Savalas Drawn To Get Perfect Run On Debut

Purchased from the draft of Newhaven Park at the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, two-year-old Snitzel colt SAVALAS makes his debut on Saturday at Bendigo for trainer Danny O’Brien in Race 1: Wilson's Treet Service 2YO Maiden Plate (900m).

Drawn the inside gate in the small field of seven runners, jockey Jamie Mott has plenty of options with the colt from his barrier but will likely go forward to try and get a good position.

The first named foal of the Listed placed Red Ransom mare Movie, who is in turn the only filly out of the Listed-winning Thunder Gulch mare Strawberry Storm, it is a family littered with impressive stakes winners including the Group 2-winning, Group 1 placed Danroad, the Group 3 winner Strawberry Road as well as the Listed Magic Millions 3YO Trophy winner Tippitaka and the Listed winner Newtown Jet.

Bred on a cross that has produced 8 winners so from only 14 runners; the top performer for teh cross is the fleet footer flyer Chance Bye, a winner of the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes.

With five of the eight winners to date being stakes performers, it is pleasing to see that the cross is already performing so well on the track and we are confident that our colt can add to that list as he progresses throughout his campaign.

Carrying the colours worn to victory by many top class runners such as Group 1 winners Niconero and Nicconi, we wish our fellow owners; P B Devitt, L N Piper, Just Fun Racing Syndicate (Mgr: D C Halpin), B Ainsworth, Innistown Syndicate (Mgr: P Arnell) and S Wilson the best of luck for Saturday.

General James Salutes At Cranbourne

Second-up this time in off the back of a pleasing run over 1300 three weeks back at Bendigo, the Danny O’Brien-trained Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchase GENERAL JAMES appreciated the step up to the mile at Cranbourne on Sunday.

Contesting Race 6: Cranbourne Hyundai (1600m), the James Winks ridden four-year-old settled handy in run, going forward to be only a few lengths from the leaders in sixth.

In between runners and needing some luck, jockey James Winks urged the Savabeel gelding off the heels of those in front, and when they rounded the corner, he came to the outside to start his challenge.

While the first three were at each other over the final 100m, General James swept past them with ease to record an emphatic victory, clearly highlighting himself as a galloper with plenty of potential.

Purchased from the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale by trainer Danny O’Brien and Blue Sky Bloodstock from the draft of Waikato Stud, General James’ pedigree suggest he will appreciate further than the 1600m of Sunday’s win as his dam is a sister to the HK-Group 2 Derby Trial winner Unique Jewellery, while his immediate family includes Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Marju Snip, dual Listed winner Kingdoms, also a runner up in the Group 1 Metropolitan and Group 1 ATC Derby as well as the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Candide.

When stepped up in trip last time in, he just didn’t appear to have a lot of luck, and now that he has matured further during his break, we are really looking forward to getting him back over 2000m and further.

Earlier on the same race card, another of our New Zealand Bloodstock yearling purchases made their debut.

From the draft of Trelawney Stud, Rip Van Winkle three-year-old GERVAIS produced a very encouraging effort first time out to finish third over 1200m, beaten under three lengths, when continuing to work to the line.

Bred to also appreciate further, being a half-brother to Group 3 Queen’s Cup winner Gondorff and the Listed-winning, Group 1 New Zealand Oaks fourth placed Princess Annalise, Gervais' (pictured above as a yearling) third placing in the Patterson Cheney Isuzu Maiden had all connections excited for his future prospects.

Congratulations to the connections of both General James and Gervias on very encouraging runs on Sunday.

Blue Sky Plays Small Part In Horse Of The Year!

While we can’t lay claim to having secured Dissident as a yearling at all, Blue Sky Bloodstock did buy Diana’s Secret, the dam of Dissident as a yearling.

Purchased from the draft of Widden Stud, the Anabaa x Palace Scandal filly went in to training with David Hayes, where she recorded six top three placed performances highlighted by two wins and a narrow second at stakes level, beaten a head by Kibbutz, who two starts later won the Group 1 VRC Derby.

Retired to start the next phase of her career, Diana’s Secret was sold by her racing connections to head to stud, with clients of Widden Stud purchasing the mare.

Covered by Widden Stud’s Sebring during her second season at stud, the resulting horses is the now Newgate Farm stallion Dissident (pictured), a winner of five Group 1 races as well as a being crowned Horse of the Year overnight to add to his Victorian Horse of the Year Award – Dissident was also crowned Champion Sprinter overnight!

