Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Turnbull S. - a historic contest

Even before being elevated to its current Group 1 status in 2006, this 2000-metre early spring feature at Flemington, run as a set weights and penalties event (though from 1865 to 1948 as a weight-for-age race), has always been contested and won by topliners.

Right back to the early days when it was taken out by the likes of The Barb and Tim Whiffler and into the next century - Eurythmic, Manfred, Amounis (Magpie {GB}), Hall Mark, Ajax, Bernborough and Comic Court all on the honour roll during the first half of the 1900s.

Gallery: Some of the early Turnbull S. winners, images courtesy of Wikipedia

The next couple of decades saw some high-class winners as well - namely Rising Fast (NZ) (Alonzo {GB}), Redcraze (NZ) (Red Mars {GB}), Aquanita, Tobin Bronze, Galilee (NZ) (Alcimedes {GB}), Leilani (NZ) (Oncidium {GB}) and Dulcify (NZ) (Decies {GB}).

And there has been no going backwards for the Turnbull, since that time won by the likes of Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince {USA}), Super Impose (NZ) (Imposing), Better Loosen Up (Loosen Up {USA}), Let's Elope (NZ) (Nassipour {USA}), Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}), Northerly (Serheed {USA}), Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}), Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) and Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}).

It is interesting to have a look at recent runnings - say the last 20 years - and see where the Turnbull winners had come from that spring and where they ended up.

Successful in 2003, Studebaker (NZ) (Lord Ballina) was fifth in the G2 Shannon S. at his previous start and after his Flemington success he headed to the paddock. The following year's winner was of a higher quality - the wonderful galloper Elvstroem who had won the G1 Underwood S. previously and who went onto G1 Caulfield Cup success (and another two Group 1 wins later on).

Makybe Diva was the next Turnbull winner, second in the G2 Feehan S. before and onto wins in the G1 WS Cox Plate and her oh so memorable third G1 Melbourne Cup. Sphenophyta (NZ) (Groom Dancer {USA}) won the following year off an Underwood S. sixth en route to a Caulfield Cup fifth.

Devil Moon (King Cugat {USA}) had won the G2 Stocks S. before her success and then went onto finish fifth in the Cox Plate. Littorio (Bellotto {USA}) was third in the Underwood, going on to a Caulfield Cup fifth - and the G1 BMW two years later.

Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) was already a Melbourne Cup winner when he added the Turnbull to his resume, he had been ninth in the Underwood in the lead up and was then off the scene for a couple of years, not managing another win.

Zipping (Danehill {USA}), who had been fifth in the Feehan, was en route to his fourth G2 Sandown Classic victory when he won this race in 2010 at his next start finishing second to So You Think (NZ) in the second of that champ's Cox Plates.

December Draw (Ire) (Medecis {GB}) had his moment in the sun following up a G3 Naturalism S. victory with success in this race whilst the very handsome import Green Moon (Ire) - who had been second in the Feehan - went onto Melbourne Cup success.

The popular chestnut Happy Trails (Good Journey {USA}) did a great job contesting five runnings of the Turnbull which he won, on the back of an Underwood fourth, in 2013 before going close to the prize in the Cox Plate won by Shamus Award.

Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel) ran sixth in the G1 George Main S. at her previous start to her Turnbull win and at her next outing she was right in the thick of things when third behind Admire Rakti (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the Caulfield Cup.

Both Preferment (NZ) and Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) had won the G2 Hill S. (now run on the same day), the former was unplaced in other spring biggies but went on to add two Group 1 races to his good record whilst Hartnell (who also won two Group 1 races subsequently) was placed in both the Cox Plate - second to Winx - and the Melbourne Cup, third behind Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}).

Winx won both of the Turnbulls she contested and both times she had won the George Main at her previous outing - and of course she went onto Cox Plate victories both times.

Kings Will Dream (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}) enjoyed the highlight of his career winning this race in 2019 having been third the previous year and eighth in the G1 Makybe Diva S. at his previous start. Verry Elleegant was fourth in the George Main, going on to win that year's Caulfield Cup and the following year's Melbourne Cup.

Incentivise (Shamus Award) was in great form this time two years ago, winning the Makybe Diva, then the Turnbull and then the Caulfield Cup before his Melbourne Cup second at what sadly was to be his final outing. And last year's winner, who had taken out the G3 Naturalism S., was Smokin' Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) who again takes his place on Saturday.

He is massive odds this time around and one of the two horses who were here this time last year with the Melbourne Cup hero Gold Trip (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}) good off a wide run again lining up, though from a horror gate!

Most of the attention however is on the exciting Hong Kong galloper Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) making his local debut as he heads towards the Cox Plate for which he is the favourite.

Two of the favoured Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup runners - Francesco Guardi (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Soulcombe (GB) (Frankel {GB}) - are also here, making this race, as usual, a must see!

Maribyrnong Trial S. - Happy 50th!

On the back of Sydney hosting the first black-type juvenile contests last weekend, Flemington has Melbourne's first, the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. - a race which goes back to 1978.

