Cover image courtesy of Sportpix

Magic Millions announced on Wednesday that 5-year-old mare Zougotcha (Zoustar) will be offered at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in May, and the Group 1 winner has been a star since she was born. Sold by Widden Stud to Chris Waller Racing and Guy Mulcaster for $500,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Zougotcha turned heads immediately.

“She was a lovely type. A very professional filly who was popular from day 1 of inspections, and she held herself together very well. She has that typical Zoustar frame and head that everyone loves,” said Widden’s Matt Comerford.

“It’s an active family with great depth of pedigree. We are selling her three-quarter-sister this weekend (at Inglis Easter), Lot 217, who is a similar, powerful type of filly.”

Brilliant from the start

Zougotcha debuted with a win in Sydney as an April 2-year-old, placing at her next start, then finishing mid-field in a Listed race. Back at three, she had three starts in the spring winning all of them, and the form around her is impressive.

Resuming in the G2 Silver Shadow Stakes over 1200 metres, Zougotcha beat In Secret (I Am Invincible) who went on to win the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes later that spring. Next up, Zougotcha won the G2 Tea Rose Stakes beating stablemate Madame Pommery (No Nay Never {USA}) who went on to win the G1 MRC Thousand Guineas.

And then Zougotcha won the G1 Flight Stakes, beating She’s Extreme (Extreme Choice) who already had a juvenile Group 1 under her belt and would go on to win the G1 Victoria Oaks.

Three more starts in the autumn garnered a win in the G2 Phar Lap Stakes, and then a few punters wrote her off after a fruitless spring as a 4-year-old.

Her best campaign at four

Zougotcha got the last laugh, returning to the top as an autumn 4-year-old with a trio of victories. She won the G2 Millie Fox Stakes, with two Group 1 winners in her wake being Lady Laguna (Overshare) and Madame Pommery, and then won the G1 Coolmore Classic and the G1 Queen Of The Turf, again beating a Group 1 winner in Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in that second effort.

Sandwiched between Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) and Fangirl (Sebring) in a photo-finish when second in the G1 Winx Stakes this spring, Zougotcha is now spelling.

The summary is that she is a triple Group 1 winner, who won eight of her 18 starts with earnings over $2.6 million. “If you were ranking potential mares that could have come on the market, Zougotcha would have been right at the top,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

“To be entrusted with the process, we are very excited. The company is so excited to market her. She is a young mare, a three-time Group 1 winner, she has a very commercial pedigree that gets better by the day, and she is a gorgeous mare. She is the mare that everyone will die to own.”

An outstanding pedigree

Zoustar is regarded as one of the best stallions in the country with 64 stakes winner, 10 of those at Group 1 level, and he’s beginning to make his mark as a broodmare sire with three stakes winners in that realm. All are 3-year-olds this season, being Group 3 winner Holmes A Court (Capitalist), and Listed winners Dawn Service (Justify {USA}) and Discretion Rules (Alabama Express).

Zougotcha’s dam Fast Talker (Fastnet Rock) was a good city class mare who was twice Listed placed, but it’s been at stud where she’s really excelled. Zougotcha is her fifth foal and third stakes winners with older sister Persuader winner of the Listed Twilight Glow Stakes while half-sister The Actuary (Sebring) won the Listed The Phoenix Stakes. Fast Talker has a 2-year-old colt named The Sheriff (Written Tycoon) and a colt foal who is a full brother to Zougotcha and Persuader.

Fast Talker is a half-sister to Group 3 winner of 11 races Crystal Dreamer (Stratum) from the family of G1 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily (Stratum).

Comerford's early point about it being an active family is showcased by two yearlings in the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling sale, being Widden Stud’s aforementioned three-quarter sister, Lot 217, a Zoustar filly out of The Actuary, while Yarraman Park Stud will offer a So You Think (NZ) filly Lot 106 out of Persuader.

Cover image courtesy of Inglis

With the 33 yearlings out of Group 1-winning mares spread across 17 drafts, there are plenty of options for those chasing the very best performance. The yearlings are evenly split with 18 colts and 15 fillies. Coolmore has the most in their draft with six, and Arrowfield and Vinery each offer four.

