ANZ Bloodstock News November 7th
Blue Sky Bloodstock Runners Set To Bloom For Spring
With many of Blue Sky Bloodstock’s runners having had a few runs this time in, we are excited about the prospects of the team as we move forward to their Spring goals over the coming weeks.
Pressing (Sebring) resumes in Saturday's Group Three Telstra Phoneword Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley
Three-year-old Sebring colt PRESSING (pictured left), a winner of his first two starts including a dominant three-and-a-half length Listed victory, headed to the Queensland Winter carnival where he acquitted himself extremely well.
At his last run of his juvenile season, the colt finished a length-and-a-quarter in fourth at Group One level, with three in front of him; Almalad, Brazen Beau and Looks Like The Cat, all performing extremely well at stakes level this time in.
A $100,000 graduate of the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Widden Stud when purchased by Mick Price Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock, we wish his large group of owners the best of luck for his return to the track this coming Saturday in the Group Three Telstra Phoneword Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
With all being well, the colt will then head to the Hilton Hotel Stakes on Emirates Stakes Day, a race we won a few years back with Blue Sky Bloodstock purchase INSTINCTION.
Purchased from the NZB Premier Yearling Sale for $135,000, our five-year-old Keep mare KEEP DE ROSE (NZ) has had three runs this time in and will have her next start in the Group Two Matriarch Stakes at Flemington over the 2000m.
Having finished third, beaten just over a half-length in last year’s running of the race, trainer Danny O’Brien is bound to have the mare ready to peak in the race.
Prompt Return (Beneteau x Prompt) will next start in the Group Three Maribyrnong Plate (1200m) at Flemington
Having won on his race track debut last weekend, two-year-old Beneteau colt PROMPT RETURN (pictured right) will have his next start in the Group Three Maribyrnong Plate on the final day of the Spring Carnival at Flemington. Purchased for only $60,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the impressive looking colt became not only the first two-year-old winner for the team this season (from our first runner), but was also the first ever winner for his sire BENETEAU, a horse Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased as a yearling and raced as part of the Stallion Fund with Arrowfield.
Could this exciting 4yo be bound for Perth?
Winning impressively two starts back at Rosehill, before a very good effort at Group One level in the Epsom Handicap, our Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate WOODBINE (pictured left) is likely to have his next start on Derby Day in the Group Three Yellowglen Stakes over 1400m.
Nominated for the Group One Railway and Group One Fruit ‘N’ Veg Stakes over the Perth Summer Carnival, a forward showing in Melbourne by Woodbine is sure to see the Gai Waterhouse-trained runner book his plane ticket to the west.
Transferred over to the Hawkes Racing team, Magic Millions graduate HAVANA will step out for his second start for his new trainers this Saturday in the Men Of League Handicap over 1200m at Rosehill.
A winner of the Group Three Fred Best Classic when racing fourth up last campaign, the Starcraft gelding could head to Melbourne after Saturday’s effort if a suitable race is selected for the improving galloper.
With plenty of action for the Blue Sky Bloodstock team over the next few weeks, we would like to wish all our owners the best of luck and also send a reminder that the 2015 Yearling Sales Series is not that far away, so feel free to get in touch with us if you would like any assistance in selecting your next star of the track.
Sargent Says I'll Take The Jag
Pictured as a yearling, I'LL TAKE THE JAG, now a 3yo has thrived in recent weeks as he heads to the trials
Randwick trainer John Sargent has been impressed with what he's seen to date of Blue Sky Bloodstock Easter 2013 yearling purchase I'LL TAKE THE JAG, a 3yo High Chaparral colt from a sister to Bentley Biscuit, formerly in the care of Paul Messara. Recently taking over the management of his family's Arrowfield Stud, Messara reduced his training numbers significantly, hence the switch of the handsome colt to former Champion New Zealand trainer John Sargent (now based at Randwick).
A $410,000 purchase from the draft of Blandford Lodge for Blue Sky's Julian Blaxland and Paul Messara racing, I'll Take The Jag has been brought along patiently by his trainer and heads to the trials in Sydney over the coming fortnight.
From a Fastnet Rock half sister to three time Group 1 winner Bentley Biscuit, Sargent will certainly give this fellow every chance to succeed this preparation and with a longer term view to the Sydney Autumn carnival.
Prompt Return To Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Beneteau
Making his debut on Saturday over 900m at Bendigo, two-year-old colt PROMPT RETURN produced the goods for trainer Danny O’Brien and jockey James Wink, winning by a length in the Elmore RC 2Yo Maiden Plate.
Secured from the Magic Millions Yearling Sale by BLUE SKY BLOODSTOCK after initially being passed in through the ring, Prompt Return is from the first-crop of BENETEAU, a stakes-winning son of Redoute’s Choice that Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased as a yearling and raced with Arrowfield Stud.