It has been a great year for Dissident, as his dam Diana’s Secret was recently crowned the NSW Broodmare of the Year recently at the Australian and NSW Breeding Awards held in Scone during the stallion parade weekend.

If you would like any further details on either securing fillies with broodmare potential, or broodmares themselves, please do not hesitate to contact Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

Gervais Looking To Have Last Laugh At Cranbourne on Sunday

Making his debut on Saturday in the Patterson Cheney Isuzu Maiden Plate over 1200m at Cranbourne, the well-named three-year-old Rip Van Winkle gelding GERVAIS should run well.

Purchased for $80,000 from the draft of Trelawney Stud at the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, the colt comes from a farm with a long tradition of producing quality stock, highlighted by Group 1 winners Ocean Park, Suavito, Famous Seamus, War Affair, Boundless and Lights Of Heaven to name a few.

From the first southern hemisphere crop of Galileo’s Group 1-winning son Rip Van Winkle, Gervais is out of the winning Marscay mare My Funny Face.

Already the dam four winners from six to the races highlighted by Group 3 winner Gondorff and Listed winner Princess Annaliese, My Funny Face is herself a daughter of American bred stakes winner Jamine.

While he takes on a handy field, including the well-bred Starcraft gelding Petracca, a dual stakes-placed grandson of Newhaven Park’s Group 1 winner Allow, the Danny O’Brien-trained Gervais should acquit himself well.

And based on the below form reference from the Sportsman, fingers crossed he runs as well as expected!

Best of luck to Blue Sky Bloodstock’s fellow owners; Mr M S Sowerby, Mr S Wilson, Mr B J Baker, Mr B A Ainsworth, Mr D Bourke, Mr P L Schubert, A Bright Idea, Cussen Brothers Racing and Hay Bale

Prompt Response In Trial Performance

A full-sister Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Magic Millions graduate PROMPT RETURN, an impressive winner of last season’s Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate, the two-year-old filly PROMPT RESPONSE came out in her first trial on Friday, October 2 and won her heat in style.

Blue Sky Bloodstock secured Exceed And Excel mare PROMPT as a Broodmare prospect at the 2011 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in foal to Statue Of Liberty for long term client Ron Hamer.

Purchased the bargain price of $45,000, the first foal of the mare named Diamond Glow (who had already been sold as a yearling a few months earlier) came out and became a stake performer for the Peter Moody stable before being on-sold this sale season for $260,000.

Having being involved in the ownership of Blue Sky Bloodstock’s yearling sale graduate BENETEAU, the decision was made that Prompt would visit the Group 1 performed son of Redoute’s Choice at his first season at stud.

The resulting foal was eventual stakes winner PROMPT RETURN, and so impressed with the foal, Prompt went back to him the following season, this time foaling a filly who was retrained to race by Hamer and named PROMPT RESPONSE (pictured left as a foal with her dam).

Having her first official barrier trial at Royal Randwick, the Gai Waterhouse-trained filly defeated her stablemate Global Glamour by a short head, with her trainer quick to tweet her excitement of the trial victory.

Prompt Response is just one of a handful of two-year-olds that we are really looking forward to seeing at the races, with the likes of BLISS POINT, DEEP HARBOUR and SAVALAS all set to carry the Blue Sky silks in the coming weeks.

Jockey Tommy Berry gives a "Thumbs Up" after the trail of PROMPT RESPONSE at Royal Randwick on Friday

$1 million Epsom A Pressing Issue

While the old saying “you have to be in it to win it” is very true, Blue Sky Bloodstock are just extremely excited to have a runner in this Saturday’s Group 1 ATC The Star 150th Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick, the biggest day of the Sydney Spring Carnival.

Carrying the 15 saddle cloth, PRESSING will be ridden by leading jockey Glyn Scofield and jump from barrier 12 in the 15 horse field.

Taking on some high class Group 1 winners, Pressing heads into the mile contest off the back of a very good third at Flemington in the Listed The Sofitel Stakes, where he was beaten by Disposition and Akavoroun.

Proving a very good form race, Disposition came out at his next start and was narrowly denied victory in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Akavoroun travelled to Sydney and start the favourite in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes.

An impressing winner at just his second career start in the Listed Sky High Mt Dandenong Stakes at Caulfield as a two-year-old, the son of Sebring then travelled to Queensland and put in an outstanding run to finish fourth in the Group 1 Tatts Group J.J. Atkins behind Time For War, Brazen Beau and Looks Like The Cat.

