Cranbourne trainer, Robbie Griffiths, will be pounding the pavement over the next week or two, searching for tomorrow’s stars at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Robbie always buys a few out of Melbourne, but he’s a real ‘have catalogue, will travel’ kind of guy and does his due diligence at sales throughout Australasia.
He particularly likes the progeny of Bel Esprit (his homebred, Beltrois, won the Doveton Stakes-LR at Caulfield in January) and purchased two colts by Victoria’s Champion Sire at the 2007 Inglis Sydney Classic.
The now 4YO from Kala Dancer mare, Gogo Doll, is named Cascabel and – off a $18,000 purchase price – has subsequently pocketed close to $130,000 in stakes from three wins and six placings.
The other – a colt from Naturalism mare, Natural Jackie, cost Robbie a whole lot less …. just $3,000 as a matter of fact.
Dubbed Anquetil, after the famous French cyclist, this Bel Esprit blew them away at Ballarat on Thursday (18 February), winning his second career outing by a massive five lengths.
It was some run. With Danny Brereton on board, the bay settled last until the turn for home and, racing wide, swallowed them whole.
To see just how impressive it was, check out the run by clicking here.
Let’s put it this way … I’d like to be as sure of backing a winner on Saturday as Robbie looking at every Bel Esprit stabled at Oaklands Junction.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
STATUE OF LIBERTY’S CRYSTAL BALL
The Eliza Park website is not a forum for tipping racehorses
(thank God, otherwise we’d all be out of a job).
However, we strongly urge you to keep an eye out for the Gai Waterhouse trained 2YO, Crystal Empire, a flashy filly by Statue of Liberty.
Bred and owned by long-time Waterhouse clients, Gooree Park Stud, the stable has had huge wraps on the filly since she entered the stable.
The Gai Waterhouse website continually supplies updates, stating that Nash Rawiller was “full of praise for the rising star”, “Nash messaged me that Crystal Empire was the best (worker) of the morning” and “is definitely one of the black book”.
Crystal Empire stepped out in public for the first time yesterday (Friday) and did her rapidly growing reputation no hard whatsoever. Racing in Heat 13 (lucky 13 as it turns out), this is what Gai had to say:
“Crystal Empire was most impressive as she settled in about fifth position, racing just off the speed. She was brought to the outside on straightening and, in a faultless display, finished over the top of her opposition to score by a length and a half.”
Although Statue of Liberty is renowned for his ‘mature’ sprinters such as Mic Mac, Hay List, Tempest Tost and Solchow, it’s worth remembering that Elysees was a stakes winner at two and Dan Baroness was stakes placed as a juvenile before tasting Group success as a spring 3YO.
Crystal Empire should go very close to adding to Statue of Liberty’s black type cabinet.
As with the majority of Gooree stock, Crystal Empire is exceptionally well bred and a dream for pedigree buffs.
Line bred to world champion sire, Storm Cat, through a son and daughter, Crystal Empire is very closely related to Preakness Stakes-G1 winner and Kentucky Derby-G1 runnerup Summer Squall.
In turn, Summer Squall is a half brother to AP Indy, while other near relatives include 3-time Group One winner Court Vision.
Hailing from Statue of Liberty’s final Aussie-bred crop before returning to Eliza Park in 2009, Crystal Empire is out of the Danehill mare, My Little Girl, a cross which has also produced 3-time French winner Magnetic Storm ($160k).
(thank God, otherwise we’d all be out of a job).
However, we strongly urge you to keep an eye out for the Gai Waterhouse trained 2YO, Crystal Empire, a flashy filly by Statue of Liberty.
Bred and owned by long-time Waterhouse clients, Gooree Park Stud, the stable has had huge wraps on the filly since she entered the stable.
The Gai Waterhouse website continually supplies updates, stating that Nash Rawiller was “full of praise for the rising star”, “Nash messaged me that Crystal Empire was the best (worker) of the morning” and “is definitely one of the black book”.
Crystal Empire stepped out in public for the first time yesterday (Friday) and did her rapidly growing reputation no hard whatsoever. Racing in Heat 13 (lucky 13 as it turns out), this is what Gai had to say:
“Crystal Empire was most impressive as she settled in about fifth position, racing just off the speed. She was brought to the outside on straightening and, in a faultless display, finished over the top of her opposition to score by a length and a half.”
Although Statue of Liberty is renowned for his ‘mature’ sprinters such as Mic Mac, Hay List, Tempest Tost and Solchow, it’s worth remembering that Elysees was a stakes winner at two and Dan Baroness was stakes placed as a juvenile before tasting Group success as a spring 3YO.
Crystal Empire should go very close to adding to Statue of Liberty’s black type cabinet.
As with the majority of Gooree stock, Crystal Empire is exceptionally well bred and a dream for pedigree buffs.
Line bred to world champion sire, Storm Cat, through a son and daughter, Crystal Empire is very closely related to Preakness Stakes-G1 winner and Kentucky Derby-G1 runnerup Summer Squall.
In turn, Summer Squall is a half brother to AP Indy, while other near relatives include 3-time Group One winner Court Vision.
Hailing from Statue of Liberty’s final Aussie-bred crop before returning to Eliza Park in 2009, Crystal Empire is out of the Danehill mare, My Little Girl, a cross which has also produced 3-time French winner Magnetic Storm ($160k).
Thursday, February 18, 2010
LOCK ON FUNDRAISER
Obviously quite a bit in the case of budding musician, Steven Cannatelli, who is donating his dreadlocks to a very good cause.
Steven is seeking to raise $2,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital by having his dreadlocks lopped off by Lillian Frank and you can email Steven via brunoc@cannatelli.com.au for further information.
Steven is the son of Bruno and Maria Cannatelli and, as many of you will know, Bruno is one of the leading thoroughbred photographers in the country with his imagery gracing countless magazines, books and websites.
However, for all intents and purposes, Steven has clearly thrown to the dam as the follicularly challenged Bruno would have more luck with a deadlock than a dreadlock.That said, Bruno has countered with a photo – a dusty relic from his errant youth – which depicts a half naked Bruno with a healthy crop of hair.
Personally we think the image has been doctored, but just in case Steven, make sure Lillian doesn’t take it all off!
WRITTEN TYCOONS TO WIN AWARDS
We’ve been wrapping the progeny of Written Tycoon since day one and here’s the visual evidence to back up our claims.
The following photos are of the Written Tycoon – Grammy Award colt (Lot 160) to be sold at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale next Monday (1 March).
Every picture tells a story …
The following photos are of the Written Tycoon – Grammy Award colt (Lot 160) to be sold at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale next Monday (1 March).