Beneteau (Redoute's Choice x Slice Of Paradise) after his debut win
Out of Slice Of Paradise, a full-sister to the multiple Group One-winning, Champion filly Alinghi, Beneteau’s only season on the track as a two-year-old highlighted his enormous ability.
A winner on debut, followed by a trip to Melbourne where he won his second start in the Group Three Blue Diamond Prelude, Beneteau finished third in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at his next start behind Star Witness.
The final two runs of his career were a fifth in the Group One Golden Slipper behind Crystal Lily (a filly he had defeated in the Blue Diamond) and a sixth in the Champagne Stakes.
Retiring to stud after injury, Beneteau stood for only two season before his untimely death, resulting in 135 foals, and with Prompt Return being only his second runner to hit the track, it is a very good advertisement for the Blue Sky Bloodstock Stallion Fund, as Beneteau was secured as part of the Fund.
Purchased from the draft of Henry Field’s Newgate Farm, Prompt Return is out of the Exceed And Excel mare Prompt, who was interestingly also secured by Blue Sky Bloodstock as a yearling.
Two-year-old colt Prompt Return (Beneteau x Promt) pictured at track work recently.
Already the dam of the Listed placed Diamond Glow, Prompt is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Montoux, both being daughters of the stakes performer Amnesia (NZ).
The current yearling by Prompt is also by Beneteau (pictured below), this time a filly.
We wish the connections of Prompt Return the best of luck for his future race career and we are excited about the progeny of the Beneteau’s as they now hit the track.
Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Woodbine Aims For Group One Epsom Glory
While considered by many as an outsider of the field, the Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased WOODBINE goes into Saturday’s $500,000 Group One The Star Epsom in winning form, and with trainer Gai Waterhouse having saddled up six of the last 11 winners, the four-year-old son of Hussonet should not be discounted.
One thing to take note of is that when you look back over the last ten years or so, many of the winners have carried 53kg of less and Woodbine gets into the race with 52kg and will have Group One-winning jockey Christian Reith in the saddle.
Hussonet colt WOODBINE heads to Saturday Group One The Star Epsom with only 52kg's for trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland and trainer Gai Waterhouse at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales as part of BSB’s Stallion Fund a few years back for $750,000, vendor Arrowfield Stud were so taken with the colt that the immediately purchased back into him.
Out of their classy Redoute’s Choice filly Miss Finland, a winner of multiple Group One races including the Golden Slipper and the VRC Oaks, Woodbine has stallion proposition written all over him and with a Group One victory next to his name, his future at stud will be assured.
When asked about the prospects of Woodbine, Blaxland commented, “Obviously it’s a massive step up in grade for Woodbine on Saturday but Gai thinks he deserves his chance at this level with 52kg.
“It’s a fairly open field with plenty of winning chances and although the wide alley doesn’t help, hopefully he can run a nice race here and we’ll then look to options down in Melbourne during the carnival.”
With Waterhouse having many runners on Saturday at Randwick, she was upbeat about the chances of Woodbine, one of three runners for the stable in the Group One race.
“Last week’s winner and Epsom hopeful Woodbine (Hussonet x Miss Finland) has “a beautiful stride” according to Hugh who rode the entire this morning over 1400m in a perfect tune up gallop.
“This future stallion has comeback bigger and better and definitely stronger and he will be in the mix come Saturday.”
All at Blue Sky Bloodstock would like to wish the owners; Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd (Mgr: J M Messara), Planette Thoroughbred Trading Pty Ltd (Mgr: J S Leaver), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Stallion Fund No 5 (Mgr: J C H Blaxland), J W L Tan, D A S Paradice and Belford Productions Pty Ltd (Mgr: A B Jones) the best of luck for Saturday’s Group One The Star Epsom (1600m).
To view the final field, click here.
Blue Sky Bloodstock Double
The Blue Sky Bloodstock team were really excited with the results of Saturday as two of our graduates; WOODBINE and RAHY STORM (USA) won their respective races.
The first to greet the judge was the recent purchase, the American bred mare Rahy Stormy (USA) for long-term clients Newhaven Park Stud.
Secured at the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale from the draft of Waratah Thoroughbreds for $14,000, the Joe Pride-trained Rahy Storm (USA) headed to Newcastle on Saturday and after settling not too far from the leaders, produced the goods to defeat Our Little Miracle by three parts of a length, earning connections just shy of their original purchase price back.
Rahy Storm (USA) (Rahy x Western Vision) at the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
The second of the winners for the day came in the final event at Rosehill when our Inglis Easter yearling sale purchase Woodbine (Hussonet) was racing second up in The Paslode Handicap over 1350m.
Settling in a handy position, the son of multiple Group One winner Miss Finland came with a well-timed run for jockey Tommy Berry to record his fourth win from 11 starts.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, the stakes-performed Woodbine could now head to the Group One Epsom Handicap next Saturday.
“This is a very exciting horse in the making, he had to win for us to consider the Epsom, he’s won and he’s won well,’’ Waterhouse said.
