Blue Sky and Aquis Top Day One At Inglis Broodmare Sale

April 12, 2017 Dane Squance

Aquis Farm has continued its large scale investment in Australian racing and breeding by securing three-year-old Our Girl Raquie (Fastnet Rock), a filly who is out of a three-quarter sister to Redoute’s Choice (Danehill), for $500,000 at the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale yesterday.

In conjunction with Blue Sky Bloodstock, Aquis Farm purchased the top-priced lot on Tuesday to support their growing stallion roster at their Queensland property.

Catalogued as Lot 162, the Teeley Assets-consigned unraced three-year-old filly is a granddaughter of Shantha’s Choice (Canny Lad), the dam of champion stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) and Group One-winning sire Manhattan Rain (Encosta De Lago).

“It is a family that is obviously hard to get into, and interestingly, we bought a weanling at Keeneland last year out of the family that will be raced over there in the US by Aquis.

“Our Girl Raquie is a super physical and we hope she can be a blue hen for the farm,” Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland told ANZ Bloodstock News.

“If you look at that family, and we hope she is worth every penny one day, that is what it costs to get them. I thought ($500,000) was around the mark for her.”

Blue Sky Bloodstock and Aquis Farm paid US$525,000 at last year’s Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for a then weanling filly by Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado) out of Taste Of Heaven (Encosta De Lago), a winning daughter of Shantha’s Choice.

Our Girl Raquie’s dam, the unraced Ten Carat Rock (Rock Of Gibraltar) is a three-quarter sister to Redoute’s Choice and Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Platinum Scissors and a sister to Group Three winner Sliding Cube.

Sliding Cube, who won the San Domenico Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m), is the dam of Schillaci Stakes (Gr 2, 1000m) winner and Coolmore Stud sire Rubick (Encosta De Lago). Ten Carat Rock is also a half-sister to Group One-placed Listed winner Echoes Of Heaven (Encosta De Lago).

Our Girl Raquie, who was unplaced in two barrier trials earlier this year for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, is Ten Carat Rock’s first foal with her second, a two-year-old sister called Lady Cartier, is in training with Brent Stanley in Victoria.

Ten Carat Rock was sold by Teeley Assets at the 2014 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $750,000 to Newgate Farm.

Aquis Farm and Blue Sky Bloodstock combined yesterday to buy 11 lots during the Select Broodmare Session for $1,312,000.

Their other purchases included Lot 234, Bound To Blush (Strategic) for $200,000.

Runner up in the Glenlogan Park Stakes (registered as Moreton Stakes) (Gr 3, 1350m), Bound To Blush won four races and was placed at stakes level five times before being retired to stud.

Sold in foal to Artie Schiller (El Prado), the sire of Group One winner Flying Artie, the Gooree Park Stud-consigned Bound To Blush has an unraced two-year-old filly by Medaglia d’Oro, a yearling colt and a weanling filly both by Smart Missile (Fastnet Rock).

Her second dam is the unraced Run For Roses, a sister to the Group One-winning sire Keeper as well as the stakes-placed pair Downing Street and Little Chloe. This is also the family of the multiple Group One winner Metal Bender (Danasinga).

Blaxland said Bound To Blush would be covered by Newgate Farm first crop stallion Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt) this season, a horse Aquis Farm part-owns.

“Artie Schiller is a great proven stallion and has already got sire son Flying Artie (at Newgate Farm) and Bound To Blush is pencilled in to go to Extreme Choice, which is exciting,” he said.

“Aquis Farm bought into Extreme Choice fairly early, along with Newgate Farm, and they are keen to support him with some nice mares this year.”

The Aquis Farm-Blue Sky Bloodstock partnership also purchased two mares from Godolphin’s draft, Lot 259, city-winning Lonhro (Octaganal) mare Cleanse for $110,000 and Lot 263, Coins (Hard Spun) for $160,000.

Cleanse is out of Encosta De Lago (Fairy King) mare Clean. Clean is a half-sister to Rubiton Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) winner and Group One placed Intelligent Star (Picknicker) and Group Three winner Blaze The Turf (Blazing Sword). Cleanse, the dam of an Exceed And Excel colt born last year, was sold in foal to Brazen Beau (I Am Invincible).

The Group Three-placed winning mare Coins (above), who is out of an unraced half-sister to French Listed winner Time Changes (Danzig), was sold in foal to Reset (Zabeel). The dam of a Bernardini (A P Indy) yearling colt and Lonhro (Octagonal) weanling colt, Coins is one of six winners for her dam Monetary.

“I would imagine the majority of mares bought today will be to support the Queensland stallions, of which Aquis Farm has four new ones for 2017,” Blaxland said.

“Aquis also has interests in Extreme Choice and Xtravagant and they will also commercially breed to Hunter Valley stallions.”

Blaxland said he and Aquis Farm would be active on Day Two of the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.

“It is a good market at the moment, and there is the (Magic Millions) Gold Coast sale coming up, but is Aquis has been active at the Inglis sale and is hopeful of acquiring some more mares before the start of the new season,” he said.

News From ANZ.

Blue Sky’s Easter Bonanza

April 10, 2017 Dane Squance

Headed by the $2.4 milllion on of Medaglia d’Oro, Blue Sky Bloodstock were involved in securing six yearlings at the recent 2017 Inglis Australian Easter yearling Sale, the final sale Easter sale to be held under the famed ‘fig tree’ at the Newmarket sale complex.

Early on day two, Blue Sky Bloodstock joined forced with Aquis Farm, Coolmore, Stonestreet and Unifatih to secure Lot 178, Yarraman Park Stud’s son of Medgalia d’Oro out of the stakes-winning General Nediym mare Hoss Amor.

The second foal of the triple stakes winner, the colt became the highest price paid for a son of Darley’s Medaglia d’Oro in the southern hemisphere.

Lot 178: Medaglia d'Oro x Hoss Amor colt - Yarraman Park Stud

Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland rated the colt as the best yearling at the sale. “There had been a lot of talk about him. We got a group together with Coolmore, Stonestreet from America, Unifaith and Aquis Farm who I was representing.

“He’s a magnificent colt and Chris Waller will train him with the aim of turning him into a stallion. He cost a little more than we thought we would have to pay,” Blaxland told ANZ Bloodstock News on Wednesday. “There is stiff completion for these stallion prospects.”

“Everybody kind of came together because everybody wanted the horse and we just thought we’d best go at it as a team rather than go against each other,” Stonestreet’s John Moynihan said. “We think he’s a special horse. I think you have got to step up to get those ones that are.

“We came here and saw that horse, not only did he look like a great racing prospect, but if he is good enough — fingers crossed and everything willing — if he wins the right races here he’s certainly a horse you could shuttle back to America.”