After a good spell, Pressing resumed with an out of character performance and was subsequently sent back to the paddock. After 42 weeks away from the track Pressing resumed and not all went right in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes before he then ran at Caulfield and then most recently at Flemington.

Heading into the Epsom at his fourth start this time in, and with the prospect of a soft track, we would like to wish owners Rosemont Racing No 2 Synd, Rashini Synd, D Santilli, R P Santilli, M J Casey, Miss S K Downie, D P McLennan, D S Q Racing Synd, S Tsalikidis, S B Fisher, A J Greenstein, B M Holbrook, Celest Holdings Synd, Just Fun Racing Synd, B J Baker and A D Walters the best of luck – and while everyone wants to win a Group 1 race – being part of the day is also such a thrill!

Purchased from the draft of Widden Stud at the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in conjunction with Mick Price Racing, the son of Sebring is out of the Choisir mare Lamiraqui from the family of stakes winners Immortality, Cult Figure, Cargo Cult, Choice Bro and Geegees Classicboy.

One of a host of stakes winners secured as yearling by Blue Sky Bloodstock in the past few years, if you are keen to be involved in our next crop of yearlings, please contact Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803 or via email at julian@blueskybloodstock.com.au

Beneteau Bonanza

Spring time…the time of year when the two-year-old start to emerge and excited owners get to see their ‘babies’ hit the track.

Here at BLUE SKY BLOODSTOCK, we too get excited with the emergence of our two-year-olds for the season, hoping that what they have showed on at home translates to race day.

This coming Saturday we have two runners nominated to step out in the Blue Sky Bloodstock silks, and while it is impossible to predict how two-year-olds will perform on race day, we are looking forward to their debut runs.

Purchased from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from session five, BLISS POINT (below) will take her place in Saturday’s Listed Gimcrack Stakes at Randwick.

Trained by Clarry Conners for long term clients Mark Sowerby and Ron Hamer, the filly heads into the race off the back of a solid third in a Randwick barrier trial over 838m, just over a week piror.

From an impressive stakes performing family that includes Group 1 winners Grey Swallow and Designs On Rome as well as local stakes winners Rekindled Interest and Twilight Royale, any black type that Bliss Point can add to her already impressive pedigree will see her increase her residual value considerably.

The second runner of the day to wear the Blue Sky Bloodstock silks will be the Liam Birchley-trained DEEP HARBOUR (below) who will jump away in the Coca Cola Life 2yo Plate (1050m) at Doomben.

Raced by a large group of owners; M A McLean, M S Sowerby, G G Chapman, S J Kirkham, R W Picking, S W Picking, M D Clough, T W Trim, T G Collard, J N Kele, C J Wessel, Mrs T M Wessel & R C Picking Just Fun Racing (Mgr: D C Halpin) Weapon Racing (Mgr: M D Clough) Rkh Thoroughbreds (Mgr: R K Hamer), Deep Harbour has been readied for the race with a barrier trial at Deagon.

Also purchased from Session Five on this year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the filly is out of the two-year-old winning Gilded Time mare Shelbey, herself a half-sister to Group 1 CF Orr Stakes winner Barkada.

With both fillies eligible to contest races on the Magic Millions $10million day at the Gold Coast in January, it is great for our owners to see their runners hit the track in the early two-year-old races, and we wish them the best of luck.

Don’t Doubt This Filly

If you were watching Saturday’s races from Caulfield, arguably one of the most impressive wins of the day came via three-year-old Not A Single Doubt filly Don’t Doubt Mamma, an explosive winner of the MRC Foundation Plate over 1400m.

Finishing a very good fourth at Listed level behind Street Cry filly Stay With Me last time out when having her try beyond 1000m, the Tony McEvoy-trained Don’t Doubt Mamma settled in a midfield position.

Searching for a gap at the top of the straight, jockey Luke Currie dragged the filly off the heels of Thames Court and after she balanced up, she put the race away with ease, charging past the leaders for an impressive half length victory, eased down.

Purchased privately out of the paddock in the November of her yearling year by Blue Sky Bloodstock, the Tyreel Stud bred filly was secured for client Peter Katelanis.

The fourth foal from the well related Fantastic Light mare Coconut Mamma, Blue Sky Bloodstock had also purchased the first foal of the for Katelanis, with that filly racing as Miss St Tropez (Magnus).

