Cover image courtesy of Racing Photos
John Muir’s Milburn Farm has long been recognised as a leader in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Headlined by the dual Group 1-winning sprinter Magic Time (Hellbent), the esteemed breeder is celebrating once again. This time, it's with Magic Time’s half-brother Henlein who notched up his dam's third winner from as many to foals to race on Tuesday.
A promising type
Henlein, a $300,000 purchase at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Freedman Racing / Julian Blaxland Bloodstock (FBAA), is the third foal from Muir’s prized mare, Time Awaits. Recalling the sale, Muir described Henlein as a striking individual, noting that he brought less than expected at the time.
Henlein as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
“At the time Henlein was sold, Magic Time was a stakes winner and had just won a Group 3 a few days beforehand. He was a very nice horse, and I thought he could have fetched more, but that’s what we got, and he went to a good home,” Muir stated.
Given time to mature, Henlein debuted for the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable on Tuesday. Having benefited from three jump-outs, the colt was sent out as the favourite and while the stable emphasised he would only improve the experience, he lived up to the pressure.
“The plan today was just to give him a good experience from his inside barrier draw, they (Freedman stable) thought they might be a bit quick for him, but were confident that if he gets the right run he might be good enough to win - and they were right.”
Williams told Racing.com “For his first-up run, a 2-year-old taking on the older horses, I thought he’s got a lot of upside, especially when he starts getting out in trip.”
Muir echoed this sentiment, stating, “I don’t think the stable expected him to win yesterday. They wanted to give him an outing and hoped he’d win, and I’m pleased he did.”
A Rare Gem
Seeking a young breeding prospect for his Milburn Creek farm, Muir engaged the services of long-time friend Damon Gabbedy of Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2018 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Gabbedy went to $300,000 for Time Awaits (Nicconi), a lightly raced three-time winning 2-year-old, including the G3 Sires’ Produce S. and the Listed Cinderella S., trained by Tony McEvoy.
John Muir | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Muir previously explained to TTR AusNZ what drew him to Time Awaits as a broodmare prospect, stating, “Damon Gabbedy (Belmont Bloodstock {FBAA}) is a friend and somebody I respect very much. We were at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, and Time Awaits presented for sale there. I happened to like her, and I liked the fact she was a 2-year-old winner and a Group winner as a juvenile. She was a very good type, and I paid $300,000.”
From the metropolitan juvenile performer Bon Ton (Danzero), who was also trained by Tony McEvoy, Time Awaits is the granddaughter of G2 Western Australian Oaks winner Mystic Chantry (Chanteclair).
Yarraman Park’s Group 1-winning freshman sire Hellbent was chosen for Time Awaits' first mating, resulting in a filly who didn’t meet her $150,000 reserve at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Muir retained the filly, named her Magic Time, and sent her to long-term trainer Grahame Begg. Magic Time quickly showcased her potential, winning on debut by 5l and claiming the Listed Amanda Elliot at her second start. Now a 4-year-old, she has accumulated over $2.1 million in earnings, and two elite victories including the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and most recently the G1 All Aged S.
Magic Time, winner of the G1 All Aged S. in April | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The second foal from Time Awaits, named Cosmonova (Zoustar), was a $220,000 yearling purchase by Proven Thoroughbreds / Pride Racing at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and is also building a promising track record. The valuable relation to Magic Time kicked off her latest preparation at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, running a promosing fourth in heavy conditions.
A yearling colt from Time Awaits by Arrowfield’s sought-after shuttle-sire Maurice (Jpn) was slated for the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but had to be withdrawn due to an injury. Muir decided to retain him and send him to the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable, fitting as McEvoy trained Time Awaits throughout her career.
“We believe in reciprocal business. Tony has bought several horses from us and had some luck, so we’re returning the favour,” Muir said.
“We believe in reciprocal business. Tony (McEvoy) has bought several horses from us and had some luck, so we’re returning the favour.” - John Muir
Looking ahead
With her progeny building an impressive record on the racetrack, Time Awaits is currently in foal to Magic Time’s grandsire I Am Invincible.
“God bless her, Time Awaits is in foal to I Am Invincible and is due on August 11. All going well she will likely go back to I Am Invincible this year,” Muir shared.
Beyond Time Awaits, Muir is meticulously planning matings for his strong broodmare collection, focusing on proven and first-season sires.
Henlein won on debut at Bendigo on Tuesday | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“We are trying to stick with proven or first-season sires. Of the first-season sires, Shinzo would be an obvious one being a well-bred Golden Slipper winner out of Samaready. I like Cylinder, Native Trial represents value for money at Darley, and Militarize is another one that appeals.
“Of the first-season sires, Shinzo would be an obvious one (to mate to) being a well-bred Golden Slipper winner out of Samaready. I like Cylinder, Native Trial represents value for money at Darley, and Militarize is another one that appeals.” - John Muir
With a quality broodmare band, Muir is dedicated to matching his mares with the right stallions, even if it means travelling for the ideal mating. “We have bookings to Too Darn Hot, who has started his career well here, and we have a breeding right in Pierata, who is doing nicely. Alabama Express and Toronado are other Victorian stallions we are considering,” Muir concluded.
