3 minute read

Arrowfield graduate Atyaab can be credited as the horse that kicked off his sire Dundeel’s rise to when he won January’s Cape Derby G1 in South Africa.

Fourth in the South African Derby G1 was all Atyaab could add in his four subsequent starts, but after a decent break and with the incomparable advantage of champion trainer Mike de Kock, he returned to the stakeswinner's circle at his season debut last Saturday.

The 4YO entire pulled away decisively to win the Turffontein Java H. 2400m LR by 1.25 lengths and take his record to 4 wins and three placings from a dozen starts. 

Atyaab rounded out a remarkable six-win day, including three features at Turffontein for the de Kock stable which is establishing an Australian base at Cranbourne to be headed by Mike & Diane's son Mathew. 

Atyaab  was bought from Arrowfield's 2017 Inglis Easter draft for $260,000 by Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager Angus Gold who returned this year to buy the Stud's Dundeel-In the Clear colt for $250,000 at the Magic Millions Sale. 

Sei Amici, a year-younger full-sister to Atyaab, is yet to race and their now retired dam Sylvaner (by Danasinga) has a final colt by Dundeel to be offered at the 2020 Inglis Easter Sale. 

Dundeel's profile continues to build in Australia thanks to this season's brilliant Caulfield Guineas G1 winner Super Seth, Moonee Valley stakeswinner & Silver Eagle winner The Inevitable, Cox Plate & Spring Champion runner-up Castelvecchio and stakes-placed filly Deserved.