The second foal of the mare Risen From Doubt was raced in a partnership that included Katelanis, with that talented runner, a full brother to Don’t Doubt Mamma, winning the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes on debut by two-and-a-half-lengths before a third in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes behind eventual Golden Slipper winner Mossfun.

With Risen From Doubt also trained by Tony McEvoy, the decision of where to send Don’t Doubt Mamma wasn’t a hard one.

As a winner of two starts and a further two placed efforts from five starts to date the talented filly is now on the path to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.

Set to have her next start in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes, the filly is then likely to back up in the Thousand Guineas, where she is currently rated a 10/1 chance.

From a pedigree that includes a host of Group 1 winners such as Tuesday Joy, More Joyous, Sunday Joy, Fenway, Arlington Road and Joie Denise, the residual value of this filly continues to grow and with some black type next to her name, she will become a value commodity when she retires at the end of her racing career.

Having raced Beneteau and Sharpnel as well as breeding and racing Instinction with Blue Sky Bloodstock, we wish Peter, his family and the rest of teh connections the best of luck with his talented filly as she progresses to further spring riches!

The Two-Year-Olds Are Coming!!!

With the next crop of juveniles having just turned two, we are starting to see them in jump outs and barrier trials across the tracks of Australia, with the first “official” two-year-old trials set to be held in the coming weeks in Sydney.

Down in Melbourne, the Snitzel x Movie colt we purchased in partnership with trainer Danny O’Brien from the draft of Newhaven Park at the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale had a jump out recently.  

Pictured closest to the camera, the Snitzel x Movie colt has a jumpout at Flemington.

Performing extremely well, the colt looks to have genuine two-year-old ability and we are looking forward to his owners naming him in the coming weeks, with the opportunity to head to the races this time in.

The first foal of the stakes placed Red Ransom mare Movie, herself a daughter of the Listed winner Strawberry Storm, our Snitzel colt is bred on a similar Danehill-line x Red Ransom cross that has produced the likes of Group 1 winners Red Ruler, Rollout The Carpet and Temida, while Red Ransom mares themselves have produced 97 individual stakes winners, seven at Group 1 level!

If you would like any information on any opportunities still left in some our current two-year-olds, contact Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

No Secret About How Good This Mare Is.....

Crowned the NSW Broodmare of the Year recently at the Australian and NSW Breeding Awards held in Scone during the stallion parade weekend, Anabaa mare Diana’s Secret was purchased as a yearling by Blue Sky Bloodstock and BBA Ireland.

Secured from the draft of Widden Stud, the Anabaa x Palace Scandal filly went in to training with David Hayes, where she recorded six top three placed performances highlighted by two wins and a narrow second at stakes level, beaten a head by Kibbutz, who two starts later won the Group 1 VRC Derby.

Retired to start the next phase of her career, Diana’s Secret was sold by her racing connections to head to stud, with clients of Widden Stud purchasing the mare.

Covered by Widden Stud’s Sebring during her second season at stud, the resulting horses is the now Newgate Farm stallion Dissident (pictured), a winner of five Group 1 races as well as a leading Horse of the Year contender, having being crowned the Victorian Horse of the Year recently.

Sponsored by the Australian Stud Book was the NSW Champion Broodmare of the Year award that was presented by Jacqueline Stewart to David Merrick, part-owner of the mare.

If you would like any further details on either securing fillies with broodmare potential, or broodmares themselves, please do not hesitate to contact Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Trial File

With an outstanding set of trials conducted at Randwick on Friday, the final day of the 2014/2015 racing season, there were some exciting results for Blue Sky Bloodstock graduates.

The opening heat of the day was won in impressive fashion by the Gai Waterhouse-trained AMANPOUR (left).

Carrying a new set of silks since the last time she was on the track, the Group 1-winning mare was purchased by Rosemont Stud and Blue Sky Bloodstock at the recent Magic Millions National Sale for $1.5 million from the draft of Gooree Park Stud.

A last start winner of the Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes where she defeated Catkins and Noble Protector, the well-bred Northern Meteor mare looks to have retuned in fine style and there appears to be some exciting times ahead for her.

The fourth heat of the day saw the Blue Sky Bloodstock and Gai Waterhouse Racing Inglis Easter yearling purchase WOODBINE finish a very good third behind his stablemates Greatwood and Excess Knowledge.

Having also finished third in his first trial this time in, also behind Greatwood, Woodbine (left) is now likely to make his seasonal debut in the coming weeks.

Another of the Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchases to perform well at the trials was HAVANA (below).