Justin Fung (pictured), Aquis chief executive, was equally enthusiastic. “We’re really excited,” he said. “It’s a fantastic, fantastic colt that, with this sale being as strong as it is, we wanted to come in and pick a couple of horses that we really loved and make sure that we had good partners in it.

“We do partnerships with a lot of different companies out there and we want to be known as the farm that’s easy to work with and that we’re willing to be malleable in whatever deals come our way.”

A handful of lots later, Blue Sky partnered with Aquis, Coolmore and South African’s leading owner Mayfair Speculators to purchase Lot 185, a colt by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock out of the Champion 3YO Canadian filly Inglorious Song from the draft of Kia Ora Stud.

Lot 185: Fastnet Rock x Inglorious colt - Kia Ora Stud

With each dam on the page being a stakes winner, the colt was secured for $900,000.

“He is a lovely colt and looks very sharp – Fastnet Rock is having a resurgence and he had five or six runners in the Blue Diamond this year,” stated Blaxland.

It took $400,000 by Aquis, Gelagotis Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock to purchase a colt (Lot 242) by leading sire Snitzel.

Lot 242: Snitzel x Montana Downs colt - Davali Thoroughbreds

Out of the Bluebird mare Montana Downs, the colt is a half-brother to the Group 2-winning, Group 1 placed Montana Flyer, and the stakes placed Montana Sunset and Caravaggio.

The next came early on the final day of the three day sale when Tony Gollan Racing, Aquis Farm and Blue Sky Bloodstock parted ways with $375,000 to take home Lot 351 from the draft of outstanding boutique Queensland vendor HighgroveStud.

Lot 351: Snitzel x Simply Beautiful colt - Highgrove Stud

Another be Arrowfield Stud’s Champion Sire Snitzel, the grey colt is out of the American-bred Listed winner Simply Spiteful, a daughter of Speighstown. From an international black type pedigree, the colt will head to Queensland to race.

A few lots later it was the extremely well-bred Exceed And Excel colt (Lot 358) who was purchased for $225,000 in conjunction with Aquis Farm and Gai Waterhouse Racing.

Sold through the draft of Cressfield Stud, the chestnut colt is out of the Polish Precedent mare Snowdrift, making the colt a half-relation to Group 1 winner Snowland, Group 2-winning, Group 1 placed Portillo (Who is in turn the dam of Group 2 winner Ghisoni), as well as the Listed winner Snippetson and the stakes placed Snowden and Freeze.

Lot 358: Exceed And Excel x Snowdrift colt - Cressfield Stud

Also related to Group 1 producing sire Myboycharlie, who has been responsible in Australia for multiple Group 1 winner Jameka, this colt was one of the buys of the sale.

The final purchase was Lot 376, with Blue Sky Bloodstock and Aquis teaming up for Lot 376 from the draft of Widden Stud.

By the outstanding colonial sire I Am Invincible, the brown colt is out of the winning Blevic mare Streetcar Stella, a sister to Group 3 winner Street Car Magic and a half-sister to Listed winner Streetcar Isabelle.

Lot 376: I Am Invincible x Streetcar Stella colt - Widden Stud

Julian Blaxland expressed his admiration for the I Am Invincible – Streetcar Stella colt after making the winning bid during the final session of the record-breaking sale. “He is a gorgeous horse and he’s by one of the best young speed stallions in Australia. He had the perfect attitude all week and we were on our limit but I’m delighted to get him for Aquis Farm.

“Stallions like I Am Invincible are the sires of the future and you can buy his progeny with confidence. There are a three or four trainers after him and we will make that decision over the next few days.

“I did expect to pay that price to be honest but I thought it would have been half that amount at the beginning of the week. There’s a few syndicates here trying to do the same thing that we are doing.

“Aquis has bought a lot of horses this year, not many at that price, but it’s nice to have a sprinkling of jewels through the stable and hopefully they will perform well.”

For any further information on any of Blue Sky Bloodstock purchases, please contact Julian Blaxland on +61 431 746 803.

Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland and Justin Fung, CEO of Aquis Farm.

Group One Sire Husson Relocates to Aquis Farm

March 29, 2017 Dane Squance

Aquis Farm are delighted to announce the acquisition of proven Group 1 producing sire Husson (Arg), who has been purchased from Vinery Stud in a deal brokered by Julian Blaxland's Blue Sky Bloodstock.

"Aquis Farm is committed to bringing the best available stallions to Queensland and to give breeders the opportunity to access Hunter Valley standard stallions in their own backyard," said Justin Fung.

"We will support Husson in the same way we have all our other stallions and with horses running for him like Frolic and unbeaten HK rising star Nothingilikemore, we are excited for his future in both Australia and Asia."

Star Husson filly Frolic - G2 winner and G1 Golden Slipper runner-up who was purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock.

A Group I winner by champion sire Hussonet (USA), Husson is currently enjoying his usual good season and has the favourite Frolic for the $1million Group I ATC Inglis Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday.

Second in the Group 1 ATC Golden Slipper and a winner of the Group 2 ATC Reisling Stakes, Frolic has already won nearly $1million in prizemoney and is one of four stakes-winners this season for Husson joining Lucky Hussler, Moral Victory and Husson Eagle.

Husson (pictured below) looms as a perfect fit for the Queensland market and has achieved notable success at the $10million Magic Millions raceday siring Private Secretary to win the Magic Millions Plate for fillies and mares this year and Husson Eagle to win the Magic Millions Sprint and Group 1 winner Lucky Hussler to win the Magic Millions Cup last year.

"I am so pleased Aquis has acquired Husson," said Aquis General Manager, Robyn Wise.

"He is a stallion who stamps his stock and never lacks for a good horse. He is very commercial yet perfect for the breed to race breeder as well. His stock are always strong, well-muscled and very consistent."

Husson started his career at Patinack Farm, but has been based with Vinery Stud in the Hunter Valley recent years.

"He's been a great horse for us and we are really happy to see him go to Aquis where he will get the support he deserves," said Peter Orton of Vinery Stud.

"The Hunter Valley has become extremely competitive making it difficult for him to stand out from the crowd, but he will be very well placed in Queensland where his progeny have done so well, particularly on Magic Millions day both this year and last year.

"Being free of Danehill blood he will be a great outcross for the large population of Queensland mares and should suit a wide range of breeders. He's the complete package, an outcross sire who can get early two year-olds that train on.

"I believe Husson will be a great asset for Queensland."

News from Breednet.

Who is leading trainer Gai Waterhouse picking in the G1 Golden Slipper?

March 15, 2017 Dane Squance

Who better to break down this year’s Golden Slipper?

The lead-up to the 2017 edition has had an unusual feel to it. For the first time in nearly 20 years - 1998 to be exact - racing’s first lady doesn’t have a Slipper runner.

That said, she sure knows how to win one, and also knows what tactics she’d be employing, if she did had a runner in the $3.5 million classic on Saturday.