Woodbine (hussonet x Miss Finland) sprints clear to defeat Amovatio and Murder Of Crows
Jockey Tommy Berry said of Woodbine: “He sprinted well, but what I liked most about him was how tough he was.
“Last preparation when Nash (Rawiller) was riding him, he’d get to the front, but then wait for the other horses to get to him.
“The back-up won’t hurt him because he’s pretty tough, and he only does what he has to (at home). He wouldn’t have felt that run.’’
He’ll drop down to the 52 kilogram Epsom minimum, a six kilogram reduction on Saturday’s winning impost.
A massive congratulations to Newhaven Park for the win of Rahy Storm (USA) and to Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd (Mgr: J M Messara), Planette Thoroughbred Trading Pty Ltd (Mgr: J S Leaver), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Stallion Fund No 5 (Mgr: J C H Blaxland), J W L Tan, D A S Paradice & Belford Productions Pty Ltd (Mgr: A B Jones) for the win of Woodbine.
With the Magic Millions sales currently on, if anyone is interested in any of the lots, please do not hesitate to contact Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.
Two Breeding Stock Sales You Can't Miss
I will be attending both the Patinack Dispersal later this month at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast as well as the Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale commencing November 4th in Kentucky.
PATINACK FARM UNRESERVED DISPERSAL
September 28th to October 1st (Magic Millions - Gold Coast)
Next week I travel to the Gold Coast for the complete dispersal of the Patinack Farm breeding and racing operation to be conducted by Magic Millions Sales. I have inspected all broodmares and most of the race fillies and mares on farm in the last two weeks and can offer unbiased advice on values and conformation of the stock. I continue inspections on site at Magic Millions from Thursday 25th September of Broodmares, race fillies, yearlings and foals.
There will be a multitude of opportunities for shrewd buyers in this sale with some 550 lots on offer including foals, yearlings, race fillies and mares, broodmares, stallions and racehorses from some of the finest families in world. I believe there will be excellent value with the sale being held into the southern hemisphere breeding season and so many horses to get across for buyers. Our team has thoroughly researched the catalogue and cross referenced our physical notes so our clients get the best opportunity to be prepared come sale day. For more information on the highlights of the catalogue click below:
http://www.magicmillions.com.au/news/1991/7/PATINACK-FARM-COMPLETE-DISPERSAL-SALE-CATALOGUE-ONLINE/
KEENELAND NOVEMBER BREEDING STOCK SALE
November 4th to 14th (Kentucky)
The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale is the world's largest and arguably the best sale of breeding stock held anywhere in the world annually.
More importantly for Australian breeders, Keeneland is the most relevant international sale for our industry, with American mares producing Australian bred stakes horses the likes of Aerobatics, All American, Alverta, Foxwedge, Gallant Tess, Hot Snitzel, Irish Lights, Lovemelikearock, More Strawberries, Northern Meteor, Run For Naara, Scissor Kick , Smart Missile, Soft Sand, Super Cool, Theseo and Zululand to name but a few in recent times.
Due to the size of Keeneland's November mare catalogue, Australian buyers looking in both the middle and top end of the market CAN successfully purchase quality stakes performed or stakes producing mares at value, and at a comparable exchange rate in US dollars. If you consider yourself a serious breeder aiming yearlings at Magic Millions and Inglis Premier sessions, you must consider quality American mares to boost your broodmare band.
I will be attending Book 1 to 4 at Keeneland November and can provide catalogues in the post to those breeders interested in seeing what is on offer at this year's sale. Alternatively, Click the below link to online catalogue search.
http://www.keeneland.com/calendar/november-breeding-stock-sale
Please contact me via email or on my mobile +61 (0) 431 746 803 for further information regarding these upcoming sales and on how we can be of assistance to you either acting As Agent at these sales or buying or selling stock on your behalf privately.
Julian Blaxland - Blue Sky Bloodstock
All starting to fall into place..
With the Spring carnival getting underway, our three-year-old colt NORDIC EMPIRE headed to the Group Three H.D.F. McNeil on Saturday at Caulfield where he produced an outstanding effort to look the winner right until the shadows of the post when Chivalry appeared to come from nowhere and snatch victory.
Jumping away well from the barriers, the Mick Price-trained Nordic Empire settled in seventh on the outside of his stablemate Moonovermanhattan. As they rounded the home turn, jockey Nicholas Hall asked for an effort from the colt and he came with a great run to take the lead at the 100m, only to be denied victory, going down by a head.
Glen Boss, the jockey of the winner declared his mount as the best three-year-old in Victoria, so based on that assessment, and the run of our colt, we are extremely excited about the future prospects of our stakes performed son of Exceed And Excel stallion Wilander.