Somewhat of an enigma, Starcraft’s son looked very good in his heat over the 735m, defeating Aomen and Holy Delusions.

Back with trainer Paul Messara after a campaign with Team Hawkes, the Group 3 winner has proven that he is very competitive at stakes class, and we look forward to him re-capturing the form when know he is capable of.

To view replays of the trial performances, click the below names;

Trial 1: AMANPOUR

Trial 4: WOODBINE

Trial 12: HAVANA

I’ll Take The Jag In The Driver’s Seat On Debut

A son of High Chaparral making his debut over 1250m on the tight turning Canterbury circuit – you’d expect to see him running on late making up good ground….well not this time…

The Blue Sky Bloodstock and Paul Messara purchased I’ll Take The Jag put the writing on the wall for a very promising career when taking out Race 3: McGrath Estate Agents Plate in fine style on Wednesday.

Successful in his most recent barrier trial at Randwick where he was ridden by race day jockey Blake Shinn to a three length victory, the New Zealand-bred son of High Chaparral started the favourite for his race track debut for trainer John Sargent.

After a good get away from the gates, Shinn drove I’ll Take The Jag forward to settle in a mid-filed position on the outside in seventh.

With one of the outsiders in the field Mademoiselle Zariz heading forward to take the lead, ensuring the pace was good, Shinn bided his time before making his move at the 600m mark, coming wide and travelling forward.

Pushed about four wide on the turn, I’ll Take The Jag took the lead with 300m to go and surged clear, holding off the late charge of Extensible who came from pack in the back.

Purchased from the draft of Blandford Lodge, the breeder of Group 1 winners Criterion and Luca Valentia, for $410,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the well-bred I’ll Take The Jag is out of Nobentleyforme, a Fastnet Rock half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bentley Biscuit.

Trainer John Sargent was full of praise for his rising four-year-old post-race, so much so, comparing him to one of the best horse we've seen in recent years.

"When he walked into the stables he reminded me of It’s a Dundeel, although he has a bit more white on him,” said Sargent.

 "Let’s hope he turns out as good.”

"Only good horses do that and he’s shown a lot of that at home.”

"Blake (Shinn) rode him like the best horse, he had to do a bit and probably led a bit too soon but he did the job.”

Raced by Go Bloodstock Synd (Mgr: R Hackett), Pinecliff Racing Synd (Mgr: J Munz), Celest Holdings Synd (Mgr: B Adcock), J Andrews, Just Fun Racing Synd (Mgr: D Halpin), J M and Mrs R Andrews, I’ll Take A Jag will now progress through his grades and is likely to step up in trip at his next start.

Congratulations to all involved with this exciting prospect and it looks like we will have a lot of fun with him in the future.

Santa Rocks Bendigo

Starting her career initially in Sydney, Fastnet Rock filly SANTA ROCKS has really appreciated her time in Melbourne and after her narrow last start second on the synthetic at Geelong, all were confident that it would not be too long before she broke her maiden.

Purchased in part by Blue Sky Bloodstock at the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Newgate Farm, SANTA ROCKS (pictured as a yearling) travelled to Bendigo on Wednesday for Race 4: Racing.com Maiden Plate over 1500m.

Away well from barrier nine, jockey Dwayne Dunn allowed the filly to drift back in the pack, finding her feet early to be in a comfortable position.

Travelling slightly wide in the run however, Dunn was continually edging forward and before the home turn was in a challenging position with only the race favourite Daru Sam in front.

With plenty of horse still underneath, Dunn urged the Hawkes Racing-trained filly along hands and heels until she was eyeballing Daru Sam before showing the filly the stick where she asserted her superiority and pulled away for a three-quarter length victory.

Click here to view a replay of the win.

Bred to appreciate further as she matures, her dam Aussie Christmas is an American bred half-sister to triple Group 1 winner Harlan’s Holiday, himself a winner of over $3.6m up to the distance of 1800m.

Congratulations to her large group of owners; Favretto Bloodstock Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, Mr J C Ashton, Mr G P Calder, Henry Field Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr W G Bax, Mr J M Andrews, Mr J M Andrews, Mrs R E Andrews and Adcock Thoroughbred Racing Pty Ltd, we look forward to further success with the progressive filly.

Can They Catch Beneteau?

Purchased from the 2009 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by Blue Sky Bloodstock, BENETEAU showed from day one that he was all quality.