“I’d want to see them in a forward position,” Waterhouse told G1X.com.au.

“I’ve won six Slippers and it’s better if you're in a forward position because there’s less chance of soil coming back in your eye or a horse bumping into you.”

Much of the talk this week has been about the inevitable soft track, and how the winner will be a horse that’s strong over 1400m and the mile.

So does Waterhouse agree?

Frolic was purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale

“Absolutely,” she said, “I’ve won two triple crowns with Dance Hero and Pierro, and one I was beaten a nostril by Samantha Miss with Sebring. The horse has to be able to run a mile.”

“It has to be a very tough horse, a talented horse… They can’t just be speedy squib.”

So with that in mind, which of the sixteen Slipper runners this year, would she like to be preparing for the race the most?

“I quite like the filly trained by Michael Freedman (Frolic), I think she’s a very talented filly and I liked the way she won the other day down the outside,” Waterhouse said.

“I’ve had (Frolic’s jockey) Tommy Berry win a Slipper for me by doing exactly what he did the other day; having the brains to read the track before the race, and then winning the race with Overreach.”

“He said to me, ‘You’ve got to be right on the fence… I know there’s a good strip there, I know I can win the race.’

“And I said, ‘Just go for it.’

“I saw exactly that with the filly the other day and I thought ‘Golly, Berry Brilliant again… BB!”

And which horse does Waterhouse think is the biggest danger to Frolic over the 1200m dash?

“I think the Magic Millions winner Houtzen is a good horse, very much so,” she said.

Frolic Flies To Inglis Classic Victory

February 14, 2017 Dane Squance

The Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased FROLIC was successful in Monday's $250,000 Restricted Listed Inglis Classic (1200m) at Randwick, as trainer Michael Freedman produced another potential top-line juvenile.

Frolic, a daughter of Husson out of the stakes-winning Redoute's Choice Leveller, produced a stunning turn of foot to score a memorable win in the Inglis Classic, and Freedman now has his eyes on The Championships.

Frolic was purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock for $100,000 from last year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from the Vinery draft.

She races for the Kelly family of Newhaven Park’s Suffolk Vale & Co partnership, managed by Tom Kelly and races in the silks more recent seen worn by Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Peeping.

From the outside gate of 14 today jockey Tommy Berry took Frolic back to last before coming the widest in the Randwick straight with a sizzling burst of speed to run down the opposition.

Frolic defeated race favourite Sweet Deal – a daughter of Vinery’s Casino Prince – while Lets Get Nauti Gal (Harbour Watch x Zecchino) finished third.

Vinery’s Conor Phelan described Frolic as “the epitome of the Classic Sale’’.

“She’s a really good type from a solid family and an affordable proven stallion,’’ Phelan said.

“She was well found by many at the sale last year but congratulations to Blue Sky and the Kellys on securing her.

“The sale last year was a great result for the breeders Marc and Cherilyn Lowe and Frolic provides another Stakes win for Husson, who has been such a great money spinner for trainers, syndicators and speculators over the years.

Winning trainer Michael Freedman has his eyes on Group 1 success with Frolic following today's devastating win.

“Hopefully she can press on deeper into the autumn from here but we’ll just see how she comes through today,’’ he said.

“I think ultimately she will be better at 1400m to a mile, but there might be some nice races for her over The Championships.’’

Blue Sky’s Classic buys set for lucractive clash

February 10, 2017 Dane Squance

Saturday’s $250,000 Inglis Classic (1200m) is a race open only to the graduates of the Inglis Classic yearling sale the year prior and Blue Sky Bloodstock will be represented by two of its purchases; the Michael Freedman-trained FROLIC and MONOPOLY from the Clarry Conners stable.

Well in the market after two second placed performance including a last start runner-up to Godolphin's Marsupial, who will head towards the Group 1 Blue Diamond in Melbourne, Frolic was secured from the draft of Vinery Stud for $100,000.

Raced by J W Kelly Suffolk Vale and Co (Mgr: T W Kelly) and carrying the silks worn to many Group 1 victories including most recently when Peeping won the Coolmore Classic, the Husson filly (pictured below) is out of the Group 3-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Leveller from an impressive black type family.

With leading jockey Tommy Berry in the saddle, the filly does have to overcome the outside barrier, but to date her racing pattern has seen her settle back and work home to record very encouraging late sectionals.

Secured for loyal Blue Sky Bloodstock client Mr Mark Sowerby for $40,000, Monopoly is an unraced daughter from the first crop of Encosta de Lago’s multiple Group 1 winner Delago Deluxe.

Out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Lady Ice, Monopoly’s family includes Group 1 producing sire Myboycharlie as well as Group 1 horses Snowland, Portillo and Kendam.

Interestingly, Delago Deluxe (stallion pictured below) produced an impressive winner a few weeks back in the shape of Delago Thunder, with Blue Sky having secured that runner as a yearling from the draft of Newhaven Park, the very same vendor that Monopoly was purchased from.

Having had three runners on the recent $10 million Magic Millions day, highlighted by two in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, and now having a further two make the field for the Inglis Classic, it highlights that the harder you work, the luckier you get.

While not a graduate of the Inglis sale, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained two-year-old Sebring filly PANDEMONIUM heads to Caulfield on Saturday for the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (F) over 1100m. Having had one prior start for a second when third behind Exceeds, the form has been franked with both the winner and runner-up that day since going on to finish second and third respectively at stakes level.

Purchased in conjunction with Gai Waterhouse for $300,000 from the draft of Lomar Park Stud, Pandemonium is out of the Gaint's Causeway mare Tapanappa.

Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Managing Director Julian Blaxland would like to wish the connections of Frolic, Monopoly and Pandemonium the best of luck for their respective races on Saturday.

Julian has been hard at work at the Inglis Newmarket Complex this week inspecting all of the yearlings and will be working to secure yearlings for client Aquis Farm as well as purchase any yearlings for clients who are interested in getting involved. Please contact Julian on +61 431 746 803 if you would like any further information.

Reisling Next For From Within

February 2, 2017 Dane Squance

Highly regarded filly From Within (Not a Single Doubt-Zimaretto, by Anabaa) will be given one opportunity to prove she is up to Golden Slipper class when she contests the Gr2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on 4 March, reports AAP.

From Within was an impressive debut winner back in December before she got caught on the wrong section of the track when 13th in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast.

From Within was a Blue Sky Bloodstock Magic Millions yearling purchase from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud.

Trainer Chris Waller said From Within would trial before the Riesling. "It gives her enough time to get over the Magic Millions run and prepare properly for the Reisling," Waller said.

"It then gives you the stepping stone for two weeks into the Golden Slipper if we feel she warrants being there."

Waller said From Within had recovered well from her trip to Queensland with a week in the spelling paddock.