And the data is in: Group 1-winning broodmares produce a stakes winner every 10 foals in Australia, so the odds are in your favour.

Examples such as Stay With Me (Street Cry {Ire}) out of Miss Finland (Redoute's Choice), or the Denise’s Joy (Seventh Hussar {Fr}) family with four Group 1-winning mares in succession, or Anamoe out of Anamato (Redoute's Choice), or City Of Troy (USA) out of Together Forever (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), are just the beginnings of a long list of Group 1 winners out of Group 1-winning mares.

Brand new opportunities with first foals

Among the progeny of the Group 1-winning mares are several who are the first foal of their dam. These yearlings represent the first opportunity for the market to have a look at the progeny of a mare whose racing career ended only recently and is still in the memories of fans.

Yulong’s Lot 410 is a Written Tycoon colt from Hungry Heart (Frankel {GB}), who was one of the first Group 1 winners raced by Mr Zhang.

“He’s by a champion sire who needs no introduction and is out of a two-time Group 1-winning Frankel mare. He’s everything you’d expect from such a stallion’s pedigree. He’s a lovely strong bodied horse with a great action and is a lovely deep liver chestnut. A gorgeous horse who has been popular so far,” said Yulong’s Harry King.

“Hungry Heart died, so he’s also very sentimental for us as she was our flag-bearing race mare. I think he’ll be sharper than you think and just look at the build-up on sires on the page with Frankel, Pivotal, and Azamour.”

Hungry Heart has a full brother to this colt on the ground. Champion 3YO Filly in Australia in 2020/21, Hungry Heart won the G1 Australian Oaks and G1 Vinery Stud Stakes and over $1.7 million.

Kia Ora Stud’s Lot 28 is a Farnan colt from G1 Coolmore Classic winner Lighthouse (USA) (Mizzen Mast {USA}).

“We are very happy with how he’s presented here. He’s a colt with lot of quality, correct, and athletic who looks like a runner. Kia Ora Stud has had a lot of success with American mares producing the likes of Wild Ruler, and outcrosses like that can add substance to a pedigree. She was a quality mare in America and then won a Group 1 here, and for Farnan to get mares like that is a plan coming to fruition,” said Kia Ora’s Shane Wright.

Lighthouse won three races in America including a Listed race, then came to Australia where she added the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes and the G1 Coolmore Classic, as well as placing twice in Group 1 company here. She was sold as a breeding prospect for $1.7 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale to Dermot Farrington Bloodstock.

Fernrigg Farm’s Lot 341 is a Zoustar colt from Danzdanzdance (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) who was voted Champion Middle Distance Horse in New Zealand after winning the G1 Zabeel Classic and G1 Captain Cook Stakes, and she has a further five Group 1 placings, including in the G1 Ranvet Stakes in Sydney.

“He is a carbon copy of the mare. I spoke with Kylie Bax last week, who raced Danzdanzdance and she sent me a photo of Danzdanzdance as a yearling and you couldn’t tell them apart. He’s a super well balanced, good moving colt, with a good girth,” said Rae-Louise Kelly of Fernrigg Farm.

Danzdanzdance is a half-sister to Listed winner Le Gai Soliel (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Danza Kuduro (NZ) (Savabeel), the dam of Group 3 winner Good Banter (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).

Widden’s Lot 296 is a Written Tycoon colt by Bella Vella (Commands). “He’s a beautiful big strong imposing foal out of the mare, with plenty of substance, and is typical of a good strong first foal. Written Tycoon is an elite sire, and this colt has been popular in early inspection which is no surprise,” said Matt Comerford of Widden Stud.

Bella Vella won 11 races, including the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes, and is out of Forget The Weather (USA) (Stormy Atlantic {USA}) a winning American half-sister to stakes winners Wedlock (USA) (Maria’s Mons {USA}), Ever After (USA) (Kris S {USA}), and Extrovert (USA) (Wild Again {USA}).