How has it stood up as a future form reference? Well of its 49 winners (it has been on numerous occasions been run in two divisions) 25 have gone on to again win at stakes level and of those seven were Group 1 winners... Sepoy, Sports (Zeditave), Flavour (Rubiton), Danzero, Canny Lad and Star Shower all making their debut in this race whilst Redelva was having his second start.

Twelve of this race's winners have gone on to sire stakes winners with Canny Lad and Danzero the standouts whilst Kuroshio, Sepoy and Star Shower have also been represented by Group 1 progeny. As has one of its female winners, Bardego (Barathea {Ire}) the dam of the G1 Railway S. winner Volpe Veloce (Foxwedge).

Gallery: The most-expensive yearling purchases stepping out in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. at Flemington, images courtesy of Magic Millions

New pedigrees are always exciting ones and there are some well-related youngsters vying for early black type including two seven-figure Magic Millions purchases - the $1.6 million colt Bodyguard (I Am Invincible) who was only just beaten by subsequent G3 Breeders' Plate winner Espionage (Zoustar) in a Randwick-Kensington trial and the $1.15 million filly Altermatum (Zoustar) who was second in a Flemington jump-out last week.

Bodyguard is a grandson of the G1 Golden Slipper winner Mossfun (Mossman) whilst Altermatum is a granddaughter of the dual Group 1 winner Response (Charge Forward), dam of the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Estijaab (Snitzel) and the recent G3 Concorde S. winner Remarque (Snitzel).

Dublin Down (Exceedance) out of the dual Listed winner Dublin Lass (O'Reilly {NZ}) is a trial winner whilst those who have won jump-outs are: Alaa Plenty (Shalaa {Ire}) from the family of the big-race winners Headturner (Anabaa {USA}) and Anacheeva; Blue Illusion (Blue Point {Ire}) out of the Listed Denise's Joy S. winner Alucinari (Street Cry {Ire}); Royal Hill (So You Think {NZ}) out of a three-quarter sister to the G1 VRC Derby winner Blackfriars and Wolfgang (Exceed And Excel) out of the Group 3-placed Serenade (Star Witness), half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Stratum Star.

Edward Manifold S. - on the resume of many a good broodmare!

There have been 91 winners of this fillies feature first held in 1932 and what an outstanding reference to future success it has been - both on and off the track.

The G2 Edward Manifold S. has 37 of its winners go onto Group 1 glory and amongst that tally are a number of Classic winners... it has had 17 of its winners go on to G1 VRC success, 15 taking out the G1 Thousand Guineas, three the G1 Caulfield Guineas, three the G1 AJC Oaks and two the G1 Australasian Oaks.

Several of its winners have won combinations of those races and also on the races honour roll are the wonderful mares Tranquil Star (Gay Lothario {GB}), Wiggle (Rego {Ire}), Light Fingers (NZ) (Le Filou {Fr}), Emancipation (Bletchingly) and Dual Choice (Showdown {GB}).

This is also a race with a stellar record of being won by successful broodmares, 33 of them (a massive 36.2 per cent) producing stakes winners with a dozen of them having more than one stakes winner whilst nine have been well-represented by Group 1 winners.

Sixteen well-credentialled fillies line up in this Saturday's running of the Edward Manifold with a number of those already being stakes winners - De Sonic Boom (Spirit Of Boom), Legacies (Justify {USA}), Dolphin Skin (NZ) (Telperion) and Coco Sun (the Autumn Sun).

Though it may be the case of a filly recording a debut stakes victory with Poifect (Pierro), Subrising (Needs Further) and Nodachi (No Nay Never {USA}) amongst the others showing good promise.

The latter will be ridden by Damian Lane who boasts a terrific record in this race, successful aboard Lickety Split (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) last year, Thermosphere (Exosphere) in 2020 and Se Sauver (Bel Esprit) in 2013.

Damien Oliver also has multiple Edward Manifold trophies with his most recent success coming aboard Badawiya (Al Maher) in 2015 and this is of course his final chance to win it - and he partners with Basilinna (NZ) (Staphanos {Jpn}) who rises in class off an impressive Cranbourne maiden victory.

Danehill S. - future The Everest form?

What a race this was last year! First across the line - Giga Kick (Scissor Kick), second Buenos Noches (Supido) and third Cannonball (Capitalist).

It was the fourth win from as many starts for Giga Kick who had taken out the G3 Vain S. at his previous start and who at his next outing would win, at double-figure odds, The Everest.

He was set for another crack at that race before injury saw him head to the paddock, but the Danehill can again influence The Everest with Buenos Noches a leading fancy.

Godolphin boast a good record in this race, James Cummings winning it for them with Kallos (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and Encryption whilst under the care of Peter Snowden were its winners Sepoy, Soul (Commands) and Aichi (Strategic).