Stakes winner Nordic Empire went down by a narrow margin in the Group Three HDF MCNeil Stakes. (photo by Race Horse Photos Australia)
Holding a nomination to the Group One Caulfield Guineas in just over a month’s time, we will be guided by Mick Price as to where the colt heads to next. He may be kept to they sprinting distances so it’s likely his next run will be in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes Saturday week.
It is interesting to take a look at the history of the race and see the future Group One winners who finished second; the likes of Whobegotyou, Haradasun and Yell in recent years.
Earlier in the day at the same meeting, our stakes-performed mare KEEP DE ROSE returned to the races, having not started since April. With not a lot going right in the run for the Danny O’Brien-trained mare, she was very brave to finish fifth, beaten less than two lengths. While her main aim will be the Group Two Matriarch Stakes towards the end of the carnival, a race she was a gallant third in last year, it was a great starting point for the mare and like Nordic Empire we will be guide by her trainer as to where she heads to next.
While this time not at the races, it was great to see two of our three-year-old fillies both win their trials on Tuesday at Rosehill Gardens for their new trainer Hawkes Racing, having previously been in the yard of Paul Messara, whom had made the decision to become the Stud Manager at Arrowfield Stud.
Newgate Farm sold Fastnet Rock filly Santa Rocks, successful in her recent barrier trial at Rosehill
Heat 11 of the day saw our Fastnet Rock filly SANTA ROCKS take her trial by a long head margin from Countess Marinov.
Secured from the draft of Newgate Farm at the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the filly is out of the American-bred Aussie Christmas, a half-sister to the three-time Group One winner Harlan’s Holiday.
With nominations to the Group One Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney and the Group One Thousand Guineas in Melbourne, we are really excited for her to kick off her campaign in the coming weeks.
The very next heat of the day saw another Blue Sky Bloodstock purchase win their heat – this time it was POUTING, another filly by Champion sire Fastnet Rock.
Pouting (Fastnet Rock) as a yearling before being purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock and Badger's Bloodstock at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale
Having her second trial, Pouting was secured in partnership with Badger’s Bloodstock at the 2013 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from the draft of Tyreel Stud.
Out of the winning Galileo mare Kissing The Camera, herself a half-sister to the dam of Champion Three-year-old Colt and dual Group One winner Wigmore Hall, our filly defeated Sugar Doll by a short neck.
Like Santa Rocks, the well-named Pouting holds and a nomination to the Group One Thousand Guineas in mid-October and we are keen to see her at the races in the coming weeks.
We wish all our owners the best of luck as their runners’ progress over the coming weeks to their next runs, or in the case of the two fillies, their first starts.
Pressing Returns to Caulfield
Stakes winner PRESSING, now a 3yo has returned to the stable of Caulfield trainer Mick Price after his post Winter Carnival break in Queensland. Price has mentioned his intentions this spring are for a short preparation culminating in a tilt at the Group 2 Sandown Guineas over 1600m. A winner of his first two starts at Caulfield, the second being the Listed Redoute's Choice stakes, Pressing headed to Queensland for two further runs, finishing 4th in the Group 1, J.J. Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 7th.
The handsome son of Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, Pressing was purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland and Mick Price at the 2013 Easter Sales Session II for $100,000 and is raced by a group of owners including Rosemont Stud's Anthony Mithen.
Looking a picture of health since returning to training, Pressings owners are keen to see the son of Sebring add to his impressive race record over the coming months.
Stakes winning juvenile PRESSING (Sebring) has returned to training ahead of his spring 3yo campaign with Mick Price
Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Racing Lunch Sets Spring Hunger In Play…
As we head into the Spring carnival, it was great to be able to hold a lunch for our some of our clients that was hosted at the home of owner and good friend Trevor Folsom.
It was an exciting opportunity for some of our clients to hear first hand from the various trainers present on exactly how our runners are progressing as they chase the lucrative Spring riches on offer.
With the prize money for many of Spring races continually rising, our trainers aim to target many of our runners at this carnival to give our owners not only the opportunity to try and earn good prize money but to also give them the thrill and enjoyment of racing on some of the biggest days of the year!
With a myriad of people at the lunch including BSB’s owners, Keith Lowry and Hamish McIntosh who part-own Fiorente as well as the multiple Group One winning trainers Gai Waterhouse & Gerald Ryan, alongside Newhaven Park Stud breeders John and Charles Kelly as well as Magic Millions Bloodstock Manager Barry Bowditch in attendance. To be able to have such a wealth of knowledge in the room, with so many people who are passionate about the racing and breeding industry, it was an honour for BSB to host such an event!
Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland addressing the guest at the recent Spring Lunch.
We were also grateful to have Mick Price’s Racing Manger Luke Wilkinson, as well as BSB’s good friend and racehorse owner Alan Jones all part of the highly successful day.
We’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who attended and a special thank you to Trevor for allowing us to use his home for the lunch and wish all our owners every success with their upcoming runners during the Spring.