Yarraman Park Stud’s Lot 304 is an I Am Invincible filly from Bonham (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) who won the G1 Levin Classic over a mile. This is the family of Group 1 winners Danendri (Danehill {USA}) and Faint Perfume (Shamardal {USA}).

“She’s a lovely first foal, a real quality type like her mother. Per Incanto leaves very attractive horses. She’s a good size with a quality head, and a great temperament, I’m very pleased with her. The mare has a full brother at home and is back in foal to I Am Invincible. This yearling is a positive start,” said Yarraman Park Stud’s Harry Mitchell.

Coolmore have two first foals among their six progeny of Group 1-winning mares, and Vinery have one, who are included below.

Coolmore’s investment paying off

Coolmore has been investing into the ownership of high-class race mares with many high profile purchases from the major broodmare sales in the past decade, and their Easter yearling draft contains the progeny of six Group 1-winning mares.

Winner of the G1 Empire Rose Stakes and G1 Vinery Stud Stakes, Shout The Bar (Not A Single Doubt) cost Coolmore $2.7 million at the 2022 Inglis Chairman’s Sale. Coolmore presents her first foal, a Home Affairs colt, as Lot 158.

“This guy is the real deal. He’ll be a head turner. He’s a horse that we really think is very special and we are delighted to have him in the draft and we think he will get the mare off to a good start. He’s a real top quality Home Affairs. It’s a lot of pressure to introduce a horse like Home Affairs at the sales, but he has everyone talking with the quality of his yearlings,” said Coolmore’s John Kennedy.

G1 Tattersall’s Tiara winner Invincibella (I Am Invincible) cost Coolmore $1.3 million at the 2019 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, and her first two foals have garnered $750,000 and $625,000 as yearlings. Her third foal, Lot 417, is a Snitzel filly. A winner of 12 races, five of them at group level, Invincibella earned her connections $3 million on the track before Coolmore purchased her.

“She’s a beautiful filly. Her half-brother by Wootton Bassett has been named Barking Mad and was impressive in his first trial for Chris Waller the other day. She’s a typical Snitzel, very athletic and has plenty of her mum in her too.”

She has a massive pedigree too, being a half-sister to Group 3 winner Secret Blaze (Sizzling), Listed winner Extreme Flight (Extreme Choice), and Temolie (Star Witness) who is the dam of this season’s good 3-year-old Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio). Sledmere Stud will sell Invincibella’s half-brother by Stay Inside as Lot 268.

G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Celebrity Queen (Redoute’s Choice) has her second foal as Lot 317, a Pierro colt, and Celebrity Queen was another big investment, costing Coolmore $2.5 million at the 2021 Inglis Chairman’s Sale. Coolmore retained her first foal, 2-year-old colt State Visit (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was a winner on debut and third in the G3 Pago Pago Stakes last start. State Visit runs in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes on Saturday.

“A standout in our draft. He’s a very nice horse, a lovely physical in the mould of a ‘good Pierro’. His half-brother State Visit is a lightly raced very impressive 2-year-old and we expect him to run a big race on Saturday,” said Kennedy.

Celebrity Queen has a strong pedigree, being a daughter of Listed winner Celebrity Miss (More Than Ready {USA}) who in turn is a daughter of dual Group 1 winner Miss Margaret (Marscay).

Champion 2YO Filly in Europe and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Tiggy Wiggy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) cost Coolmore 2.1 million gns (AU$4.5 million) at the 2015 Tattersalls December Mare Sale, and she had five foals by Galileo (Ire) in Ireland led by Group 1 placed Year Of The Tiger (Ire) before being covered by Frankel (GB) and sent to Australia where she foaled a colt, Lot 225.

“It was a great surprise to see a mare of that calibre arrive here," Kennedy said. "She would’ve been a head-turner at the races and she’s had a great start at stud in Europe. The Frankel colt is very well put together and we expect him to be popular.”