They have one to cheer on this year with their promising young stallion Harry Angel (Ire) represented by Stretan Angel (Harry Angel {Ire}) who is yet to put a hoof wrong - looking the hardest to beat of the fillies.

Godolphin/Darley's Australian operation was once Woodlands and their cerise colours (worn by the 2002 winner Planchet) will also be seen in action on Saturday with Cigar Flick (Churchill {Ire}) one of the four fillies taking on the boys.

It would be an apt win for Cigar Flick as her grandam Special Harmony (Spinning World {USA}) won the G2 Edward Manifold S. at this meeting 20 years ago.

And of the boys - Archo Nacho (Sioux Nation {USA}) and I Am Unstoppable (I Am Invincible) were very good finishing one/two in the the Listed Poseidon S., the latter not having the best of luck.

There is Sydney form here too with the G3 San Domenico S. winner Libertad (Russian Revolution), the G1 Sires' Produce S. runner-up Don Corleone (Extreme Choice) coming out of the G2 Run to the Rose and the G1 Golden Rose S.

Roman Consul S. - talented 3-year-olds

Just eight runners take the field at Rosehill and interestingly they are all colts.

And connections of each would love to have this Group 2 sprinting contest on their record as it is already on the resume of a number of successful stallions... such as Exceed And Excel, Fastnet Rock, Zoustar, Brazen Beau and Russian Revolution.

Exceed And Excel is yet to sire a winner of the race but it would be nice if he did so - seeming this year is the 20th anniversary of his success.

Barber, who ran such good time in the Listed Heritage S. first-up, is his representative here though the promising Balkans also has his genes - seeking to become the seventh Lonhro horse out of an Exceed And Excel mare to win at stakes level.

Both Barber and Balkans are members of the James Cumming stable and he has won two of the last six runnings of the Roman Consul with with Paulele in 2021 and Viridine (Poet's Voice {GB}) in 2017.

The Snowdens also know how to win this race, cheering home Wild Ruler, Cosmic Force and Russian Revolution and they again have a leading contender in the shape of King's Gambit (I Am Invincible) who has trialled well since his first-up Listed Poseidon S. third.

Gai Waterhouse is another with a good Roman Consul record though it has been a while since her latest success - Montana Flyer (Flying Spur) in 2008. She and Adrian Bott have a nice prospect here - the lightly raced Royal Tribute (Snitzel) who was on the heels of the placegetters after making the pace in the Listed Heritage S.

The first two home in that race again line up and they may well again figure it out - Ozzmosis (Zoustar) hard to fault with his three wins from as many starts whilst Celestial Legend (Dundeel {NZ}) is yet to finish out of the quinella.

The mares - The Nivison and the Rose Of Kingston S.

All mare owners covet springtime black-type and these two races at Rosehill and Flemington provide a couple of nice opportunities - and both races have attracted nice fields.

The Nivison in Sydney sees the classy and consistent Parisal (Astern), she has a tricky wide gate to contend with but just does not know how to run a bad race, winning four (and finishing second on three occasions) of her eight starts including the G3 Toy Show Quality and the G3 Typhoon Tracy S.

The Victorian Magic Time (Hellbent) has won a Cranbourne jump-out since her good first-up run (recording fast splits) in Group 3 company at Caulfield and she too knows how to find the line - three wins from her first five starts.

Queen Of The Ball (I Am Invincible) went out a bit too hard last time but was tough when second behind Parisal at her previous outing and there are a couple resuming of great interest - the G1 Goodwood H. winner Royal Merchant (Merchant Navy) and the dual Group 2 winner Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution) who has trialled nicely.

Whilst The Nivison looks to be a relatively even field, there is an odds-on pop in the G2 Rose Of Kingston S. at Flemington with the imported mare Princess Grace (USA) (Karakontie {Jpn}) looking very hard to beat on the back of her excellent form against some of Australia's best horses.

At her first two runs this time in, Princess Grace split Fangirl (Sebring) and Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) in the G1 Winx S. and Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) and I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) in the G1 Memsie S.

And stepping up to the mile third-up she was a close up fourth in the G1 Makybe Diva S. quinellaed by Mr Brightside and the subsequent G1 Underwood S. winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard).

If there were to be any dangers to Princess Grace with her drop in class, they come in the shape of Startantes (Star Turn) who is capable of second-up improvement, Life Lessons (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) who comes off a game second to Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) in the G2 Let's Elope S. and the last-start G1 Tarzino Trophy winner Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel).

And a win by her would be a fun one for trivia buffs with Skewiff (Mookta) winning this same race in 2004! And that mare's grandson Encap (Capitalist) is an odds-on favourite in the Tapp-Craig at Rosehill on Saturday.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The Chris Waller-trained Militarize has yet to retire, yet he already has major studs queuing up to pledge support when the time comes.

Newgate Farm announced on Friday afternoon that John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud had entered the fold of the star son of Dundeel (NZ).

Militarize is owned and raced by Henry Field’s Newgate Stud alongside significant players such as China Horse Club and Go Bloodstock Australia.