By Redoute’s Choice, out of Slice Of Paradise, herself a stakes-placed full-sister to Champion 3YO Filly Alinghi, the Paul Messara-trained Beneteau recorded two impressive barrier trial wins before making his debut on Australia day in 2010.

Starting the short-priced favourite the imposing colt was simply all class, defeating the Clarry Conners-trained Georgette Silk by almost three lengths, with that filly stepping out at her next start and winning the Listed Widden Stakes with ease.

Sent straight to Melbourne to contest the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G), the colt was just as impressive as his debut performance, defeating General Truce by two-and-a-half lengths, with a further two-and-a-quarter lengths to the third placed Thegreatandthegood.

Starting favourite next time out in the $1 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, Beneteau jumped away well from the middle of the line and after not being able to find a position, dropped back through the field to find himself travelling wide.

Charging home late, Beneteau finished a narrow third to Star Witness – a colt he is now also racing against in the First Season Sire race.

Sent back to Sydney, the colt was beaten by Hinchinbrook in the Group 3 Skyline, before finishing a very credible fifth in the Group 1 Golden Slipper, beaten just over two lengths by Crystal Lily, a filly he had beaten home in Melbourne.

After another cracking effort at Group 1 company, finishing just one and a quarter lengths off Skilled in the Champagne Stakes over 1600m, Beneteau headed for the spelling paddock.

Suffering a paddock injury while spelling, the untimely decision was made to retire Beneteau to stand alongside his sire Redoute’s Choice at the property of his breeder, Arrowfield Stud.

With his first crop of runners hitting the ground running, Beneteau was recently represented by his tenth individual two-year-old winner this season, putting him four clear of his closest rival.

Having sired Group 3 winner Prompt Return (pictured left), a Blue Sky Bloodstock purchase, as well as the Restricted Listed winner Lady Jivago and a further two stakes placed runners, Beneteau looks a certainty to finish the season as the leading first season sire by winners.

If you are interested in touching base with Blue Sky Bloodstock to discuss any future stallion prospects, please do contact Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

Exciting trial win for Fleurieu

Having her first trial for new trainer Gai Waterhouse, three-year-old filly Fleurieu showed she is right on track to break her maiden at her next start after an impressive two-and-a-half length trial win at Randwick on Tuesday.

Jumping from a wide gate in the 1050m heat, jockey Adam Hyeronimus took the filly forward where she sat in a wide position, but was always travelling well within herself.

Hyeronimus let her go as they rounded the home turn, and she travelled up comfortably to take the lead, pulling away for a very comfortable win, giving trainer Gai Waterhouse the winners of the first eight trials of the day!

Secured from the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale from the draft of Mill Park Stud, Fleurieu (pictured as a yearling) is by Coolmore Stud’s Choisir, the well-known Royal Ascot winning sire.

Out of the Rory’s Jester mare Our Greta, it is the family of Group 1 winner Silky Oak, suggesting that out filly should be capable of getting over a bit of a trip as she matures.

It is great to see that since we purchased the filly, her two-year-old half-sister Atalanta Miss (Not A Single Doubt) has had two career wins including the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.

Having only had one start to date, Fleurieu recorded a strong third placed effort during the Scone carnival behind the boys Prime Target and Stimuli. It is pleasing to note that the third placed Stimuli has since headed to Warwick Farm and was an impressive winner at his next start.

To take a look at the trial of Fleurieu, please click here and if you would like any inforamtion on any of the yearlings we secured this year, please contact Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

Mares Aplenty At Magic Millions National Sale

With the completion of the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, Blue Sky Bloodstock secured a host of outstanding mares for clients.

Doing the majority of the purchasing for Anthony Mithen’s Rosemont Stud in Victoria, 15 fillies and mares were secured highlighted by the Gooree Park Stud consigned pair of Group 1 winner Amanpour (pictured), and her three-quarter sister Swing Sensation, while on the opening day of the sale the former Clinton McDonald-trained Tahni Dancer was also purchased.

With a large contingent of almost 1000 mares catalogued for the sale there was plenty of hard work to be done, both before and during the sale.

The opening day of the sale saw the Edinburgh Park-consigned Tahni Dancer  (below) (Lot 566) purchased for $600,000.

A daughter of Sebring, the stakes-performed three-year-old filly (pictured) is out of Tahni Girl, herself a Group 3-winning daughter of the dual Group 1 winner Ballroom Babe.

While not a mare purchase as such, Blue Sky Bloodstock and Rosemont Stud secure a stallion share in leading sire Sebring for $320,000.

