Home
Editions
Today's EditionEdition ArchiveVideos
Content
PodcastsRead OfflinePress Releases
TDN
TDN AmericaTDN Europe
Contact
Contact usAdvertising with TTR
Social

Farnan holds steady at $55,000 as Kia Ora barnmates reduced for 2024

Written by
8 min read
Farnan, the Golden Slipper winner, stands at the forefront of a youthful trio at Kia Ora Stud. The Thoroughbred Report recently spoke with Shane Wright, Kia Ora's bloodstock and breeding manager, to delve into the details of their stallion fees.

Cover image courtesy of Kia Ora Stud

Kia Ora Stud has just announced its fees for the 2024 breeding season, unveiling a youthful three-strong roster. The Champion 2-Year-Old Farnan leads the lineup, whose fee remains unchanged at $55,000 (including GST).

The Thoroughbred Report touched base with Kia Ora’s bloodstock and breeding manager, Shane Wright, to find out how Kia Ora Stud decided its fees, “The team at Kia Ora Stud have put a lot of thought into our service fees for this year.

“We couldn’t be happier with our current young roster of stallions,” Wright added. “They represent outstanding sirelines and each the physical presence and race record to support our overwhelming belief that they are the type of stallions that are successful time and time again in Australia.

Shane Wright | Image courtesy of Inglis

“We recognise it is a time when the market is in a slightly tricky place, and we have responded accordingly.

“We will work hard to assist our valued clients to manage their breeding strategies and to provide them opportunities to mate the right mares with our outstanding stallions at the right price and help them pursue success in the sales ring and the racetrack. Both are equally important to us.”

Slipper winner making waves

Farnan, sired by the late Not A Single Doubt, possessed an abundance of speed and class, propelling him to victory in the prestigious G1 Golden Slipper. He clinched victories in the G2 Todman S., the G2 Silver Slipper S., and the Listed Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

These triumphs earned him the coveted title of Australia’s Champion 2-Year-Old in the 2019/20 season. Farnan is from the talented Tallow (Street Cry {Ire}), who herself triumphed in the G3 Vanity S. Tallow is also the dam of Sandbar, winner of the Listed Rosebud H. Sandbar additionally secured places in the G2 Roman Consul S. and the G3 Pago Pago S., along with a commendable fourth-place finish in the G1 Golden Rose.

Farnan's quality was evident when he fetched $550,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, purchased by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Aquis Farm.

Farnan | Standing at Kia Ora Stud

The son of Not A Single Doubt commenced his stud duties in 2021, covering 192 mares at a fee of $55,000 (including GST) in his debut books. In the last breeding season, Farnan served 152 mares, bringing his total to 533 across his three seasons at stud.

Among the high-quality mares served during his tenure are Colorado Clarie (Hussonet {USA}), a Group 2 winner and dam of the G2 Todman S. victor Gunnison (Not A Single Doubt), as well as Dream Play (Hennessy {USA}), the dam of the G2 Sires’ winner Zululand.

Another notable mare is Gypsy Robin (USA) (Daaher {Can}), dam of Newgate Farm’s G1 Moir S. victor, Wild Ruler. Kia Ora Stud presented a filly resulting from the Farnan/Gypsy Robin pairing at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where she fetched $725,000 under the bid of Ladbrokes Racing Club.

Lot 54 - Farnan x Gypsy Robin (USA) (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis

At the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, a colt out of G1 The Galaxy victress I Am Excited (by Snitzel) made waves, selling for $1.2 million to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Kia Ora, Farnan Partnerships, and Mt Ha.

Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), the winner of the G1 New Zealand Oaks, produced a colt by Farnan, who fetched $600,000 at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, secured by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing and Kestrel Bloodstock.

Not surprisingly, the progeny of the Golden Slipper winner were well-received at the 2024 yearling sales. Of the 82 offered, 72 were sold, amassing a total of $16,482,223, with an average of $228,919 and a median of $175,000.

Farnan | Standing at Kia Ora Stud

“Farnan has offered breeders incredible value since he retired to Kia Ora Stud and he will remain at the $55,000 (inc GST) following his very successful year in the sales ring. The progeny of Farnan averaged $325,000 across both the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale combined.

“More importantly, for those who supported Farnan his first crop of yearlings are placed in all of Australia’s premier stables.”

Commenting on the expectation of Farnan as his first crop are set to turn two in August, Wright said, “Farnan is one of the most exciting stallions to retire to stud in recent times and he has covered large, quality books through his stallion career to date.

“Farnan is one of the most exciting stallions to retire to stud in recent times, and he has covered large, quality books through his stallion career to date.” - Shane Wright

“His yearlings have been well-sought after at the sales with a top price of $1.2 million for a colt (Farnan/I Am Excited) and $725,000 for a filly (Farnan/Gypsy Robin). It is not surprising his book for this coming season is looking as strong as his three previous seasons.

“We couldn't be more excited to see his first 2-year-olds hit the track later this year, by all reports the general consensus from trainers and breakers is we won’t have to wait long to see success.”

Positive reports for Prague

Prague will be available for the 2024 breeding season at a reduced fee of $13,200 (inc GST), a decrease from his initial three seasons' fee of $16,500 (inc GST).

The son of the legendary Redoute’s Choice displayed remarkable precocity, toughness, and talent as a juvenile, a trait he carried into his following preparation. Prague claimed victories in the G3 Pago Pago S. and the G3 Canonbury S. during his juvenile campaign, with notable performances including a placing in the prestigious G1 Sires’ Produce. Additionally, he secured fourth-placed efforts in both the G1 Newmarket H. and the G1 All-Aged S.

Prague | Standing at Kia Ora Stud

Prague, acquired for $1.6 million by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Aquis Farm at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, descends from the Pins mare Purely Spectacular (NZ), who also produced the dual Group 1 victor Stratum Star.

Across his three seasons, Prague has covered 266 mares. His first crop yielded impressive results, totalling $1,749,648 from selling 18 of 23 progeny, averaging $97,202 with a median of $50,000. Prague's progeny also attained an overall top price of $375,000.

Wright said, “Prague will stand this season for $13,200 (inc GST). We feel this fee gives breeders extraordinary access to one of the last sons of the breeder shaper and sire of sires Redoute’s Choice to retire to stud.

Prague | Standing at Kia Ora Stud

“Prague finished the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale with an average of $217,000, almost a 15-time return on his service fee. His first yearlings headed into the stables of Annabel Neasham, Mick Price, Michael Kent Jnr and Phillip Stokes, to name a few.

“He offers a fantastic opportunity for breeders who want to invest in the quality, toughness, speed and all the colonial attributes his incredible sireline possesses at outstanding value.”

“Prague will stand this season for $13,200 (inc GST). We feel this fee gives breeders extraordinary access to one of the last sons of the breeder shaper and sire of sires Redoute’s Choice to retire to stud.” - Shane Wright

Rounding out Kia Ora Stud’s 2024 roster is the G1 Sires’ Produce S. winner, Captivant, a son of the G1 Golden Slipper victor Capitalist. The $550,000 yearling will also stand a reduced fee of $22,000 (inc GST) from $27,500 (inc GST) he stood in his first two seasons.

Captivating Captivant

Captivant’s oldest progeny is weanlings, which will be offered at the upcoming weanling sales.

“Captivant is a grandson of this year’s Golden Slipper-siring stallion Written Tycoon and the very best son of Capitalist to retire to stud. In his third season at stud, he will stand at a slightly reduced fee of $22,000 (inc GST).

