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New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale: Five things we learned on Day 2

Written by
9 min read
From buyers reinvesting into familiar families to stallions from Coolmore Stud having a fine time, we run through five key points of interest from the second day of New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka Yearling Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Trish Dunell

At A Glance

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At the close of trade on Day 2, the aggregate was sitting at NZ$46,425,000, which is a huge increase on last year’s edition when the second session closed with a gross of NZ$41,142,500. In 2021, Day 2 finished with total receipts of NZ$34,711,000, while in 2020 it was recorded as NZ$49,500,000, but more horses were offered that year.

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The average for the sale so far has risen to NZ$154,236 compared to the NZ$146,415 recorded at the same point last year, while in 2021 it was NZ$124,860 and NZ$150,456 in 2020.

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As was the case on Sunday, the healthiest growth was in the median which finished on Day 2 at NZ$135,000 up on the NZ$100,000 in 2022 and 2021.

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New Zealand Bloodstock reported they had sold 301 lots at a clearance rate of 76 per cent, which is up on the same point last year which was recorded as 74 per cent.

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The top lot on Day 2 of the sale was the Trelawney Stud-offered colt by Darley’s first-season shuttle stallion Too Darn Hot (GB) who was bought by Cameron Cooke for NZ$750,000 and he will head into training with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

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Leading the way in terms of vendors by aggregate is Waikato Stud who have cleared 37 yearlings for an aggregate of NZ$5,727,500, while their resident stallion Savabeel was also leading the charge by aggregate having been represented by 18 yearlings who sold for NZ$4,945,000.

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Brent and Cherry Taylor’s Trelawney Stud are currently sitting atop the vendor table by average, having sold all nine of their yearlings offered for NZ$2.4 million and finished Day 2 with an average of NZ$266,667.

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Coolmore Stud’s Pierro was recording the highest average at the close of play on Monday. The son of Lonhro’s five yearlings recorded an average of NZ$352,000 and an aggregate of NZ$1.76 million.

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As has become customary at Book 1 of Karaka, Te Akau’s David Ellis had spent the most, having bought 19 yearlings for NZ$3.84 million, while in terms of average Chris Waller and Guy Mulcaster were leading the way after purchasing eight lots at an average of NZ$298,750.

#1. Pays to invest in familiar families

Buyers buying back into familiar bloodlines and families has been a running theme on the first two days of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale and this makes sense - when you’ve had success once can only pay to try for round two.

Cooke looking for his next stallion

The top lot of the day was a colt by Darley’s European shuttler Too Darn Hot (GB), who, after a spirited bidding battle, was eventually purchased by Cameron Cooke for NZ$750,000. The colt is out of Trelawney’s homebred mare Lady Sayyida (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who is a half-sister to Ocean Park (NZ) and the dam of Grunt (NZ) - both also bred by Cherry and Brent Taylor.

Cooke has made a splash for this family in the past, teaming up with trainer Mick Price to purchase subsequent dual Group 1 winner and now Yulong inmate Grunt for NZ$220,000 at the 2016 edition of the Karaka sale. However, unlike Grunt, the colt will head into training with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Bloodstock agent Cameron Cooke (right) pictured with Lot 294 - Too Darn Hot (GB) x Lady Sayyida (NZ) (colt), and Trelawney Stud’s Callum Jones | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

Moody dives back in

I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) was one of the stories of the spring carnival. Arriving from New Zealand at Peter Moody’s Melbourne-based stable earlier in the year, he won his first two starts including the Listed Testa Rossa S.

After finishing a sound fifth in the G1 Toorak H., the son of Savabeel handed Moody and Waikato Stud, who are also in the ownership, a big pay cheque when he landed the $10 million The Golden Eagle.

At Karaka this year, Waikato Stud offered the gelding’s Ocean Park half-brother and it was no surprise to see Moody part with NZ$375,000 for the colt, who also counts Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Another Dollar (NZ) among his siblings. Incidentally, the mare also had a brief spell with Moody, having been trained by Chris Waller for most of her career, including for her victory in the G3 BRC Premier's Cup.

Lot 328 - Ocean Park (NZ) x Make A Wish (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

Ellis keeps it cool

On Sunday all the attention was on David Ellis’ big spend on the Savabeel colt out of Bayrock (Fastnet Rock), but the Te Akau supremo bought another colt by the Waikato Stud-based sire on the first day and in the process reinvested into a family that has produced the goods for him once before.

Catalogued as Lot 107, the yearling was offered by Hallmark and is a son of three-time winner Cool ‘N’ Sassy (Testa Rossa) - the dam of Cool Aza Beel (NZ), who Ellis bought for NZ$150,000 at the same sale in 2019. The son of Savabeel would go on to register four wins for Te Akau, including in the R. Listed Karaka Million 2YO and G1 Diamond S. and in doing so earned himself a spot on the Newhaven Stud roster.

Lot 107 - Savabeel x Cool 'N' Sassy (colt) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

#2. Hong Kong-based buyers get stuck into Per Incanto

Little Avondale Stud resident Per Incanto (USA) has a brilliant record in Hong Kong and on Monday this success on the track translated into good results in the sales ring, with four of his sons now destined for the Asian jurisdiction.

The son of Street Cry (Ire) has had 48 runners in Hong Kong and 35 of those have been winners, headed by stakes-placed trio Duke Wai, Morethanlucky and Time to Celebrate.

On Monday, Craig Rounsefell's Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA), working on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, left Day 2 with two colts by Per Incanto, paying NZ$360,000 for Lot 329, while towards the close of play he went to NZ$400,000 for Lot 423.

Craig Rounsefell | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

“Per Incanto is high on the hit list of sires we’re looking to target. We’re always looking in this sale, in particular, where there’s been some really nice ones. The two we’ve purchased we’re absolutely delighted with. They are the first two horses we’ve bid on during the sale and we’re fortunate to get them,” said Rounsefell.

Of Lot 423, he said, “He’s got a bit of scope to him and he’s an exciting racehorse, I think. He looks tough and he’s out of a tough family and he was the one we really wanted to get today (Monday).

“This guy had a beautiful temperament. Even out the back in the pre-parade, he handled it superbly. They’re very sound horses too and those two attributes take them a long way.”

“He (Lot 423) looks tough and he’s out of a tough family and he was the one we really wanted to get today (Monday).” - Craig Rounsefell

Hong Kong-based trainer Jamie Richards, teaming up with Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA), bought a colt by the stallion for NZ$320,000, while Stuart Hale and Co (BAFNZ) signed for another son of the sire, paying Little Avondale Stud NZ$200,000 for him.