Personal (Fastnet Rock) came to Coolmore through a different pathway. They purchased her as a yearling at this sale in 2019 from Cressfield for $640,000. Racing in their colours, she won the G1 Victoria Oaks, and was placed in the G1 Blue Diamond, G1 Australian Oaks, and G1 MRC Thousand Guineas earning $1.2 million on the track. Her first foal, a So You Think (NZ) filly is Lot 105.

“I was just talking about to someone else about how she ticked all the boxes. She was impressive at two and high class at three. This is a very good first foal, a nice filly who is a good example of what a good So You Think looks like, and should get the mare off to a great start.”

Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}) has her third foal, Lot 80 who is a Wootton Basset {GB}) colt. Winner of the G1 Surround Stakes and placed in the G1 Randwick Guineas and G1 Flight Stakes, her first foal 3-year-old gelding Gatekeeper (Justify {USA}) won on debut recently.

“So You Think is starting to show he’s a good broodmare sire," Kennedy said. "The best is yet to come with the quality of mares he’s covered lately and he’ll be exciting damsire. Nakeeta Jane’s first foal Gatekeeper won well on debut and he’s just come back into the stable. Waller has some good targets for him at the end of the season.

"The Wootton Bassett colt is an athletic horse, who continues to improve through the preparation. We thought she’d suit Wootton Bassett on type and we are delighted with this result.”

Arrowfield’s quartet

The four yearlings out of Group 1-winning mares in the Arrowfield draft have arrived there through different pathways. “Most of ours are sold ‘as agent’ as we have partners in most of our stock. We are delighted with all four of these yearlings,” said Jon Freyer.

G1 William Reid Stakes winner Silent Sedition (War Chant {USA}) won seven races and over $1.1 million. She was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida at the 2018 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale for $1.5 million and left in Australia, where three of her yearlings have sold for $2.2 million, $700,000 and $600,000, but so far none have raced. Her Snitzel colt is Lot 164.

“He’s a great moving horse, and we sold the full brother to Te Akau last year. He was being set for the big races in New Zealand, but went shinny so is being set for the spring now. He should be a nice 3-year-old and it’s exciting to have one in the wings. She’s had some bad luck, this mare. One broke his back in a paddock accident, but she has some nice ones coming through.”

Arrowfield Stud purchased triple Group 1 winner and Champion Female Sprinter Arcadia Queen (Pierro) for $3.2 million at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, and her first foal, 2-year-old colt Federalist (I Am Invincible) sold for $1 million at the Gold Coast last year. He ran fifth on debut for trainers Team Hawkes recently and is entered for Saturday’s G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes. His full brother is Lot 282.

“She was an absolute champion who won a Group 1 at 2000 metres and then started favourite in an Everest," Freyer said. "A mare with that versatility and quality is something special and her first foal runs in the Sires’ on Saturday. This yearling is a lovely big strong colt.”

Arcadia Queen is a full sister to Group 3 winner Arcadia Prince, and a half-sister to Group 2 winner Arcadia Dream (Domesday), and Listed winner Arcadia Rose (Kheleyf {USA}). Group 1 winner Regal Power (Pierro) is also from this family.

The other two Group 1 winners in the Arrowfield draft are proven broodmares, with G1 MRC Thousand Guineas winner Stay With Me (Street Cry {Ire}) already the dam of dual Listed winner Waltz On By (I Am Invincible), and herself being a daughter of five-time Group 1 winner and Champion 2YO & 3YO Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice).

“We bred Miss Finland and Stay With Me, who was a super talented mare that has done a great job as a broodmare with Waltz On By and Duvana, who has just come back into work. This is a super colt, a great moving horse and a real star.”

Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old colt Duvana (Dundeel {NZ}) is a full brother to Lot 191 and he placed in the G2 Skyline Stakes at two behind Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) and was a winner at three this spring.

Champion 3YO Filly in Australia Shoals (Fastnet Rock) won three Group 1 races and her first foal is Group 3-winning 4-year-old mare Isthmus (I Am Invincible). Her fourth foal, Lot 156 is a Maurice (Jpn) filly.

“Shoals’ first foal is a Group winner, and in my opinion a Group 1 winner in waiting. This filly is simply outstanding and you probably don’t get better than her as a package.”