Captivant | Standing at Kia Ora Stud

“Captivant is from a sireline set to feature prominently in Australian racing for generations to come with his sire already ahead of Champion Sire Snitzel, by numbers of stakes winners and Champion Sire I Am Invincible by number of 2-year-Old stakes winners at the same stage in their careers.

He added, “His first foals show all the quality and substance their sire has and this should hold them in good stead to hit the track early but also feature the class and scope to train on. Captivant’s pedigree and his versatility on the track give him every chance to become an important part of the Australian stallion landscape.”

FarnanNot A Single Doubt$55,000 (inc GST)$55,000  (inc GST)152
PragueRedoute’s Choice$13,200 (inc GST)$16,500 (inc GST)68
CaptivantCapitalist $22,000 (inc GST)$27,500 (inc GST)78

Table: 2024 Announced Stallion Fees for Kia Ora Stud

Kia Ora
Farnan
Prague
Captivant
Shane Wright

Saturday summary: Vibrant Sun leads The Autumn Sun trifecta in G1 Australasian Oaks

Written by
12 min read
South Australia took centre stage on Saturday with two Group 1 races. Arrowfield Stud's dynamic stallion, The Autumn Sun, had a remarkable feat by siring the trifecta in the G1 Australasian Oaks. Additionally, Climbing Star (Zoustar) secured a well-timed Group 1 triumph in the Robert Sangster S. Notably, the mare is listed in the upcoming 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Race-Day Recap

•

Arrowfield Stud's exciting young sire The Autumn Sun sired the trifecta in the G1 Australasian Oaks with his daughter Vibrant Sun defeating her paternal sisters Private Legacy and Coco Sun.

•

The Mitch Freedman-trained Skybird (Exosphere) may now tackle the G1 Goodwood H. after an easy victory in the G2 Tobin Bronze S.

•

Extremely Lucky (Extreme Choice) returned to South Australia the first time since winning the Listed Lighting S. to claim the G3 John Hawkes S.

•

Bold Soul (Embellish) showed tenacity to hold a charging group of runners at bay to claim the G3 Chairman’s S.

•

Woodside Park's Rich Enuff sired his ninth stakes when his tough daughter Tiger Shark won the Listed Mick Dittman S.

Vibrant prevails in battle of Autumn fillies

An exciting finish to the G1 Austraasian Oaks saw Vibrant Sun (The Autumn Sun) hold off her paternal sisters Private Legacy and Coco Sun - giving Arrowfield Stud’s The Autumn Sun, his second Oaks winner and a trifecta in the Group 1 event.

Vibrant Sun displayed plenty of grit, leading virtually from barrier to box. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained filly first held the charge of the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Pulchritudinous (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}), and despite Mark Zahra losing the rein, Vibrant Sun kept fighting to win narrowly.

Zahra celebrated his 30th career Group 1 win on Vibrant Sun, telling Racing.com after the event, “I couldn’t have had her much slower in the run. I took my time to get there but she’s so tough.

“I dropped my rein half-way down the straight, and I was cursing that as I couldn’t pick it up because it was too long. I rode her out and she kept finding.”

Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr added, “We’ve always liked Vibrant Sun. She won her maiden by 7l and then went to the Guineas. It’s been a massive job to get her here and what a gusty win by the filly.

“We’ve always liked Vibrant Sun. She won her maiden by 7l and then went to the Guineas. It’s been a massive job to get her here and what a gusty win by the filly.” -

“She was there to be beaten.” - Michael Kent Jnr

Vibrant Sun is the third foal and second live foal from the classy Written Tycoon mare Vibrant Rouge. She won eight races up to 1400 metres, including the G3 Vamos S.

She hasn’t had much luck at stud in subsequent seasons. Vibrant Rouge’s foals by Pierata and Deep Field were both born deceased. She was served by Jonker last season.

Vibrant Sun | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

Vibrant Sun is her best runner, having also claimed the G3 Alexandra S. in addition to the G1 Australasian Oaks. The filly was a $260,000 purchase by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA) and Mick Price Racing and Breeding from the draft of Canning Downs at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The filly is one of four stakes winners for The Autumn Sun, and his second Oaks winner from his first crop, with his daughter Autumn Angel winning the G1 Australian Oaks earlier in the autumn. The son of Redoute’s Choice stood the 2023 breeding season for a fee of $66,000 (inc GST).

A 2024 fee is yet to be announced. However, early last week, Arrowfield Stud advised The Autumn Sun had sustained a pelvic injury in his paddock and is currently on box rest for an undetermined period of time.

The Autumn Sun | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

The statement read Arrowfield was hopeful The Autumn Sun will recover in time for the 2024 breeding season, but the decision will be guided by veterinary advice with a long-term focus on health and well-being.

Sangster winner catalogued for Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale

Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar) took advantage of the field sweeping wide around the turn to scamper up the inside, taking the shortest route home in the G1 Robert Sangster S at Morphettville on Saturday, to give jockey Lachlan Neindorf his first Group 1 win.

Trained by Phillip Stokes, the 4-year-old mare paid $26 to win, beating Annabel Neasham’s 3-year-old filly Learning To Fly (Justify {USA}) by 0.3l with Jason Warren-trained 4-year-old mare Benedetta (Hellbent) in third.

“I'm trying to keep it together. It was a really good win. She stumbled at the start and I wanted to be a lot closer, and from that point on I thought, 'bugger this' I've blown the start so let's go back to the inside and try and ride a race. That's what we did and we got the favours,” said Neindorf.

“I was watching the race and I thought what happened, he was meant to get her to the outside. No horse has been in there all day so it's probably evened out towards the end of the day,” said Stokes.

“It's great for Lachie to get the win. Tommy (Stokes) and all the boys have done a terrific job with her and the team at Pakenham. We brought her over, took her back to Pakenham, brought her over and got her to peak on the day.

“She stumbled at the start and I wanted to be a lot closer, and from that point on I thought, 'bugger this' I've blown the start so let's go back to the inside and try and ride a race. That's what we did and we got the favours.” - Lachlan Neindorf

“We don't have to go there (the G1 Goodwood H.). We'd have to be happy with her to do that, but if she pulls up well, we'll look at it.”

Climbing Star became the eighth Group 1 winner for Zoustar, who now has 54 stakes winners. This season, Zoustar has enjoyed the success of dual Group 1 winner Zougotcha, G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Ozzmosis, and G1 Thousand Guineas winner Joliestar. His sire son Zousain has six winners led by Group 3 winner Drifting from his first crop this season, while Ozzmosis recently retired to Newgate Farm where he will stand for $44,000 (inc GST).

A half-sister to Group 3 winner Sansom (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), Climbing Star is the fourth foal of debutant winning mare Bryony - a fitting Group 1 win for Fastnet Rock as a damsire on the same day as his retirement was announced. Bryony was a $700,000 purchase by Qatar Racing’s David Redvers at the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and won on debut before fading to last in her only other start.

Climbing Star (NZ) | Image courtesy of Atkins Photography

Bryony is a full sister to G1 Diamond S winner Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock) and a half-sister to Triple Honour (NZ) (Honours List {Ire}) who won seven races including the G1 Doncaster H. Heroic Valour stands at Queensland’s Raheen Stud

Climbing Star was a $600,000 purchase by Phillip Stokes Racing and Rick Connolly Bloodstock from Widden Stud at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. She is currently catalogued as Lot 433 in the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale.