For many, the combination of Field’s Newgate and Messara’s Arrowfield is enormous! Two supremos of the Australian racing and breeding industry.

Both are innovators and willing to put their judgment on the line; more times than not, their assessments ring true. There must be more to the story for the two to combine in an exceptional stallion prospect as Militarize.

Speaking to The Thoroughbred Report, Messara informed, “Not really. It could be seen that way, but it really isn’t.

“Newgate has their business; we’ve got ours. If we can cooperate on things occasionally, we’re always happy to do so.

“But we saw an opportunity; we got offered an interest in Militarize from an international investor (Starlight Racing) that was there.

“We took the interest after clearing it with Henry (Field), and we’re purely a passive investor.

“We just like the horse.”

Star quality

It would be hard not to like a horse such as Militarize. He has raced only seven times, greeting the judge in four, of which three have been at the elite level.

His efforts as a juvenile will give his Golden Slipper-winning stablemate Shinzo (Snitzel) a challenge for Australian Champion 2-Year-Old of the Year at the 2022/23 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards to be held in November.

Militarize was explosive in claiming the G1 Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 Champagne S. as a juvenile. Returning as a 3-year-old, the son of Dundeel was breathtaking in claiming the sire-making Golden Rose - his third Group 1 success.

Incredibly, before the month’s end, Militarize has a chance to add a fourth Group 1 in the Caulfield Guineas, which could potentially set up a tilt at the Cox Plate.

Dundeel factor

It also helps when you're a son of one of Australia’s hottest young stallions in Dundeel, who coincidentally stands at Arrowfield Stud.

A champion on the track, Messara knew he had to secure the son of High Chaparral (Ire) for Arrowfield.

Messara stated at the time of acquisition, “Dundeel was a racehorse of the highest class, effective at Group 1 level from a mile to 2400 metres, with immense natural athleticism, a high-cruising speed, and a devastating turn of foot.”

“These attributes, combined with his undaunted toughness and courage, make him this most exciting stallion prospect.”

Messara, several years forward, has been proved correct, with Dundeel passing these attributes on to his progeny.

Furthermore, his dam Amerindia (GB), bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock, is a daughter of the Champion and ruler of Darley, Europe - Dubawi (Ire).

Amerindia is a half-sister to the Listed winner Important Time (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who is the dam of the dual Group 1-winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).

“Militarize is by my favourite stallion. He’s got everything going for him: a lovely type of horse and a good pedigree.

“So far, his career has been quite brilliant, and I think there’s more to come. Arrowfield has just taken the view that if equity were available, we’d take it and sit passively and breed to him.

“There’s nothing major. There’s not some new development. Newgate has their business model, and we have our own. We’re not neighbours, but we’re not far apart.

“We know he’s a nice horse, and we recognise what a nice horse is. We breed to other stallions not standing at Arrowfield so Militarize will be one of those; we’re delighted to breed to this horse when the time comes.”

With Dundeel doing such a wonderful job at stud, and Arrowfield already standing his dual Group 1-winning son Castelvecchio, while Waikato Stud stands the G1 Caulfield Guineas victor Super Seth, where does Messara feel Militarize stands among them?

“He could become Dundeel’s best. He’s a triple Group 1 winner, but there are others of that ilk, Castelvecchio and a couple of others.

“Yes, he has the potential to be the best produced to date. But there’s more to go under the bridge before that happens.

“Plenty of nice Dundeels’ will come through in the next few weeks. Because the 3-year-olds of this year came from a crop that resulted from his first four or five Group 1 winners in his first two years, it takes this long for the produce of the breeding decisions that were made after to emerge.

Gallery: Dundeel's (NZ) sire sons

“So, the first 3-year-olds of this year are the first crop from high-quality mares Dundeel served.

“And then the 2-year-olds of this year will also be a very, very well-endowed crop for Dundeel. He’s come onto the scene very strongly because the quality of the mares has improved which seems to suit him.

“Militarize is a good-looking son of Dundeel. There’s more growth to come for him, he’s about 15.2h or 15.3h currently, so he’s not a big horse.

“He’s a compact but lovely type of horse, beautifully balanced and has a great head on him.

“He's a beautiful horse, and his performance and pedigree are the things that drew us into buying equity in Militarize.

“Dundeel’s not big, but the greatest horses in the world aren’t big either.”

Shades of brilliance

Messara loves brilliance, Dundeel had it, and Millitarize has inherited it. It has been on full display in the colt’s Group 1 performances.

“It was a Dundeel signature to have an explosive turn-of-foot. He could really quicken at the end of the races, and this boy appears to be the same.

“We’ll see more as the season continues, but we saw in the Golden Rose when Militarize was blocked for a run.

“For a good part of the straight, he had nowhere to go, and the race was nearly over when he got out. And yet he was able to quite brilliantly reel in the leader, which was a terrific, terrific thing to see.