#3. Different approach for Ellis?

For many years, Te Akau’s David Ellis has made the Karaka sale ring his own and has made a name for himself spending big money on big numbers.

So far this year he has purchased one colt for more than NZ$600,000, a son of Savabeel on Day 1, and then his next big spend was NZ$350,000, for a filly by the same Waikato Stud-based sire. In total, Ellis has purchased 19 for an aggregate of NZ$3,840,000 at an average of NZ$202,105.

Lot 59 - Savabeel x Bayrock (colt), David Ellis' most expensive purchase so far at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

This could be a change of direction for the Te Akau kingpin, who finished last year’s sale having purchased 31 horses for an aggregate of NZ$8.07 million at an average of NZ$260,323, while in 2021 he bought 38 horses for NZ$7,425,000 and finished with a closing average of NZ$195,395 and the previous year he spent NZ$6.5 million on 28 yearlings at an average of NZ$248,400.

To be fair, the competition has been stiff this year, with Chris Waller and Guy Mulcaster stronger than ever. The pair have bought eight yearlings for an aggregate of NZ$2,390,000 and with one day still to go, this is already more than the NZ$1,265,000 they spent 12 months ago on six yearlings. In pre-pandemic 2020, the pair bought six youngsters for total receipts of NZ$1,755,000.

Top buyers

Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)19NZ$3,840,000
Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock8NZ$2,390,000
Go Racing8NZ$1,475,000
KPW Bloodstock5NZ$1,455,000
John O'Shea Racing / Suman Hedge Bloodstock8NZ$1,360,000
Ciaron Maher Racing9NZ$1,135,000
Stephen Marsh Racing / Dylan Johnson Bloodstock6NZ$1,090,000
Moody Racing4NZ$1,050,000
John Foote Bloodstock5NZ$840,000
Mr RA James / Mr R Wellwood4NZ$820,000
Annabel Neasham Racing5NZ$795,000
The Hong Kong Jockey Club2NZ$760,000

#4. Coolmore stallions popular

Coolmore’s Pierro is a familiar face at Karaka and has grown accustomed to good results at the New Zealand sale and this year has been no different.

Even by his lofty standards, Pierro has enjoyed a brilliant sale so far with his five yearlings realising NZ$1.76 million and recording an average of NZ$352,000. Last year 12 of his yearlings made an average of NZ$301,250, while in 2021 his average, off the back of selling seven horses, was NZ$167,857.

Pierro | Standing at Coolmore

So You Think (NZ) was purchased at Karaka in 2008 for NZ$110,000 and he is currently tracking well at this year’s edition of the sale, having seven yearlings make NZ$1.3 million and his average is currently sitting at NZ$185,714, which is 4.8 times his service fee which was set at $38,500 (inc GST) in 2020.

Neasham returns to the well

Annabel Neasham saddled Learning To Fly to victory in the G3 Widden S. on Saturday, and in the process handed Justify (USA) not only his first Southern Hemisphere-bred winner, but also his first stakes winner and she returned to the same well on Monday when she purchased, alongside Champion Thoroughbreds, a filly by the US Triple Crown winner for NZ$300,000.

Sires by aggregate (3 or more sold)

Savabeel18NZ$4,945,000
Ocean Park28NZ$3,460,000
Almanzor28NZ$3,395,000
Super Seth17NZ$3,010,000
Per Incanto12NZ$2,460,000
Proisir11NZ$2,080,000
Tivaci16NZ$1,907,500
Pierro5NZ$1,760,000
So You Think7NZ$1,300,000
Russian Revolution8NZ$1,260,000

Sires by average (3 or more sold)

Pierro5NZ$352,000
Savabeel18NZ$274,722
Per Incanto12NZ$205,000
Written Tycoon4NZ$196,250
Proisir11NZ$189,091
So You Think7NZ$185,714
Super Seth17NZ$177,059
Hellbent3NZ$168,333
Dundeel6NZ$166,667
Churchill4NZ$162,500

#5. Trelawney’s quality approach paying off

In an interview with the TDN AusNZ earlier this week, Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud said the farm had made it their goal to push quality over quantity and that approach seems to be paying off and they look on track to finish leading vendor by average for the first time since 2020.

The farm, who sold the top lot on Monday, the colt by Too Darn Hot, has sold all 10 yearlings for an aggregate of NZ$2.5 million with an average of NZ$250,000.

Curraghmore is also enjoying a good sale and is just behind Trelawney in terms of average, having sold 12 yearlings for an aggregate of NZ$2,925,000 and finished Day 2 with an average of NZ$243,750.

Vendors by aggregate (3 or more sold)

Waikato Stud Ltd37NZ$5,727,500
Cambridge Stud23NZ$3,690,000
Curraghmore12NZ$2,925,000
Trelawney Stud Ltd10NZ$2,500,000
Carlaw Park18NZ$2,500,000
Windsor Park Stud12NZ$2,285,000
Little Avondale Stud13NZ$2,270,000
Wentwood Grange14NZ$2,070,000
Haunui Farm13NZ$2,025,000
Westbury Stud13NZ$1,660,000

Vendors by average (3 or more sold)

Trelawney Stud Ltd10NZ$250,000
Curraghmore12NZ$243,750
Windsor Park Stud12NZ$190,417
Kilgravin Lodge3NZ$188,333
The Oaks Stud3NZ$181,667
Lyndhurst Farm4NZ$181,250
Prima Park4NZ$181,250
Elsdon Park9NZ$175,556
Little Avondale Stud13NZ$174,615
Ardsley Stud Limited3NZ$166,667

Savabeel
Too Darn Hot
Hong Kong Jockey Club
Per Incanto
Cameron Cooke
Justify
Coolmore
So You Think
Pierro
Trelawney
Waikato

Day 2 sale toppers: Too Darn Hot’s star continues to shine

Written by
12 min read
The fillies were again popular on the second day of the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, but it was a colt by a freshman sire that turned heads.

Cover image courtesy of Trish Dunell

Following a busy day of trade, we have a new sale-topper, with Lot 294 - Trelawney Stud’s colt by Darley’s first-season sire Too Darn Hot (GB) from the winning Iffraaj (GB) mare Lady Sayyida (NZ) – selling to bloodstock agent Cameron Cooke for NZ$750,000.

1/11

The gross for Monday was NZ$23,280,000, with 153 yearlings selling at a clearance rate of 75.37 per cent. The average was healthy at NZ$152,157 and the median price was NZ$130,000.