Zoustar stands at Widden Stud. He served last season at a fee of $220,000 (inc GST). A 2024 fee has yet to be announced.

Goodwood goals for Skybird?

Talented filly Skybird’s (Exosphere) best career performances have come over 1600 metres, but the 1200 metres of the G2 Tobin Bronze S. held no fears as the Mitch Freedman-trained filly shot to success down the Morphettville straight.

Partnered by her regular rider Beau Mertens, Skybird was 1.9l ahead of Moesha (I Am Invincible) and Pivot City (Not A Single Doubt).

Freedman told Racing.com, “We had specific plan in place, to either run in the Tobin Bronze or the G1 Robert Sangster S. we felt the Sangster was a bit hot, so came here with the prizemoney on offer.

“If Skybird pulls up well, she may return here and contest the G1 Goodwood H. I think so.. I can’t see why she can’t if everything is well.

“I know there’s plenty of improvement to come and she’ll get the weight advantage. I do think we will find Skybird’s best distance is around 1300 to 1400 metres.

“She’s a very good filly with plenty of upside.”

“She’s (Skybird) a very good filly with plenty of upside.” - Mitchell Freedman

Skybird is the third foal from Real Desire, a winning daughter of Wanted. Skybird is the best of her three foals, all of which have won races. Skybird won the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic in the spring and was placed in the G1 The Thousand Guineas.

The daughter of the G1 Golden Rose hero, Exosphere hails from an outstanding family that includes four-time Champion Sire Snitzel, the late Hinchinbrook, the Group 1 winners Private Eye (Al Maher) and Rediener (Redoute’s Choice).

Real Desire’s colt by Deep Field was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $260,000 from the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. Skybird was also a graduate of the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2022. Offered by HP Thoroughbreds, Skybird was purchased for $110,000 by Mitch Freedman Racing.

Skybird | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Skybird’s sire, Exosphere, stood the 2023 breeding season for $6600 (inc GST) at Oaklands Stud. A 2024 season fee has yet to be announced.

Extremely Lucky back in town

Returning to the care of Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea after being transferred to Chris Waller, Extremely Lucky (Extreme Choice) found his best form to win the G3 John Hawkes S. (formerly the G3 DC McKay S.)

Ridden by Jamie Kah, Extremely Lucky upset a classy field of sprinters. Finishing second was the charging Sans Doute (Not A Single Doubt) followed by What You Need (Supido) and Grey River (Al Maher). Meanwhile Sghirripa (Lonhro) held fifth.

Co-trainer Will Clarken told Racing.com post-race, “He’s a horse that we spruiked. Our stable is one that really believes in data and Extremely Lucky is clearly the best benchmark of the horse’s we’re trained with that stuff, but he never got there (Group 1 class).

“Maybe he never will. Today (Saturday) he got the right circumstances. I am a bit of a believer that if you’re working with a horse and things aren’t going right it is hard to correct at the time. When he went to Waller’s (Chris) I got a bit of time to think about the things I would have done differently and what I’d do now to fix it.

“I know how to train a horse a lot better now. We will give him a bit of time and see how he comes through. He went into today extremely underdone.”

“He’s a horse that we spruiked. Our stable is one that really believes in data and Extremely Lucky is clearly the best benchmark of the horse’s we’re trained with that stuff, but he never got there (Group 1 class).” - Will Clarken

The son of Extreme Choice was spoken of as being a Group 1 class runner after an impressive victory in the Listed Lightning S. at Morphettville. However, Extremely Lucky was unplaced in the G1 Moir S. at the end of that preparation.

Sent to the Rosehill stables of Waller, Extremely Lucky failed to fire a shot. His best efforts being fifth-place finishes in a BM88 and BM100.

Extremely Lucky is the fourth foal from the Stratum mare Tamarind Lane, who was unraced. She is a daughter of Eastern Charm (King’s High) who is a half-sister to Nicola Lass (Scenic {Ire}), the dam of the Group 1 winners Nicconi and Niconero (Danzero).

Extremely Lucky (red silks) | Image courtesy of Clarken Racing

Eastern Charm is the dam of Zip Zip Aray (Bellotto {USA}) won the G1 Goodwood H. in 2002. Extremely Lucky was withdrawn from both the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Extreme Choice will stand the 2024 breeding season for $275,000 (inc GST) at Newgate Farm.

Bold Soul holds off Assault

After fighting off Air Assault (Justify {USA}), the Patrick Payne-trained Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish {NZ}) had to dig deep to hold off the swarm in the G3 Chairman’s S.

Bold Soul, ridden by Jacob Noonan, narrowly held the outsider Just Berrilliant (Justify {USA}), while Air Assault held third from Tulsa King (Kermadec {NZ}) in the 2000-metre final lead up for the G1 South Australian Derby.

It was the fifth victory from eight starts for the son of Embellish (NZ). He had previously claimed the Listed Tasmanian Derby and the Listed Launceston Guineas.

Bold Soul’s dam Twin Soul (Ire), a daughter Singspiel (Ire) finished fourth in the Listed Daisy Warwick S., the Listed Buckhounds S. and the Listed River Eden S.

Bold Soul was a NZ$20,000 purchase by H N Auret from the draft of Te Keeti Bloodstock at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National Sale.

The gelding is the star performer for Cambridge Stud’s Embellish (NZ), a son of the great Savabeel. Embellish will stand for the 2024 breeding season at $5000 (plus GST).

Tiger Shark provides Rich Enuff with new stakes winner

April has been a huge month for Rich Enuff and the good fortune continued at Eagle Farm with 3-year-old filly Tiger Shark winning the Listed Mick Dittman Plate over 1000 metres for trainer Natalie McCall and jockey Bailey Wheeler. Fellow 3-year-old fillies Hip Hip Hurrah (Snitzel) and Party For Two (Sidestep) finished second and third.

A winner of four of her eleven starts, Tiger Shark took her earnings over $260,000. A $15,000 weanling purchase by Paul Kingsford Bloodstock from the Springmount draft at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, Tiger Shark is the second foal of winning Exceed And Excel mare Langoustine, who is a daughter of Listed winner Zubbaya (Dubawi {Ire}), making Langoustine a half-sister to Group 3-placed Moko (Impending).

Springmount have sold all of Langoustine’s four live foals as weanlings including her current 2-year-old year Miss Toronado (Toronado {Ire}) who made $105,000 to the bid of Intel Bloodstock.

Tiger Shark is the ninth stakes winner for Rich Enuff from 215 runners (4 per cent stakes winners to runners). This month, Rich Enuff’s 2-year-old filly Siren Assault won the G3 Gimcrack S. in Perth in early April, while 3-year-old gelding Oscar’s Fortune won the G3 Roma Cup then ran third in The Quokka.

Rich Enuff stands at Woodside Park for $13,200 (inc GST) in 2024.

Saturday summary
Embellish
Bold Soul

Juvenile summary: Stanley and Empire stamps themselves as juveniles to follow

Written by
7 min read
Despite a quieter Saturday on the juvenile front, there were numerous highlight performances, with 2-year-olds signalling promising futures. Notable among them were Ciaron Maher's Global Empire (Zoustar) in the G3 Breeders' S. and Stanley Express (Starspangledbanner) in The TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Race-Day Recap

•

On Saturday, McDonald sadded-up the unraced Stanley Express (Starspangledbanner) in the $1 million The TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown at Caulfield over 1200 metres.