First Winner for Delago Deluxe

January 29, 2017 Dane Squance

Newhaven Park's promising young sire Delago Deluxe has broken the ice with his first winner after Delago Thunder scored a strong finishing debut victory at Kembla on Saturday.

Given a good education with three previous trials under her belt, the David Payne trained filly powered to the line for Mitchell Bell to win the 1000 metre juvenile maiden by a head in a thrilling finish.

"She's got plenty of scope and will be winning more races," said Bell.

A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase for Blue Sky Bloodstock from the Newhaven Park draft, Delago Thunder is also the first winner for her stakes-placed dam Alezan Thunder, a daughter of current star sire Written Tycoon.

Delago Thunder runs for South African based Nordic Racing and Breeding managed by Marcus Jooste, who raced Delago Deluxe with much success in South Africa where he was the Champion 2YO Colt.

Nordic Racing and Breeding purchased a number of mares to support Delago Deluxe when he retired to Newhaven Park and Alezan Thunder has been to the dual Group I winning son of Encosta de Lago for the past four seasons.

News from Breednet

2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale Purchases

January 18, 2017 Dane Squance

With the 2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale once again proving to be an extremely exciting sale, the success of graduates throughout the world, as well as the extremely good prizemoney opportunities for graduates, has seen Blue Sky Bloodstock focus heavily on this year’s sale where we have worked in partnership with many parties to secure numerous lots.

Below is a complete list of all yearlings secured and if you have any questions on the ones with Shares Available, or would like to know more, contact Julian Blaxland on julian@blueskybloodstock.com.au or (+61) 431 746 803.

SOLD

MILL PARK STUD
Lot 38: Bay Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: I Am Invincible
Dam: Furline, by Tale Of The Cat
Purchaser: Stonestreet, Peter Leidel, Aquis Farm, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: 500,000

SOLD

SLEDMERE STUD
Lot 51: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Savabeel
Dam: Glam Slam, by Pins
Purchaser: Aquis Farm, Sino Proven Syndicate and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $120,000

SOLD

WESTBURY STUD
Lot 104: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Savebeel
Dam: Illuminates, by Strategic
Purchaser: Gai Waterhouse, Aquis Farm and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $440,000

SOLD

NEWHAVEN PARK STUD
Lot 120: Chestnut Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Not A Single Doubt
Dam: It's Fun, Real Quiet
Purchaser: Aquis Farm, Blue Sky Bloodstock, Michael Freedman
Price: $350,000

SOLD

NEWHAVEN PARK STUD
Lot 139: Bay Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: Redoute's Choice
Dam: Kidman, by Quest For Fame
Purchaser: Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $400,000

SOLD

GOODWOOD FARM
Lot 194: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Al Maher
Dam: Magical Slice, by Ne Coupez Pas
Purchaser: Aquis Farm, Sino Proven Syndicate, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $60,000

SOLD

STRAWBERRY HILLS STUD
Lot 208: Chestnut Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: More Than Ready
Dam: Mary Marvel, by Fusaichi Pegasus
Purchasers: Gai Waterhouse, Blue Sky Bloodstock and Aquis Farm
Price: $260,000

With TOBY EDMONDS - 50% AVAILABLE

YARRAMAN PARK STUD
Lot 211: Bay Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: I Am Invincible
Dam: Meliora, by Ad Valorem
Purchasers: Blue Sky Bloodstock and Toby Edmonds
Price: $300,000

With MICHAEL FREEDMAN - 15% AVAILABLE

SOUTHERN CROSS BREEDERS
Lot 217: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Sizzling
Dam: Mia Cat Dancer, Tactical Cat
Purchasers: Blue Sky Bloodstock and Michael Freedman
Price: $200,000

SOLD

SEGENHOE STUD
Lot 226: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Choisir
Dam: Mining Tycoon, by Redoute's Choice
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Blue Sky Bloodstock and Toby Edmonds
Price: $350,000

With MICHAEL FREEDMAN - 25% AVAILABLE

BARAMUL STUD
Lot 235: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Fastnet Rock
Dam: Miss Jakeo, by Unbirdled's Song
Purchasers: Aquis Farm and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $220,000

SOLD

KULANI PARK
Lot 310: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Zoustar
Dam: Permaiscuous, by Danzero
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Tony McEvoy and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $375,000

SOLD

KIA-ORA STUD
Lot 336: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Fastnet Rock
Dam: Pure Fun, by Pure Prize
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Stonestreet and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $650,000

SOLD

CORUMBENE STUD
Lot 339: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: More Than Ready
Dam: Purespeed, by Flying Spur
Purchasers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Aquis Farm, Dermott Farrington B'Stock, Blue Sky Bloodstock

Price: $1,300,000

SOLD

COOLMORE STUD
Lot 382: Bay Filly, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Sebring
Dam: Rocha, by Encosta de Lago
Purchasers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $180,000

With CLARRY CONNERS - 50% AVAILABLE

RIVERSDALE
Lot 401: Bay Filly, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Dundeel
Dam: Royal Emereger
Purchaser: Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $85,000

SOLD

AQUIS FARM
Lot 421: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Sepoy
Dam: Sarah Jessica, by Redoute's Choice
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Sino Proven Syndicate and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $60,000

SOLD

GLENLOGAN PARK
Lot 442: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Zoustar
Dam: She's Meaner, by Falvelon
Purchaser: Aquis Farm, Raffles Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $250,000

SOLD

VINERY STUD
Lot 456: Bay Filly, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: More Than Ready
Dam: Single Style, by Not A Single Doubt
Purchasers: Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $280,000

SOLD

LOMAR PARK STUD
Lot 464: Brown Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: Fastnet Rock
Dam: Smart Company, by Mister C
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Tony McEvoy, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $310,000

SOLD

WIDDEN STUD
Lot 471: Bay Filly, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Zoustar
Dam: Solar Charged, by Charge Forward
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Tony McEvoy, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $300,000

SOLD

NEWHAVEN PARK
Lot 528: Chestnut Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: Not A Single Doubt
Dam: Tiffin, by Grand Lodge
Purchasers: Aquis Farm and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $250,000

SOLD

KIA-ORA STUD
Lot 547: Chestnut Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Snitzel
Dam: Twilight Royale, by Testa Rossa
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Tony Gollan, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $425,000

SOLD

WIDDEN STUD
Lot 603: Bay Colt, Pedigree here, Footage here
Sire: Hinchinbrook
Dam: Acorker, by Don Eduardo
Purchasers: Aquis Farm, Tony Gollan, Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $200,000

SOLD

ATTUNGA STUD
Lot 606: Black or Brown Filly, Pedigree here
Sire: Lonhro
Dam: Adaline, by Court Of Jewels
Purchasers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $300,000

With TONY MCEVOY - 22.5% AVAILABLE

NEWHAVEN PARK
Lot 610: Bay Colt, Pedigree here
Sire: Delago Deluxe
Dam: Affair, by Shamardal
Purchasers: McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock
Price: $180,000

Blue Sky’s Triple Treat On Gold Coast’s Magic Day

January 14, 2017 Dane Squance

With the action in the sale ring across the road taking a rest for a few hours, the foucs turns to the $10million Magic Millions race day upon us, where Blue Sky Bloodstock will be represented by three yearling purchases racing on the day.

