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The first crop of champion 2YO and dual G1 winner Belardo are creating an impression.

The son of Lope De Vega will serve over 100 mares this season, an increase on the number of mares he covered in his first seson in 2017.

Belardo’s sire Lope De Vega (Shamardal) has had a huge 12 months globally, especially in Australia.

His multiple G1 winners Santa Ana Lane and Vega Magic loom large as leading contenders for the $13 million Everest and are among 14 stakes performers for Lope De Vega in Australasia over the last year.

Belardo's first crop foals in both hemispheres have created an impression.

New Zealand breeders have recognised that Belardo represents a successful sire line.

“We have had wonderful success with European stallions,” said Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty.

“Elusive City, Iffraaj and Showcasing are prime examples.

“We firmly believe in our stallion criteria and Belardo is undoubtedly the best performed race horse we have stood in recent times."