•

Zoustar's Growing Empire hinted at bigger things to come with an assertive performance in the G3 Breeders' S. at Morphettville.

•

Ikasara (I Am Invincible), a $800,000 colt, made a dream start to his career with a strong victory on debut at Rosehill.

•

Cambridge Stud's Almanzor posted a new winner with the impressive juvenile Thooza at Te Rapa. Bred by The Oaks Stud, Thooza was purchased and raced by Cambridge Stud.

•

The Neville Parnham-trained Gold Flakes (Playing Gold) defied her outsider odds to defeat the raging favourite Rainline (Rommel) and Siren Assault (Rich Enuff).

•

Lazzura a $500,000 yearling by Snitzel won on debut at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Stanley flies on debut

The Cranbourne-based stable of Clinton McDonald has enjoyed a fruitful season with its juveniles this season in Victoria. Earlier in the year, McDonald claimed the G1 Blue Diamond S. with the classy Hayasugi (Royal Meeting {Ire}).

On Saturday, McDonald sadded-up the unraced Stanley Express (Starspangledbanner) in the $1 million The TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown at Caulfield over 1200 metres.

Despite his relative inexperience Stanley Express was kept safe by bookies sent out as a $7 chance. The race was rocked by the scratching of the hot-favourite Bold Bastille (Brazen Beau) after the Lindsay Park-trained filly opened the barriers prior to the jump. She was subsequently deemed unfit to start after being assessed by veterinary staff.

Stanley Express, ridden by Luke Nolen, launched from the tail of the field to deny a brave Symphony Of Colour (Shamus Award) and Stormbourg (Strasbourg).

The gelding bred by Emirates Park is the fifth foal from Vivid (Eavesdropper {USA}). His fourth dam La Brillante (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) although unraced hailed from a prominent family. She was a full sister to Kaapstad (NZ) and a three-quarter-sister to the Champion Octagonal (NZ).

Stanley Express (white silks) takes out the The TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown | Image courtesy of Melbourne Racing Club

Stanley Express was a $110,000 purchase by Josiah Ma and Shane McGrath from the draft of Emirates Park at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale.

Starspangledbanner stood the 2023 breeding season at a fee of $33,000 (inc GST). A 2024 fee has yet to be announced.

Empire assets dominance

Zoustar’s progressive son Growing Empire asserted his dominance over the juveniles in the G3 Breeders’ S. at Morphettville on Saturday.

The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, in the bottle green silks of Yulong, despite showing some signs of inexperience was too classy for his opponents in the 1200-metre feature.

Jumping from barrier 11, with Mark Zahra in the saddle, Growing Empire was posted wide through the first half of the race before Zahra elected to push the colt forward to take up the lead.

Growing Empire, burst away the pack to win by 4.5l from Flattered (Yes Yes Yes) and Flyer (Exceedance).

Speaking to Racing.com, Maher said, “I am not surprised by the style of the victory; Growing Empire is a very good colt.

“He’ll probably have a breather now and get ready for the spring. He had a few tricks we had to iron out earlier in his career, I think he’s pretty progressive.”

Growing Empire | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Growing Empire is a veteran of three races, winning twice. With both victories coming at stakes level, having earlier claimed the Listed Valley Pearl S.

The colt is the second foal from the Snitzel mare Miles Of Krishan, who won five races. Her first foal, Dancing Alone (I Am Invincible) won six races and has been placed in the G3 Furphy Sprint.

Bred by P Hodgens, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Encompass International, Growing Empire was offered by Vinery Stud at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale where Yulong paid $700,000 to secure him.

“I am not surprised by the style of the victory; Growing Empire is a very good colt.” - Ciaron Maher

Zoustar, who stands at Widden Stud, stood the 2023 breeding season at a fee of $220,000 (inc GST). A 2024 fee has yet to be announced for the son of Northern Meteor.

Waterhouse and Bott flex juvenile muscle

It has been well documented the power and prominence of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained juveniles this season, and on Saturday at Rosehill the operation unveiled another in Ikasara (I Am Invincible).

Ikasara making his debut over 1100 metres, with Adam Hyeronimus in the saddle, defeated Althoff (Written Tycoon) by 0.8l and Point And Shoot (Blue Point {Ire}).

On her X handle, co-trainer Gai Waterhouse said, “Ikasara showed exceptional talent to win on debut at Rosehill. This son of I Am Invincible is ranked right up there with top stable juveniles this season and the best is yet to come!”.

The colt is the third foal from the More Than Ready (USA) mare Ektifaa, who won four races, including the G2 Kenilworth Choice Carriers Championship.

Ikasara is from the family of the G3 Widden Stud victress Fireworks (Snitzel), the dam of the Listed VRC Foundation Plate winner Millane (Zoustar).

Ikasara | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing and TFI secured Ikasara for $800,000 from the draft of Kia Ora Stud at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

The Champion Sire I Am Invincible stood for $302,500 (inc GST) in 2023. A 2024 fee has yet to be announced.

Daughter of Almanzor impresses at Te Rapa

Thooza (NZ), donning the Cambridge Stud silks of her sire, Almanzor (Fr), marked an impressive debut for the operation and trainer Tony Pike at Te Rapa last Saturday. Under the guidance of jockey Warren Kennedy, the filly secured victory in the Cambridge Raceway 2YO over 1200 meters, surpassing rivals Sister Cynane (I Am Invincible) and Moneypenny (NZ) (Proisir).

Thooza comes from a lineage that's been making waves this season. Her dam, Sea Goddess (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), a three-time winner, is descended from the illustrious mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and is a half-sister to Pelican (NZ) (Fastnet Rock), who is the dam of the exceptional juvenile Storm Boy (Justify {USA}). Another notable member of the family is the recent G2 Alister Clark S. victor Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc de Cambes {NZ}).

Bred by The Oaks Stud, Thooza was presented at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, where Cambridge Stud secured her for NZ$155,000. Almanzor, her sire, is set to stand the 2024 breeding season at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand, with a reduced fee of NZ$30,000 (plus GST), down from the previous NZ$50,000 (inc GST).

Gold latest winner for God

The Neville Parnham-trained Gold Flakes (Playing Gold) defied her outsider odds to defeat the raging favourite Rainline (Rommel) and Siren Assault (Rich Enuff).

The filly had never finished any better than fourth, prior to Saturday’s victory at Ascot. Gold Flakes is the fifth foal from the Oratorio mare Corn Flakes.

She is the dam of the prolific winner Corn Cob (Awesome Rock), who has won 11 races and the four-time winner Cornflower (Trade Fair {GB}).

Furthermore, Gold Flakes is related to the G3 Hobart Cup winner Double You Tee (Written Tycoon). The filly was a $155,000 purchase by Parnham Racing Stables from the draft of Alwyn Park Stud (as agent for De Grey Park) at the 2023 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

Her sire, Playing God, stood the 2023 breeding season at a fee of $33,000 (inc GST) at Darling View Thoroughbreds. A 2024 fee has yet to be announced.

Lazzura salutes on debut

Sent out at odds of $41, the Chris Waller-trained Lazzura (Snitzel) saluted on debut at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

The filly, ridden by Jeff Penza, defeated Megastar Heart (Star Turn) and Happy Bellie (I Am Invincible).

