Such is the quality of John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud broodmare band that decisions on stallion selection for the breeding season aren’t complex in any way. From a commercial point of view, a limited number of male consorts are only ever in contention.
“We start out with a very good product and we’re on the front foot before we begin,” bloodstock and racing manager Duncan Grimley said. Freshman season sires are never up for discussion for the 24 Strawberry Hill residents. “We only ever use proven stallions with the mares we are dealing with,” he said.
“We only ever use proven stallions with the mares we are dealing with.” - Duncan Grimley
“One thing we tend avoid is to send sprinters to stayers or stayers to sprinters, you tend not to get anything that way.”
Former champion mare More Joyous and multiple Group 1 winner (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}) is a lead example of the stud’s approach. “She’s been to Frankel and Fastnet Rock and she’s due to foal to Snitzel,” said Grimley, who has a free hand with the matings. “She’ll be going back to Fastnet Rock.”
More Joyous has an unbeaten record at stud with her daughter Woman, by Frankel (GB) (Galileo {IRE}), having won her only start, as has the Fastnet Rock colt More Sundays.
On a date with Frankel
Three-time Group 1 winner Samantha Miss (Redoute’s Choice), who was a $3.85 million at the Inglis Easter Broodmare Sale purchase for Singleton, is currently in England. “She’s going to Frankel and so is This Time Bridie,” Grimley said.
By More Than Ready {USA}), This Time Bridie is an unraced half-sister to the G1 Vinery Stud S., winner Fenway (High Chaparral {IRE}). Their dam Deedra (Zabeel {NZ}) is a half-sister to More Joyous’ dam, the G1 Australian Oaks winner Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence {USA}) and to Tuesday Joy (Carnegie {IRE}), who won four times at Group 1 level..
“Tuesday Joy is over in New Zealand. She’s in foal to Savabeel and will go back to him before she comes home.” - Duncan Grimley.
“Tuesday Joy is over in New Zealand. She’s in foal to Savabeel and will go back to him before she comes home,” Grimley said.
The Group 3 winner Karuta Queen (Not A Single Doubt) is locked in to Spirit Of Boom (Sequalo). Currently in foal to Written Tycoon (Iglesia), she is the dam of the stakes winner Eawase (Sebring), who was a $500,000 Magic Millions yearling.
