3 minute read

New Zealand Bloodstock - Karaka 2020.

1. Who is (are) your pick of the colts and why?

A real hallmark of our draft this year is the representation of top proven sires. Obviously Tavistock (Montjeu) is a big part of that and he is represented by a number of good colts. The colts out of Lovetessa (O'Reilly) (Lot 71) and Zonza (Zabeel) (Lot 417) are particularly nice, they are out of two of our best young mares and have the conformation to go with it. We've got several colts with high powered pedigrees, being out of or siblings to Group 1 winners, which speak for themselves but in addition to that we have some others that a really good types. We have a strapping Exceed And Excel (Danehill) colt (Lot 368) who I would expect to be popular. We also have a Hinchinbrook (Fastnet Rock) colt out of a Galileo (Sadler's Wells) mare (Lot 672) which has the best of both sires in him as well as a Sebring (More Than Ready) colt (Lot 388) who is correct with plenty of substance. The Lonhro (Octagonal) – Thames Court (Commands) colt (Lot 342) is the first foal out of a Group winning-mare and is a particularly good mover.

2. Who is (are) your pick of the fillies and why?

I think the Iffraaj (Zafonic) – Zenella (Zabeel) (Lot 411) presents a really good opportunity for someone. She's a quality filly by a proven sire out of a young, Group 1-placed Zabeel (Sir Tristram) mare from the Eight Carat (Pieces Of Eight) family. I think whoever gets her will be feeling pretty pleased with themselves. American Pharoah (Pioneerof The Nile) was very well received on the Gold Coast and we are excited about offering his daughter (Lot 50), she is a strong, good moving filly. The Savabeel (Zabeel) – Silk Pins (Pins) (Lot 283) is also a sharp looking filly and out of a Karaka Million (RL, 1200m) runner-up. The Tavistock – Kilfenora (Zabeel) (Lot 31) and So You Think (High Chaparral) – Hayley Grace (Thorn Park) (Lot 640) are both correct, quality fillies that will hopefully make nice staying types.

3. Who do you feel has improved most over the prep?

The Tavistock - Diamond Smile (Zabeel) filly (Lot 546) is one that has gone up in my estimations throughout the prep. She has always had quality but has really come on physically. Time will continue to be her friend and hopefully she can develop into a classic type filly. She obviously catalogues very nicely and carries plenty of residual value too.

4. How do you feel the 2020 sale will measure compared to previous renewals?

I would say I'm cautiously optimistic. We were really pleased with how the Cambridge Stud horses were received last year under Brendan and Jo Lindsay's ownership for the first time. We had a 100 per cent clearance rate and I think our willingness to meet the market was well received by buyers so hopefully that momentum will continue. The New Zealand horses had one of their best Springs in Australia last year with a number of stallions featuring and we have a lot of depth to our first season sire ranks this year as well. We are coming off the back of a mild winter and great growth through the Spring so the horses have done very well. Hopefully all those things will contribute to a solid sale.

5.  What is the thing you like most about the Karaka Sale?

Last year was my first Karaka Sale in quite some time and I was really impressed with the heights that the Karaka Million race night has gone to. It was a great night of racing and really set the tone for the sale the following day. The sales ground itself is well laid out for viewing horses and the vendors put a lot of effort into hosting buyers. It's an enjoyable experience to be at Karaka but most of all I think the sale is a great value proposition for buyers.