Written by Paul Vettise
The Dennis brothers and Janine Dunlop will be in an enviable position if their unbeaten colt The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) can add a Group 1 credit to his record on Saturday.
The well-related 3-year-old will face his sternest test in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton and an opportunity to boost his value and that of his Karaka-bound younger half-brother.
Siblings Tony, Joe, Ray and Martin bred The Chosen One and offered him through Dunlop’s Phoenix Park draft at Karaka last year. When he failed to reach his NZ$130,000 they decided to form a syndicate to race him out of the Cambridge stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.
“He was a little bit immature physically and not quite as big and strong as some of the others.” – Janine Dunlop.
“He was a little bit immature physically and not quite as big and strong as some of the others,” Dunlop said.
“I said to the Dennis brothers at the time that he was really athletic and his X-rays were perfect.
The Chosen One as a yearling
“I really liked him so when the brothers decided to syndicate him I stayed in.
“It’s the old adage that all good things come to those who wait.” – Janine Dunlop.
“It’s the old adage that all good things come to those who wait. He can only do what he’s done and I really think he will be a lovely autumn 3-year-old over a bit more ground.”
The Chosen One’s undefeated record, combined with his pedigree, has made him a target for buyers and interest will be ramped up if he can add Group 1 performance on Saturday.
“There have been offers all over the place and we’ve also got an absolutely outstanding half-brother by Iffraaj for the sales next year,” Dunlop said. “He’s an incredibly handsome horse.”
Iffraaj
Glitzy family
They are out of the multiple winner and Group performer The Glitzy One (Flying Spur), a half-sister to the dual Group 3 winners The Diamond One (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}).
Their mother is the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and G1 International S., winner The Jewel (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and the family of the top-flight winning brothers The Phantom (NZ) (Noble Bijou {USA}) and The Phantom Chance.
Such is Dunlop’s workload at present that she will be unable to be on course on Saturday.
Janine Dunlop
“I think he’ll be a very, very good chance but, unfortunately, I can’t be there with the Ready to Run horses to look after.” – Janine Dunlop.
“I think he’ll be a very, very good chance but, unfortunately, I can’t be there with the Ready to Run horses to look after,” she said.
Dunlop will offer 17 2-year-olds at Karaka on November 21 and 22 and is delighted with the depth of her draft.
“I’m stoked to have a Zoustar, he’s an outstanding individual,” she said. “There’s a very nice Fastnet Rock colt and a strong Not A Single doubt colt.
“I’m spoilt for choice really with a couple of lovely Reliable Mans as well. I couldn’t be any happier with the draft, both on type and on pedigree.”
Janine is stoked to have a Zoustar in her draft
Quartet of Group 1s
The Zoustar (Northern Meteor) colt, Lot 372, is out of a half-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) while the son of Fastnet Rock, Lot 89, is out of a half-sister to the G3 Ethereal S., winner Dawnie Perfect (Big Brown {USA}).
Volkstok'n'barrell
Lot 392 is the Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) and he is out of the stakes performer Candy Stripes (Commands) while Lot 196 is the first by Reliable Man (GB) (Dalahkani {IRE}) and he is the first foal of the G2 Counties Cup winner Postmans Daughter (NZ) (Postponed {USA}).
The second by the Westbury Stud sire is Lot 304 and the colt is from the family of the Group 1 performers Manten (Encosta de Lago) and Dazzling Belle (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}).
Phoenix Park