Every picture tells a story …
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
HORSEPLAY
Brought to you by Eliza Park’s General Manager Operations, David Somers, who might not share an Irishman’s love of Guiness, but nevertheless has a keen ear for caprice.
During a recent password audit at the Bank of Ireland it was found that Paddy O’Toole was using the following password:
MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofyBerlin
When asked why he had such a long password he replied:
During a recent password audit at the Bank of Ireland it was found that Paddy O’Toole was using the following password:
MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofyBerlin
When asked why he had such a long password he replied:
Oi was told it had to be at least eight characters long and include one capital !
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
DELZAO ON A ROLLS
Delzao 3YO, Mister Ceriani, had far too much in the tank for rivals in the Terang Genetics Australia Highweight over 1850m yesterday (15 February).
Indicating a win wasn’t too far off with a gutsy third over the same course and distance at his previous start on 25 January, Mister Ceriani raced clear this time around to score by one and a half lengths.
Interestingly, the race name is of some note in this case with Mister Cerani being a grandson of Encosta de Lago and is out of Flying Spur mare Solar Song.
Encosta de Lago is out of Shoal Creek who is, in turn, a daughter of Mr Prospector mare Rolls, while Flying Spur is out of Rolls.
Mister Ceriani’s second dam, Sumatra, is a dual Group One winner in Argentina.
Meanwhile, Solar Song has an Undoubtedly 2YO, a Written Tycoon yearling (which was passed in at the 2010 Sydney Classic) and a Written Tycoon weanling.
Indicating a win wasn’t too far off with a gutsy third over the same course and distance at his previous start on 25 January, Mister Ceriani raced clear this time around to score by one and a half lengths.
Interestingly, the race name is of some note in this case with Mister Cerani being a grandson of Encosta de Lago and is out of Flying Spur mare Solar Song.
Encosta de Lago is out of Shoal Creek who is, in turn, a daughter of Mr Prospector mare Rolls, while Flying Spur is out of Rolls.
Mister Ceriani’s second dam, Sumatra, is a dual Group One winner in Argentina.
Meanwhile, Solar Song has an Undoubtedly 2YO, a Written Tycoon yearling (which was passed in at the 2010 Sydney Classic) and a Written Tycoon weanling.
Monday, February 15, 2010
GOD … IT’S ONE OF HEAVENS OWN
Dateline: Sunday 14 February
Heavens Own kicked off what would prove to be an incredible day of racing for Eliza Park stallions and, quite possibly, has launched a hugely successful career for her sire God’s Own, who stands in conjunction with the Woodard family’s Yallambee Stud.
Going down in the history books as the first winner for Redoute’s Choice’s 2005 Caulfield Guineas-G1 hero, Heavens Own has been knock, knock, knocking on the door since making her debut in mid January.
Yesterday was her third outing after finishing third on the Gold Coast and second on the Sunshine Coast. As the song goes, the only way is up and the John Wallace trained filly now appears destined for a city appearance before too long.
Bred and part owned by Warren Small, who resides in Queensland but has been a long time supporter of the Victorian breeding industry, Heavens Own is out of the Best Western mare, Western Cent.
Heavens Own is a half sister to the speedy Distant Music filly Bingham (6 wins and second on debut in the VRC Maribyrnong Plate-LR) from a 5-time winning half sister to AJC Liverpool City Cup-G3 winner Sam Sung a Song.
Heavens Own – remember the name … the first of God’s children!
Heavens Own kicked off what would prove to be an incredible day of racing for Eliza Park stallions and, quite possibly, has launched a hugely successful career for her sire God’s Own, who stands in conjunction with the Woodard family’s Yallambee Stud.
Going down in the history books as the first winner for Redoute’s Choice’s 2005 Caulfield Guineas-G1 hero, Heavens Own has been knock, knock, knocking on the door since making her debut in mid January.
Yesterday was her third outing after finishing third on the Gold Coast and second on the Sunshine Coast. As the song goes, the only way is up and the John Wallace trained filly now appears destined for a city appearance before too long.
Bred and part owned by Warren Small, who resides in Queensland but has been a long time supporter of the Victorian breeding industry, Heavens Own is out of the Best Western mare, Western Cent.
Heavens Own is a half sister to the speedy Distant Music filly Bingham (6 wins and second on debut in the VRC Maribyrnong Plate-LR) from a 5-time winning half sister to AJC Liverpool City Cup-G3 winner Sam Sung a Song.
Heavens Own – remember the name … the first of God’s children!
2YO STRIKES - SW NO. 9 FOR BEL ESPRIT
Exciting Tasmanian 2YO, Strike The Tiger, has become the ninth individual stakes winners for Bel Esprit – and his third since the start of January.
Bred by Dr Vu Van Tu and Amanda Lockett, Strike The Tiger captured the Gold Sovereign Stakes-LR at Launceston yesterday (14 February).
This is how ANZ Bloodstock saw the race:
Spreyton trainer Michael Trinder has built a reputation as a master conditioner of gallopers and lightly framed two-year-old Strike The Tiger (Bel Esprit) is the latest to benefit from his training methods.
Strike The Tiger kept his unbeaten record intact when he led all the way to win the $150,000 Gold Sovereign Stakes over 1200m in Launceston.
With Victorian jockey Dean Yendall aboard, Strike The Tiger showed his customary early speed to find the rails but he was kept company to the home turn by the heavily backed favourite Cuddles For Naara that looked to be cruising when they straightened for the run home.
But every time Cuddles For Naara put it to Strike The Tiger the gelding responded and eventually went on to score by almost two lengths from Cuddles For Naara with Gathering Gold over two lengths astern.
Strike The Tiger (Bel Esprit - Bonnie Lassy) is owned by Vu Tu and his wife Amanda Lockett-Tu.
Trinder said Strike The Tiger had always shown above average ability. “He might be small but he is very athletic and has a lot of courage,” Trinder said. “He swam seven laps of the pool this morning and that’s not strange to his workload so I was confident he would be strong when it counted,” he said.
Trinder, who is probably best known as a master trainer of hurdlers, is no stranger to success with two-year-olds as he prepared Vodka to win the 1990 Gold Sovereign Stakes.
“I’d rate this horse on a par with Vodka and he went on to win nine from 10 as a two and three-year-old,” he said.
Bred by Dr Vu Van Tu and Amanda Lockett, Strike The Tiger captured the Gold Sovereign Stakes-LR at Launceston yesterday (14 February).
This is how ANZ Bloodstock saw the race:
Spreyton trainer Michael Trinder has built a reputation as a master conditioner of gallopers and lightly framed two-year-old Strike The Tiger (Bel Esprit) is the latest to benefit from his training methods.