A quartet from Vinery Stud

The four yearlings in Vinery Stud’s draft out of Group 1-winning mares are split equally between young mares and proven broodmares and the first foal of G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner and G1 Futurity Stakes winner Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ})) is Lot 162, an I Am Invincible filly.

“Sierra Sue was a high quality mare, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the style of her first foal. She’s a forward, strong filly who looks like she’ll kick off Sierra Sue’s breeding career on a positive note,” said Vinery’s Harry Roach.

Sierra Sue was purchased by Bromfield Park at the end of her racing career in an Inglis Digital sale for $1.55 million; she won nine of her 24 starts with race track earnings over $1.7 million.

The second foal of G1 Victoria Oaks winner Aristia (Lonhro) is Lot 284, a filly by Maurice (Jpn), and her first foal is a Zoustar colt named Staristia who sold for $725,000 at this sale last year.

“She’s a lovely scopey filly with plenty of quality, and being out of an Oaks winner and by Maurice, she’s got plenty of development still to come. She will grow into a high class filly. Aristia’s 2-year-old by Zoustar was impressive in a jump out last week, and Aristia has got the makings of a nice producing mare.”

Aristia is a half-sister to G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Marabi (I Am Invincible), who won her first seven starts in succession, and both are out of Group 2 winner Nakaaya (Tiger Hill {Ire}). Marabi was purchased by Arrowfield Stud as a broodmare prospect for $2.4 million through Magic Millions Virtual platform.

The other two yearlings out of Group 1 mares in Vinery’s draft are from proven broodmares, with $1.9 million earner and winner of the G1 Lightning Stakes Snitzerland (Snitzel) already the dam of G3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Hard Landing. Her Zoustar colt is Lot 173. “He’s a sharp colt from a mare that has done a fantastic job. Her current 2-year-old Chisholm was stakes placed on debut and looks like a nice horse for the future. This colt is forward and a really good representation of both sire and dam.”

Chisholm (I Am Invincible) was purchased by Kia Ora Stud for $500,000 and the 2-year-old filly is trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. She ran second to Within The Law (Lucky Vega {Ire}) in the R. Listed Inglis Nursery on debut.

Mossman mare Plucky Belle was a fantastic race mare, winning the G1 Coolmore Classic and four other races, and her Too Darn Hot (GB) colt is Lot 109. With the sire smoking hot at the moment, this colt is a half-brother to two winners including 3-year-old colt Gallant Son (Written Tycoon) who ran second in the Listed Sunlight Classic to Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) last weekend.

“He’s a really good physical representative of his sire Too Darn Hot. A colt with good depth and strength, and he’s been a colt we’ve held in high regard since he was born. He has plenty of quality, by a sire who can’t put a foot wrong. And now his half-brother is showing good ability with a second on Saturday at Flemington in a Listed race.”

For buyers who want to purchase a son or daughter of an elite race mare, there are 33 opportunities at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography

Ole Kirk’s roll continues

It was an exciting debut performance at Ballarat on Wednesday, as Legacy Bound, a son of the emerging sire Ole Kirk, delivered a commanding victory. The talented 2-year-old became the eighth individual winner from just 13 runners for his sire, a group that already includes three stakes winners: O’Ole, Prestige Forever, and King Kirk.

Trained by Robbie Griffiths, Legacy Bound showed natural pace and professionalism, racing away to score by an impressive 3.75l. Maldini (Too Darn Hot {GB}) ran bravely to finish second after covering extra ground throughout, while Lady Lonsdale (Fastnet Rock) backed up her debut third with another solid third placing.

Although Legacy Bound had displayed plenty of raw ability in his trials, his victory came as something of a minor surprise. The colt had shown greenness in his early jump-outs, winning two of his first three but still prone to making mistakes.

Pre-race, he appeared a little warm and fired up in the parade ring, but stable representative Corey Smith was pleased with how he handled himself when it mattered.

“As soon as he got out there, he settled. Jye (McNeil) put him in a great spot, and he did the rest!,” Smith said.