“Had he had a clear run all the way up the straight, I think he’d have won that race by a length or two. That’s the credit I give him because had he been given the right passage, that’s what would have happened. Incredibly impressive.”

Future is bright

For Militarize, the future is bright on and off the track; not only will he be supported by the extensive broodmare portfolios of his current owners, but he can now add the diamonds held in Arrowfield’s broodmare band as future partners.

Field was thrilled to add Arrowfield’s support to the fold in a press release; he said, “Miltarize is an elite racehorse with an elite pedigree, and we feel honoured to welcome Arrowfield Stud into the ownership.

“The power of the Arrowfield broodmare band coupled with the broodmares owned by the many outstanding breeders in our colts partnership will give Militarize an unparalleled opportunity when he retires to stud at the completion of his racing days.”

Cover image courtesy of Tattersalls

Australasians active

Australasian-based buyers remained active on the final day of the 2023 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, purchasing a handful of lots.

Brad Spicer of Spicer Thoroughbreds spent 180,000gns (AU$360,200) to secure Lot 364, a son of Sea The Stars (Ire).

Blue Diamond Stud offered the colt and he is the second foal from the unraced Galileo (Ire) mare Floret (Ire). She is a half-sister to the six-time Group 1 heroine Moonlight Cloud (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

The colt will go into training with the Warrnambool-based trainer, Lindsay Smith.

The Kiwis also made their mark; Ben Foote of Enigma Farm and Ross Lao of Upper Bloodstock paid 85,000gns (AU$170,500) for Lot 384.

Offered by Tally-Ho Stud, the colt is by Australia’s own Zoustar and is from the Compton Place (GB) mare Gladiatrix (GB).

She won six races and has produced the Listed-placed Warrior Brave (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}).

Speaking to Sky Sports host Gina Bryce, Foote said, “Obviously, we know Zoustar from the Southern Hemisphere, and he’s a pretty popular stallion.

“This guy (Lot 384) we liked, he’s a nice horse, and we valued him at a higher price. I didn’t think we could afford him, but maybe he slipped through the cracks.

“We buy predominantly on type and Ross (Lao), and I usually like the same type of horse. It helps we know the sire, and he’s popular in Australasia.”

Lao added, “I am excited to have purchased a colt from Book 1 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

“It has been a place I’ve always wanted to go, and the prestige here. Ben and I have worked together and thought we would make a trip here to have a look.

“Ben and I usually trade as Hong Kong is our main market, but we will make a plan. At this stage, the colt will probably go to New Zealand, and then from there, we will decide.”

Frankel in demand

The top lot on the final day of Book 1 was offered by Watership Down Stud as Lot 492, a daughter of the Juddmonte Farms super horse - Frankel (GB). The pretty chestnut is the first foal from G1 Cheveley Park S. victress Millisle (Ire), a daughter of Australia's sprinting superstar Starspangledbanner. The filly made 1.6 million gns (AU$3.21 million) selling to Shadwell.

Shadwell’s racing manager Angus Gold commented on the purchase, “Sheikha Hissa absolutely loved her (Lot 492) when she saw her. I said she's probably going to make a lot of money, and she said, 'Well, we need fillies for the stud.'

“A first foal out of the Cheveley Park winner by one of the world's great stallions, it's self-explanatory. She seemed very athletic and had a very good mind for Frankel. A very well-balanced filly.”

He added, “I thought she'd make a million and two, probably a million and three. We were determined to buy her, and there is obviously a period of rebuilding. It's a long-term project for Sheikha Hissa. It's exciting times for the stud, but obviously, you need to keep regenerating.”

Shadwell did not add any colts to the team this week, but that's not to say that the major owner-breeders would be against the idea, with Gold going on to reveal that there is a possibility that Shadwell will be active at next week's Book 2 sessions.

He said, “Obviously, we'll be looking. The concentration has been fillies, but we will see what Sheikha Hissa wants to do.”

Gallery: Images courtesy of Tattersalls

It is no surprise that Frankel's progeny are in demand and deservedly so.

Shortly before Lot 492, Lot 483 waltzed through the famous ring. He was the last opportunity to buy a Frankel colt in the sale, sensing the opportunity M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm had the final sale at 950,000gns (AU$1.9 million).

Lot 483 was offered by the Cumanis’ Fittocks Stud and from the Oasis Dream (GB) mare Materialistic (GB). She descends from grand producer Souk (Ire) (Ahonoora {GB}).

The colt is a half-sister to the John and Thady Gosden-trained Naaey (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) who think enough of her to be planning to enter her in the G2 Pride S. in the coming weeks.

The legendary now retired Luca Cumani said, “From the moment he was born, he was strong. Obviously, yesterday's result helped, and we have to thank the Juddmonte team, as they were underbidders, and without them, we wouldn't have got this far.

Cumani added, “We'd like to thank Coolmore very much. They have been great supporters of ours, especially this year and last year.