Strike The Tiger kept his unbeaten record intact when he led all the way to win the $150,000 Gold Sovereign Stakes over 1200m in Launceston.
With Victorian jockey Dean Yendall aboard, Strike The Tiger showed his customary early speed to find the rails but he was kept company to the home turn by the heavily backed favourite Cuddles For Naara that looked to be cruising when they straightened for the run home.
But every time Cuddles For Naara put it to Strike The Tiger the gelding responded and eventually went on to score by almost two lengths from Cuddles For Naara with Gathering Gold over two lengths astern.
Strike The Tiger (Bel Esprit - Bonnie Lassy) is owned by Vu Tu and his wife Amanda Lockett-Tu.
Trinder said Strike The Tiger had always shown above average ability. “He might be small but he is very athletic and has a lot of courage,” Trinder said. “He swam seven laps of the pool this morning and that’s not strange to his workload so I was confident he would be strong when it counted,” he said.
Trinder, who is probably best known as a master trainer of hurdlers, is no stranger to success with two-year-olds as he prepared Vodka to win the 1990 Gold Sovereign Stakes.
“I’d rate this horse on a par with Vodka and he went on to win nine from 10 as a two and three-year-old,” he said.
YEAR OF THE TIGER
Dr Vu Van Tu and his wife Amanda Lockett have been on fire of late, producing Bel Esprit stakes winners, Silver Bullion and Strike The Tiger, since the start of January.
Fortunately for the pair, they will sell a Dash For Cash half brother (Lot 69) to VRC Kensington Stakes-LR winner Silver Bullion at the Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale at Launceston next Tuesday (23 February) and the colt should go close to topping the sale.
SUNDAY TREBLE FOR BEL
Strike The Tiger wasn’t the only Bel Esprit winner at Launceston on Sunday, nor for that matter in Australia.
Nippy mare Cardannic captured the third win of her career with a game win over 1400m in the last at Launceston, while the topically – or should we say, tropically – named Globalwarmnsceptic absolutely romped home over 1000m at Naracoorte in South Australia.
Bred by Mick Maroulis, and out of his King Tobias mare, Kinlochleven, Cardannic has now won her last two on end for Barry Campbell and like a fine wine, just seems to get better with age.
A half sister to no less than eight winners, including multiple Group winner Cahuita, Cardannic out of a 4-time winning half sister to WA Group One winner Zaparri.
A timely win for Mick given that Eliza Park will be selling, on his behalf, a close relation to Cardannic at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale … Lot 620, a Written Tycoon colt from Imogen Grace, who is out a half sister to Cardannic’s dam.
And what about the win of Globalwarmnsceptic at Naracoorte?
Stepping out for the first time, the Kirkliston Stud bred 3YO absolutely brained them, winning by five and a half lengths for trainer Gary Kennewell.
Ryan Plumb – son of Eliza Park’s Asian representative Lyle Plumb – was on board and, even though he’s one of the nation’s most promising young jockeys, he must surely have been impressed with the machine under him.
And good luck to Gary Kennewell too who put the polish on Gabbidon, Bel Esprit’s first stakes winner.
Globalwarmnsceptic is out of the Export Price mare, Shirley’s Toy and is a direct descendant of Golden Slipper winner Toy Show.
Nippy mare Cardannic captured the third win of her career with a game win over 1400m in the last at Launceston, while the topically – or should we say, tropically – named Globalwarmnsceptic absolutely romped home over 1000m at Naracoorte in South Australia.
Bred by Mick Maroulis, and out of his King Tobias mare, Kinlochleven, Cardannic has now won her last two on end for Barry Campbell and like a fine wine, just seems to get better with age.
A half sister to no less than eight winners, including multiple Group winner Cahuita, Cardannic out of a 4-time winning half sister to WA Group One winner Zaparri.
A timely win for Mick given that Eliza Park will be selling, on his behalf, a close relation to Cardannic at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale … Lot 620, a Written Tycoon colt from Imogen Grace, who is out a half sister to Cardannic’s dam.
And what about the win of Globalwarmnsceptic at Naracoorte?
Stepping out for the first time, the Kirkliston Stud bred 3YO absolutely brained them, winning by five and a half lengths for trainer Gary Kennewell.
Ryan Plumb – son of Eliza Park’s Asian representative Lyle Plumb – was on board and, even though he’s one of the nation’s most promising young jockeys, he must surely have been impressed with the machine under him.
And good luck to Gary Kennewell too who put the polish on Gabbidon, Bel Esprit’s first stakes winner.
Globalwarmnsceptic is out of the Export Price mare, Shirley’s Toy and is a direct descendant of Golden Slipper winner Toy Show.
Lot 620: Written Tycoon - Imogen Grace
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NEWMARKET TOLL IN ELIZA TRIFECTA
Exciting Bel Esprit sprinter, Tollesprit is right on target for a tilt at the $1million Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on 6 March following a resounding victory in the Schweppervescence Plate over 1200m at Moonee Valley on Saturday (13 February).
Interestingly, another Bel Esprit in True Persuasion finished second, while Dissolved – in which Eliza Park races in partnership – grabbed third.
Greg Irvine takes up the story:
A brilliant first up winner at Flemington a fortnight ago, Tollesprit was sent out the favourite and had plenty of punters cheering when he got his nose down on the line to score by a short half head.
The son of Bel Esprit, a $26,000 graduate from the 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, was suspect at the tighter Moonee Valley track – but as the class horses usually do, he proved too strong.
“I was a bit concerned because the Valley can bring some horses undone,” winning trainer Shane Fliedner said.
“He does take a little while to wind up. That’s why he is so well suited at Flemington.
“The first run (and win at Flemington) really tucked him up and while he could easily have been beaten here it really did fit into the pattern."
“But he needed to come here for the gallop.”
Fliedner said it looked at though his current stable star would head toward the Newmarket.
“The way the others are dropping off, it probably does suit,” he noted. “He’ll get in with no weight and the track certainly suits him. He’d be a good chance with a light weight.”
The Newmarket has always been on the radar for Fliedner following his close up eighth in a Group One at the same track late last year.
“After the Coolmore (Stud Stakes) in the spring I set him (Tollesprit) for these three races all along. So hopefully we’ll keep going.
“With the way the others are starting to drop away, I’ll just try and get this bloke him and keep him sound.”
Tollesprit is turning into an incredible money spinner for connections. The $26,000 buy at Morphettville has now earned over $220,000 from just 11 runs.
He also swept away with another Super Vobis bonus.
By the same sire as the sidelined boom filly Black Caviar, Tollesprit is one of four winners from his dam, the top producer Tolleranza.