For more information on how you can become a Blue Sky Bloodstock owner and race with us, please contact Julian Blaxland on +61 (0) 431 746 803 or head over to the Contact page of the website by clicking here.
Please click through the below images for a gallery of the day.
Nordic Empire to tackle Vain Stakes
Nordic Empire will be aimed at the Vain Stakes at Caulfield on August 16 after an authoritative win in the Michelton Wines Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley today.
Trainer Mick Price highlighted the target immediately following his colt’s first-up win and the opportunity to tackle one of the great three-year-old events with the horse wasn’t the only reason the trainer was pleased with the win.
Nordic Empire resumed from a long spell of eight months after suffering a serious hamstring injury in Queensland last year.
3yo Wilander colt Nordic Empire wins first up after 8 months away from the track.
“I’m pretty relieved to get through today, the race worked out perfectly for him, tracking the leaders and then having the seas part on the turn,” Price said.
“He’s had eight months off so hopefully there’s improvement to come second up.
“He was quite light as a two-year-old and we kept him a colt and he’s furnished out okay now.
“He wears ear muffs everyday at the track, he’s quite a highly strung horse but his behaviour here today was beautiful.”
Nordic Empire ($5) gave jockey Craig Newitt a winning double and defeated Stingray ($21-$15) and Boomwaa ($6.50) with a margin to spare.
News from Racing Network
Doubtfilly to begin new chapter of her career at Flemington
Smart mare Doubtfilly begins a new phase of her career with Danny O'Brien this Saturday in the $100,000 All Victorian Sprint Series Heat 4 (1100m) at Flemington.
The four-year-old daughter of Not A Single Doubt had been trained by Stuart Kendrick and done her racing in Queensland prior to being purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock for stable clients of O'Brien for $300,000 at the recent Magic Millions National Sale on the Gold Coast.
At her last start Doubtfilly was only beaten three-lengths when unplaced behind Sacred Star and Masthead in the Group III QTC Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
Stakes winner Doubtfilly heads to Melbourne for her first run for the Danny O'Brien stable.
"She's only been with us for 10 days and she arrived in good shape," O'Brien said. "I can't see why she wouldn't run well Saturday .
"We've kept things pretty simple with her, she seems to adjusted well to her new surroundings. She went nicely here on Tuesday so she's good to go."
If the forecast rain does arrive and Flemington becomes rain affected then her chances would be enhanced if past performances are an accurate guide.
Doubtfilly is unbeaten in three starts on dead ground and has won two of her three starts on heavy tracks, a statistic that has not gone unnoticed by her new trainer.
"If we got any sort of rain, certainly that will help and I'd expect her to improve the softer it gets," O'Brien said.
Story by Darryl Sherer, Racenet
Savvy bloodstock investors looking to put the Group 1 duck firmly behind them
Astute young bloodstock investors Julian Blaxland and Grant Morgan are out to crack their Group 1 duck in Saturday’s J.J. Atkins.
Blaxland, of Blue Sky Bloodstock, purchased PRESSING for $100,000, while Morgan’s Ontrack Thoroughbreds syndicated hot favourite Brazen Beau after giving $70,000 for him as a yearling.
Ontrack is based on the Gold Coast, while Blue Sky relocated to Sydney last year after starting out on the Coast.
“Winning Group 1 races is what we all strive for,” Morgan said.
“There’s definitely a few little butterflies. I’ve had Group 1 runners in the past, but none with the expectations this bloke has around him.”
Morgan’s first Group 1 runner was Man O’ Mars, who ran 10th in the 2000 Goodwood as a 25-1 chance. He was the first horse Morgan raced and it proved a forerunner to him setting up Ontrack Thoroughbreds in 2008.
Today, On Track has between 300 and 400 clients on the books. Brazen Beau has about 35 owners who call him their own.
Blaxland said Blue Sky had SUPER EASY (Singapore) and GOOD BABY (Malaysia) win Group 1s overseas, but were still trying to crack it in Australia.
“We’ve had a number of Group 1 placings with horses like SHRAPNEL, BENETEAU and BETTER THAN READY and we’re keen to get the monkey off our back,” he said.
Blue Sky Thoroughbred’s Julian Blaxland at the Magic Millions sales. Source: News Limited
Blue Sky set up in 2006 and from their first crop of yearling purchases came the Magic Millions runner-up SHE'S MEANER and BLACK AND BENT, who retired this week as one of Australia’s greatest ever jumpers.
Since then Blue Sky has unearthed stakes performers including HAVANA, EXPRESS POWER, INSTINCTION, WOODBINE and KEEP DE ROSE.
Morgan concedes 1600m is a query for Brazen Beau, but says it is the same for virtually the entire field.
“The speed map looks positive for him, providing he doesn’t repeat his slow getaway from last time,” Morgan said.
“Hopefully he will be between fourth and sixth in the run and his best asset is a nice turn of foot.”