“I bought Souk as a yearling in Goffs for Ir£100,000, which was a lot of money in those days, and I got home and got quite a bollocking. I'm glad it has worked out okay. (Her granddaughter) Platonic, who struggled to win and finally won as a 4-year-old in the French provinces, we sold for 100,000gns, and look what she has produced. It is a great family. We owe that family a hell of a lot.”

His wife Sara added, “It'll be great for all the guys at the farm as it's not been the easiest sale. (The market has been) up and down. We sold one for more than we expected, four for less than we expected and two we took home. They didn't seem to be excited about anything that is bred to look like a mile-and-a-half horse. But this was a great result, and we are grateful to the people who support us and grateful to the people who work with us.”

Hong Kong searching for another Romantic Warrior?

The Hong Kong Jockey Club were active on Day 3 at the 2023 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale signing for three yearlings.

The Tattersalls October Yearling has been a happy hunt ground for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, having sourced the outstanding Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) from the sale ground, albeit from Book 2.

The most expensive of the Book 1 purchases for the Hong Kong Jockey Club was Lot 441, a Kitten’s Joy (USA) colt offered by W H Bloodstock purchased for 400,000gns (AU$802,600).

The colt is the first foal from the Australia (GB) mare La Australiana (USA).

Gallery: The Hong Kong Jockey Club's purchases at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1, images courtesy of Tattersalls

The Hong Kong Jockey Club also paid 225,000gns (AU$450,400) for Lot 472 a colt by Lope De Vega (Ire) from the Group 2-placed Dragon Pulse mare Magical Fire (Ire), offered by Ballyhimikin Stud.

Rounding out the purchases for the Hong Kong Jockey Club was Lot 493, a colt by Mehmas (Ire) consigned by New England Stud.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club shelled out 160,000gns (AU$320,000) to secure Lot 493, which is from the Lawman (Fr) mare Minnaloushe (Ire).

The colt is a half-brother to the Group 3 winner She Do (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and from the family of the Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Manuela De Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

Mahony is pleased with the results despite dip

Edmond Mahony, Chairman of Tattersalls, philosophically concluded his market assessment. He commented, “Year after year, the consignors show enormous faith in Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale, with the sale showcasing the very best that Europe has to offer, and yet again, we have seen so many of the world's leading owners competing for the finest turf-bred yearlings to be found anywhere in the world.

“Amongst them have been a greater number of yearlings selling for one million guineas or more than all other European yearling sales combined, Europe's highest-priced yearling yet again, and 40 yearlings selling for in excess of 500,000gns which similarly is more than all other European yearlings sales to date this year.

“As ever, Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale has attracted buyers from throughout the world, so many of them are drawn annually to Park Paddocks by the consistent success of Book 1 horses at the highest level on the global stage. In the course of the past three days, buyers from Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahrain, China, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the USA have all made significant contributions at all levels of the market, confirming the unparalleled esteem in which the finest European yearlings are held and specifically those found annually at this particular sale.

“This is a sale that produces stallions and breed-shaping broodmares on an annual basis, and it is the sale's unrivalled reputation that annually makes this fixture an unmissable event for so many of the most influential thoroughbred owners in the world.”

He added, “Amongst the success stories and numerous pin hooking triumphs, there has nevertheless been a selectivity to the market which we must recognise. Last year's game-changing October Book 1 was always going to be a challenging target, and so it has proved with the sale turnover some way short of the massive 2022 total, but the median has held up well, second only to last year's record level, the average of almost 250,000gns (AU$503,300) is an impressive figure, and the clearance rate in excess of 80 per cent is a solid number. We extend our gratitude as ever to the consignors and purchasers alike whose support is what makes Newmarket and Tattersalls a true hub for the European bloodstock industry. We look forward to seeing this year's crop of October Book 1 yearlings competing globally at the highest level as well as earning their owners in Britain and Ireland yet more lucrative £25,000 (AU$47,900) Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonuses.”

This week's episode

Week of October 2, 2023

Bred To Win episode 16 features an extended Aushorse News with the big winners from Epsom Day and the Moir S. meeting.

The Autumn Sun and his incredible five-time Group 1-winning career and now the stakes winners are building as his first crop turn three.

And Coolmore Stud stallion manager Tony O'Meara in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 16 2023

Earlier episodes

Week of September 25, 2023

Bred To Win reviews Golden Rose Day at Rosehill and Underwood S. Day at Caulfield plus more thoroughbred breeding news.

A special double feature reminding viewers of the incredible racetrack deeds of 10-time Group 1 winner So You Think (NZ) including rarely seen before vision from Ballydoyle in Ireland. And a look at the dual runner-up as Champion Australian Sire and his own Group 1 winners and why the Coolmore team believe he will take that crown in coming years.

And a delightful Arrowfield Stud Horse Who Made You Love Racing featuring Leah Beth Anderton and how her off-track thoroughbred Only Tiger (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) helped her love racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 15 2023

Week of September 18, 2023

Caroline Searcy's Bred To Win episode 14 with an extended Aushorse News featuring Winx's (Street Cry {Ire}) first foal by Pierro going to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in 2024. An Equimillion showjumping display by retired racehorses at the Australian Turf Club's The Shorts' meeting at Royal Randwick. Great spring racing and the back stories to the big winners in Sydney and on Makybe Diva S. day at Flemington in Melbourne.