An unraced daughter of Alzao, Tolleranza is the dam of the Flemington stakes winner Belle Ball, who in turn is the dam of stakes placed youngster Detroit Tiger.
Interestingly, another Bel Esprit in True Persuasion finished second, while Dissolved – in which Eliza Park races in partnership – grabbed third.
Greg Irvine takes up the story:
A brilliant first up winner at Flemington a fortnight ago, Tollesprit was sent out the favourite and had plenty of punters cheering when he got his nose down on the line to score by a short half head.
The son of Bel Esprit, a $26,000 graduate from the 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, was suspect at the tighter Moonee Valley track – but as the class horses usually do, he proved too strong.
“I was a bit concerned because the Valley can bring some horses undone,” winning trainer Shane Fliedner said.
“He does take a little while to wind up. That’s why he is so well suited at Flemington.
“The first run (and win at Flemington) really tucked him up and while he could easily have been beaten here it really did fit into the pattern."
“But he needed to come here for the gallop.”
Fliedner said it looked at though his current stable star would head toward the Newmarket.
“The way the others are dropping off, it probably does suit,” he noted. “He’ll get in with no weight and the track certainly suits him. He’d be a good chance with a light weight.”
The Newmarket has always been on the radar for Fliedner following his close up eighth in a Group One at the same track late last year.
“After the Coolmore (Stud Stakes) in the spring I set him (Tollesprit) for these three races all along. So hopefully we’ll keep going.
“With the way the others are starting to drop away, I’ll just try and get this bloke him and keep him sound.”
Tollesprit is turning into an incredible money spinner for connections. The $26,000 buy at Morphettville has now earned over $220,000 from just 11 runs.
He also swept away with another Super Vobis bonus.
By the same sire as the sidelined boom filly Black Caviar, Tollesprit is one of four winners from his dam, the top producer Tolleranza.
An unraced daughter of Alzao, Tolleranza is the dam of the Flemington stakes winner Belle Ball, who in turn is the dam of stakes placed youngster Detroit Tiger.
DISSOLVED’S DONCASTER DESTINY
Great performance by the John Hawkes-trained, Dissolved, in the Schweppervescence Plate at Moonee Valley.
This was the Lonhro colt’s first run from a spell and he led for most of the journey before eventually succumbing to the Bel Esprit pair of Tollesprit and True Persuasion.
Eliza Park is ever vigilant when citing stallion prospects and was quick to purchase a share in Dissolved, a flashy brown colt very much in the mould of his illustrious sire, Lonhro.
The best performed son of the legendary Ingham galloper Octagonal, Lonhro won 11 Group Ones and is now flying at stud with 10 stakes winners including Golden Rose-G1 hero Denman, already a dual black type winner in 2010.
Impressively, Lonhro’s oldest progeny are 4YOs and also include spring Group Two winner, O’Lonhro who won second up at Warwick Farm last week.
Dissolved is out of the Grand Lodge mare, Yarralumla, a winning half sister to Grand Armee (13 wins – 7 at Group One level) and closely related to STC Rosehill Guineas-G1 winner Dealer Principal.
Dissolved, who won two of his first three starts (finishing second in the other), is now being targeted for the $1.5 million AJC Emirates Doncaster Mile-G1 at Randwick on 17 April.
(Coincidentally, Grand Armee won the 2003 Doncaster before finishing second to Private Steer in the Doncaster the following year. Five days later – on 17 April 2004 – Grand Armee defeated Lonhro in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes-G1 … Lonhro’s last race).
Full marks to whomever named Dissolved. His dam, Yarralumla, is named after the Governor General’s official residence, taking on special significance on 11 November 1975 when GG, Sir John Kerr, dismissed the Whitlam Government by ‘dissolving’ both houses of parliament.
We also have lingering memories of Sir John making the presentation at the 1977 Melbourne Cup when clearly in a tired and emotional state.
This was the Lonhro colt’s first run from a spell and he led for most of the journey before eventually succumbing to the Bel Esprit pair of Tollesprit and True Persuasion.
Eliza Park is ever vigilant when citing stallion prospects and was quick to purchase a share in Dissolved, a flashy brown colt very much in the mould of his illustrious sire, Lonhro.
The best performed son of the legendary Ingham galloper Octagonal, Lonhro won 11 Group Ones and is now flying at stud with 10 stakes winners including Golden Rose-G1 hero Denman, already a dual black type winner in 2010.
Impressively, Lonhro’s oldest progeny are 4YOs and also include spring Group Two winner, O’Lonhro who won second up at Warwick Farm last week.
Dissolved is out of the Grand Lodge mare, Yarralumla, a winning half sister to Grand Armee (13 wins – 7 at Group One level) and closely related to STC Rosehill Guineas-G1 winner Dealer Principal.
Dissolved, who won two of his first three starts (finishing second in the other), is now being targeted for the $1.5 million AJC Emirates Doncaster Mile-G1 at Randwick on 17 April.
(Coincidentally, Grand Armee won the 2003 Doncaster before finishing second to Private Steer in the Doncaster the following year. Five days later – on 17 April 2004 – Grand Armee defeated Lonhro in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes-G1 … Lonhro’s last race).
We also have lingering memories of Sir John making the presentation at the 1977 Melbourne Cup when clearly in a tired and emotional state.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
DESERT SUN RETIRES
Eliza Park launches Sunline Suite
Prolific sire, DESERT SUN – who has played such an integral role in the establishment and progress of Eliza Park – is retiring from stud duties.
And, in recognition of his vast achievements, Eliza Park is sponsoring the Sunline Suite at Moonee Valley racecourse for the next three seasons.
The Eliza Park Sunline Suite is the owners and trainers’ bar at Moonee Valley and the official launch of the sponsorship will take place immediately prior to the Group Two Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley this Saturday (13 February).
The synergy is obvious with dual Cox Plate winner and racetrack legend, Sunline, being Desert Sun’s greatest performer, but Eliza Park’s foundation stallion was much more than a one trick pony.
Since commencing his career in New Zealand in 1994 (moving to Eliza Park in 1999), Desert Sun has produced 445 winners of 1465 races in 17 different countries including England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, USA, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, Malyasia, Singapore, Macau, Denmark, Norway and Sweden!
A constant presence in the top half of Australian sire charts for over 10 years, Desert Sun’s other headliners include Our Egyptian Raine, La Bella Dama, Moralee, Lacey Underall, Great Is Great and Fernandina.
All up, the son of Green Desert has produced no less than 31 stakes winners and 30 stakes placegetters.