Special Flavour (Lot 923) from the draft of Widden Stud was purchased for only $30,000 with a positive test to the dual Group 1- winner Shamus Award at his first season at stud. A winning daughter of the Group 2 winning, Group 1 placed My Tusker, General Nediym mare Special Flavour’s pedigree also includes the Group 1 winners Brew, Fiumicino and Horlicks.

Purchased from the draft of Turannga Farm, the breeder of Champion Miler Able Friend, was the Zabeel mare Zakusa, in foal to Darley’s Medaglia d’Oro, sire of this year’s Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Vancouver.

Knocked down for $65,000, the mare, who is a half-sister to juvenile Group 1 winner Isolda, has had two winners from three to the track including the multiple city winner Koroibete.

A handful of lots later we went to $200,000 to purchase Angelic Smile from the draft of Highgrove Stud.

The dam of five winners from six to the track including the Group 2 winner Fravashi and the Group 3 winner Pure Joy, the well-related mare was sold with a positive to Arrowfield Stud’s high class stallion Snitzel.

Three-year-old filly Ygritte (pictured) (Lot 1359), a recent winner of the Listed Gosford Guineas was purchased for $800,000.

A highly talented daughter of Snitzel, the filly is out of a daughter of the triple Group 1 winner Tycoon Lil and looks to have plenty of racing left in her.

With the supplementary catalogue offering plenty of outstanding opportunities, Blue Sky Bloodstock and Rosemont Stud took full advantage of this, securing numerous class race fillies and mares highlighted by Gai Waterhouse’s last start Group 1 winner Amanpour.

By the ill-fated Northern Meteor, Amanpour was an impressive winner of the Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes. Purchased for $1.5 million as Lot 1410, the same buying duo went to $330,000 to purchase her three-quarter sister Swing Sensation only two lots prior.

All in all it was a great sale for both Vendors and Buyers alike and if you would like to work with Blue Sky Bloodstock in the future, please contact Julian Blaxland on 0431 746 803.

Amanpour knocked down to Rosmeont Stud's Anthony Mithen and Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland for $1.5m from Gooree Park Stud

A complete list of Blue Sky Bloodstock purchases can be seen below;

Lot 566: Tahni Dancer, $600,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 655: Sebring Stallion Share, $320,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 696: Karalli, I/F to Zoustar, $65,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 711: La Fantastique, I/F to Star Witness, $60,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 828: Pachebel’s Song, I/F to High Chaparral, $35,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 923: Special Flavour, I/F to Shamus Award, $30,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 925: Spirit Of Carbine, I/F to Smart Missile, $40,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 992: Zakusa, I/F to Medaglia d’Oro, $65,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1014: Angelic Smile, I/F to Snitzel, $200,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1031: Attessa, I/F to Dawn Approach, $14,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1180: Filtare, I/F to Declaration Of War, $50,000 – Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1190: Fusaichi Queen, I/F to Epaulette, $16,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1359: Ygritte, $800,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1383: Sean Baile Mor, I/F to Exceed And Excel, $300,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1408: Swing Sensation, $330,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock
Lot 1410: Amanpour, $1,500,000 – Rosemont Stud/Blue Sky Bloodstock

Blaxland Ready For Magic Millions National Sale

Fresh from an exciting trip to the USA to see American Pharoah treat his rivals with contempt in the Group 1 Kentucky Derby, Julian Blaxland has been busy inspecting all lots on the ground at the Magic Millions National Sale.

With a large catalogue of weanlings, race fillies and mares catalogued, it is a sale that in the past has produced Group 1 winning graduates including Driefontein, Peggy Jean, Zoustar and Pierro from the Weanling portion, while in the Broodmare Sale there are over 175 black type mares catalogued including 94 stakes winners – among them Group 1 winners Sweet Idea, Diademe, Diana Cazadora, Private Steer, Response, Rostova and Viadana.

Stepping back from his auctioneering duties this year, Blaxland will be available for independent bloodstock agency consultation for the entire sale.

“There are some really outstanding lots set to sell this year at the sale, and we're really looking forward to being part of the action,” stated Blaxland.

The Services that Blue Sky Bloodstock can offer you include:

What We Do For You:

• Physical evaluation and report of each lot in the catalogue
• Pedigree Evaluation and report of each lot in the catalogue
• Value and Price estimate of each lot in the catalogue
• Provide reports on each lot including future matings, sibling progress and past sales results in the immeadiate family of each lot 

What You Pay For Our Services:

• Option A:        Only 2.5% Commission Payable on Purchases As Agent
• Option B:        One off Pre-Sale Physical and Catalogue Report - Fee $5000

Julian can be contacted via 0431 746 803 and the catalogues can be view here.