“We thought he was going to be pretty green, but he exceeded our expectations in terms of his level of concentration—he was great.”

The stable is particularly excited about Ole Kirk’s progeny.

“Robbie (Griffiths) has a lot of time for Ole Kirk. We have three in the stable, and he’s a fan of all of them. It was nice to see the first one to step out on the track make a winning debut.”

Peter Orton from Vinery Stud commented on the win, “We always thought a lot of the colt, he just had a minor throat issue, so we had to pull him out of the sales.

“Robbie is a very good trainer and he had bought a few of us that sale, so we decided to send the horse to him. By Ole Kirk, and out of a More Than Ready mare, he is a lovely cross.”

When asked about the amazing run that Ole Kirk is having, Orton emphasised, “We really expected them to be back end 2-year-olds, he is up to eight winners now, three stakes winners, and what’s happened is really a bonus.

“We could not be happier, we have two in our Easter draft and we should be looking pretty good, the bookings are coming in fast for this spring also.”

Legacy Bound is the fourth foal and second winner for Sanaya (More Than Ready {USA}), a Kembla Grange-winning mare bred and raced by Vinery Stud.

She foaled a full sister to Legacy Bound last season before being served by Exceedance. Sanaya is out of the G2 WH Stocks Stakes winner Astrodame (Flying Spur), and this is the prolific family of G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Midnight Fever (Luskin Star), whose descendants include stakes winners Candika (Sebring), Mahisara, Ulmann (Sebring), Woppitt (Danzero), Greyworm (Master Of Design), and Rock Classic (Fastnet Rock).

Winning jockey Jye McNeil was full of praise for Legacy Bound's effort, noting the colt’s professionalism.

“He gave me a fantastic ride,” McNeil said. “It was all pretty straightforward, though he perhaps got a little lost out in front initially. But as the race went on, he grew in confidence.

“I just gave him the rail to follow, and he took care of the rest. He kicked nicely, and I never really sensed any horses closing in on us.”

Bred by Vinery Stud, Legacy Bound was withdrawn from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and now races in the famous green and white silks of Vinery.

Is It Spectacular lives up to his name in Warwick Farm victory

Is It Spectacular (Dundeel {NZ}) lived up to his name, displaying grit and determination to snatch victory when it mattered in the $60,000 2-year-old maiden at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

The Sara Ryan-trained colt sat outside Gaeilge (Exceed and Excel), and with a moderate tempo dictating the race, little changed throughout. It became a battle of toughness in the straight, with Is It Spectacular digging deep to edge out Gaeilge by 0.26l, while Just A Journey (Justify {USA}) found the line well along the inside, finishing another 0.7l behind second place in third.

The race took a different shape earlier in the day when two key contenders, Katsumi Orochi (Maurice {Jpn}) and Navy Pilot (I Am Invincible), were both scratched. Notably, Navy Pilot is set to run in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Ryan has held a high opinion of Is It Spectacular from the outset and was thrilled with his breakthrough win.

“I’ve always loved the horse,” she said. “The 1100 metres last year when he made his debut was always going to be too sharp for him, and it was always going to be for experience with the aim of putting him out straight away.

“He is starting to fill out and is learning all the time, and I loved how he stuck his head out late today. I really do love the animal.”

Ryan also revealed that jockey Chad Schofield had been a strong believer in the colt’s potential from the beginning.

“After his first run, Chad said that he was a serious horse and that he wanted to follow him anywhere, so that gave us a lot of confidence.”

The stable’s confidence in Is It Spectacular has been further fuelled by his work at home.

“He’s been galloping with Matcha Latte and matching him, and he's a Group-quality horse every day of the week,” Ryan said. “We have a really big opinion of him. He has a big pedigree, and he will go over further.”

Looking ahead, Is It Spectacular has a few key targets on the radar.

“He will go for the Anzac Stakes in Melbourne over 1400 metres or the Clarendon Stakes at Hawkesbury, but the big aim is Queensland and the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes.”