In the feature event of the meeting, the $2million Jeep Magic Millions (1200m), unbeaten fillies FROM WITHIN (Not A Single Doubt) and the Gai Waterhouse co-purchased INVINCIBLE STAR (I Am Invincible) were yearling selections and buys for Julian Blaxland’s Blue Sky Bloodstock.

The final event of the nine-race card day sees PROMPT RETURN (Beneteau) content the $1million Myer Magic Millions Sprint wearing the Blue Sky Bloodstock silks.

Secured from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud for $200,000 in conjunction with Gai Waterhouse, Invincible Star made her debut in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes at Flemington during the Spring carnival where the Mr D W Lilley, Mrs S Lilley, Mr D K Dong, Mr D E Lowe, Ms G C Coward, Ms F Bishop, Mr C Charalambous, Mr T J Pender, Ms M N Zuluaga Ruiz, Mr L Polglase, Mr S A Barton, Mr A A Smith, Mr G J Whitford, Mrs C L Lowe and Mr R C Lowe-owned daughter of I Am Invincible could not have been more impressive, charging away for a two and a quarter length victory.

Kept fresh for Saturday’s race, the filly has been given two barrier trials, with the most recent a five length romp at Wyong that should see the Tim Clark-ridden filly spot on.

Also having just her second start in the race is Not A Single Doubt filly From Within, who was also secured from the draft of Yarraman Park for $360,000.

Raced by Mark Sowerby and Raffles Racing, the Chris Waller-trained filly made her debut on December 31 at Canterbury and her winning performance at the time saw the filly elevated to favourite for Saturday’s race.

Set to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, From Within has had many talking about how exciting she is, with Waller also indicating that she is clearly a classy filly with a bright future.

Both Invincible Star and From Within have many ‘hoodoos’ to overcome if they are to win the race, but the most significant being that no horse has officially won the race at just their second start.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained No Looking Back was first past the post in her juvenile year at just her second start before losing out to stablemate Driefontein on protest.

No matter what the outcome of Saturday’s race is, both fillies have shown tremendous ability so far, and we are excited what the future holds for them.

The following race sees the Toby Edmonds-trained Prompt Return line up in the Magic Millions Sprint.

Purchased from the draft of Newgate Farm, Prompt Return, a son of former Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchase BENETEAU, has been in great form since transferring to the Gold Coast base of Edmonds.

Winning four of his last seven starts, the Group 3-winning juvenile faces some stiff opposition, but his last start third over 1000m at Listed level indicated that the four-year-old was looking for further, and with one victory from only one start at the track, there are many positive factors leading into the race.

Prompt Return will be ridden by leading jockey Jeff Lloyd who has won on him on numerous occasions and from barrier nine should be able to get into a good position for owners Mark Sowerby and Ron Hamer.

It is extremely exciting and rewarding to have three yearling purchases running on the day and we wish our connections the best of luck in their respective races and thank them for their continues support.

Race is on to spot the stars of the future at Gold Coast yearling sale

January 10, 2017 Dane Squance

Between them, these three bloodstock agents have selected the past two Golden Slipper winners, two of the favourites for Saturday’s Magic Millions Classic and the best turf horse in the world.

This week they will be competing against each other on the Gold Coast in a bid to find the next champion of the turf for their clients.

Guy Mulcaster has been behind the purchase of many of Chris Waller’s best horses in recent years, most notably the pin-up of the Magic Millions sales, Winx.

Julian Blaxland purchased From Within for former business partner Mark Sowerby and also selected Invincible Star in conjunction with Gai Waterhouse at last year’s sale.

James Harron has found the past two Golden Slipper winners, Vancouver and Capitalist, from these Magic Millions sales and he also bought nominal Slipper favourite Khan from the Gold Coast last year.

Selecting yearlings has never been an exact science. It is an art form of marrying the athlete you see in front of you with the pedigree presented on the page.

Bloodstock agents Guy Mulcaster, Julian Blaxland and James Harron are on the lookout for racing’s next star at the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast. Picture: Scott Fletcher

In recent years Harron, Mulcaster and Blaxland have been able to hit a few bullseyes and the trio will compete with hundreds of other buyers from today in an endeavour to do the same.

“We’re on a circuit and we go to sales six out of the 12 months a year and we get on pretty good,” Mulcaster said. “You either get the horses or you get beaten on them and then you generally don’t find out for 18 months if you were right or wrong.”

Harron said work for this sale started many months ago when he started strategising with clients.

“That can be difficult because at that stage you are still waiting for the yearlings we bought last year to come out and show something,” he said.

“Without the owners we’re not here. To have their support and faith in you is everything. You just want to reward them and have the horses perform on the track. Having horses win good races on the track is the pinnacle.”

Guy Mulcaster has been behind the purchase of many of Chris Waller’s best horses in recent years, including champion mare Winx. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Blaxland will again be buying with Gai Waterhouse this week and also has orders for emerging stud Aquis Farm.

“I think there’s an unspoken rivalry in every sport or pursuit. We spend so much time together, but when bidding finishes we’re the first to have a beer together,” Blaxland said of agent versus agent.

Harron said he has a policy of “no regrets” on horses he bid on, but missed out. “You price a horse and have to be happy to walk away knowing you gave it your best shot,” he said.

Perhaps tactfully, Blaxland rates Invincible Star and From Within as “hard to split” on Saturday.

“Obviously the rap on From Within is pretty good, but Gai has been telling us for a long time that Invincible Star is a very good filly,” he said.

News: Nathan Exelby The Courier Mail, Picture: Scott Fletcher

Blue Sky Fired Up For Magic Millions

January 9, 2017 Dane Squance

With the commencement of the 2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and $10 million race day only a week away, it is a rewarding time for all the hard work put in by Blue Sky Bloodstock to see that four of our yearling purchases look set to take part in the lucrative race day.

A winner on debut during the Spring Carnival, 2yo I Am Invincible filly "INVINCIBLE STAR" will contest the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) fresh, having not started since her Group 3 Ottawa Stakes win down the Flemington straight.

Having been readied with two barrier trials in December, highlighted by a five and a half length romp at Wyong recently, the filly was purchased in conjunction with Gai Waterhouse from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud and is one of the leading chances for the race.

Another of Blue Sky Bloodstock's 2016 yearling purchases from the draft of Yarraman heading to the juvenile feature is the Not A Single Doubt filly "FROM WITHIN".

