in Saturday’s R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast.

The Sydney-based hoop has the utmost faith in his mount, saying the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly is certain to ‘be there’ at the end of a hard 1400 metres.

Shihonka | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“They are nice horses but with Jamaea there is an obvious question mark over the 1400 metres, and I think you could say the same about King Of Sparta,” Clark told Racenet.

“These races can be a bit of a slog and I know my filly will tough it out really well.”

Mileva reaches fork in the road

Phillip Stokes has described Saturday’s G3 Standish H. at Flemington as a ‘fork in the road’ for talented mare Mileva (Headwater).

The Pakenham-based horseman holds some reservations about his galloper's credentials over 1200 metres but is keen to test her over a trip in the hope of opening the door to more options during the spring.

Mileva | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

"She has been relaxing in her races, she hasn't been over doing it. An extra 100 metres I think will be okay,” Stokes told Racing.com.

"This is a bit of a fork in the road. She has been in work for a while now, but we've kept her up at the farm and she's thriving."

Elleegant in Verry good order

Brae Sokolski has declared the best to still be in front of star mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}).

The prominent owner said that he has never heard trainer Chris Waller more ‘buoyant’ about where the 10-time Group 1 winner is at.

Verry Elleegant (NZ)

"She just keeps getting better every single time she comes back in, she seems bigger and stronger than the previous preparation even now as an autumn 6-year-old,” Sokolski told Racing.com.

"We still feel like the best is in front of her, which is frightening for the opposition, for every other weight-for-age horse in this country and hopefully frightening opposition for the Europeans."

Options remain open

Tony Pike is toying with the possibility of crossing the Tasman with talented 3-year-old Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro).

The Cambridge-based trainer hasn’t yet ruled out a tilt at the G1 New Zealand Derby but believes his galloper may be best suited over shorter distances.

He said a decision on what awaits the Trelawney Stud-owned gelding is likely to be made following Saturday’s G2 Wellington Guineas.

“We will have a discussion after the weekend and make our minds up. He could stay here for the Levin Classic but I personally don’t think he’s a Derby horse and think he’s a bit too brilliant for that,” Pike said.

“Obviously, Sydney is still an option as well. He could have a freshen-up for 10 days or so and then something like the Hobartville S. into the Randwick Guineas and the Rosehill Guineas.”

Stampede set to hit Australian shores

David Browne has confirmed that it’s all systems go for Elephant (NZ) (Shocking) after the G2 Feehan S. runner-up finished third behind Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) in a 1050-metre trial at Matamata on Wednesday.

Browne, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma-Lee, said the lightly raced 5-year-old could have one start on home soil before making his way to Australia for a tilt at the All-Star Mile.

Elephant (NZ)

"We just wanted to give him a quiet trial. He did everything that we wanted from him," David Browne said.

"We were really happy with his trial. We thought it was pretty similar to his trial at Taupo last spring. He did it under his own steam, and even when they slackened, he settled very well, he is a more mature horse now."

Annells sidelined

South Australian apprentice Lizzie Annells is facing an extended period on the sidelines after fracturing her wrist at trackwork on Tuesday morning.

The 24-year-old described the incident as ‘innocuous’ and one of the ‘silliest’ falls ever.

"I was walking in a real quiet one, one of my best horses, I just had one hand on the rein, nice long rein, I'm not really sure what set him off, but he sort of had a buck and flew out underneath me very unexpectedly and I fell off the back and put my hand out,” Annells told Racing.com.

"I thought I was starting to get going so it's a bit frustrating, but I guess it happens to everyone. I’m looking at three to four months (off), I'll be in the cast for the next two weeks and then they basically want me to get it moving straight away.”

Vale Snowfall

Last year’s G1 Cazoo Oaks heroine Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has been euthanised after suffering a pelvic injury in her box.

“It’s very sad news, terrible. The lads were thinking of keeping her in training, but they hadn’t quite made up their minds,” trainer Aidan O’Brien said.

“She had a pelvic injury in her box. Sometimes pelvic injuries go the right way, or they can go the wrong way. Unfortunately, this one went the wrong way. It’s very sad and I feel sorry for the lads, for Derrick (Smith), Michael (Tabor) and John (Magnier).”