International buyers have returned to Karaka after a COVID-enforced hiatus, and they were to the fore on Day 2.

“It was an interesting dynamic, yesterday (Sunday) we saw the local Kiwi buyers feature predominantly, but today (Monday) we saw the internationals out in force and it was great to see a number of the strong Australian stables really active, but also the Hong Kong Jockey Club picking up two really nice Per Incanto colts,” Kane Jones, bloodstock executive at New Zealand Bloodstock, said.

“...today (Monday) we saw the internationals out in force and it was great to see a number of the strong Australian stables really active, but also the Hong Kong Jockey Club...” - Kane Jones

“All the buyers are here on site and they’re identifying the horses that they like; the ones that they like are often popular and we’re finding that there’s multiple people on these horses. Those ones are the ones exceeding reserves.”

The clearance rate improved from 73 per cent on Day 1 and Jones predicts that number will continue to increase.

“We’ve seen the clearance rate creep up (from Day 1 to Day 2) and I know the team is working really hard and getting horses sold… so, I absolutely expect that clearance rate to continue rising,” he said.

Jones is bullish about the final day’s trade for Book 1, which includes Lot 495 – the colt by Savabeel from the Group 3 winner Scintillula (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who will be offered by Pencarrow Stud.

“There’s a really good solid lineup of horses (on Tuesday); we’ve still the Savabeel-Scintillula colt of Sir Peter Vela’s at Pencarrow Stud there to come through, so expect fireworks when he comes in.

“There’s a really good solid lineup of horses (on Tuesday); we’ve still got the Savabeel-Scintillula colt (Lot 495) of Sir Peter Vela’s at Pencarrow Stud there to come through, so expect fireworks when he comes in.” - Kane Jones

“It’s a good solid lineup of horses and expect the momentum to continue building.”

Jones was pleased to see so many locally based stallions perform so well, including a number of the ‘new brigade’.

“We’ve always talked about Savabeel as the top dog when it comes to proven sires, but it was really great to see a number of local stallions like Per Incanto, Proisir, Tivaci and Ocean Park all feature predominantly in the top lots and well sought-after by our buyers. I’m really heartened to see the strength and the faith in the New Zealand sires,” Jones remarked.

Lot 495 - Savabeel x Scintillula (NZ) (colt) will be offered on Tuesday | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Lot 294 - Too Darn Hot (GB) x Lady Sayyida (NZ) colt, NZ$750,000

Too Darn Hot made a huge impression at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with 14 yearlings grossing $3,875,000 at an average of $276,786, and if Tuesday is any indication, his popularity is only going to continue to grow.

The top-priced lot on Day 2 and current sale-topper is a colt by the shuttle stallion, who was offered by Brent and Cherry Taylor’s Trelawney Stud. His dam, Lady Sayyida (NZ), has produced the Group 2 victress Excelida (Exceed And Excel) and is a half-sister to the Group 1 winner and Group 1-producing sire Ocean Park (NZ).

Lot 294 - Too Darn Hot (GB) x Lady Sayyida (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The colt was knocked down to Cooke, who, at this sale in 2016, purchased the G1 Australian Guineas and G1 Makybe Diva S. hero, now sire, Grunt (NZ), in partnership with Mick Price, for NZ$220,000. Interestingly, Grunt was also offered by Trelawney Stud.

“He is a lovely colt and obviously he was a standout because there was plenty of interest in him and I had to fight pretty hard to get him, so I’m happy we had around five guys in the deal and got him done - I’m still shaking,” Cooke explained.

“He is a star, very athletic and a lovely mover. I have had a lot of success buying from that family, having bought Grunt as a yearling, and he is under the second dam, there are two stallions on the page and he is just an outstanding type.”

“He (Lot 294) is a lovely colt and obviously he was a standout because there was plenty of interest in him and I had to fight pretty hard to get him...” - Cameron Cooke

The colt will head to Victoria to the state’s leading trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

“He is going to go to Melbourne. I have got two clients there that have decided to give him to Ciaron Maher and put him through their system,” said Cooke.

Cherry Taylor was thrilled to get the result with breeding partner John Struthers.

Cherry and Brent Taylor | Image courtesy of Trelawney Stud

“John bought Lady Sayyida as a yearling and Roger James trained her. We wanted to buy her when she retired from the track, but he would only sell half,” Taylor commented.

“John owned Avanti Cycles and is a lovely guy, and he enjoys his racing. He enjoys breeding with us, so I am thrilled for him that he got such a great result.”

Lot 344 - Pierro x Meleka Belle (NZ) filly, NZ$500,000

Being a half-sister to the Champion mare Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) – a winner of 19 races, 14 of them in top company, as well as the dual Listed scorer Tutukaka (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), this filly from the draft of Haunui Farm was always going to have plenty of good judges on her, and after a spirited bidding duel, it was Annabel Neasham’s racing manager, Rob Archibald, that won the day.

Archibald was in dialogue with Tim Stakemire - Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s racing manager - on Monday and offered up Lot 344 as one of his picks of the sale. Acting on behalf of Sheikh Khalifa, Stakemire instructed Archibald to try and secure the filly and they had to go to NZ$500,000 to see off the challenge of Mr Zhang’s Yulong Investments, who own Melody Belle.

Lot 344 - Pierro x Meleka Belle (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

“We were talking with Tim Stakemire, and his client Sheikh Khalifa, and he asked if there were any nice fillies in the sale,” Archibald said.

“We loved her and she was one of the fillies of the sale.

“I thought she was a lovely mover, quite strong, but bred to take a little bit of time. She had good presence on the sale ground. I love her movement and think that will take her a long way.

“I think she is above average on what we have seen, just on a physical. She is one of the better physicals of the Pierros that we have seen.

“I think she (Lot 344) is above average on what we have seen, just on a physical. She is one of the better physicals of the Pierros that we have seen.” - Rob Archibald

“Sometimes you get to a sale ground and they just stand out, and she stood out to me.

“With that pedigree, whatever she does on the racetrack, she is going to have good residual value if they choose to either breed or sell.

“We loved everything about her and were excited to get her and get her back into the stable in Sydney.”

Sheikh Khalifa has tasted Group 1 glory with Pride Of Dubai, Oohood (I Am Invincible) and Igugu (Galileo {Ire}), to name a few.

Marie Leicester (centre) and family (Charlie, Robert and Maryanne) pictured alongside Rob Archibald | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

The filly is out of a winning Iffraaj (GB) mare, who is a half-sister to the stakes performers Desert Rain (NZ) (Honor Grades {USA}) and Tsarina Belle (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).