Coolmore Stud first-season stallion Best Of Bordeaux - a feature on this elite 2-year-old by Snitzel including a G1 Goldmine analysis and Blue Gum Farm's Sean Dingwall in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 14 2023

Week of September 11, 2023

This episode of Bred To Win features great spring racing in Sydney and Melbourne in 'Aushorse News'. Gary Portelli's smart galloper, Encap (Capitalist) is the Inglis Graduate of the Week, and Cambridge Stud celebrates the first foal for Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel).

Blue Gum Farm features two new stallions, Sejardan (including a G1 Goldmine analysis) and the sire of Artorius, Flying Artie.

Swettenham Stud welcomes back Wooded (Ire), the fastest son of global sensation Wootton Bassett (GB).

And Yulong Farm's Claudia McDougall in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 13 2023

Week of September 4, 2023

Caroline Searcy returns with the latest Aushorse News from Memsie S. and Concorde S. Day on Saturday and more.

Graff and new boy Dubious at Kitchwin Hills Stud feature, as does Ellsberg who retires to Murrulla Stud. This episode also features a G1 Goldmine analysis of the G1 Epsom H. winner.

Trainer Jack Bruce features in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 12 2023

Week of August 28, 2023

Caroline Searcy wraps up stakes racing from around Australia in episode 11 of Bred To Win for 2023.

Triple Group 1 winner Hitotsu is now what you'd expect at Arrowfield Stud!

And Paulele, a real eye-catcher at Darley in Victoria.

A G1 Goldmine analysis of Yulong Farm's Diatonic (Jpn). Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week is a promising Sydney winner by Almanzor (Fr) and a Group-winning 3-year-old by Russian Revolution is the Inglis Graduate of the Week.

And trainer Will Freedman with a great story in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 11 2023

Week of August 21, 2023

Caroline Searcy with more stallion features in episode 10 of Bred To Win 2023.

Yulong Farm welcomes Lord Kanaloa's (Jpn) exciting son, Diatonic (Jpn) along with the tough Aussie sprinter, Pierata.

Matthew Sandblom's Kingstar Farm as Unite And Conquer sires the first 2-year-old trial winner of the new season! And Time To War is another great value speed option for mare owners and this episode also includes a G1 Goldmine analysis of Unite And Conquer.

Plus, great vision of Almanzor (Fr) and Hello Youmzain (Fr) arriving back at New Zealand's Cambridge Stud, a packed Aushorse News and Inglis Graduate of the Week as spring racing ramps up in Australia!

In Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing, Yulong's Harry King with his family's homebred filly Aloisia (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}).

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BRED TO WIN EP 10 2023

Week of August 14, 2023

Aushorse News includes the Inglis Graduate of the Week for Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace in the 3-year-old Listed The Rosebud at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney.

Dual Group 1-winning 3-year-old Jacquinot brings Encosta De Lago blood and a double dose of blue-hen Shantha's Choice (Canny Lad) to Widden Stud!

Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week sees Almanzor's (Fr) sire Wootton Bassett (GB) with a Group 1-winning 2-year-old in Ireland.

Queensland's Grandview Stud shows off Written Tycoon's speedball son, Winning Rupert, moving back up north where his Champion Australian Sire tasted some of his greatest success. Plus, Hong Kong Group 1 winner, the half-brother to Real Impact (Jpn), Neo Realism (Jpn) at a bargain fee.

And Widden Stud's Billy Primmer with a family favourite from Warrnambool in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 9 2023

Week of August 7, 2023

A focus on historic Queensland farm, Lyndhurst Stud. Jeff Kruger looks at their past star stallions and their current top sire, Better Than Ready. I Am Invincible's Barbaric also features along with Rothesay. The story includes a G1 Goldmine analysis of Better Than Ready.

The Lamont family's Kooringal Stud in Wagga Wagga welcomes now Group 1-producing sire, the Royal Ascot sprint champion, Merchant Navy, and also Finance Tycoon who is a precocious new stallion by Written Tycoon.

Aushorse News from Australia and overseas and an Inglis Premier Sale yearling is the Inglis Graduate of the Week.

Cambridge Stud's Performance of the Week features a Victorian winner in the Cambridge colours, sold by Hallmark Stud.

And in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing, the lady with the gift for naming champion racehorses, Suzanne Philcox remembers the great Octagonal (NZ).

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BRED TO WIN EP 8 2023

Week of July 31, 2023

Caroline Searcy's Bred To Win returns for the spring season of 2023.

Featuring Godolphin's greatest Group 1 winner globally, the nine-time Group 1-winning champion Anamoe as a new stallion for Darley Australia's NSW base.