Despite being a colt, Is It Spectacular has proven to be well-mannered and easy to work with.

“He’s a pleasure to have around—you wouldn’t know he's a colt. He is playful but not naughty,” Ryan said. “He has enough spunk without overdoing it.”

When asked if it was a satisfying result for the owners, Domeland, Ryan was quick to comment, “very much so! It was their first city 2-year-old win since 1998. He's going to make an even better 3-year-old, so hopefully, they have lots to look forward to.”

Is It Spectacular is the third foal out of Is What It Is (Stratum), an unraced sister to dual Group 1 winner Stratum Star, a Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Kingston Town Classic hero. She is also a three-quarter-sister to Prague, a dual Group 3 winner now standing at Kia Ora Stud.

This pedigree traces back to speedsters such as Raid (NZ) (Pins) and Night Raid (Vancouver), adding further black-type depth to his family.

Since foaling Is It Spectacular, Is What It Is has produced a Capitalist yearling filly and a Capitalist colt, before being served again by the same stallion last spring.

Is It Spectacular was secured for $260,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Viribright Racing, purchased from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft.

Engine Room powers to an impressive victory

Engine Room (NZ) (Super Seth) showed an electrifying turn of foot in wet track conditions to quickly put the race to bed, and claim a dominant victory in the $100,000 3-year-old maiden at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, delivering a strong result in a lucrative maiden for local trainer Bryce Heys.

The race was set up by a solid tempo, with Flamingo Girl (Yes Yes Yes) and Jolly Good Fellow (Zousain) rolling along at a brisk pace in front—ultimately too quick to sustain. Their early speed played into the hands of the backmarkers, with Zac Lloyd and Kerrin McEvoy, aboard the two favourites, biding their time at the rear of the field before launching their runs late.

As the field straightened, Engine Room surged down the outside under minimal urgings from Lloyd, displaying an impressive turn of foot. Well-bred second favourite Manukau (Lonhro) attempted to go with him, but was simply no match for the winner finishing 0.84l behind in second place with She Rex (NZ) (Russian Revolution) finishing a further 1.84l behind in third placing.

Engine Room looks to have plenty of upside, and he adds to the growing success of Waikato Stud’s in-form sire Super Seth, who has been on a hot streak. The stallion has produced three Group 1 winners in the past month - Linebacker (NZ), Feroce (NZ) and La Dorada (NZ) - highlighting his rapid rise in the stallion ranks.

Trainer Bryce Heys was pleased with the gelding’s performance, noting his progression.

“We have been trying to teach him a few things, and it was a really promising effort today,” he said. “He ran well last preparation, probably his execution cost us in terms of winning races, but today he raced like an improved horse.

“He has always been a little bit immature, and he’s a horse that has a few tricks. We’ve needed to be patient with him, and hopefully, he can now start getting the results for a great group of owners.”

Heys has been a long-time admirer of New Zealand-bred horses and New Zealand-based stallions, the recent results of Super Seth have only reinforced his belief in the stallion.

“I have been keen on the stallion from the outset. He had a great profile and stood at the right stud.

“I loved him (Engine Room) as a yearling, he was a superior horse. For an older mare (Mary D’Or) to produce a physical type like he was, and being by the stallion, that's why we were really keen on him.

“In addition to that, Elsdon Park is an operation I rate very highly, so this horse fit the bill.”

Heys is in no rush to make firm plans for Engine Room’s next start, preferring to assess how he comes through the run.

“Timing-wise, we are, where we are. We are not in a hurry to do anything drastic with him. We will let him get over the run, and there will be a couple of options for him.

“Whether it's two and a half weeks or three weeks, we will see in about seven days.”

Engine Room is the eighth live foal from Mary D’Or (Fr) (Verglas {Ire}), who has had seven runners to race, with all of them being winners. Among them is Frosted Gold (All Too Hard), a multiple Group winner in South Africa and Champion Miler in Mauritius, as well as Sunshine Mighty (Murtajill), a Listed winner in Macau.