Mishriff to pursue Saudi Cup

Prince Faisal’s Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) remains on course to defend his Saudi Cup title at Riyadh on February 26 when the US$20 million (AU$27.7 million) race is run as a Group 1 for the first time.

“That’s his target, the Saudi Cup, and as far as I know everything is on track,” Prince Faisal’s Racing Manager Ted Voute said.

“He’s amazing going back-to-back to Dubai and then Saudi, he’s got an amazing constitution. What I do know is that John (Gosden) said to me that he’s thickened out even more and he’s even strong.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - January 13

4 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Thursday, we pay attention to a well-related gelding at Kilcoy, a filly from a full sister to Wanted at Pakenham and a granddaughter of a Melbourne Cup winner at Gunnedah.

Kilcoy, Race 1, 12.46pm AEDT, TAB Long May We Play QTIS 3YO Mdn H., $21,000, 800m

Hinson, 3-year-old gelding (Snitzel x Heredera {Northern Meteor})

This gelding is unraced but he’s had an extensive trial career to date, finishing second last time out on the Gold Coast a week ago for trainer Lee Freedman. Throughout last year, the horse was in Sydney with the Waterhouse-Bott yard where he was a two-time trial winner at Rosehill and Randwick.

Hinson is one of a handful of maidens in this race and he has an interesting pedigree. His dam is a half-sister to the G2 Stan Fox S. winner Kabayan (Haradasun), while the second dam, Tarlaquena (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), is a half-sister to the sire Prized Icon and the G3 Sweet Embrace S. winner Romantic Moon (More Than Ready {USA}), plus a three-quarter sister to the G3 Tesio S. winner Matras (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Hinson as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Hinton was purchased for $50,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, sold for Emirates Park through the draft of Aquis Farm to the Hong Kong-based Patrick Lee.

Pakenham, Race 1, 5.45pm AEDT, Iron Jack Australian Lagers 3YO Fillies Mdn, $35,000, 1200m

Snapped, 3-year-old filly (Not A Single Doubt x Fracture {Fastnet Rock})

This filly comes into this race with a stout pedigree. She is the first living foal from the Fastnet Rock mare Fracture, who is a full sister to the sire and Group 1 winner Wanted, and a half-sister to the dual Group winner and late sire Shrapnel.

Snapped is a 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale graduate, sold from her breeder Highgrove Stud to Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock for $220,000. As such, the filly is raced in the colours of Pinecliff Racing.

Snapped as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Snapped is trained at Mornington by Anthony and Sam Freedman and she is unraced. She has drawn the inside barrier with jockey Damien Thornton.

Gunnedah, Race 4, 3.50pm AEDT, Farewell Robert Thompson Mdn H., $24,000, 1000m

Emissive (NZ), 4-year-old mare (Swiss Ace x Edie {Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire})

Four-year-old Emissive (NZ) is a homebred for Gerry Harvey and she is a granddaughter of the 1998 G1 Melbourne Cup winner Jezabeel (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who was also good enough to win the G1 Auckland Cup the same year.

Emissive is trained at Scone by Stephen Jones, and the mare is unraced to date but with a very useful trial record behind her. She has won her last two this preparation, both over 900 metres at Tamworth in early December and then at Scone a fortnight later.

Swiss Ace | Standing at Westbury Stud

The mare has drawn barrier six in this field and, although she’s light on race experience, she has good trial form behind her. She’ll carry jockey Aaron Bullock.

Looking Back

Our Looking Ahead selections for Wednesday fared reasonably. At Warwick Farm, Bandolero (Shamus Award) was unplaced while Chenin (Pierro) was second. At Caulfield, the well-related Toronto Terrier (Toronado {Ire}) was also second.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Wednesday, January 12

No first season sires' results

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Thursday, January 13

No first season sires' runners

First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Wednesday, January 12

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Thursday, January 13
Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW & ACT Race Results

1 min read

Warwick Farm (Metropolitan)

Canberra (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

VIC Race Results

1 min read

Caulfield (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

QLD Race Results

1 min read

Doomben (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

SA Race Results

Oakbank (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

WA Race Results

Belmont (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian 3-Year-Old Sires’ Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand 3-Year-Old Sires’ Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

We hope you enjoyed reading today's edition of TDN AusNZ. If you have any feedback or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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TDN AusNZ will be printing and distributing daily editions at the following major sales for 2022:

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The Final Say