Haunui Farm Managing Director, Mark Chitty, was pleased to get the result for breeder and long-time client Marie Leicester.

“Any horse that you sell for half-a-million dollars is a great result,” said Chitty.

“Any horse that you sell for half-a-million dollars is a great result.” - Mark Chitty

“The Pierro filly is a lovely filly and was well admired and she is going to a great home and a real emerging trainer in Annabel Neasham.

“I expected that sort of money. These types of fillies are hard to find.”

Lot 423 - Per Incanto (USA) x Petite en Jeu (NZ) colt, NZ$400,000

Kelly Van Dyk of Prima Park and her clients were celebrating after Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA), acting for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, went to NZ$400,000 for this colt.

The result is a career-best for Prima Park - a family-run thoroughbred farm specialising in top quality horse agistment and sales preparation.

Lot 423 - Per Incanto (USA) x Petite en Jeu (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

“I’m rapt, absolutely over the moon,” Van Dyk told TDN AusNZ.

“It’s a record for Prima Park, which is terrific, it’s blown us away.

“It exceeded expectations, but in saying that, he’s been incredibly popular all week, he’s just been out and out, and out of his box, and we knew we had all the right people that we needed on him to get a good result.

“You’re always hopeful, but you just never know in this game.”

“It’s (Lot 423 selling for NZ$400,000) a record for Prima Park, which is terrific, it’s blown us away.” - Kelly Van Dyk

The colt was bred by new clients Nigel and Adaire Auret from Wanganui.

“They are just absolutely ecstatic; they couldn’t believe it. I’m very, very happy for them,” Van Dyk added.

“They’re first-time clients for us so, hopefully they’ll be back now after that result.”

Kelly Van Dyk | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

The colt is from a six-time-winner, who is a sister to the dual Listed victress La Fille En Jeu (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu {NZ}) and the stakes performer Overtheriver (NZ).

Lot 267 - Grunt (NZ) x Joan’s A Jett (NZ) filly, NZ$380,000

In what was another great result for Trelawney Stud, this filly was bought by the farm’s former Stud Manager, Kevin Walls’ KBW Bloodstock.

Walls, who spent more than two decades at Trelawney Stud, was acting for prominent owners and breeders, Ron and Judy Wanless, who have enjoyed Group 1 success with Amalfi (NZ) and Lights Of Heaven (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Lot 267 - Grunt (NZ) x Joan’s A Jett (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The filly is by the dual Group 1 winner Grunt, who was bred by Trelawney Stud and stands at Yulong Stud in Victoria.

“She is just gorgeous. We are thrilled not to only have bred that filly, but to have bred Grunt,” Taylor said.

“She was just the most fabulous walking filly and Judy was in love with her and Ron thought she was the best filly here. They are thrilled to bits to get her.”

“She (Lot 267) was just the most fabulous walking filly and Judy (Wanless) was in love with her and Ron (Wanless) thought she was the best filly here. They are thrilled to bits to get her.” - Cherry Taylor

The filly is from a winning Rock ‘N’ Pop mare and closely related to the Group 1 winners Tivaci (NZ) and Allez Wonder (Redoute’s Choice) and is likely to join Peter Moody’s Pakenham stable.

“We have been friends with Ron and Judy since 2001 when Amalfi won the VRC Derby and that was their first Group 1 winner in thoroughbred racing, and it was also Peter Moody’s first Group 1 winner,” Taylor added.

Lot 326 - Extreme Choice x Majestueux filly, NZ$380,000

Group 1-winning trainer Annabel Neasham has been active at Karaka and she parted with NZ$380,000 for the lone Extreme Choice yearling at the sale.

Offered by Woburn farm, the filly is out of a winless Snitzel mare, who has produced one winner, that being the Scott Spackman-trained gelding Fil (Rebel Dane).

Lot 326 - Extreme Choice x Majestueux (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Woburn Farm principal, Adrian Stanley, purchased the filly at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale for $350,000 and told TDN AusNZ he wanted to offer a point of difference in New Zealand.

“She’s a lovely filly, she’s really precocious and she’s got a lovely walk,” Stanley told TDN AusNZ.

“I pinhooked her out of the Gold Coast; I thought she would be a new flavour here in New Zealand, a bit of speed, a Karaka Million horse.

“I pinhooked her (Lot 326) out of the Gold Coast; I thought she would be a new flavour here in New Zealand, a bit of speed, a Karaka Million horse.” - Adrian Stanley

“She is the only yearling by Extreme Choice here at the sale.

“The cross works, it’s already thrown a stakes winner.

“It was great buying at that price and Annabel is a good judge and trainer.”

The filly’s grandam, Refugee (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), is an unraced half-sister to the Group 3 scorer Hitchens (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), as well as the stakes performers Cava (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Grand Marque (Ire) (Grand Lodge {USA}).

Top lots Day 2

294Too Darn HotLady SayyidaCTrelawney Stud LtdCameron Cooke BloodstockNZ$750,000
344PierroMeleka BelleFHaunui FarmMr T StakemireNZ$500,000
423Per IncantoPetite en JeuCPrima ParkThe Hong Kong Jockey ClubNZ$400,000
267GruntJoan's a JettFTrelawney Stud LtdKPW BloodstockNZ$380,000
326Extreme ChoiceMajestueuxFWoburn FarmAnnabel Neasham RacingNZ$380,000
328Ocean ParkMake a WishCWaikato Stud LtdMoody RacingNZ$375,000
436Ocean ParkPrettyCWaikato Stud LtdChris Waller Racing / Mulcaster BloodstockNZ$360,000
329Per IncantoMakkuraCLittle Avondale StudThe Hong Kong Jockey ClubNZ$360,000
387SavabeelO'LovelyFWindsor Park StudMr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)NZ$350,000
363Fastnet RockMore JoolsCCambridge StudGo RacingNZ$325,000

Top lots overall

294Too Darn HotLady SayyidaCTrelawney Stud LtdCameron Cooke BloodstockNZ$750,000
59SavabeelBayrockCWindsor Park StudMr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)NZ$625,000
97SavabeelChiarettaFElsdon ParkForsman Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock / Bevan Smith BloodstockNZ$600,000
344PierroMeleka BelleFHaunui FarmMr T StakemireNZ$500,000
196PierroForever LovedFCurraghmoreChris Waller Racing / Mulcaster BloodstockNZ$450,000
189VadamosFloramourFCurraghmoreChris Waller Racing / Mulcaster BloodstockNZ$450,000
423Per IncantoPetite en JeuCPrima ParkThe Hong Kong Jockey ClubNZ$400,000
210SavabeelGleeCWaikato Stud LtdThe Oaks StudNZ$400,000
326Extreme ChoiceMajestueuxFWoburn FarmAnnabel Neasham RacingNZ$380,000
267GruntJoan's a JettFTrelawney Stud LtdKPW BloodstockNZ$380,000
91Super SethChandelierCWaikato Stud LtdStephen Marsh Racing / Dennis Foster / Bourbon Lane / Dylan Johnson BloodstockNZ$380,000
New Zealand Bloodstock
2023 Karaka Yearling Sale
Top Lots