Jim Byrne gave Pressing a glowing stamp of approval after riding him with the shades on Tuesday and stable foreman Mick Nolan reports the colt is thriving in Queensland.
Sebring colt Pressing, set to line up in the Group One JJ Atkins at just his fourth start. Source: Turfpress
Pressing was originally passed in for $90,000 through the ring at last year’s Easter sale in Sydney.
“Mick (Price) and I were keen to buy a colt, so when he was passed in we bolted down to the stables and were able to do the deal,” Blaxland said.
“He’s a very lazy track worker and at his first start Mick told us if he finished in the first four or five he’d be happy.
“Then next time out he went to stakes grade and Mick said ‘we might get found out this week’ and he won again. So he’s been a bit of a revelation this horse.
“We’re just hoping the blinkers will sharpen him up.”
Morgan is a former President of the Queensland Owners Association and during his time in administration, lobbied strongly for changes to owners’ privileges.
“One of the things I am most proud of is that we were able to convince the Australian Racing Board to increase the number of owners’ names in the racebook from 10 to 20,” he said.
For more information on how you can be involved in Racing with Blue Sky Bloodstock, please call Julian on +61431746803.
Black And Bent – a story for the history books
With the recent news that grand campaigner BLACK AND BENT has retired from racing, Blue Sky Bloodstock reminisces on one of our first yearling purchases.
Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland takes a look back at his involvement in the Black And Bent story…
“It was my first year as Blue Sky Bloodstock in 2007 and Black And Bent went through the June Magic Millions yearling sale.
"I saw he was a brother to Some Are Bent and might make a useful stayer/jumper. I had bought a yearling in Ireland for Victorian race caller Rick McIntosh and his syndicate earlier in the year at the Goffs yearling sale (when working for the BBA), a Fasliyev half-brother to Hugs Dancer that went on to race in Australia as Fasilenko, a winner of 3 races and 7 placing’s on the flat and over jumps, without reaching any great heights.
Up and over.. Black And Bent winning another over the jumps.
"In those days my client base was only small and so were their budgets. On inspection of this colt by Black Hawk, I noted he would suit a patient owner with a limited budget. Physically he certainly wasn't a glamour but was correct, with a reasonable action, if a little plain and backward.
"He was passed in and I negotiated his purchase back at the box with the SA breeders for $25,000. I specked the horse and thought I'd sell him in a heartbeat to my local clients as a future jumper but to my disappointment I couldn't convince them to buy in.
"After 24 hours I called Rick down in Victoria and within an hour or two he had a syndicate together and took the horse. A wise decision by him as he went on to earn over $1m in earnings and two hurdler of the year titles. I certainly remind some of my Qld owners that they shouldn't judge and yearling by his price tag!”
With the impressive record of 21 career victories from 57 starts, with a further 10 placed efforts and over $1.1m in earnings, Black And Bent will always hold a special place in Blue Sky Bloodstock’s own history – thanks for the memories.
Guineas Glory On The Line For Havana
Surprisingly one of only two last start winners in the main field (excluding emergencies), the Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased HAVANA looks set to give the Group Two Queensland Guineas one massive shake on Saturday at Eagle Farm - click here field and form.
With many of the field finishing behind the Paul Messara-trained runner at his most recent start, where he recorded a length victory in the Group Three Fred Best Classic at Doomben over the 1350m, the step up to the 1400m on Saturday was always going to suit Havana even better than the 1350m.
Having been well supported all week in the betting, Havana is now likely to start one of the favourites for the $350,000 contest, and there is no reason to think that he can't add the Group Two trophy to his silverware collection.
Streaking away to victory last start in the Group Three Fred Best Classic. Picture: Ross Stevenson
Set to be ridden by Luke Nolen, the Melbourne-based jockey has partnered the Starcraft gelding on only two occasions in his 11 start career; last start when victorious, and earlier on in his career when Havana finished third behind Criterion in the Group Todman Stakes.
Drawn very well in barrier four, it will allow the Arrowfield Pastoral Synd (Mgr: J Messara), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Synd, Favretto Bloodstock Synd, P J & Mrs D D Bone, B Kennedy, T C Lloyd-Jones, S J Pont & Just Fun Racing Synd (Mgr: D Halpin)-owned Havana to get a cosy run and be in a favourable position in the very large field.
Havana does have a very good sprint on him as highlighted last time out and if within striking distance as the field heads for home, he will be hard to hold out.
In what looks a very exciting edition of the Group Two Queensland Guineas, the race often produces a top notch galloper with winners of the race in the past highlighted by Sizzling, Pear Tart, Turffontein, Nova Star, Camarena, Yippyio, Turridu, Paris Lane and Triscay – all having one thing in common, they are all Group One winners – fingers crossed Havana can reach those heights in the not too distant future.
Who knows, it could come in next week’s Group One Stradbroke Handicap, a race that Havana does currently hold a nomination to!
Pleasing everyone this week in the stable, Havana is ready to go, as evident by the below clip where he plays up for the camera.