However, despite his retirement from active service, Desert Sun’s impact is likely to be felt for many years to come via his daughters who have already produced a half dozen stakes winners, among them the Group One winner Rockdale, Sista and Thee Auld Aussie (not to mention Sunline’s first two runners!).
And somewhat fittingly (not to mention timely) perhaps his greatest legacy as a damsire – Black Caviar – will make her appearance in the Group One $500,000 Pulse Pharmacy William Reid Stakes (1200m) two races prior to the Sunline Stakes.
Out of Desert Sun’s daughter, Helsinge, and by Eliza Park’s Champion Victorian Sire, Bel Esprit, Black Caviar is unbeaten in five starts and is fresh from a commanding victory in the Australia Day Stakes-G2 at Moonee Valley on 22 January.
It’s certainly shaping as an epic contest with the 14 nominations including the first five across the line in the 2010 Lightning Stakes-G1 – Nicconi (dual Group One winner), Wanted (2YO Group winner), Shellscrape (Group Two winner), Starspangledbanner (2009 Caulfield Guineas-G1) and Headway (2009 Ascot Vale Stakes-G1 and Golden Slipper-G1 runnerup) – plus Group One winners Sniper’s Bullet (Group One winner at last two starts), Master O’Reilly (Caulfield Cup), Mentality (3-time Group One winner), Turffontein (2009 Sir Rupert Clarke) and Light Fantastic (Australian Guineas).
“Desert Sun has been a truly remarkable sire and has gone a long way to putting Eliza Park on the map,” Eliza Park principal, Lee Fleming, points out. “Our initial aspirations were to conduct more of a boutique operation, but Desert Sun’s acquisition in the spring of 1999 really turned things around.
“When he arrived on farm, Sunline was a few months off winning her first Cox Plate, while La Bella Dama and Our Egyptian Raine were yet to win their Group Ones.
“And, of course, it’s now tremendous to see that the winning trend is continuing through his daughters’ progeny – especially so with Black Caviar as she is by Champion Victorian Sire Bel Esprit … Eliza Park’s new guard so to speak.
“I believe that sponsoring the Eliza Park Sunline Suite at Moonee Valley is a fitting tribute to a stallion who has left such an indelible mark on Eliza Park’s evolution.”
Prolific sire, DESERT SUN – who has played such an integral role in the establishment and progress of Eliza Park – is retiring from stud duties.
And, in recognition of his vast achievements, Eliza Park is sponsoring the Sunline Suite at Moonee Valley racecourse for the next three seasons.
The Eliza Park Sunline Suite is the owners and trainers’ bar at Moonee Valley and the official launch of the sponsorship will take place immediately prior to the Group Two Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley this Saturday (13 February).
The synergy is obvious with dual Cox Plate winner and racetrack legend, Sunline, being Desert Sun’s greatest performer, but Eliza Park’s foundation stallion was much more than a one trick pony.
Since commencing his career in New Zealand in 1994 (moving to Eliza Park in 1999), Desert Sun has produced 445 winners of 1465 races in 17 different countries including England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, USA, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, Malyasia, Singapore, Macau, Denmark, Norway and Sweden!
A constant presence in the top half of Australian sire charts for over 10 years, Desert Sun’s other headliners include Our Egyptian Raine, La Bella Dama, Moralee, Lacey Underall, Great Is Great and Fernandina.
All up, the son of Green Desert has produced no less than 31 stakes winners and 30 stakes placegetters.
However, despite his retirement from active service, Desert Sun’s impact is likely to be felt for many years to come via his daughters who have already produced a half dozen stakes winners, among them the Group One winner Rockdale, Sista and Thee Auld Aussie (not to mention Sunline’s first two runners!).
And somewhat fittingly (not to mention timely) perhaps his greatest legacy as a damsire – Black Caviar – will make her appearance in the Group One $500,000 Pulse Pharmacy William Reid Stakes (1200m) two races prior to the Sunline Stakes.
Out of Desert Sun’s daughter, Helsinge, and by Eliza Park’s Champion Victorian Sire, Bel Esprit, Black Caviar is unbeaten in five starts and is fresh from a commanding victory in the Australia Day Stakes-G2 at Moonee Valley on 22 January.
It’s certainly shaping as an epic contest with the 14 nominations including the first five across the line in the 2010 Lightning Stakes-G1 – Nicconi (dual Group One winner), Wanted (2YO Group winner), Shellscrape (Group Two winner), Starspangledbanner (2009 Caulfield Guineas-G1) and Headway (2009 Ascot Vale Stakes-G1 and Golden Slipper-G1 runnerup) – plus Group One winners Sniper’s Bullet (Group One winner at last two starts), Master O’Reilly (Caulfield Cup), Mentality (3-time Group One winner), Turffontein (2009 Sir Rupert Clarke) and Light Fantastic (Australian Guineas).
“Desert Sun has been a truly remarkable sire and has gone a long way to putting Eliza Park on the map,” Eliza Park principal, Lee Fleming, points out. “Our initial aspirations were to conduct more of a boutique operation, but Desert Sun’s acquisition in the spring of 1999 really turned things around.
“When he arrived on farm, Sunline was a few months off winning her first Cox Plate, while La Bella Dama and Our Egyptian Raine were yet to win their Group Ones.
“And, of course, it’s now tremendous to see that the winning trend is continuing through his daughters’ progeny – especially so with Black Caviar as she is by Champion Victorian Sire Bel Esprit … Eliza Park’s new guard so to speak.
“I believe that sponsoring the Eliza Park Sunline Suite at Moonee Valley is a fitting tribute to a stallion who has left such an indelible mark on Eliza Park’s evolution.”
ANOTHER OF BEL’S SAINTS
Great effort yesterday (8 February) by lightly raced Bel Esprit 4YO, Vain Saint, who won his maiden over 1100m at Scone.
Only starting twice as a 3YO, this was Vain Saint’s third outing since 22 January, running second at Muswellbrook, second at Tamworth and finally a break through victory at Scone.
He didn’t look too much of a hope turning for home, but Robert Thompson soon balanced his mount and – according to the commentator – “ate up the ground”.
Vain Saint is out of the Bletchingly mare Egrette, the dam of no less than nine winners including Caulfield Guineas winner Kenwood Melody, Sydney stakes winner Kalamarco and the Flemington stakes placed Princess Shorna (dam of black type pair Strong Choice and Hidden Wonder).
Great old family this with other members including Tobin Bronze, Persian Bronze, Flying Luskin and Umrum.
Interestingly, the part owners of Vain Saint include Phil and Leona Gunter who, as Brian Donohoe so correctly points out in his Bel Esprit blog, are the breeders of Bel Esprit and the very reasons for his website!