Recording one of the most impressive 2yo wins this season when pulling away for a length and a quarter length debut win at Canterbury, the Chris Waller trained filly was thrust into favouritism for not only the $2 million contest, but also sits atop markets for the G1 Golden Slipper.

Raced by long-term client Mark Sowerby, as well as first time Blue Sky Bloodstock owner Raffles Racing, the filly had jockey Glyn Schofield effusive in his praise.

"She's a superstar," Schofield said. "She's got everything. She's got attitude, she's got size, she's got speed, she's got the action and she's won effortlessly."

Blue Sky Bloodstock will also be represented by 3yo "SUNDANCE", stakes winning as a 2yo, who is trained on the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds.

A winner of three of his eight starts, the son of I Am Invincible has been in great form this campaign, winning two of his three starts highlighted by running 56.71 for the 1000m at the Sunshine Coast last start, narrowly missing the track record.

With the option of stepping up in trip to the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas over 1400m, another possible race is the Magic Millions Sprint.

If Sundance takes the Sprint option, he is likely to tackle stablemate and fellow Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchase "PROMPT RETURN".

Initially starting his career in Melbourne, where successful in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate before a stint in Sydney, Prompt Return then joined the Edmonds Stable, where he has shown his affinity with the Sunshine state, winning four of his last seven starts.

Secured for just $60,000 from the draft of Newgate Farm, the 4yo has taken owners Mark Sowerby and Ron Hamer on a great ride, netting just under $300,000, with signs that this will continue to rise.

Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland targets this sale each year as the opportunities for owners is outstanding.

"The $10m Magic Millions carnival is now a genuine target, not just for 2yo's but for all horses we've bought at Magic Millions for our clients," stated Blaxland.

"It's a brilliant carnival and it was evident last year with the increased quality of fields across the day as well as the increased betting turnover as a result."

"Owners and trainers want their top horses running on Magic Millions day and why not. There's a hell of a lot of money on offer and it's a racing carnival and sale like no other in the world."

While not Magic Millions graduates, "GERVAIS" continues to highlight the success that Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchases are currently having, winning at Flemington on New Year's Day, his fourth career victory, while 2yo filly "PRICING POWER" was narrowly beaten by the promising Calligrapher last start and a win looks right around the corner for the Clarry Conners trained I Am Invincible filly.

Set to join forces again with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to secure yearlings at the sale, as well as working with Aquis Farm, Blue Sky Bloodstock will also be sourcing yearlings for our extensive client base to race with various trainers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

With a catalogue of over 1,000 yearlings, Blaxland has already done the hard yards, inspecting 800 plus yearlings over the last month or so in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

We invite both potential buyers and owners to touch base with Blue Sky Bloodstock if they are interested in using our services at the sale, as we feel that there will once again be some outstanding opportunities to secure high class runners of the future.

For further information, please contact Blue Sky Bloodstock's Managing Director Julian Blaxland on +61 431 746 803.

From Within soars into Magic Millions frame as history repeats for Julian Blaxland

January 1, 2017 Dane Squance

Bloodstock guru Julian Blaxland scouted a filly which started a Magic Millions favourite in his first year of trading and now he's warming to the idea of history repeating after From Within soared to the brink of favouritism for the $2 million Gold Coast sprint with an effortless debut win at Canterbury.

From Within (Not A Single Doubt), a $360,000 purchase from the Magic Millions draft of Yarraman Park

Trainer Chris Waller will wait before rubber-stamping a trip to the holiday strip in a fortnight after the filly, the first Blaxland's Blue Sky Bloodstock has raced with Australia's leading Group 1 trainer, scorched her rivals on debut at $1.45.

"I thought it was really easy," Blaxland joked of his first and only Magic Millions adventure when the Gai Waterhouse-trained She's Meaner was nabbed on the line in 2008. "It was my first year as a bloodstock agent. We had the favourite and I haven't had one close [to qualifying] since then."

And From Within could again occupy the top rung in betting after Ladbrokes firmed her to $6.50 for the Magic Millions, just a slot behind Wyong Magic Millions heroine Madeenaty ($6).

One of the final frontiers left for Waller to conquer is a major two-year-old winner before Brisbane's winter carnival and From Within looks to have all the makings, bouncing from stalls and treating her rivals with contempt at Canterbury.

The winning margin was only one-and-a-quarter lengths from Invader, with the already qualified Chauffeur a further three-quarters-of-a-length back, but the numbers didn't relay how soft jockey Glyn Schofield was on From Within over the final 100 metres.

"She's a superstar," Schofield said. "She's got everything. She's got attitude, she's got size, she's got speed, she's got the action and she's won effortlessly.

"On face value, there's not much you can say about how she will improve, but you can feel she's got improvement in her because she's never really been tested in either trial or the race.

"I just love the way she quickened around the corner at the top of the straight with her ears up. She put five lengths on them and then I basically just shut her down."

Waller was so smitten with the $360,000 filly he chased Blaxland to train her after being left stranded an underbidder on the Gold Coast. Raffles Racing, whose purse-strings also didn't extend far enough, joined the party and they now have a leading chance to repay the dividend and then some.

"As long as she does everything right [we will go to the Gold Coast]," Waller said. "It's only two weeks until the Magic Millions and we'll be making sure she will be put under a bit of pressure before committing to going.

"I like to go into a race on cruise mode, but I won't be with her. We might have to do a bit of work and I want to educate her a bit more and put her in behind some older horses and see her work."

Added Blaxland: "When you buy expensive fillies like that you hope they come out and do something like this, but they don't always do. She's really exciting. She's just a smashing filly. Hopefully she can be a serious filly in the autumn too."

News: Adam Pengilly, SMH

Images: Simon Bullard

Invincible Trial Performance

December 28, 2016 Dane Squance

Impressive Melbourne Cup-week debutant Invincible Star will be out to prove that her Group 3 success was no fluke at the Magic Millions in January after tuning up for the 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast with a stunning Wyong trial on Wednesday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly blitzed the field in an 845m trial in fine conditions on the NSW central coast, on what was a Good 4 track.

The daughter of I Am Invincible clocked a finishing time of 48.94 seconds, running up the last 600m in 32.78.

On debut in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes, Invincible Star was on the right side of the straight that day and cashed in - winning by two-and-a-quarter lengths with Joao Moreira in the saddle, clocking a 34.26s last 600m.

Tim Clark has been pencilled in for the ride on January 14, in the $2million sprint over 1200m.

Adam Hyeronimus was on board for the 5.5-length rout in the trial, with unraced Snitzel colt Perast back in second.

Purchased by Julian Blaxland's Blue Sky Bloodstock and Gai Waterhouse for $200,00 from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud, the duo will be back in action in 2017 at the sale.

News from Racing.com

Blue Sky Bloodstock's Juveniles Chase Magic Millions

December 21, 2016 Dane Squance

Over the next few days, many of Blue Sky Bloodstock’s 2016 yearling purchases will hit the track in an attempt to qualify for January’s $2million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.