A graduate of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale when selected by Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Managing Director Julian Blaxland, the company has been enjoying a very good run at present with the likes of stakes-winning two-year-old Sebring colt PRESSING, who will contest next Saturday’s Group One J.J. Atkins, after having won his first two starts highlighted by a stunning victory in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes.
All at Blue Sky Bloodstock would like to take this opportunity to wish Havana's connections the best of luck for Saturday and we hope to see you in the winner's enclosure!!
Price likely to apply blinkers to Pressing
Mick Price will pursue the Group 1 J.J. Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 7 with Pressing on the recommendation of Damien Oliver.
While Price was initially disappointed with Saturday's performance by Pressing, who finished ninth behind Time For War in the BRC Sires' Produce at Doomben, but that view was superseded by those of Damien Oliver and stable foreman Mick Nolan.
“Ollie said to press on, go to the mile and the horse was screaming out for blinkers,” Price said.
“He (Oliver) said it was very leader-dominated type of race and that he was a bit green that way of going. He felt that horse’s last bit was good enough to go to the mile race and with blinkers he'll be able to take up a position.”
Price said Nolan reported Pressing had emerged unscathed from the run and still had more to offer this preparation.
“We’re going forward with dented confidence,” he said.
“My stable foreman is telling me the horse hasn’t had enough and Ollie is telling me it wasn’t the run of a horse that’s had enough.”
News from Racing Network
Havana Smokes Them At Doomben
When the time comes, and decisions have to be made, sometimes the unkindest cut of all is often what works, and in the case of HAVANA, it has produced a new zest for racing for the quality Starcraft three-year-old.
Returning after a gelding operation, the Blue Sky Bloodstock purchase has had four starts this time in, recording a classy victory first up, followed by a pleasing second at Listed level two starts back before a dominate victory in the Group Three Fred Best Classic at Doomben on May 17.
Having now had two starts on Havana for a Group Three win and a Group Two placed effort behind eventual dual Group One winner Criterion, Luke Nolen settled the gelding in a comfortable position, not too far from the leaders after jumping away well from barrier two.
Really just having to sit on the Paul Messara-trained galloper, Nolen never had to go around another runner, as the impressive looking three-year-old followed the rails throughout.
As the field turned for home, Havana sprinted along the inside rail, to record his first stakes success, winning by a length from Into The Red, with last start Group Three Gold Coast Guineas winner Dothraki in third and the Group Three C.S. Hayes Stakes winner Hucklebuck in fourth.
Havana and Luke Nolen take the Group Three Fred Bes Classic (1350m) at Doomben. Image: Dan Costello.
Messara, who always felt Havana had promise, was relieved after the race.
“I’ve always thought he was a good horse. It’s just been a matter of waiting for the right day," Messara said.
“We went with the back-up and you never know until you test them and he’s come through brilliantly.
“We will go to the Guineas in two weeks, I think 1400m is perfect and I’m excited about it.”
Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Managing Director Julian Blaxland who purchased Havana as a yearling from the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, was also jubilant post-race.
"I'm delighted for the owners as Paul has had a huge opinion of Havana since he was an early 2yo but Saturday's win was the first time the horse has put it all together in group company.
“He was gelded in summer and it's certainly made a big difference to his mindset.
“We have a great group of QLD owners in the horse so it is wonderful to see him win during the Brisbane winter carnival."
The $350,000 Group Two Queensland Guineas, set to be run at Eagle Farm on May 31st is the next assignment for Havana, and with the $1.38 million Group One Stradbroke Handicap on June 7, a week after the Guineas still in the mix, nothing is set in concrete until after the Guineas run, but one thing after Saturday’s victory is clear; Havana is a horse on the up and clearly didn’t have any issues with backing up within a week.
Blue Sky Bloodstock would like to congratulate the successful owners of Havana; Arrowfield Pastoral Synd (Mgr: J Messara), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Synd, Favretto Bloodstock Synd, P J & Mrs D D Bone, B Kennedy, T C Lloyd-Jones, S J Pont & Just Fun Racing Synd (Mgr: D Halpin).
Blue Sky Three-year-olds stake claim
With racing on Saturday heading to Australia's unofficial thoroughbred breeding capital Scone, as well as Doomben in Queensland, Blue Sky Bloodstock purchases HAVANA and WOODBINE both head to highly competitive races.
The first of the two to race on Saturday is the Starcraft gelding Havana who backs up after his pleasing second placed effort last weekend to contest the Group Three Fred Best Classic at Doomben - field.
Jumping up to the 1350m of Saturday’s race, the rise in trip will really suit the Magic Millions graduate who found the 1100m last Saturday at the Gold Coast slightly too short.