Constantly amazed at the Breednet website which offers up so many gems: both the obvious and hidden.
If you’re serious about the thoroughbred caper, you should definitely subscribe to its daily news service (not much escapes the attention of editor Tara Madgwick), but there’s also a ton of other snippets that are not quite as obvious.
For starters, Breednet’s sales coverage is right up to date and first class and, speaking of ‘front and centre’ we noticed that Vain Saint’s Scone win was listed under Bel Esprit’s winners for the past 30 days shortly after he crossed the line.
By comparison, some sites take a day – often days – to offer the same service.
Only starting twice as a 3YO, this was Vain Saint’s third outing since 22 January, running second at Muswellbrook, second at Tamworth and finally a break through victory at Scone.
He didn’t look too much of a hope turning for home, but Robert Thompson soon balanced his mount and – according to the commentator – “ate up the ground”.
Vain Saint is out of the Bletchingly mare Egrette, the dam of no less than nine winners including Caulfield Guineas winner Kenwood Melody, Sydney stakes winner Kalamarco and the Flemington stakes placed Princess Shorna (dam of black type pair Strong Choice and Hidden Wonder).
Great old family this with other members including Tobin Bronze, Persian Bronze, Flying Luskin and Umrum.
Interestingly, the part owners of Vain Saint include Phil and Leona Gunter who, as Brian Donohoe so correctly points out in his Bel Esprit blog, are the breeders of Bel Esprit and the very reasons for his website!
Constantly amazed at the Breednet website which offers up so many gems: both the obvious and hidden.
If you’re serious about the thoroughbred caper, you should definitely subscribe to its daily news service (not much escapes the attention of editor Tara Madgwick), but there’s also a ton of other snippets that are not quite as obvious.
For starters, Breednet’s sales coverage is right up to date and first class and, speaking of ‘front and centre’ we noticed that Vain Saint’s Scone win was listed under Bel Esprit’s winners for the past 30 days shortly after he crossed the line.
By comparison, some sites take a day – often days – to offer the same service.
DELAGO’S STAKES ‘PAIR’
So near, yet so far …
Delago Brom is rapidly becoming the toast of Tasmanian punters with three black type horses in a week, kicking off with Radha Rani’s victory in the TRC Elwick Stakes-LR for 2YOs on 30 January.
The stakes winning tally nearly became three at Hobart yesterday (8 February) when, firstly, Danaupair Starlet ran third to Tio Rossa in the Wrest Point Strutt Stakes-LR over 2100m before De Fine Lago ran on strongly for second in the AAMI Hobart Cup-G3 over 2200m.
Bred by the Hoffelner family, which raced Delago Brom and many of his progeny (including Danaupair Starlet’s 4-time winning brother Otto’s Delight), Danaupair Starlet is out of the Danasinga mare Danaupair, in turn a daughter of Caught Kanudling, a half sister to six winners including stakes winners Governor’s Bay, Heavenly View and Zemindar.
De Fine Lago (below) must be considered a very good chance in the $300,000 AAMI Launceston Cup-G3 on 24 February following his rollicking second to the enigmatic Growl in yesterday’s Hobart Cup.
Now the winner of five races (and five placings) from 16 starts, De Fine Lago won three straight for Tony Vasil in late ’09, including a 2500m event at Moonee Valley and tripped to Tassie fresh from a third in the Rokk Ebony Cup at Caulfield on 26 January.
Bred by Diana Anceschi, De Fine Lago is out of the Flying Spur mare Fine Glass who, sadly, died in September 2008 leaving just one more foal: a 2YO by Testa Rossa called Speediness.
A Launceston Cup would be a fitting result for both the ultra consistent De Fine Lago and Diana.
Delago Brom is now the sire of eight stakes horses including Brom Brom, Delago Bolt and Radha Rani.
Delago Brom is rapidly becoming the toast of Tasmanian punters with three black type horses in a week, kicking off with Radha Rani’s victory in the TRC Elwick Stakes-LR for 2YOs on 30 January.
The stakes winning tally nearly became three at Hobart yesterday (8 February) when, firstly, Danaupair Starlet ran third to Tio Rossa in the Wrest Point Strutt Stakes-LR over 2100m before De Fine Lago ran on strongly for second in the AAMI Hobart Cup-G3 over 2200m.
Bred by the Hoffelner family, which raced Delago Brom and many of his progeny (including Danaupair Starlet’s 4-time winning brother Otto’s Delight), Danaupair Starlet is out of the Danasinga mare Danaupair, in turn a daughter of Caught Kanudling, a half sister to six winners including stakes winners Governor’s Bay, Heavenly View and Zemindar.
De Fine Lago (below) must be considered a very good chance in the $300,000 AAMI Launceston Cup-G3 on 24 February following his rollicking second to the enigmatic Growl in yesterday’s Hobart Cup.
Now the winner of five races (and five placings) from 16 starts, De Fine Lago won three straight for Tony Vasil in late ’09, including a 2500m event at Moonee Valley and tripped to Tassie fresh from a third in the Rokk Ebony Cup at Caulfield on 26 January.
Bred by Diana Anceschi, De Fine Lago is out of the Flying Spur mare Fine Glass who, sadly, died in September 2008 leaving just one more foal: a 2YO by Testa Rossa called Speediness.
A Launceston Cup would be a fitting result for both the ultra consistent De Fine Lago and Diana.
Delago Brom is now the sire of eight stakes horses including Brom Brom, Delago Bolt and Radha Rani.
GEM OF A RUN
Bel Esprit’s Queensland sprinter, John’s Gem, notched up her second win on the trot on Saturday (6 February) with a two length romp at the Gold Coast.
The absolute model of consistency, John’s Gem has only twice finished out of the money in 14 outings.
Bred by Darryl Laity, John’s Gem is out of the Encosta de Lago mare Macedon Dancer, a multiple winning half sister to 2YO stakes winner Rain at Bay and the dam of Group Two winner Rain Dance Lady – all daughters of Kewney Stakes-G2 winner More Rain.
The absolute model of consistency, John’s Gem has only twice finished out of the money in 14 outings.
Bred by Darryl Laity, John’s Gem is out of the Encosta de Lago mare Macedon Dancer, a multiple winning half sister to 2YO stakes winner Rain at Bay and the dam of Group Two winner Rain Dance Lady – all daughters of Kewney Stakes-G2 winner More Rain.
AI DEBATE
The topic of Artificial Insemination in the thoroughbred industry is hotting up, with pending court cases and growing angst between the yays and nays.
Check out the following youtube video which takes a fairly balanced approach to what is becoming an increasingly divided issue.
Check out the following youtube video which takes a fairly balanced approach to what is becoming an increasingly divided issue.