Lazzura as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Lazzura is the third foal from the Heart’s Cry (Jpn) Laguna Azzura (Jpn). She is also the dam of the Listed-placed Portorosa (Not A Single Doubt). She was a $500,000 purchase by B2B Thoroughbreds from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Arrowfield Stud’s four-time Champion Sire Snitzel stood the 2023 breeding season for $247,000 (inc GST). A 2024 fee has yet to be announced.

Juvenile summary
Thooza
Almanzor
Global Empire
Zoustar
Stanley Express
Starspangledbanner

Black type results: Morphettville, Te Rapa, Eagle Farm and Ascot

14 min read

Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography

Morphettville: G1 Robert Sangster S., $1,000,000, 1200m

Finding plenty up on the inside of the other runners Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar) was a determined second time stakes winner - providing her Widden Stud based sire with his eighth Group 1 winner.

One of his 53 stakes winners, she was bred by Qatar Bloodstock who remain in the ownership. She was sold by Widden Stud to Phillip Stokes and Rick Connolly Bloodstock for $600,000 at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

She is a half-sister to the Stokes trained dual Group 3 winner Sansom (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) out of the winner Bryony (Fastnet Rock), full sister to the G1 Diamond S. winner Heroic Valour who stands at Raheen Stud and half-sister to the G1 Doncaster H. hero Triple Honour (Honours List).

Again served last spring by Zoustar after producing a filly by him, Bryony is a granddaughter of the G2 Sedgwick Classic S. winner San Pauli Girl (NZ) (Western Symphony {USA}). It was a timely win for her dam sire Fastnet Rock whose retirement had just been announced.

G1 Australasian Oaks, $1,000,000, 2000m

Joining the likes of Zabeel (NZ), Sir Tristram (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire) in being able to sire a Group 1 trifecta, Arrowfield Stud's The Autumn Sun proved that he has quite a few of his dam sire Galileo's (Ire) genes - his progeny doing very nicely over a bit of ground.

Vibrant Sun, Private Legacy and Coco Sun did him proud in this race, the winner showing plenty of heart when challenged over the final furlong.

One of her sire's four stakes winners - and his second Oaks winner on the back of Autumn Angel's success in Sydney recently - Vibrant Sun was bred by Canning Downs and purchased by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock with Mick Price Racing and Breeding for $260,000 at the 2022 Gold Coast Magic Millions.She is the second foal and second winner for the G3 Vamos S. winner Vibrant Rouge (Written Tycoon) whose closest stakes winning relation is her fifth dam's half-sister!

Vibrant Rouge was served last spring by Jonker having had a run of bad luck at stud, missing to Anders the previous season having lost (born dead) consecutive foals by Pierata and Deep Field.

Bred on a 3 X 4 cross of Danehill (USA), Vibrant Sun is also line-bred to Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}) via Redoute's Choice and Try My Best (USA).

G2 Queen Of The South S., $250,000, 1600m

It was a deserved win on the back of consistent form for Seonee (Winning Rupert) and part of a good day at Morphettville for the Patrick Payne stable.

Bred by Frank Mitchell, she was purchased for $80,000 by Prime Thoroughbreds from the Yarraman Park draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

One of the four stakes winners for her speedy now WA based sire, Seonee is the second foal for the city placed Mowgli (Not A Single Doubt) whose half-brother Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook) earned the title of Hong Kong Champion Sprinter on two occasions with his four elite level victories.

Served last spring by Hellbent and Brave Smash (Jpn), Mowgli foaled a filly by the former in August - unfortunately missing and slipping at her two previous seasons.

Hailing from the same family as the G3 Newcastle Gold Cup and G3 Gosford Gold Cup winner Silent Impact (NZ) (Casual Lies {USA}), Seonee is line-bred to the wonderful mare Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}) as is the G3 Up And Coming S. winner Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {Ire}).

G2 Tobin Bronze S., $250,000, 1200m

A crack at the G1 Goodwood H. may be on the cards for Skybird (Exosphere) on the back of this dominant performance - her fourth win from six starts and her second in stakes company.

One of the ten stakes winners Oaklands Stud based sire, a G1 Golden Rose winning son of Lonhro, Skybird is out of the winner Real Desire (Wanted) whose Listed winning grandam Snow Finch (Ire) (Storm Bird {Can}) is the grandam of the Champion Sire Snitzel.

The G1 Epsom H. winner Rediener (Redoute’s Choice) also hails from this prolific local family which has also produced the stakes winners Hinchinbrook, Captain Bax (Snippets), Snippets’ Lass (Snippets), Viennese (Redoute’s Choice), Arcaded (Street Boss {USA}), Rathlin (Fastnet Rock) and Private Eye (Al Maher).

Bred by HP Thoroughbreds, Skybird was sold by them to her trainer for $110,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale (Highway Session). Real Desire was served by Pierro last spring, not producing a foal the previous season. Her Deep Field yearling colt was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock for $260,000 at the Inglis Classic.

G3 John Hawkes S. (Formerly D C McKay S.), $150,000, 1100m

In the winner's circle for the first time since taking out the Listed SAJC Lightning S. in July 2022, Extremely Lucky (Extreme Choice) was game to the line at his first run since late last year.

Bred by the Parker family and withdrawn from two sales (Gold Coast Magic Millions and Inglis Melbourne Premier), he is one of the 12 stakes winners for his Newgate based sire.

He is the fourth foal and fourth winner for the unraced Tamarind Lane (Stratum), half-sister to the G1 Goodwood H. winner Zip Zip Aray (Bellotto {USA}) and the Listed Proud Miss S. winner Zipanese (Bellotto {USA}).And half-sister to the dam of the G1 Randwick Guineas winner Communist (Russian Revolution).

A descendant of the terrific mare Froth (NZ) (Faux Tirage {GB}), Extremely Lucky hails from a wonderful Australasian family whose members include the big race winners Niconero (Danzero), Nicconi, Interstellar (NZ), Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}) and General Nediym (Nediym {Ire}).

Served last spring by Jacquinot, Tamarind Lane foaled a colt by Maurice (Jpn) in August having not had a great deal at her previous few years at stud.

G3 Chairman's S., $150,000, 2000m

Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish {NZ}) enhanced upon his already impressive record, this win his fifth from eight starts as he heads to the G1 South Australian Derby in great form.

Bred by Te Keeti Bloodstock and sold by them to HN Auret for $20,000 in Book 2 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, the promising 3-year-old is the sole stakes winner for his Cambridge Stud based G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winning sire, a son of Savabeel.

He is the only winner for the retired broodmare Twin Soul (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}) whose dam is a half-sister to the G1 Dubai Duty Free winner Right Approach (GB) (Machiavellian {USA}) and to the dam of the South American two times G1 winner Victor Security (Arg) (Stormy Atlantic {USA}).

Bold Soul hails from the same branch of the internationally prolific Feola (GB) (Friar Marcus {GB}) family as the great stallion Deep Impact (Jpn) who shares the same fourth dam - Highlight (GB) (Borealis {GB}) as Twin Soul.

Also from this family is Round Table (USA), dam sire of Sir Tristram (Ire) to whom Embellish is line-bred 3 X 4.