Value Buy: New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale Day 2

3 min read

Written by Oz Wedmore

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

The second day of selling at Karaka saw a well-bred daughter of Savabeel sneak under the radar early on in the day. Bred and consigned by Waikato Stud as Lot 275, his daughter out of the O'Reilly (NZ) mare Kansas (NZ) was knocked down to David Ellis of Te Akau Racing for NZ$145,000.

Lot 275 - Savabeel x Kansas (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The 10 progeny of Savabeel to sell prior averaged NZ$324,000, and with his daughters commanding up to NZ$600,000 on Day 1 of the sale, Ellis felt there was huge value in the purchase - especially given her page.

“We loved the pedigree,” Ellis told TDN AusNZ. “She’s out of an O’Reilly mare, who’s out of a Pins mare who’s out of a Zephyr Bay mare - it goes back to Zephyr Magic, one of the great mares that we’ve had in New Zealand, she won 12 races.”

“She’s (Lot 275) out of an O’Reilly mare, who’s out of a Pins mare who’s out of a Zephyr Bay mare - it goes back to Zephyr Magic, one of the great mares that we’ve had in New Zealand...” - David Ellis

Bred and raced by Waikato Stud, Kansas was a winner and has produced two winning full siblings to Ellis’ latest purchase, including the two-time winner Jenni Bad Cat (NZ), who was a NZ$260,000 purchase at the 2018 version of this sale.

Kansas is out of another Waikato-bred mare in Breezy (NZ) (Pins), the daughter of the great Zephyr Magic (NZ) (Zephyr Bay) which Ellis so admires.

A Group 3 winner and Group 1 performer, Breezy is a three-quarter sister to the stakes-placed Pin Up (NZ), the dam of Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Sports Illustrated (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous).

Karyn Fenton-Ellis and David Ellis | Image courtesy of Race Images

Whilst the latter was a later-developing type whose best performances came over a mile and further, Ellis sees an earlier-running type in Monday’s value buy.

“We thought this was more of a precocious, 2-year-old type,” he said.

“I thought she was a very athletic-looking filly, with good balance and she should run as a 2-year-old. She could well be in the Karaka Million 2YO next year.”

“I thought she (Lot 275) was a very athletic-looking filly, with good balance and she should run as a 2-year-old. She could well be in the Karaka Million 2YO next year.” - David Ellis

Ellis also noted that she’s bred on the particularly potent Savabeel/O’Reilly cross. It boasts seven Group 1 winners, including Cambridge Stud resident Embellish (NZ), Mo’unga (NZ) and Waikato Stud’s own mare Costume (NZ), and fires at an extraordinary 12.7 per cent stakes winners to runners.

“It’s absolutely fantastic, and we couldn’t believe that we were able to buy her for NZ$145,000, so she’ll be one of the first to sell for sure,” Ellis said.

2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale
David Ellis
Savabeel
Kansas
Zephyr Bay
Zephyr Magic

Nature Strip on song at Warwick Farm trials

7 min read

Written by Oz Wedmore

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Seven Group 1 winners made up an eclectic mix of nine trialers as some of Australia’s best racehorses stretched their legs in Heat 1 at Warwick Farm Trials on Monday morning, whilst there were some exciting and well-bred juveniles amongst the six 2-year-old heats.

It’s not unusual to see the brilliant Nature Strip (Nicconi) leading home a string of household names in a trial as he steps closer to a return to the races, and he added a twelfth such victory to his name for Chris Waller on Monday.

Adopting his usual front-running style, he never saw another horse after the 200-metre marker and was hard held under Kerrin McEvoy, posting a 1.24l margin over last year’s G1 Golden Slipper winner Fireburn (Rebel Dane), with Riodini (NZ) (Proisir) finishing 0.16l behind her. Nature Strip completed the 824 metres in 49.34s on a Good 4 surface.

A further five Group 1 winners filled the minor placings - Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), September Run (Exceed And Excel), Private Eye (Al Maher), Durston (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and In Secret (I Am Invincible) respectively - and, whilst they all appeared in good order, there was little to learn as all were under tight restraint from their jockeys.

However, one thing to note is that never before has Fireburn trialled in such good company, and never before has she finished so close. The Portelli camp admit that she’s normally somewhat lacklustre in her warm ups, and were encouraged by Monday's performance amongst a stellar group of horses. She will now head to the G2 Light Fingers S. first-up on February 11, before likely tackling the G1 Surround S. (1400 metres) on February 25.

1/7

Gallery: Heat 1, images courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Heat 6 - Kid comes home in style

Ben and JD Hayes’ R. Listed Inglis Banner winner Arkansaw Kid became the first Southern Hemisphere stakes winner for his sire, the Darley shuttler Harry Angel (Ire), last October and looks set to progress after an impressive workout on Monday in the first of the male 2-year-old heats.

Click here to watch Arkansaw Kid's trial replay

Taking a wide path under Chad Schofield, he responded immediately to pressure in the home straight and showed a good turn of foot to scoot 1.41l clear of Annabel Neasham’s Big Demeanor (I Am Invincible), a third-time trialer. A further 1.24l away was the Trapeze Artist colt Side Show, making his first public appearance for Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou.

Arkansaw Kid, trained by Ben and JD Hayes, winner of Heat 6 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Arkansaw Kid, a $190,000 purchase at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for Lindsay Park Racing, completed the 821-metre trial in 48.49s, the final 600 metres in 34.25s. To put the performances into some perspective, in fourth place was Room For Squares (Rubick), whose previous trial performance saw him third to Mumbai Muse (Zoustar), who finished third in last weekend’s G3 Widden S.

Heat 7 - Speedster does the business

Another for the colts and geldings over 821 metres, Heat 7 was won by Ian Finn’s experienced juvenile Speedster (Pride Of Dubai). He took in three races pre-Christmas, including the $1 million Golden Gift, and was given a firm workout by Ellen Hennessy, finishing 1.41l ahead of trial debutant My Spy (Better Than Ready), with Godolphin’s Razors (Sidestep) a nose away in third.