Since producing Engine Room, Mary D’Or has left a 2-year-old colt by Savabeel named Silver D’Or (NZ), who was purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds for $350,000 at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale from Elsdon Park. She then foaled a Profondo colt last spring before being served again by the Champion Savabeel.

Engine Room himself was a NZ$150,000 purchase by Bryce Heys from Ellerslie Lodge’s draft at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale from the draft of Elsdon Park.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

The 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale will be enhanced with an International Section, allowing broodmares and race fillies who aren’t located in Australia to be sold remotely with all the buying bench power of the sale.

Concept is obvious

“I think the international component is a bit of a no-brainer. It opens up opportunities for horses all over the world, not all can be here when we go to market. We believe it is Australia’s biggest commercial market, and whether they come from New Zealand or further abroad it is exciting. We have already had significant support already,” said Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch.

“It is a way forward to get that international component, and we have seen via Espiona and Imperatriz, being sold virtually or in absentia, that Magic Millions is the place. It will never take away from the real thing and seeing horses in the flesh in the ring, but not all circumstances can mean that is possible. There can be reasons why mares can’t get there, whether they are in work or other reasons, but being able to provide this enables the best for them at a particular time.”

The concept of virtual sales began with the COVID pandemic when people couldn't travel but horse sales still continued as the industry coped with the restrictions imposed by various governments.

“We have become very good at providing videos and photos, which has helped buyer confidence, especially since COVID-19. But to give ourselves the best opportunity, we need to make all information available. In order to help people make money as well as ensuring buyers have confidence. Both run hand in and in order for the process to work.”

Te Akau continues support

The International section is already being supported by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis, who sold Imperatriz last year for $6.6 million. The syndication outfit will present three race fillies led by Group 1 winner Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), and her stablemates stakes-placed Millefiori (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Group 2 winner Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci).

“Following the record result with Imperatriz at last year's National Broodmare Sale, we had no hesitation in once again supporting the virtual platform offered via the international section of this world-class sale,” Te Akau's David Ellis CNZM said.

“We're proud to present a select group of elite mares this year, including Group 1 winner Campionessa, Group 2 winner Wolverine, and Millefiori — a stakes performed half-sister to the exciting Group 1 winner Gringotts. These are mares with outstanding race records, pedigrees and potential, and we're confident they’ll appeal to both domestic and international breeders via this proven platform.”

Campionessa has won 11 of her 41 starts and over NZ$1.2 million, with wins in the G1 Zabeel Classic and Australia's G2 Peter Young Stakes. A half-sister to Listed winners Leedox (NZ) (Time Test {GB}) and Tennessee (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), Campionessa is out of city winner Bella Carolina (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}).

Entries almost closed

Another quality Kiwi mare who will be in the catalogue is Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard), trained by Ben and Ryan Foote, who has won 10 of her 35 starts, including the G3 Concorde Sprint twice and the Listed Waikato Sprint Handicap twice. She is multiple times Group 1-placed, including a second to Imperatriz in the G1 Waikato Sprint.

Entries for the National Sale series are closing soon and vendors should get in touch with Magic Millions quickly to ensure they are in the print version of the catalogue.

Cover image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm

The Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale is a prestigious event that attracts global interest, with buyers from the US, Japan, and Europe recognising the quality of Australian thoroughbreds. The sale serves as a marketplace for elite yearlings, offering horses with exceptional pedigrees and physical attributes. This high level of interest underscores Australia’s growing reputation as a breeding powerhouse on the international stage.

Caroline Searcy visits four more farms in this episode to preview what they will be bringing to Riverside; on the industry's cutting edge, Silverdale Farm continues to innovate with their new early education program, that gives buyers a headstart on the road to the races. The Chase has long been turning out quality racehorses for China Horse Club, and their Inglis Easter draft is full of high calibre offerings from the farm's best bloodlines.

Boutique operation Ridgmont Farm have had a spectacular time at the sales and on the rack track in recent years, and they bring another stellar draft to Sydney this April. Lastly, Caroline previews the magnificent athletes of Cambridge Stud that have crossed the Tasman to sell at Inglis's premier sale.