Monday, February 8, 2010
CHINA TRADE SHOW
We’ve penned quite a bit of stuff for the website on Chengdu and its potential to become one of the major thoroughbred centres when racing eventually takes off in China: but now you’ll have an opportunity to see for yourself the promise that it holds.
According to Eliza Park’s Asian Representative, Lyle Plumb, Chengdu will host an international Equine Trade Show to promote horse related businesses in China this June.
“With the anticipated November 2010 opening of the Wenjiang Racecourse, it’s a perfect time for companies to create a profile and introduce their brand name to Chinese horse enthusiasts,” Lyle points out. “It (the Trade Show) will be held in conjunction with the 2nd International Horse Forum and there will also be the official ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first shipment of Australian racehorses to Chengdu. The dates are not confirmed yet, but it is expected to be in the last week of June.
“I believe this is an opportunity for you to promote your company and invite expressions of interest in attending the events, and joining the trade show as an exhibitor. To be able to go into a new market in the early stages is definitely a great way to promote your brand name and at the same time see the rapid progress being made in China in the horse racing and associated horse industry.
“My role as Technical Director allows me to give you full support should you wish to participate and I am sure that you will find this to be an opportunity to join Chinese horse racing at the ground level.”
Lyle can be contacted on +861 5228859644 or via lyleplumb@gmail.com
For more information on Chengdu, click here
According to Eliza Park’s Asian Representative, Lyle Plumb, Chengdu will host an international Equine Trade Show to promote horse related businesses in China this June.
“With the anticipated November 2010 opening of the Wenjiang Racecourse, it’s a perfect time for companies to create a profile and introduce their brand name to Chinese horse enthusiasts,” Lyle points out. “It (the Trade Show) will be held in conjunction with the 2nd International Horse Forum and there will also be the official ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first shipment of Australian racehorses to Chengdu. The dates are not confirmed yet, but it is expected to be in the last week of June.
“I believe this is an opportunity for you to promote your company and invite expressions of interest in attending the events, and joining the trade show as an exhibitor. To be able to go into a new market in the early stages is definitely a great way to promote your brand name and at the same time see the rapid progress being made in China in the horse racing and associated horse industry.
“My role as Technical Director allows me to give you full support should you wish to participate and I am sure that you will find this to be an opportunity to join Chinese horse racing at the ground level.”
Lyle can be contacted on +861 5228859644 or via lyleplumb@gmail.com
For more information on Chengdu, click here
PLUMB-ING THE EXPRESSWAY
A lifetime involvement with the industry, vast international knowledge and an amiable nature all combine to make Lyle Plumb (left) one of racing’s great ‘networkers’ – an ideal choice as Eliza Park’s representative in Asia.Indeed, so ensconced in his current role, it’s easy to forget that Lyle was a more than handy trainer in his day and keenly sought out for his selection prowess.
That ‘eye’ for a horse well and truly came to the fore again last Saturday (6 February) in the $200,000 Expressway Stakes at Rosehill when Rangirangdoo captured the Group Two sprint for Neville Morgan.
Lyle trained his first city winner for Morgan – the applicably named, Still Friends, at Doomben in 1984 – and Neville has owned some outstanding gallopers over the years including The Grouch (multiple stakes placed), Sir Pentire (VRC St Leger) and Damigos (a dual stakes winner out of Still Friends).
Around the time Lyle took up his role for Eliza Park, Neville asked him to go over to New Zealand to buy a Pentire on his behalf.
Lyle spied Lot 53 – from the multiple stakes placed Kenfair mare She Wishes – and although it was outside the parameters of Neville’s budget, Lyle considered the colt the best Pentire in the sale and eventually forked out NZ$170,000 for the privilege.
Suggesting that Neville send the horse to Sydney as an unraced 3YO, Lyle’s son, Ryan – an accomplished jockey in his own right – hopped on board and reported to his dad that the neddy was ‘top shelf’.
Although caught up in the EI outbreak, the Pentire – subsequently named Rangirangdoo – was sent to Chris Waller on Lyle’s recommendation. The rest, as they say in the classics, is history.
Rangirangdoo has now raced on 15 occasions for eight wins and six placings including victories in the Tramway-G3 and Crystal Mile-G2, along with a whisker second to Rock Kingdom in last October’s Epsom Handicap-G1 at Randwick.
Rangirangdoo has now won over $630,000 and it’s fairly safe to assume that Neville has forgiven Lyle for overspending at Karaka!
BEST OF THE BREED
Danny Power is a dedicated student of racing and breeding and, in my humble opinion, one of the best journos in the game.
I mention this, not because he occasionally writes nice things about Eliza Park stallions (see below), it’s due to the toil he puts into the The Breed a weekly analysis of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry which is published online.
What’s more, it’s FREE and a must read.
Here’s looking at you, Encosta
Black Caviar is fast becoming to her sire Bel Esprit what Alinghi was to Encosta De Lago.
The unbeaten Black Caviar (br f 2006, ex-Helsinge, by Desert Sun (GB)), an easy first-up winner of last Friday night’s Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, is from Bel Esprit’s third crop from his base at Eliza Park Stud, Kerrie, Victoria.
I mention this, not because he occasionally writes nice things about Eliza Park stallions (see below), it’s due to the toil he puts into the The Breed a weekly analysis of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry which is published online.
What’s more, it’s FREE and a must read.
Here’s looking at you, Encosta
Black Caviar is fast becoming to her sire Bel Esprit what Alinghi was to Encosta De Lago.
The unbeaten Black Caviar (br f 2006, ex-Helsinge, by Desert Sun (GB)), an easy first-up winner of last Friday night’s Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, is from Bel Esprit’s third crop from his base at Eliza Park Stud, Kerrie, Victoria.
HONG KONG DOUBLE FOR BEL
The Hong Kong double for Bel Esprit last week has again served to highlight the impact Victoria’s Champion Sire is having in South East Asia.
Notching up a comfortable win with Blue Sky at Sha Tin on 31 January, Bel Esprit struck again the following Wednesday (3 February) when Bondi Lad swooped at Happy Valley.
Indeed, since the start of the Hong Kong racing season (September), four Bel Esprits have competed in the colony with Blue Sky and Bondi Lad coming up trumps, while Sparkling ran a smart second at Sha Tin at the end of December and Apex ran fourth on debut on 24 January.
Stakes placed in Australia (beaten a long neck in the Gothic Stakes-LR), Blue Sky was sent to the stable of Caspar Fownes in June 2008 where he has since recorded two wins and four placings.