Click here to watch Speedster's trial replay

Speedster, a $30,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for owners Almighty Racing, completed the trial in 48.46s, covering the final 600 metres in 34.24s, both the fastest timings for the three juvenile heats over 821 metres.

Speedster, trained by Ian Finn, winner of Heat 7 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Heat 8 - Resurrected rises to the top

Annabel Neasham sent out two first-time trialers in Heat 8 and the pair led home the remaining five participants, with Resurrected (Shalaa {Ire}) showing a great attitude under a motionless Chad Schofield to fend of the challenge of Dee Stormed (Exceed And Excel).

Those two were separated by 0.29l, and it was a further 1.26l back to Virtual Legend (Deep Field), a Chris Waller trainee for Legend Racing, also undertaking his first trial. Resurrected came home in 49.84s, clocking 35.25s for the final 600 metres.

Click here to watch Resurrected's trial replay

A $120,000 purchase for Darby Racing at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, he is out of juvenile winner and G2 Silver Shadow S. placegetter Bacarella (Beneteau), who’s a half-sister to Group 3 winner and multiple-Group 1-placed Aliyana Tilde (Snitzel).

Ressurected, trained by Annabel Neasham, winner of Heat 8 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

His stablemate Dee Stormed, who runs in the colours of Rosemont Stud, is out of the 2-year-old Listed winner My Nikita (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior) and was a $130,000 purchase at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for J Scully.

Heat 9 - Lady looks smart

The first of three juvenile fillies’ heats over 818 metres was won in smart style by the Gary Portelli-trained Lady Jezam (Written By). Returning from a break having made a first trial appearance back in October, she grabbed the lead early from a wide draw under Zac Lloyd and extended well in the home straight.

Click here to watch Lady Jezam's trial replay

Warwick Farm-based trainer, Portelli, will be delighted with the result, as there are some good form lines to draw against the next two finishers. Pushed up to finish second, 0.7l away was the Trapeze Artist filly Facile, who was only just edged out to finish runner-up to Saltaire (Star Turn) - who finished fourth in Heat 10 on Monday - in the R. Listed Inglis Nursery on December 10.

Lady Jezam, trained by Gary Portelli, winner of Heat 9 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

A further 0.27l away in third was Chris Waller’s Lazzago (Capitalist), who overcame some immaturity to make her Saturday debut a winning one back on December 17, overturning Peter and Paul Snowden’s odds-on favourite Snapback (Snitzel) in the process.

A homebred for Team McDonnell, Lady Jezam is out of the three-time winner My Last Fling (Sebring) and is a half-sister to stakes winner Frankie Pinot (Your Song). She completed the trial in 47.86s, the quickest of the three fillies’ heats, covering the final 600 metres in 34.17s.

Heat 10 - Waterhouse/Bott first-timer

Having jumped slowly, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained trial debutante Saikono (Maurice {Jpn}) was given a strong hurry-up by Regan Bayliss to take Heat 10 by 2.16l over her lesser-pressed stablemate Zelta (Snitzel), who was last seen finishing third at the Official 2-Year-Old Trials at Randwick last September.

Bred by Arrowfield Stud, Saikono was a $400,000 purchase by Cloros Bloodstock, in whose colours she runs, at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. She is out of Teaspoon (Snitzel), winner of the G3 Widden S. and related to the winner of Heat 8, being a sister to Aliyana Tilde. She finished the trial in 48.21s, cover the final 600 metres in 34.13s.

A nose away in third on her first appearance was Clarry Conners’ Frankel (GB) filly The Hawkesbury. Bred and race by Strawberry Hill Stud, she is out of their champion More Joyous (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}).

Heat 11 - Tango dances ahead

Gary Portelli gained his second trial winner of the morning in Heat 11 when Tango Fever (More Than Ready {USA}) ran out a 0.39l margin over Sounds Of Heaven (I Am Invincible), and completed the trial in 48.71s, the final 600 metres in 34.83s.

Click here to watch Tango Fever's trial replay

Second on debut when sent to the Gold Coast in late November, Tango Fever returned to her home state to contest the R. Listed Inglis Nursery on December 10, but managed only seventh.

Tango Fever, trained by Gary Portelli, winner of Heat 11 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

She is out of the two-time juvenile winner Tango Fire (Anabaa {USA}), making her a half-sister to Group 2 winner Tango’s Daughter (Redoute’s Choice), and was a $140,000 purchased at last year's Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Gary Portelli
Saikono
Lady Jezam
Resurrected
Arkansaw Kid
Nature Strip
Fireburn
Annabel Neasham
Chris Waller

The Asian Bloodstock Review - Element Hill and Torryburn Stud celebrate feature-race success

5 min read

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Sunday’s G1 Stewards’ Cup at Sha Tin was billed as one of the best races ever to be staged in Hong Kong and the pre-race hype was well and truly justified, with local stars Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) staging an enthralling battle over 1600 metres.

When it was all said and done it was the champion, Golden Sixty, who claimed bragging rights, upstaging the newcomers in what race caller Mark McNamara described as ‘the race of the decade’.

Golden Sixty – the two-time Horse of the Year - was bred by the Hutchins family in Queensland and offered by their Element Hill draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Riversley Park and Enigma Farm went to for $120,000 to secure him. He was later purchased by his trainer, Francis Lui, for NZ$300,000 from the Riversley Park draft at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

With seven Group 1 triumphs, Golden Sixty is the best of six winners from eight to race out of the imported stakes-winning mare Gaudeamus (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), who was purchased, carrying Golden Sixty, by Josh Hutchins Bloodstock for $160,000, on behalf of Element Hill, out of the Wood Nook Farm draft at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale Select Session.

Gaudeamus, who has also produced the stakes performers Rainbow Connection (Choisir) and Igitur (Helmet), has a yearling filly by Vancouver and was covered last spring by So You Think (NZ).

Arguably Hong Kong’s greatest horse of all-time, Golden Sixty has registered 23 wins, amassing prizemoney of HK$129,690,600 (AU$23,303,000) – both local records.

“I’m just very happy for Golden Sixty. The team did great work after the last race and to come back to his optimum fitness was great,” said jockey Vincent Ho.

“I’m just very happy for Golden Sixty. The team did great work after the last race and to come back to his optimum fitness was great.” - Vincent Ho

Lui said the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000 metres) at Sha Tin on February 26 is on the radar, so too is an overseas campaign, with both the Dubai Turf (1800 metres) at Meydan and the Yasuda Kinen (1600 metres) at Tokyo under consideration.