G3 Breeders' S., $150,000, 1200m

Accelerating whilst drifting out, Growing Empire (Zoustar) created a big impression recording his second win at stakes level - and doing so easily with his winning margin a soft 4 and a half lengths. Bred by P Hodgens, Werrett Bloodstock and Encompass International, Growing Empire was sold by Vinery Stud to Yulong for $700,000 at the 2023 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

One of the 53 stakes winners for his Widden Stud based sire, he is a half-brother to the Group 3 placed Flemington and Caulfield winner Dancing Alone (I Am Invincible) out of the stakes placed multiple city winner Miles Of Krishan (Snitzel) whose half-sister Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}) earned the title of NZ Champion 2YO.

Another of her half-sisters in Donna Cattiva (NZ) (Captain Rio) is a stakes winner and this is also the family of the recent G3 Black Opal S. winner Holmes A Court (Capitalist).

Miles Of Krishan's Listed Vanity S. winning grandam Classy Twiggy (Twig Moss {Fr}) is the dam of the high class broodmare Parfore (NZ) (Gold Brose) whose five stakes winners include the Group 1 sprinters Tiger Tees (NZ) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Terravista (Captain Rio).

Miles Of Krishan was served last spring by I Am Invincible having foaled a full sister to Growing Empire in late October. Her yearling is a filly by I Am Invincible.

Te Rapa: G2 Travis S., NZ$150,000, 2000m

The first leg of a winning stakes double for her late sire (and bred on the same cross), Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) made it two Group wins in a row on the back of her G3 Manawatu Breeders S. success three weeks ago.

One of her much missed sire's 50 stakes winners, Apostrophe was bred by Greenwich Stud and sold by Cambridge Stud to B Smith and R Wellwood for $60,000 at the 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale.

She is one of the three winners (from as many to race) for the Sandown winner Cape South (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) who has also produced the Queensland based multiple city winner Southern Stock (NZ) (Tavistock).

Served last spring by Vadamos (Fr) having foaled a filly by Ace High (NZ), Cape South missed the previous season with her 2-year-old Southern Warrior (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) being a member of the Dean Wiles stable.

Cape South is a half-sister to the G2 Moonee Valley Oaks winner Pure Harmony (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) and to the dam of the Listed Anzac Day S. winner Outdo (Exceed And Excel).Also from this family are the Group winners Deianira (Ire) (Taufan {USA}), Annavisto (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB} and Polygon (NZ) (Highly Recommended).

Bred on the highly successful Tavistock/Zabeel (NZ) cross, Apostrophe boasts duplications of the excellent mares Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) and Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}).

G3 Easter H., NZ$150,000, 1600m

Racing clear late after making a big run out wide, Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was impressive recording her fifth win from ten starts and her first at stakes level. Bred by Suncroft Bloodstock and racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud's Lindsay family, Snazzytavi is stakes winner number 50 for her late sire.

The 26th stakes winner for the Tavistock/Zabeel (NZ) combination, she is out of the Listed New Zealand S. Leger winner Ritzy Lady (NZ) (Zabeel) whose Group 3 placed daughter Le Societe (Anbaa {USA}) produced the Listed Geelong Classic winner Grand Pierro (Pierro). Served last spring by Divine Prophet having had the previous year off - her two previous foals being yet to be named sons of Ace High - Ritzy Lady can count amongst her relations the G1 CF Orr S. winner Manuel (Commands). Snazzytavi boasts crosses of the terrific mares Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) and Selene (GB) (Chaucer {GB}).

G3 Cambridge Breeders S., NZ$100,000, 1200m

Never in any doubt with this easy all the way victory, I'munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) was in the winner's circle for the third time from just eight starts.

A home-bred for the Maclachlan family's Masterpiece Enterprises, she is the 19th stakes winner for her Haras du Logis Saint-Germain (Deauville) based who shuttled to Windsor Park Stud on six occasions.

She is the first foal for the two times winner Sisterella (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) whose dam is the Group 2 placed four times winner Arabian Nights (NZ) (Almutawakel {GB}).

Hailing from the family of the outstanding mare Park Top (Ire) (Kalydon {GB}), I'munstoppable has quite an intense pedigree - within five generations boasting crosses of five stallions - Green Desert (USA), Sadler's Wells (USA), Northern Dancer (Can), Mr Prospector (USA) and Machiavellian (USA). And she carries a strain of Sadler's Wells' three-quarter brother Nureyev (USA), making her line-bred to Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) who had a massive day as a line-breeding subject.

Served last spring by U S Navy Flag (USA), Sisterella had the previous year off having lost her 2022 Proisir filly. Her 2-year-old Lachie (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) also ran at Te Rapa Saturday - debuting with an encouraging fourth.

Eagle Farm: Listed Princess S., $300,000, 1600m

Part of a good day for comeback jockey Vlad Duric who spent many successful years in Singapore, Waikato Girl (NZ) (Savabeel) was game getting up along the rails in the final strides.

It was the first stakes win from seven starts for the Michael Freedman trained 3-year-old who was bred by Pencarrow Stud and sold by them to Mick Wallace for $600,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale.

The 145th stakes winner for her Waikato Stud based sire, she is out of the Group 1 placed, Group 3 Meld S. winner Scintillula (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) who has also produced by Savabeel the Group 2 placed Butter Chicken (NZ).

Served last spring by Proisir having at her two previous seasons produced full siblings to Waikato Girl - a colt last year and a filly the year before, Scintillula also has a Savabeel 2-year-old - Tempestry (NZ) a yet to race member of the Chris Waller stable.

Scintillula is a full sister to the Listed winner The Major General (Ire) and the dual Group 3 winner Cuis Ghaire (Ire) who produced the G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

A descendant of the great mare Pretty Polly (GB) (Gallinule {GB}), Waikato Girl is bred on a 5 X 5 cross of Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) via her son Nureyev (USA) and grandson Sadler's Wells (USA).

Listed Brisbane Mile Quality H., $300,000, 1600m

Part of an imported quinella for the Annabel Neasham stable, Mighty Ulysses (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) did a good job recording his first local win at just his second start.

A winner in the UK of the G3 Sovereign S. and the Listed Henry Cecil S., he was bred by Hascombe and Valiant Stud and was originally sold as a yearling for 170,000 gns to Blandford Bloodstock at the Tattersalls October Sale.

He is one of the six stakes winners for his Cheveley Park based dual Group 1 winning sire, a son of Galileo (Ire). His dam is the Listed Dick Hern S. winner Token Of Love (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) whose stakes placed dam Nyarhini (GB) (Fantastic Light {USA}) is out of the stakes winner Nuryana (GB) (Nureyev {USA}).

Mighty Ulysses hails from the same branch of the Courtessa (GB) (Supreme Court {GB}) as the Group 1 winners Golden Horn (GB) and Rebecca Sharp (GB) (Machiavellian {USA}).

Courtessa's famous granddaughter Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) also enjoyed success today with her descendant Stanley Express (Starspangledbanner) taking out the VOBIS Showdown at debut. Mighty Ulysses carries a cross of Nureyev (USA) and one strain of that stallion's three-quarter brother Sadler's Wells (USA).

Listed Dittman Plate, $160,000, 1000m

Rising in class and saluting at nice odds, Tiger Shark (Rich Enuff) proved to be one of today's bargain buys - the new stakes winner sold by Springmount to Paul Kingsford Bloodstock for just $15,000 at the 2011 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale.

Bred by ML Flannery and A Hall, she is the ninth stakes winner for her Woodside Park based sire. She is the second foal for her Darley bred dam Langoustine (Exceed And Excel) - a winner at Bendigo and Kembla Grange. Also dam of the yet to race 2-year-old Miss Toronado (Toronado {Ire}), a member of the Tom Conlan stable, Langoustine is out of the Listed Alexandra S. winner Zubbaya (Dubawi {Ire}).