With the Spring’s Group 3 winner INVINCIBLE STAR already qualified for the lucrative race, yearling purchases LEGAL GIRL, MADONNICA and DINNIGAN will all face off in Thursday’s Wyong Magic Millions 2YO (1100m), while UNDAUNTED will make his debut over 1200m at Rosehill on Saturday and FROM WITHIN will make her debut on Boxing Day over the 1000m at Randwick.

An impressive winner of Flemington’s Group 3 Ottawa Stakes on her racetrack debut in November, Invincible Star (Invincible Spirt) was purchased in conjunction with Waterhouse from the draft of Yarraman Park and is currently the third highest rated two-year-old filly to have raced this season.

Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, a duo that Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland is forming a formidable combination with, the Randwick-based trainers will saddle up Madonnica and Dinnigan in Thursday’s race.

Second on debut behind Sebring Express, the Corumbene Stud-bred and sold Madonnica (Snitzel) was purchased by Blaxland and Waterhouse and looks set to improve as she heads into the Wyong race and with Tim Clark in the saddle, the filly (pictured above as a yearling) should get every chance from barrier three.

Making her debut at Wyong is another Snitzel filly for the Waterhouse and Blaxland purchasing team, this time the Tommy Berry-ridden, Aquis Farm part-owned Dinnigan (pictured above as a yearling). Heading to the race off an impressive four and a quarter length barrier trial victory, the Widden Stud-sold filly comes from the family of Group 1 winners Wonderful World and Spartacus.

The third of the trio lining up in Thursday’s race is Legal Girl (pictured below as a yearling) for the Clarry Conners stable. Secured from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, the Star Witness filly has raced on two occasions, finishing second on debut behind fellow Blue Sky Bloodstock yearling purchase SERENA BAY in November, before taking third behind Sebring Express at Wyong.

Both Serena Bay and Sebring Express contested the recent $500,000 Inglis Nursey where they finished fourth and fifth respectively, highlighting the form of Legal Girl.

With Undaunted (pictured below as a yearling) having accepted to race on Thursday at Wyong, but being withdrawn to head to Saturday’s race at Rosehill, the Snitzel colt will be ridden by Blake Shinn from barrier four.

Trained by the Waterhouse/Bott combination, the colt was secured from the draft of Newgate Farm by Waterhouse and Blaxland and is a full-brother to the Group 3 placed Extreme Impact from the family of Group 2-winning sprinter Blur and his Group 3-winning, Group 1 placed three-quarter brother Shrewd Rhythm.

With a large group of owners, the colt has been readied for his debut with two barrier trials, having finishing fourth on both occasions.

Fields for Boxing Day are currently only at the nominations stage, but the Chris Waller-trained From Within looks set to make her debut over 1000m.

Super impressive in her two sole barrier trials, winning by three lengths on December 6, following that up with an even more impressive performance on the 19th, winning by four and a quarter lengths, the Not A Single Doubt filly is a full-sister to stakes winner Cruden Bay.

Raced by Mark Sowerby and Raffles Racing, the filly (pictured above as a yearling)was secured from the draft of Yarraman Park.

Time and effort on the road is needed to visit as many stud farms as possible prior to the sale, and Blaxland has well and truly been busy, inspecting over 800 yearlings over the last three weeks in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Yearling inspections for Gai Waterhouse and Julian Blaxland taking place at Queensland's Element Hill.

Having so many live chances to make the field for $2million Magic Millions in January is testament to the effort put in 12 months ago and if anyone is interested in getting involved with the team and looking at securing a yearling to be aimed at the 2018 race, please contact the office on 02 9360 5618 to express your interest.

From Within makes it two from two at the trials

December 20, 2016 Dane Squance

Yarraman Park bred/ sold horses have been racing up a storm in recent weeks and this eye-catching two year-old trial winner at Warwick Farm on Monday morning looks well up to continuing their run of success.

Yarraman bred/sold winners in December include Group II ATC Villiers Stakes winner Sense of Occasion, Group III winner and dual stakes-winner Most Important, stakes-winner Silverstream and Inglis Sprint winner Calanda.

A full sister to slick juvenile stakes-winner Cruden Bay, the Chris Waller trained Not a Single Doubt filly From Within featured in the Juvenile Trial Watch report from December 6 after she won easily at her first public outing at Rosehill.

Partnered this time by Hugh Bowman, From Within jumped fast and took up the lead, rolling along with ears pricked before dashing away in the straight to win eased down by more than four lengths.

She won the 804 metre heat in 46:90 seconds which was more than a second faster than the other juvenile heat won by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Sepoy colt Han Xin.

A $360,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Yarraman Park draft for Blue Sky Bloodstock, From Within is the fourth named foal for Zimaretto, whose three previous named foals are all winners headed by Cruden Bay.

From Within looks a certainty to follow the family trend in becoming a winner…. probably sooner rather than later.

News from Breednet

Gai confident in Nursery pair

December 14, 2016 Dane Squance

She was “the standout filly’’ at this year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and Gai Waterhouse believes Serena Bay can continue to prove her initial judgment correct in Saturday’s $500,000 Inglis Nursery.

Waterhouse will saddle up two Sebring fillies in the juvenile feature - Sheikha will join Serena Bay in the Restricted Listed event.

But it’s what she saw in Serena Bay, a daughter of black-type winning Perth mare Caiguna, at the Easter Sale that Waterhouse believes sets Serena Bay apart from the rest.

“She was a very relaxed filly at Easter, strong yet well-natured with a can-do attitude from day one and that’s exactly what she has shown us so far – that can-do attitude,’’ Waterhouse said.

“She’s a very professional filly and for me was the standout filly at the Easter Sale and there was never any other discussion but to buy her.

“She’s done nothing wrong so far and I expect that won’t change on Saturday.’’

Waterhouse and Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland paid $200,000 for Serena Bay at the Easter Yearling Sale from the Edinburgh Park draft.

She remains unbeaten after two starts, winning on debut at Kembla Grange before graduating to Saturday class with victory in the Golden Gift at Rosehill three weeks ago.

Serena Bay opened an $8 chance with TAB today, behind runaway debut winner She Will Reign from the Gary Portelli stable, who is $1.90 favourite.

“I know the other horse [She Will Reign] last week was impressive at the provincials but my filly is a class act,’’ Waterhouse said.

Serena Bay has drawn barrier six for Saturday’s race.

News From Inglis

Has Conners found the next Dear Demi?

December 13, 2016 Dane Squance

The next Dear Demi?

Only trainer Clarry Conners would be reluctant to compare a two-year-old filly with his former champion mare, but there was no shying away from the praise Conners has for his two-year-old Legal Girl.

So where do the comparisons begin?