“We have to see how he pulls up, and we’ll discuss it with the team,” Lui said.

“We have entered the Dubai 1800 on turf, so that’s another thought. I think it’s a good race for him, and it can be a prep race for him if we go to Japan because it’s left-handed, and he can get used to the heat.

“There are a few options for us.”

Francis Lui leads in Vincent Ho aboard Golden Sixty after winning the G1 Stewards' Cup at Sha Tin | Image courtesy of the HKJC

Torryburn Stud graduate not for the catching in Classic Mile

Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) put the writing on the wall for Sunday’s Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600 metres) when he took out the Class 3 Ping Shan H. (1600 metres) at Sha Tin on January 15.

With star Australian jockey Jamie Kah aboard, the Ricky Yiu-trained front-runner made all in the first leg of Hong Kong’s prestigious 4-Year-Old Series, posting a 1.25l victory.

The win was significant for Mel Coppelin - stud manager at Torryburn Stud - and her team, who bred Voyage Bubble.

The gelding was the top-priced lot at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, with Yiu paying $380,000 for him.

He is from the winning Rahy (USA) mare Raheights, who has produced the Group 3 victress Diddums (Snitzel) and the stakes performer Brettan (Commands), and is now retired from stud duties. Diddums’ yearling colt by Written Tycoon made $200,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Voyage Bubble’s grandam is Laoub (USA) (Red Ransom {USA}), who won over 1800 metres and was third in the UAE One Thousand Guineas, and she is a half-sister to the Grade 1 winner Never Retreat (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}).

Voyage Bubble as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Zoustar on the board in Japan

Widden Stud resident Zoustar has enjoyed a great start to his stud career in both hemispheres and he added another feather to his cap on Sunday when Three Island (Ire) became his first winner in Japan.

The Northern Hemisphere-bred Three Island, who is from the Pivotal (GB) mare Entreat (GB), broke the ice, taking out a 3-year-old maiden at Kokura.

Entreat has thrown the G1 Commonwealth Cup and G2 Richmond S. hero Golden Horde (Ire), as well as the Listed winners Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}).

Zoustar | Standing at Widden Stud

Three Island was consigned by Highclere Stud to the 2021 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, where she failed to make her 240,000gns (AU$524,400) reserve.

Zoustar shuttles to Tweenhills Stud in Gloucester, England.

Lemon Pop prevails in Group 3

Godolphin-owned entire Lemon Pop (USA) (Lemon Drop Kid {USA}) laid a marker for the G1 February S. in three weeks’ time with an impressive win in Sunday’s G3 Negishi S. at Tokyo.

It was the first black-type triumph for the 5-year-old, who is out of Unreachable (USA) (Giant’s Causeway {USA}), a daughter of the Grade 3-winning Harpia (USA) (Danzig {USA}).

Meanwhile, Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}) proved too good in Sunday’s G3 Silk Road S. at Chukyo.

Namura Clair is from the winning Storm Cat (USA) mare Sun Queen (USA).

Golden Sixty
Element Hill
Torryburn Stud
Voyage Bubble
Zoustar

Daily News Wrap

6 min read

Bella Nipotina secures Quokka slot

Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) has been snapped up by Ladbrokes and will run in their slot for the inaugural running of the $4 million The Quokka in Perth on April 14.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained daughter of Pride Of Dubai will run in the G1 William Reid S. at Moonee Valley en route to the 1200-metre contest.

Bella Nipotina | Image courtesy of Darren Tindale

“It’s exciting to team up with Ladbrokes for this terrific new race,” Maher said. “We think The Quokka will really suit Bella Nipotina and we’re building a campaign aimed at it, including the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

“It will be fantastic to be part of the first running of The Quokka with a proven Group 1-winning mare.”

I’m Thunderstruck to trial at Geelong

The Mick Price and Micheal Kent Jnr-trained I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) will warm up for his intended tilt at the G1 CF Orr S. when he trials at Geelong on Tuesday.

I’m Thunderstruck will be in the first trial over 1000 metres at Geelong at 8.30am AEDT, which will also feature fellow star Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) and the 2022 G1 ATC Oaks winner El Patroness (Shamus Award), who is making her first appearance since winning that Group 1.

Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr said the stable was thrilled with the progress of I’m Thunderstruck, who would be aimed at The All-Star Mile.

Snowdens spy Mile with star filly

Connections of Sheeza Belter (Gold Standard) have stumped up the $2500 late nomination fee for the $5 million The All-Star Mile, held at The Valley on March 18, leaving the final number of entries at 79.

The 3-year-old filly impressed her trainers when finishing second in a Rosehill trial last week, just ahead of G1 Flight S. winner Zougotcha (Zoustar) in a strong field.

First trained in Perth by Luke Fernie, Sheeza Belter moved to the Snowdens' Randwick base early in 2022, and was a $50,000 yearling purchase at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale who has now won over $1.7 million.

Voting by the public for the 10 horses which will make the final cut opens at 8am (AEDT) on Monday, February 6am AEDT, running through until 10pm AEDT on Sunday, February 26.

Gold Trip back in fine form

Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett was told by his trainers that G1 Melbourne Cup star Gold Trip (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}) is now in better form than ever before as he mulls options for the 6-year-old gelding.

“He’s now had a full season of racing. He came into last season after a long break of 12 months, and it took him a while to get going,” Lovett told Racing.com.

“He probably has to kick off over a mile and it’s the Chipping Norton or The All-Star Mile which fit that bill.

“Whether The All-Star Mile fits in with the Tancred S., which is the next week after it, I’m not too sure,” Lovett said, also stating that he sees a Melbourne Cup defence as a ‘logical’ race for him.

Two for Scott and O’Sullivan in Waikato Guineas

In their quest to win a third successive G1 New Zealand Derby, Andrew Scott and Lance O’Sullivan will launch a two-pronged attack at Wednesday’s G2 Waikato Guineas.

The Matamata stable, who have claimed the G1 New Zealand Derby with Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) (2021) and Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) (2022) and they will be hoping Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and Devildom (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) can show their Derby credentials when they in Saturday’s Group 2 at Te Rapa.

Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

“Both of our horses are well and this race is ideally situated as we build to the Derby,” O’Sullivan said. “We’re not too worried about the wet track as they seem to have handled it in the past and if we don’t run this week there is no guarantee we won’t strike similar if we scratch and wait a week.

“As long as they perform to expectations then they will both go to the Avondale Guineas and then the Derby.”

