First-time vendor bullish about draft of five

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Alicia Willick-McDonald and husband Jason McDonald of Ripley Thoroughbreds are excited to be presenting their first draft at public auction.

Ripley Thoroughbreds will offer five colts at Tuesday’s Magic Millions 2YO in Training Sale. Two are by Rubick, one by Russian Revolution, one by Hallowed Crown and the other by newly Group 1-producing sire Pride Of Dubai.

All have breezed at Eagle Farm, with Lot 135 – the Russian Revolution colt from Think Like A Bird (So You Think {NZ}) – producing the fastest time of the quintet (10.90s).

“We went to the sales throughout the year and bought a few along the way,” Willick-McDonald told TDN AusNZ.

“We always had the intention of breezing them up, we were never going to keep them. We went to the sales with a shortlist of ones we liked and narrowed it down and then it came down to ones we could afford.

“We didn’t want to go for first-season sires, we wanted colts by sires that are on the rise. We never considered fillies, we only wanted colts, they seem to sell better.

“We’ve made it to the sale and are looking forward to it.”

Willick-McDonald, who holds a trainer’s licence and last had a runner in April this year, is related to talented harness racing driver reinsman Josh Willick.

She was born in New South Wales before moving to the Gold Coast 15 years ago and got her trainer’s licence as soon as she could.

“I’ve never really had a major passion for breeding and the bloodstock in industry, we just wanted a change and I’m really enjoying it,” Willick-McDonald said.

“The ones we’ve bought… I look at horses with similar pedigrees; it’s quite fun, actually.”

Lot 78 is a Rubick colt from the Listed winner Loveyamadly (Bel Esprit), making him a half-brother to stakes winners Immortal Love (Snitzel) and I’MLovin’Ya (Capitalist).

He is from a family that includes stakes winners Hi World, Lite’n in My Veins (Henrythenavigator {USA}), Ducimus and Written Beauty (Written Tycoon).

The colt breezed up in 10.92s on October 6.

“I’ve had a love affair with him from the moment he arrived, he’s always been my favourite,” said Willick-McDonald.

“He’s always wanted to be a racehorse. He’s got all of the ability in the world and I can see him winning a big race. He is a lovely horse; he is so well-balanced.”

Willick-McDonald said they didn’t really want two colts by any one sire, but having a couple of sons of Rubick may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

“People had gone off Rubick a little bit, but all of a sudden he’s getting winners left, right and centre, including Jacquinot winning a Group 1,” she said.

Ripley Thoroughbreds’ other Rubick colt – Lot 85 – is from the three-time winner Manapouri (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).

His third dam is the Group 3 victress Sounds Abound (NZ) (Sound Reason {Can}).

The colt breezed in 11.91s and 11.45s.

“He’s a lovely colt, as well,” Willick-McDonald said.

“They’re very similar, both well-put-together that will make nice 2-year-old runners.”

The Russian Revolution colt’s dam is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Southern Speed (Southern Image {USA}). Listed winner Very Droll (Crown Jester) and her stakes-winning progeny Dry Humour (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) and Ha Ha (Danehill {USA}) are from the same family.

“Our breaker did him last and he thought he is a superstar in the making. They were his comments when he sent him back,” Willick-McDonald commented.

“He’s been professional since day one, he’s a real racehorse. You could carry on a preparation with him and take him to the races.

“Nothing fazes him, he’s super professional. He ticks all the boxes – he’s got the looks, the temperament, the soundness, the ability; he’s a very nice horse.”

The sale kicks off Tuesday, October 25 at 12pm local (1pm AEDT)