Well, Dear Demi was a $130,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling purchase in 2011, and five years later, Legal Girl was knocked down for $140,000 at the same sale.

The next comparison?

Both fillies had two starts before Christmas of their two-year-old season, running top four without registering a win.

Legal Girl (Star Witness x La Fantastique) is about 35th in the order of entry for next month’s Magic Millions 2YO Guineas Classic, but would need to win between now and then to guarantee a start.

Dear Demi wasn’t able to do that at start No. 3, and was instead freshened for a tilt at the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in late April.

She’d resume on February 25, 2011 to break her maiden in a 1200m handicap at Rosehill before runs in the G3 Sweet Embrace (seventh), G3 The Schweppervescence (second) and the Listed Fernhill Quality (won), before running second to Pierro in the Champagne Stakes.

And it’s a path Legal Girl will likely follow if she can’t move up the ballot for the $2 million race on the Gold Coast.

“We’ll try and qualify her and if not we’ll spell and get her ready for her next campaign, maybe (target) the Champagne,” Conners said.

“She’ll be a three-year-old for sure, she’s a beautiful filly. She’s my first Star Witness – she’ll be a nice filly in 12 months. She’ll go down the same path we went down with Dear Demi, she reminds me very much of her.

“In 12 months time you might say, ‘You were right you know.’”

Dear Demi returned after the Champagne Stakes as a three-year-old, running third in the G3 Silver Shadow before winning the G2 Furious Stakes (1400m), running fourth in the G2 Tea Rose (1500m), third in the G1 Flight Stakes (1600m) and second in the G1 Thousand Guineas (1600m).

The daughter of Dehere then ran fourth in the G2 Wakeful (2000m) before winning the 2011 G1 Crown Oaks (2500m). She amassed more than $2.1 million in stakes from 40 starts.

But it wouldn’t be unfair, either, to compare Legal Girl with Global Glamour – another daughter of Star Witness who flourished as a three-year-old, winning the G1 Flight Stakes and G1 Thousand Guineas this spring.

Global Glamour was a $65,000 Magic Millions purchase in 2015, and won on debut as a two-year-old before being saved for her three-year-old campaign. (She's also the early favourite for next month's Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Classic)

Legal Girl’s dam La Fantastique (by Fantastic Light) won the 2011 Listed Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) as a three-year-old, so there’s no reason why Conners can’t plan another attack on next year’s Thousand Guineas.

“She’s a nice filly with a big future,” he said.

“Whether it’s this prep or next, we’ll know when the time comes.”

Conners said Legal Girl would try and gain a start at Wyong next Thursday, if not the G3 BJ McLachlan Stakes at Doomben on December 31, to try and gain a start in the Magic Millions 2YO Guineas Classic.

News Damien Ratcliffe, G1X

Undefeated Serena Bay off to Inglis Nursery

November 26, 2016 Dane Squance

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will be hoping the Inglis Nursery continues its trend as being one of the form 2YO races in the country in recent years when they send Serena Bay there for her next start.

Serena Bay (Sebring x Caiguna) kept her unbeaten record in tact at Rosehill today with a tenacious victory in the Goldners Horse Transport Golden Gift (1100m).

Ridden in front by Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Kerrin McEvoy, Serena Bay was headed halfway down the straight by John O'Shea's Florid but her fighting spirit won out, defying even a late surge by fellow Inglis graduate and All Too Hard debutant Reflectivity.

Serena Bay was a $200,000 purchase for Gai Waterhouse Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock's Julian Blaxland from the Edinburgh Park draft at the 2016 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

She will now target the $500,000 Inglis Nursery at Randwick on December 17.

Extreme Choice won the Nursery last year on his way to winning the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, while Mossfun won it in 2013 before winning the Group 1 Golden Slipper later in her juvenile season.

Bott said as long as Serena Bay recovered as he hoped, she would head to the Nursery for her next start.

"She's a lovely big tough filly and I'm sure she'll come through today's race well,'' he said.

"We'd love to take her to the Inglis Nursery race as she's an Inglis graduate and it's a lot of prizemoney so it looks an ideal target."

Serena Bay is the second-born of four foals of Caiguna, a daughter of Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes winner Dubai Destination.

Caiguna's only other progeny to race, a Sepoy gelding named Seguna, has run one placing from two career starts for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.

Caiguna has two other Sebring filly foals on the ground – full sisters to Serena Bay - the eldest of which Edinburgh Park is offering at the 2017 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, a filly sure to attract significant interest.

Stallion success for Blue Sky Bloodstock

November 14, 2016 Dane Squance

While Blue Sky Bloodstock has been experiencing a great run of success on the track with its yearling purchases, it is also great to see that some of the yearlings purchased a few years back have now embarked on the next phase of their life as stallions who are now also kicking goals.

In the news for achieving his first Group 1 winner as a sire with his daughter Lasqueti Spirit claiming the time-honoured Group 1 Victoria Oaks (2500m), the ill-fated BENETEAU (below) was purchased as a yearling by Blue Sky Bloodstock at the 2009 Inglis Easter yearling sale from the draft of Arrowfield Stud.

With only six start to his credit on the track before injury saw him retire to the lush paddocks of Arrowfield Stud to commence his stallion career, the son of Redoute’s Choice was successful on debut before taking out the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude at his second start before a third in the Group 1 Blue Diamond to Star Witness at his next.

With 136 live foals left from two crops before his untimely death in January 2013, Beneteau has recorded 20 stakes performers from 85 runners highlighted by not only his Group 1-winning filly, but the Group 3-winning brother-sister duo PROMPT RETURN and PROMPT RESPONSE who race in the Blue Sky Bloodstock silks.

Another stallion to create headlines in recent weeks is the Hallmark Stud-based SUPER EASY, a grandson of Danehill. As a half-brother to Group 1 winners Terravista and Tiger Tees as well as the Group 2-winning, Group 1 placed Ball Of Muscle, Super Easy has the bloodlines for a successful stud career.

Blue Sky Bloodstock purchased Super Easy as a yearling at the 2010 New Zealand Bloodstock Premiersale for $140,000 from the draft of Esker Lodge.

After initially starting his race career in New Zealand, he travelled to Singapore where the son of Darci Brahma was a revelation, winning his first 12 straight for trainer Michael Freedman, where he crowned the Champion 3YO, Champion Sprinter and awarded back to back Horse of the Year titles.

Back to New Zealand to commence his stud career, Super Easy’s first runner Promo Queen was impressive on her debut, winning by two lengths.

At her second run, she showed her rivals a clean pair of heels in the Listed Welcome Stakes, to maintain her unbeaten record and give her sire a great start to his career, currently the Leading first season sire.

While not every yearling is purchased with the aim of a stallion career, this is one of the many factors taken into account when Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland purchase a colt at the sales. To find out further information on the process involved , please contact Julian Blaxland on +61 (0) 431 746 803.