Tiger Shark is one of the six Rich Enuff winners from eight runners out of mares by Exceed And Excel - and the second stakes winner, the other being today's Ascot placegetter Siren Assault.

Ascot: Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic, $125,000, 1400m

Strong out wide reeling in the short priced favourite Laced Up Heels (Toronado {Ire}), Sapphire Street (Street Boss {USA}) broke through for her first stakes success.

The 71st stakes winner for her Darley Victoria based sire, she is a home-bred for Oakland Park Stud, racing in the colours made famous by their star galloper Northerly (Serheed {USA}).

She is the second foal and second winner for Necklet (Snitzel) - who was also bred and raced by Oakland and who ran second in this same race six years ago.

Not served last spring having foaled a Shooting To Win colt, Necklet has a yearling filly by Blue Point (Ire).

Also dam of the city winner Tiffany Street (also by Street Boss), Necklet is a half-sister to the stakes placed The Front Bar (Sessions) out of the unraced Visited (Viscount) whose half-sister Beaded (Lonhro) won the G1 Doomben 10,000 - producing the G3 Nivison S. winner Resin (Exceed And Excel).

Visited is also a half-sister to the G3 Up And Coming S. winner Rarefied (Commands) and this is an old Woodlands Stud family with Sapphire Street able to claim amongst her relations the Group 1 winners Undue (Commands), Solar Circle (NZ) (Star Way {GB}), Freemason (Grand Lodge {USA}), Mental (Lonhro) and Shaybisc (Biscay).

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Oxley Road to stand at Blue Gum Farm

Victoria’s Blue Gum Farm announced they will stand Oxley Road (Exceed and Excel) for his first season in 2024 at a fee of $8800 (inc GST). The full brother to Group 1 winner and exciting young sire Exceedance, Oxley Road won his first two races at two including the G3 Zeditave S., then returned at three to win the G2 Caulfield Sprint. He also placed in the G1 Oakleigh Plate.

“We’re trying to build a farm based around stallions with colonial speed and Oxley Road fits the tried and tested profile that has proven so successful,” Blue Gum Farm’s Sean Dingwall said in a press release.

Blue Gum Farm have kept the fees for their other two stallions unchanged from last year. Flying Artie remains at $16,500 (inc GST) and Sejardan remains at $13,750 (inc GST).

Fastnet Rock retired from stud duties

Coolmore Australia announced on Saturday morning that their Champion Sire Fastnet Rock would be retired from stud duties.

Winner of the G1 Lightning S. and G1 Oakleigh Plate at three, Fastnet Rock retired to stud in 2005 with six wins and nine placings from 16 starts with earnings over $1.7million.

Fastnet Rock | Image courtesy of Coolmore

At stud, the son of the Champion Sire Danehill (USA) was crowned Champion Sire in 2011/12 and 2014/15 and to date has 193 stakes winners led by 43 Group 1 winners. His sire sons include Foxwedge (26 stakes winners), Smart Missile (24), Hinchinbrook (22), and El Roca (10). As a damsire, Fastnet Rock has 113 stakes winners, led by 12 Group 1 winners.

“Fastnet Rock has been a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and we are immensely grateful for the incredible journey he has taken us on. I hope he will enjoy a long and happy retirement here at Jerrys Plains,” said Coolmore’s Tom Magnier.

New juvenile winner for Lean Mean Machine

Consistent in her first three starts, 2-year-old filly Jemoma Alpilage (Lean Mean Machine) won at Eagle Farm for trainer Kevin Kemp and jockey Vlad Duric.

She won by 1.38l from 2-year-old colt Alpha Bravo (Better Than Ready) with the fellow juvenile gelding Superalloy (Too Darn Hot {GB}) a further length back in third.

Duric also won the next race aboard 3-year-old gelding In Evidence (Nicconi).

McNeil and Chadwick hospitalised after fall at Kyneton

Jockeys Logan McNeil and Matt Chadwick were involved in a fall during race four at Kyneton. “Both appear to be ok but are to be transported to hospital for precautionary scans,” tweeted Racing Victoria.

Racing Victoria are yet to confirm the condition of the two horses. Chadwick was on The Oyster (Lucas Cranach {Ger}), while McNeil was on Twotoodlu (St Jean {Ire}).

Queen Of The South goes to Seonee

Trainer Patrick Payne’s consistent 5-year-old mare Seonee (Winning Rupert) won the G2 Queen Of The South S. at Morphettville on Saturday to take her record to nine wins from 22 starts and earnings over $590,000.

Seonee | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

She was a $80,000 purchase by Prime Thoroughbreds from Yarraman Park Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Apostrophe signs off in Travis

Rising 7-year-old mare Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has ended her career in fine style with successive stakes wins. She won the G3 Manawatu Breeders S three weeks ago, and took that form into Saturday’s G2 Travis S winning by 0.1l from Saint Alice (So You Think {NZ}) and Final Purchase (NZ) (Savabeel).

“Whether we go on I don’t know, she has had soundness issues and she’s done what every breeder wants to do with a mare, and she’s rising seven. This could be her last run,” co-trainer Roger James told Loveracing.nz.

Apostrophe has won seven of her 21 starts with earnings over NZ$310,000. She was purchased by her trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood at the NZB National Yearling Sale for NZ$60,000 from Cambridge Stud.

Double for Tavistock in New Zealand

Cambridge Stud’s late sire Tavistock (NZ) picked up a stakes double in New Zealand with the win by Apostrophe (NZ) in the G2 Travis S and 4-year-old mare Snazzytavi (NZ) in the G3 Easter H.

Owned by Cambridge Stud’s Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Snazzytavi took her record to five wins from 10 starts and became the 50th stakes winner for Tavistock, who died in 2019.

“I can’t wait until next year with Snazzytavi. I think she’ll get up over more ground in time as well – she just needs to learn a little bit more about being a racehorse. Races like the G1 Herbie Dyke S. and G1 Zabeel Classic are great targets that we can try to work towards,” co-trainer Graham Richardson, who trains with Rogan Norvall, told Loveracing.nz.

Four wins for jockey Kennedy in New Zealand

Jockey Warren Kennedy is on track for the Jockeys’ Premiership in New Zealand after winning four races at Te Rapa on Saturday. He won on Snazzytavi (NZ), Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}), Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}), and Freeze Frame (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}).

Warren Kennedy

Voyage Bubble to spoil Golden Sixty’s party

Trainer Ricky Yiu is optimistic that Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) can dethrone Champion racehorse Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) in Sunday’s G1 Champion’s Mile.

“He got back from Dubai pretty safely,” Yiu said. “I would expect him to run very well on Sunday. I think there’s a bit of improvement in him, he hasn’t been overly raced and he’s only five. He’s been a good second to a couple of champions in Hong Kong.”

Voyage Bubble ran second to Golden Sixty in the G1 Hong Kong Mile in December, then ran second to Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup two starts ago. He travelled to Dubai for the G1 Dubai Turf but was hampered by the faller in that race, sustaining cuts to his legs.

Avdulla confident California Spangle can make it three

California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) is on target to make it three Group 1 wins in succession in Sunday’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize and jockey Brenton Avdulla is confident he’ll achieve it.