Julian Blaxland and Gai Waterhouse Team Up

A fresh, exciting relationship has been forged between Julian Blaxland of Blue Sky Bloodstock and Champion Trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Julian will join Gai as part of her yearling and tried horse selection team, operating in the capacity of consulting Bloodstock Agent for the stable going forward.

While continuing to act as an independent agent, Julian will scale down his auctioneering duties with Magic Millions over the next six months, but will remain involved in the extensive yearling selection process for the company’s flagship January sale. Gai feels that Julian has the talent and experience to really assist her owners in buying their next Champion.

Likewise, Julian believes he can add some value to the already formidable systems in place at Gai Waterhouse Racing. 

Working with Gai and her Racing Managers, Adrian Bott and Emma Pearce, on processes that already have the stable being regarded as the most prolific stallion making operation in Australasia with recent Group 1-winning stallions Sebring, Northern Meteor, Pierro, Vancouver and Wandjina all coming through the famed Tulloch Lodge system.

Blue Sky Working for the Breeder at MM National Sale

MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST NATIONAL SALE  

Weanlings and Broodmares - 24 to 31 May 2015

The Gold Coast National Sale is fast approaching and Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland will be on the grounds inspecting all commercial stock on offer for clients and breeders. This year’s catalogue is one of the finest ever breeding stock catalogues ever assembled in Australasia but with over 1300 lots, many breeders and owners will struggle to get across the whole book.  We will do the leg work for you and cover the catalogue, allowing you to have all the information in your hands prior to the first lot entering the ring. 

Julian Blaxland will not be auctioneering at this year’s Weanling or Broodmare sales, instead he’ll be working all the barns, concentrating on selection of stock for purchase As Agent for Blue Sky Bloodstock clients. We offer independent advice, based on 15 years experience gained in the industry as a Bloodstock Agent and auctioneer. 
 

It’s a big catalogue, full of opportunities for those that are prepared...

What We Do For You:

• Physical evaluation and report of each lot in the catalogue
• Pedigree Evaluation and report of each lot in the catalogue
• Value and Price estimate of each lot in the catalogue
• Provide reports on each lot including future matings, sibling progress and past sales results in the immeadiate family of each lot 

What You Pay For Our Services:

• Option A:        Only 2.5% Commission Payable on Purchases As Agent
• Option B:        One off Pre-Sale Physical and Catalogue Report - Fee $5000

Make use of Blue Sky Bloodstock Agency’s services to you’re benefit
 

General James For Alister Clark Stakes

An impressive last start winner over 1600m, the trip of Friday night’s Group  2 Alister Clark Stakes, the Blue Sky Bloodstock and Danny O’Brien Racing New Zealand Bloodstock yearling Sale purchase GENERAL JAMES may look like he is stepping up a great deal in class, but we are confident of a forward showing.

By Savabeel, a sire who is really highlighting his class of late through the deeds of Group 1 winner Lucia Valentina and the recent New Zealand Oaks winner Savaria, General James (pictured at track work) is out the O’Reilly mare Splendid, herself a sister to the HK-Group 2 winner Unique Jewellery, as well as a half-sister to the Group 1 winner Marju Snip and the Group 2 winner Do Ra Mi.

From a pedigree that also includes the Group 1 winners Candide and her sons Nadeem and Billion Win, as well as the recent Listed winner Dylanson, it is a family always on the move.

A winner of two of his four starts to date as well as a second placed effort, the pedigree of General James does suggest that he will get over further than the 1600m of Friday’s nights race, and with races like the Australian Derby, South Australian Derby and Queensland Derby in the coming months, these are races that on pedigree General James could be aimed towards if his form warrants it.

Set to be ridden by James Winks, we wish the large group of owners; Lucky Stew Racing (Mgr: M Harrington), Mrs L Ashton, Yarra Racing Syndicate (Mgr: Mrs S Duncan), C Mathieson, P J Prendergast, S Wilson, B Cameron, Cazjohn Racing (Mgr: J M Edwards), A Bruhn, S Daniels, S Giles, W Wilson, W Wessels, C Meadmore, W Thomas, J Steenhuisen, H O'Meara and Ms V Thomas the best of luck for the race.