Aggressive talk from trainer

Grahame Begg’s lightly raced star Passive Aggressive (Fastnet Rock) has returned bigger and better this preparation according to her trainer. The 4-year-old mare has taken in just five starts, and hasn’t been seen since first tasting defeat in last August’s G3 Cockram S.

After she had her first jump-out at Cranbourne on Monday morning, Begg told Racing.com:

“She's in outstanding order.

“It was a very, very good heat, Marabi and Marine One were in it, so it was a pretty sharp heat. She wasn't put under any pressure and did it under her own steam, but we were very, very pleased with her.”

Begg indicated that she may resume in the G2 Challenge S. on March 4 at Randwick, travelling in search of a softer surface.

Legarto looking for a local

Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso are in search of a Melbourne-based jockey for their 3-year-old Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) ahead of her national debut in the G1 Australian Guineas in March. The 3-year-old filly enjoyed an unbeaten run of five races into the R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic on January 21, where she finally came unstuck, finishing fourth.

“We haven't decided that yet,” co-trainer Ken Kelso told Racing.com. “We are still in negotiations, but it will definitely be an Australian rider.

Legarto (NZ) | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“She's definitely on track to go to the Australian Guineas. She'll have a trial here before she goes.

“She came through it (the Karaka Million) very well. She was very unlucky. When the draw came out and we drew one, we knew we'd be in trouble.”

Party For Two’s fairytale mission

Bred by Telemon Stud, the diminutive 2-year-old filly Party For Two (Sidestep) is taking connections on a dream ride towards the G1 Blue Diamond S. after she followed up her 7.5l maiden victory with a 2.57l Doomben success on January 21.

Trained at the Sunshine Coast by the relatively unknown Damien Batters, Telemon Stud’s Dan Fletcher admitted that he wasn’t necessarily his first choice.

“I actually had another trainer in mind for her and I couldn't get onto them,” Fletcher told Racenet.

“I had never met him, but that was the thing, he was on the hunt and we love putting them with trainers who you know will put everything into it.”

Although twice passing in at the sales, Fletcher said they weren’t necessarily expecting to sell her, and were looking to qualify for sales races - a class she now looks beyond.

“I saw her as a filly who could be a sharp 2-year-old at that provincial level and we weren't really aiming too much higher than that but she seems to be a little bit better than that.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - January 31

3 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.

We head to Kembla Grange for our Looking Ahead selections for Tuesday. Our first runner is a well-related Snitzel colt, who debuts in the hands of Chad Schofield for trainer Sam Kavanagh, while our second is a Zoustar filly, who faces the starter for the first time.

Kembla Grange, Race 3, 2.25pm AEDT, Helensburgh CG&E Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1200m

Meet Me In Bondi, 3-year-old gelding (Snitzel x Bondi Blonde {Red Ransom {USA}})

Bred by Strawberry Hill Stud, this colt made $200,000 at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, when offered by Glastonbury Farms. He was bought by Sam Kavanagh Racing and Still Point.

The colt is from a 1400-metre winner, who is a sister to the R. Listed winner Tippitaka, and a half-sister to the stakes winners Danroad, Strawberry Boy (Redoute’s Choice) and Newtown Jet (USA).

Bondi Blonde has produced the Group 1 runner-up Bondi, who now stands at Lynward Park Stud in Western Australia.

Meet Me In Bondi as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Meet Me In Bondi’s second dam, Strawberry Girl (USA) (Strawberry Road), was a stakes performer and notched five wins and she is a sister to the stakes winner Strawberry A. O K.

The Group 1 winner Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}) also features on this gelding’s page.

Meet Me In Bondi, who has been unplaced in three trials, will be ridden by Chad Schofield.

Kembla Grange, Race 4, 3.05pm AEDT, Darkes Forest F&M Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1200m

Kokoshnik, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Tiare {Flying Spur})

Bred by Lightning Thoroughbreds, this filly was consigned by Newgate Farm at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. She was purchased by Dynamic Syndications and Dean Watt Bloodstock (FBAA) for $140,000.

The Richard and Will Freedman-trained Kokoshnik is the third foal of a 1300-metre winner, who is a half-sister to the Group 2 victor, talented sprinter Keen Array (Bel Esprit), as well as the promising 4-year-old Think About It (So You Think {NZ}) - a winner of four of his five starts.

Kokoshnik as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

The filly’s grandam, Moorea (Zabeel {NZ}), won over 1457 metres and is a three-quarter sister to the Listed winner Chambord (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and a half-sister to the Group 1 scorer The Duke (Danehill {USA}).

Kokoshnik’s third dam, Mer Du Sud (Ire) (Bluebird {USA}), placed as a 2-year-old and is a half-sister to the stakes winners Sayf El Arab (USA) (Drone {USA}), Monde Bleu (GB) and Bestplan (GB) (Try My Best {USA}).

Brett Prebble has the ride aboard Kokoshnik, who won one of her three trials ahead of her debut.

Looking Back

From Sunday, Savvy Bee (NZ) (Savabeel) finished third in Race 3 at Benalla, while Rich Glow (Capitalist) was scratched from Race 1. At Geelong, Magnace (Almanzor {Fr}) was unplaced.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Tuesday, January 31

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Monday, January 30

No first season sires' results

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Tuesday, January 31

No first season sires' runners

First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Monday, January 30

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Tuesday, January 31

Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

Beaumont Newcastle (Country)

Dubbo (Country)

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

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian 2-Year-Old Sires' Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand 2-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.

TDN AusNZ 2023 Media & Advertising Guide

View: TDN AusNZ 2023 Media Guide

TDN AusNZ will be printing and distributing daily editions at the following major sales for 2023:

New Zealand BloodstockKaraka Yearling SaleJanuary 27 - 31
InglisClassic Yearling SaleFebruary 10 - 14
InglisMelbourne Premier Yearling SaleMarch 3 - 6
Magic MillionsGold Coast March Yearling SaleMarch 20
InglisAustralian Easter Yearling SaleMarch 28 - April 4
InglisAustralian Weanling SaleApril 29 - May 2
InglisChairman's SaleMay 3 - 4
InglisAustralian Broodmare SaleMay 5
Magic MillionsGold Coast National SaleMay 15 - 25

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Regular Columnists

John Berry | Alan Carasso | Emma Berry | Kristen Manning

Photography is largely supplied by The Image is Everything - Bronwen Healy and Darren Tindale, and complemented by Sportpix, Trish Dunell (NZ), Racing.com Photos, Ashlea Brennan and Western Racepix.

The Final Say