Starcraft gelding Havana contests the Group Three Fred Best Classic over 1350m at Doomben
With Luke Nolen to ride, the Arrowfield Pastoral Synd (Mgr: J Messara), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Synd, Favretto Bloodstock Synd, P J & Mrs D D Bone, B Kennedy, T C Lloyd-Jones, S J Pont & Just Fun Racing Synd (Mgr: D Halpin)-owned three-year-old has come up with barrier two which should allow him to take up a cosy potion in the run and prove hard to beat.
The second of the Blue Sky Bloodstock purchases to race on Saturday is our blue-blood colt Woodbine who contests the $400,000 Inglis 3YO Guineas at Scone over 1400m - field.
By Hussonet, our of the Champion race filly Miss Finland, the Gai Waterhouse-trained Woodbine was slightly outclassed last time out when racing against the ‘A’ Grade in the Group One All Aged Stakes, but the start prior he finished a very good second in the Listed South Pacific Classic over 1400m at Randwick.
With a large field to contend with, jockey Brenton Avdulla will jump away from a little worse than midfield position, but the imposing looking colt is likely to go forward and could prove hard to catch in what is a very open race.
Inglis Easter graduate Woodbine heads to Scone on Saturday for the Inglis 3YO Guineas (1400m).
Although having been up for a while, the three-year-old chestnut has improved continually throughout his preparation and all at Blue Sky wish his connections; Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd (Mgr: J M Messara), Planette Thoroughbred Trading Pty Ltd (Mgr: J S Leaver), Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Stallion Fund No 5 (Mgr: J C H Blaxland), J W L Tan, D A S Paradice & Belford Productions Pty Ltd (Mgr: A B Jones) the best of luck on Saturday.
Sires' Produce Next Stop For Pressing
Unbeaten Victorian colt Pressing (Sebring-Lamiraqui, by Choisir) will line up in Saturday week's Gr2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes at Doomben before making his Gr1 debut in the JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on 7 June, reports horseracing.com.au.
Pressing and stable-mate Jazz Song arrived in Brisbane early yesterday morning after departing trainer Mick Price's Caulfield stable on Monday night. Price told Sky Racing HQ that the pair coped just fine with the trip to Queensland.
Safe landing, Sebring colt Pressing arrived safe and sound in Queensland. Picture by Turfpress
"They are both good," Price said. "They worked here [Caulfield] on the heavy ground on Saturday morning the reverse way and that was good for them. They got picked up from Caulfield at 11 o'clock last night and they arrived at Tony Gollan's about five o'clock this morning and it was a very good, quick, clean trip for the horses."
Pressing, who hails from the family of deceased Oaklands Stud stallion Lion Hunter, marked himself as a serious winter carnival contender when scoring a brilliant 3.5-length win in the Listed Mt Dandenong Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last start.
Price said he was circumspect about over-racing Pressing in his first preparation, but is confident the Sebring colt can perform well in Queensland.
"If he races well, he will race in the J.J. Atkins, but if we think that he has done enough we can always spell him up there," Price said.
"He is a robust little colt and he is tough."
News from Breeding And Racing
Havana great time in the Queensland sun..
With a current Good rating for the Doomben track, the Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased HAVANA has been scratched from Rosehill on Saturday, and will make his Queensland debut in the Listed Channel Seven Mick Dittman Plate over 1110m – click here for final field.
After being scratched last time out due to the weather when accepted to run at the Gold Coast in a Group Three race, the Starcraft three-year-old looks set to play a leading part in the Listed event.
Two starts back Havana dominated his rivals when breaking his maiden at Canterbury over 1100m, the distance of Saturday’s race, when scoring by four lengths after jumping away extremely well from the gates and leading throughout.
Next time out, the Paul Messara-trained gelding finished in sixth place behind the Group One Golden Slipper runner-up Sidestep in the Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes at Royal Randwick during the Championship race day.
Exciting Starcraft gelding Havana contests the Listed Mick Dittman Plate.
Third as a two-year-old behind eventual dual Group One winner Criterion (NZ) in the Group Two Todman Stakes at only his second career start, the Paul Messara-trained Havana has always indicated his fair share of ability.
Having defeated stakes winners such as Thump, Villa Verde, Charlie Boy, Va Pensiero, Never Can Tell, Champollion, Scandiva, Dothraki, I’m All The Talk and Paximadia during his short career to date; no other runner in Saturday’s race has form like Havana, and having drawn ideally in barrier two for the race, Havana should be able to jump away well and race in a more forward position, rather than getting back and having to work home.
Purchased from the 2012 Magic Millions Yearling Sale by Blue Sky Bloodstock, Havana is still relatively only lightly raced and with the gelding holding nominations to the Group One Doomben 10,000 on May 24 and the Group One Stradbroke Handicap on June 7, it just gives an indication of how highly rated this three-year-old is by his connections.
"He is still lightly raced and makes some mistakes but he's one of those horses, if he can put it all together he could improve sharply," stated trainer Paul Messara.
Set to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for the first time, some footage of Havana from this week at Doomben can be viewed below.