The son of Street Boss (USA) joins three-time Group 1-winning world's best sprinter of his generation Bivouac - becoming more and more like his own Champion Sire Exceed And Excel and with his first yearlings heading for the 2024 sales series.

Take a winter tour with Cambridge Stud manager Marc Devcich and Blue Diamond winner Daumier settles in for his first season at Olly and Amber Tait's Twin Hills Stud in Cootamundra in south western NSW. Plus a G1 Goldmine analysis of the best nicks to work with Daumier's pedigree. The son of Epaulette joins Peltzer, a speedy son of So You Think (NZ) who has his first yearlings selling in 2024.

And Lyndhurst Stud's Jeff Kruger with a homebred champion mare in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 7 2023

Week of May 15, 2023

In this week's Bred To Win Caroline provides a background to the major stakes winners from Scone to Doomben, Morphettville to Flemington to Belmont!

Inglis Graduate of the Week and Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week plus G1 Goldmine's analysis of the Exceed And Excel - Street Cry (Ire) cross!

Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia's online learning videos explained by TBA CEO Tom Reilly and the effervescent Antoinette Inglis explains why she's forging her own career in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Plus, Victorian bloodstock agent Peter Ford in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 6 2023

Week of May 8, 2023

A massive Aushorse News in Bred To Win episode five for 2023, which includes racing from Australia, Newmarket in the UK and the Kentucky Derby from the US.

A wrap of the Inglis Chairman's Sale aswell as the Inglis Broodmare and Weanling Sales.

Stallion news, Inglis Graduate, Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week and stallion updates, plus a $3 million yearling winning on debut in Sydney for Chris Waller.

Tasmania's Armidale Stud and their two stallions, Needs Further and Alpine Eagle.

And a G1 Goldmine update on the nick between I Am Invincible and Encosta De Lago mares.

Te Akau Racing's David Ellis updates on the continuing big-race success for the tangerine colours throughout Australasia.

And ATC Director and former Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) owner David McGrath in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 5 2023

Week of May 1, 2023

This week's Bred To Win has an extensive Aushorse News focusing on stakes racing from the weekend and stallion updates. Plus a G1 Goldmine analysis of Fastnet Rock mares crossed with Written Tycoon sires. And the Inglis Graduate of the Week and Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week.

A touching story about the love for star race-mare Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) as her strapper Rosie prepares to farewell her at the Inglis Chairman's Sale.

New Zealand Bloodstock principal Sir Peter Vela with his views on the New Zealand breeding industry and why so many Kiwi-breds win the big races in Australia.

And Rathmore Lodge's Ross Hatton with a family angle in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 4 2023

Week of April 24, 2023

Aushorse News includes stallion movements for the new season, racing from the Hawkesbury standalone meeting and other stakes racing around Australia.

A quick wrap of the 2023 Australian Equestrian Festival featuring three-day eventers Shane Rose and Shenae Lowings on full and part-thoroughbreds.

Case Clay, formerly of Three Chimneys Farm, discusses racing in the US and his role as Arrowfield Stud's American representative while attending the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Cambridge Stud CEO Henry Plumptre updates news from the famous New Zealand operation including footage of the emotional opening of the state-of-the-art Heritage Centre honouring the late Sir Patrick Hogan.

And Racing SA's John Cornell on why Kingston Town (Bletchingly) made him love racing in the popular Arrowfield Stud supported segment.

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BRED TO WIN EP 3 2023

Week of April 17, 2023

Caroline Searcy reviews the pedigrees of the big winners on the final day of the Sydney autumn carnival, including Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) in the G1 All Aged S. and Militarize's (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) win in the G1 Champagne S.

A quick look at the thoroughbred classes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, while Cambridge Stud Performance of the week goes to a 2-year-old by their own son of Savabeel, Embellish (NZ).

A feature story on Rich Hill Stud residents Proisir and Satono Aladdin (Jpn) after they sired stars of the Australian autumn in Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) and Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}), including a G1 Goldmine analysis of Proisir and his most successful nicks.

Leading thoroughbred vet Greg Nash explains the process of vetting yearlings and James Murray of Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia with a modern day champ in Arrowfield Stud's Horse Who Made You Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 2 2023 - RICH HILL STUD STORY

Week of April 10, 2023

Caroline Searcy's Bred To Win returns with a full wrap of the breeding back-stories from Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick including Group 1 sires Savabeel, and a Godolphin-Darley treble, sired by Astern, Harry Angel (Ire) and Brazen Beau.

The Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week focuses on another New Zealand-bred and trained Group 1 winner in the Sydney Cup - the Inglis Graduate of the Week was a 2-year-old Group winner sold through the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

A full review of the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale with Sebastian Hutch including the top sellers and some of the best dramatic moments for successful vendors.

And Case Clay, formerly of Three Chimneys Farm and now the US rep for Arrowfield Stud, tells us the Horse Who Made Him Love Racing.

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BRED TO WIN EP 1 2023 - INGLIS EASTER YEARLING SALE REVIEW