“He’s been a pretty good horse to me already, so we’ll see what we can do this weekend. To actually get over (to Dubai) and represent Hong Kong on the world stage was a massive thrill,” Avdulla told scmp.com.

Huge field for G1 Tenno Sho

Sunday's G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) will see 18 runners do battle over the 3200-metre distance at Kyoto Racecourse. Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) and Silver Sonic (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) are back for more having finished second and third, respectively, 12 months ago.

T O Royal (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}), on the other hand, looked better than ever when winning that race by five lengths, identifying himself as a leading contender as he tries to improve on his third-place finish in the 2022 edition of the Tenno Sho (Spring) when it was run at Hanshin.

Irish Thoroughbred Breeders announce new CEO

Peter O'Reilly has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, the ITBA announced on Friday. He takes over from interim CEO Pat Keogh.

Peter O'Reilly | Image courtesy of the ITBA

“I am really looking forward to working with Irish Breeders and with the team at the ITBA,” said O'Reilly. “I hope to be able to deliver support and success to Irish breeders and to drive forward the ITBA with the help of its dedicated Council and committee members.”

Stewart leading buyer at Keeneland sale

Led by matching US$450,000 (AU$688,700) co-toppers Dana's Beauty (USA) (Not This Time (USA)) and Cheval de Guerre (USA) (Caravaggio (USA)), John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock purchased four lots for a total of US$1.172 million (AU$1.9 million) at Keeneland's April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale on Friday, held following the final race of the Spring Meet. Resolute was the sale's leading buyer.

Keeneland sold 54 horses for US$3,940,000 (AU$6 million), for an average of US$72,963 (AU) and a median of US$38,500 (AU$58,900) with all figures down on last year which enjoyed an average of US$100,642 (AU$154,000) and a median of US$70,000 (AU$107,000).

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - April 28

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 early in its career chasing maiden success, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Two exciting runners are going head-to-head at Sportsbet-Ballarat on Sunday, A two-year-old son of Fastnet Rock and the Group 1 winning filly Oohood (I Am Invincible) and a Saxon Warrior (Jpn) two-year-old related to the champion Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}).

Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 1, 1.15pm AEST, Raceday Medical 2YO Mdn P., $37,500, 1400m

Bancory Bay, 2-year-old gelding (Fastnet Rock x Oohood {I Am Invincible)

Sportsbet-Ballarat’s Sunday meeting will serve as the starting point for the career of Bancory Bay, a regally-bred son of the recently retired legendary stallion Fastnet Rock from the Michael Moroney stable at Flemington.

Bancory Bay is the second foal out of the talented mare, Oohood (I Am Invincible). She was successful in the G1 Flight S., was runner-up in the G1 Golden Slipper, G1 Sires’ Produce S., G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (f) and the Listed Merson Cooper S. She was also classy enough to run third in the G1 Caulfield Guineas and the G1 Blue Diamond S., amongst other stakes placings.

Bancory Bay as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Bancory Bay has a strong international pedigree with his page full of influential international and colonial stallions including Fastnet Rock, I Am Invincible, Sunday Silence (Jpn), Canny Lad, Royal Academy (USA), Rory’s Jester, Halo (USA), and Danehill (USA).

Oohood since producing Bancory Bay has delivered a Wootton Bassett (GB) weanling filly and was most recently served in the spring by Arrowfield Stud’s Japanese shutter Maurice (Jpn).

Bancory Bay was a $360,000 purchase by PR Bloodstock from the draft of Segenhoe Thoroughbreds Aust Pty Ltd at the 2023 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 1, 1.15pm AEST, Raceday Medical 2YO Mdn P., $37,500, 1400m

Signor Bill, 2-year-old gelding (Saxon Warrior {Jpn} x Zuccotto {Quest For Fame {GB})

Bred and owned by O P Tait and Mrs J G Nivision , Signor Bill is a gelding by Saxon Warrior (Jpn) out of the mare Zuccotto (Quest For Fame {GB}).

Zuccotto has made a promising start to her broodmare career having already left two-individual winners in Smart As Smart (Smart Missile) and Alchermes (Excelebration {Ire}).

The family page is a little quiet up close but back a bit further it is full of class, her great-grandam Whisked (Whiskey Road {USA}), was a star on the track and was successful in the G1 One Thousand Guineas. She then surpassed her race record in the breeding barn leaving nine individual winners, including three stakes-winners.

Saxon Warrior | Standing at Coolmore

Of these the clear headliner was the Champion galloper Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}) who was successful in twenty one races including thirteen Group 1 races. The other stakes-winners were the Listed winners Dream Ballad (Singspiel {Ire}) and Hood (Shamardal {USA}).

The Patrick Payne-trained gelding has raced twice placing second at Sandown over 1300 metres behind the very exciting Epimeles (Dundeel {NZ}) who won the Listed Anzac Day Stakes during the week, and Signor Bill at his last start ran a close-up second at Pakenham. A win looks just around the corner for this talented gelding who is bred to get even better with age and a bit of time.

Looking Back

Our selections for Saturday: Ikasara (I Am Invincible) won at Rosehill, Sister Cynane (I Am Invincible) finished second at Te Rapa, and Houdini (Snitzel) finished 12th.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Sunday, April 28

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, April 27

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, April 28
First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, April 27

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, April 28
Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

Rosehill Gardens (Metropolitan)

Kembla Grange (Provincial)

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

VIC Race Results

Caulfield (Metropolitan)

Park Kyneton (Country)

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

QLD Race Results

Eagle Farm (Metropolitan)

Toowoomba (Provincial)

Aquis Park Gold Coast Poly (Provincial)

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

WA Race Results

Ascot (Metropolitan)

Geraldton (Provincial)

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

SA Race Results

Morphettville (Metropolitan)

NZ Race Results

Te Rapa

Wanganui

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian General Sires' Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand General Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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

TTR AusNZ 2024 Media & Advertising Guide

View: TTR AusNZ 2024 Media Guide

TTR AusNZ will be printing and distributing daily editions at the following major sales for 2024:

InglisAustralian Weanling SaleMay 4 - 8
InglisChairman's SaleMay 9
InglisAustralian Broodmare SaleMay 10
Magic MillionsGold Coast National Weanling SaleMay 24 -26
Magic MillionsGold Coast National Broodmare SaleMay 27 - 30

TTR AusNZ Team & Contacts

President - Gary King | gary@ttrausnz.com.au

Managing Director - Vicky Leonard | vicky@ttrausnz.com.au

Editorial | editorial@ttrausnz.com.au

Nathan Exelby | nathan@ttrausnz.com.au

Keely Mckitterick | keely@ttrausnz.com.au

Oswald Wedmore | oswald@ttrausnz.com.au

Advertising | advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Client Relations - Abbey Hassett | abbey@ttrausnz.com.au

Content Manager - Lucy Prudden | lucy@ttrausnz.com.au

Content Assistant - Matilda Magner | matilda@ttrausnz.com.au

Advertising | advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Accounts | accounts@ttrausnz.com.au

Charitable initiatives

At TTR AusNZ, we think it’s our obligation to positively help the industry by providing free advertising, and as such, all ads for industry charitable initiatives are free in TTR AusNZ and always will be.

If you need to raise awareness to a charitable initiative, email: advertising@ttrausnz.com.au

Regular Columnists

Caitlin Smith | Renee Geelen | Richard Edmunds | James Thomas | Emma Berry | Kristen Manning

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

The Final Say