Eliza Park’s head breaker, Darren Mackereth remembers Blue Sky well, breaking in the colt on behalf of leading Caulfield trainer Ross McDonald (Darren also broke in Horse of the Year, Weekend Hussler, for Ross).
Bred by Eliza Park, Blue Sky is the only foal to race out of the Supremo mare Aquatint, a half sister to Group One winning 2YO Rhythmic Charm (dam of multiple stakes placed Sports Freak), Group One placed Greenstone Charm and Rulings, dam of 3-time stakes winner Universal Ruler.
Eliza Park will sell a General Nediym half sister to Blue Sky (Lot 292) at the 2010 Australian Easter Yearling Sale on 7 April, one of three Eliza Park entries for Australasia’s premier sales event.
To view a replay of Blue Sky’s win at Sha Tin click here
Bondi Lad (below) was equally impressive at Happy Valley, scoring his second win in Hong Kong after holding off all challengers from the top of the straight.
Bred by Brian Forrest and Roger Nathanielsz, Bondi Lad was sold through Eliza Park’s 2007 Sydney Classic Yearling draft to Jason Warren who won a trial with the colt before the horse was re-located to Hong Kong.
Out of the Geiger Counter mare, Bondi Lass, Bondi Lad is closely related to Group One winner and sire Tolomeo.
And to view Bondi Lad’s gutsy win, click here
Interestingly, Jason Warren is also the trainer of Danbird 3YO Burgley who had his first start at Kyneton on 31 January, running an encouraging third and beaten less than a length.
Darren Mackereth reports Burgley broke in very well at Eliza Park … as did his 2YO half sister by Bel Esprit and, evidently, there is Bel Esprit yearling colt waiting in the wings.
Bred and owned by long time clients, Brian and Heather Walker, Burgley is the first foal of Nine Carat mare, Helen’s Fortune.
Notching up a comfortable win with Blue Sky at Sha Tin on 31 January, Bel Esprit struck again the following Wednesday (3 February) when Bondi Lad swooped at Happy Valley.
Indeed, since the start of the Hong Kong racing season (September), four Bel Esprits have competed in the colony with Blue Sky and Bondi Lad coming up trumps, while Sparkling ran a smart second at Sha Tin at the end of December and Apex ran fourth on debut on 24 January.
Stakes placed in Australia (beaten a long neck in the Gothic Stakes-LR), Blue Sky was sent to the stable of Caspar Fownes in June 2008 where he has since recorded two wins and four placings.
Eliza Park’s head breaker, Darren Mackereth remembers Blue Sky well, breaking in the colt on behalf of leading Caulfield trainer Ross McDonald (Darren also broke in Horse of the Year, Weekend Hussler, for Ross).
Bred by Eliza Park, Blue Sky is the only foal to race out of the Supremo mare Aquatint, a half sister to Group One winning 2YO Rhythmic Charm (dam of multiple stakes placed Sports Freak), Group One placed Greenstone Charm and Rulings, dam of 3-time stakes winner Universal Ruler.
Eliza Park will sell a General Nediym half sister to Blue Sky (Lot 292) at the 2010 Australian Easter Yearling Sale on 7 April, one of three Eliza Park entries for Australasia’s premier sales event.
To view a replay of Blue Sky’s win at Sha Tin click here
Bondi Lad (below) was equally impressive at Happy Valley, scoring his second win in Hong Kong after holding off all challengers from the top of the straight.
Bred by Brian Forrest and Roger Nathanielsz, Bondi Lad was sold through Eliza Park’s 2007 Sydney Classic Yearling draft to Jason Warren who won a trial with the colt before the horse was re-located to Hong Kong.
Out of the Geiger Counter mare, Bondi Lass, Bondi Lad is closely related to Group One winner and sire Tolomeo.
And to view Bondi Lad’s gutsy win, click here
Interestingly, Jason Warren is also the trainer of Danbird 3YO Burgley who had his first start at Kyneton on 31 January, running an encouraging third and beaten less than a length.
Darren Mackereth reports Burgley broke in very well at Eliza Park … as did his 2YO half sister by Bel Esprit and, evidently, there is Bel Esprit yearling colt waiting in the wings.
Bred and owned by long time clients, Brian and Heather Walker, Burgley is the first foal of Nine Carat mare, Helen’s Fortune.
Monday, February 1, 2010
ELIZA PARK CRACKS KARAKA
Eliza Park’s initial foray into the Kiwi sales scene has come up trumps with a resounding result on day one of the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale.
The only Aussie stud with a draft at Karaka, Eliza Park got off to a sensational start the Holy Roman Emperor colt from Millrich (Lot 49) being knocked down for NZ$180,000, while the flashy grey Fusaichi Pegasus filly from Pace Invader (Lot 84) snared NZ$260,000 after a spirited bidding battle.
Peter Moody snapped up the Holy Roman Emperor half brother to Danerich, while Mr Okada outlasted Patinack Farm to snare the Fu Peg.
Meanwhile, another Victorian trainer in Robbie Griffiths gave Eliza Park its third six figure result for the day when he forked out NZ$120,000 for the Snitzel filly from Sky Watch (Lot 170).
“Eliza Park has always eyed new opportunities but our decision to sell yearlings in New Zealand was only arrived upon after careful consideration,” Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher enthused after the groundbreaking session. “We made sure we had the right horses for this market and I think that was borne out today with the Fu Peg selling for $260,000 and the Holy Roman Emperor making $180,000.
“There has certainly been a fantastic atmosphere at Karaka and it’s great to be a part of it all.”
Fusaichi Pegasus - Pace Invader filly sold for NZ$260,000
The only Aussie stud with a draft at Karaka, Eliza Park got off to a sensational start the Holy Roman Emperor colt from Millrich (Lot 49) being knocked down for NZ$180,000, while the flashy grey Fusaichi Pegasus filly from Pace Invader (Lot 84) snared NZ$260,000 after a spirited bidding battle.
Peter Moody snapped up the Holy Roman Emperor half brother to Danerich, while Mr Okada outlasted Patinack Farm to snare the Fu Peg.
Meanwhile, another Victorian trainer in Robbie Griffiths gave Eliza Park its third six figure result for the day when he forked out NZ$120,000 for the Snitzel filly from Sky Watch (Lot 170).
“Eliza Park has always eyed new opportunities but our decision to sell yearlings in New Zealand was only arrived upon after careful consideration,” Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher enthused after the groundbreaking session. “We made sure we had the right horses for this market and I think that was borne out today with the Fu Peg selling for $260,000 and the Holy Roman Emperor making $180,000.
“There has certainly been a fantastic atmosphere at Karaka and it’s great to be a part of it all.”
Fusaichi Pegasus - Pace Invader filly sold for NZ$260,000
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
