Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB)
At A Glance
At the close of selling, turnover recorded at NZ$11,329,500, up from NZ$10,344,000 banked on Day 1 in 2021. Meanwhile, the clearance rate settled at 65 per cent the same it was during the corresponding session 12 months ago.
The Day 1 average of NZ$124,500 was slightly down on last year’s Day 1 figure of NZ$129,300, while the median also marginally dipped to NZ$80,000 from the NZ$100,000 recorded in 2021.
Kiwi trainer Andrew Forsman paid NZ$575,000 for the Day 1 sale-topper, Lot 166 – a Savabeel colt from Ohukia Lodge.
Eight of the 10 top lots were purchased by Hong Kong interests; Jimmy Ting and Magus Equine (Willie Leung) both bought two juveniles, with each fetching in excess of NZ$250,000.
The leading sire by average (three or more lots sold) was Turn Me Loose (NZ), whose three lots grossed NZ$860,000 at an average of NZ$286,666. Second was Savabeel, who had four lots total NZ$1,125,000 at an average of NZ$281,250.
Riversley Park was the Day 1 leading vendor (three or more lots sold), with their 14 lots grossing NZ$2,682,500 at an average of NZ$191,607.
The leading buyer on Wednesday was Magus Equine, which bought two lots for a combined NZ$750,000 (an average of NZ$375,000). SROA Expoline bought eight lots, spending NZ$342,000 at an average of NZ$42,750.
The Shooting To Win half-brother to G1 Victorian Derby winner Manzoice (Almanzor {Fr}) – Lot 57 – made NZ$175,000. Offered by KB Bloodstock, he was sold to Taranaki Bloodstock.
Peter Moody and Dalziel Bloodstock paid NZ$250,000 for Lot 115 – a Savabeel colt out of a three-quarter sister to two-time Group 1 winner Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), which was offered by Ohukia Lodge.
Savabeel steals the show once again
Super sire Savabeel has had the top lot at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale the past two years, and that trend continued on Day 1 of the 2022 edition at Karaka on Wednesday, with Lot 166 - a colt by the Waikato Stud resident fetching NZ$575,000.
Lot 166 - Savabeel x Maxmara (NZ) (colt) was purchased for NZ$575,000 by Forsman Racing | Image courtesy of NZB
Offered by Ohukia Lodge, which sold last year’s sale-topper, Savoir Faire (NZ) for NZ$640,000, the colt is from the O’Reilly (NZ) mare Maxmara (NZ) and was bought by Group 1-winning trainer Andrew Forsman.
Forsman, who has enjoyed a great deal of success with Savabeel progeny, including recent G3 Caulfield Classic winner Mr Maestro (NZ), told TDN AusNZ the colt was a standout and very much in the mould of his sire.
“I thought he was a ripper; obviously we had to pay a bit for him, but he’s a ready-made horse that’s been well educated,” he said.
“I thought he (Lot 166) was a ripper; obviously we had to pay (NZ$575,000) a bit for him, but he’s a ready-made horse that’s been well educated.” - Andrew Forsman
“He’s very much like his father, he’s really similar to him.”
Speaking to TDN AusNZ ahead of the sale, Ohukia Lodge owner Jamie Beatson said the colt “is a nice dark horse that really fills the eye”.
Forsman couldn’t agree more.
Forsman knows what type of horse is required to win a Classic race, having teamed with the now-retired Murray Baker to win contests such as the G1 Randwick Guineas, G1 Rosehill Guineas and G1 ATC Australian Derby with Dundeel (NZ); the G1 New Zealand Derby with Mongolian Khan; the G1 New Zealand Oaks with Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi {GB}); and the G1 ATC Australian Derby with Jon Snow (NZ) and Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}).
Andrew Forsman | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“He’s a nice-looking horse and a really good mover; he walks really well,” Forsman said.
The Cambridge-based conditioner is eyeing up some big races for the colt during his Classic season.
“We bought him in mind with bringing him to Australia next spring and hopefully he can replicate what we did with Mr Maestro.
“We bought him (Lot 166) in mind with bringing him to Australia next spring and hopefully he can replicate what we did with Mr Maestro.” - Andrew Forsman
“He’s probably a little bit more forward and a bit more natural than Mr Maestro was at the same time.
“It would be nice if we could get over there again and compete with a son of Savabeel in those nice races.”
Forsman said the colt has a lovely temperament and was taken by his breeze, where he stopped the clock at 10.80s.
“He’s still a colt and I think he’ll be able to remain a colt, he’s got a good attitude and I think that with a bit of work he’ll be perfect,” Forsman commented.
“I thought his breeze-up was very impressive, the way he grabbed the bridle late and was very strong through the line. There was some good feedback on that.”
Savabeel | Standing at Waikato Stud
The colt boasts a lovely pedigree, with his dam being an unraced sister to Listed winner Salsa (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and his grandam, Ungaro (NZ) (Centaine) being a sister to Group 1 heroine Centisle (NZ). Ungaro has produced three stakes winners – Rule Of Engagement (NZ) (Danasinga), Salsa and Somepin Anypin (NZ) (Pins).
“Maxmara has done a good job as a broodmare and being by O’Reilly out of a good Waikato Stud family, she’s been well-raised, so has this colt,” said Forsman.
“She (Maxmara) was unraced, but some of the better horses we’ve had like Dundeel were out of unraced mares. I think that with the pedigree behind them, it can often work to your advantage.”
“She (Maxmara) was unraced, but some of the better horses we’ve had like Dundeel were out of unraced mares. I think that with the pedigree behind them, it can often work to your advantage.” - Andrew Forsman
Forsman is looking forward to racing the horse in the future for both current and new stable clients.
“We have got some people already involved but are welcoming new owners,” said Forsman.
“I am sure he will sell himself. He is a quality horse and I thought he was good buying.”
The sale represented a great pinhooking result for Ohukia Lodge, who purchased the colt for NZ$160,000 at this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1) from the draft of Waikato Stud.
Jamie Beatson of Ohukia Lodge | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“He is a stunning horse, we didn’t quite expect that much for him but we loved him as a yearling and he has developed more and more,” Beatson said.
“He breezed up nicely and is just a quality animal.”
Hong Kong trainers splash the cash
Eight of the top 10 lots sold on Day 1 are headed for Hong Kong.
Lot 81 – a colt by Darley’s Champion Sire Exceed And Excel from a lovely female family – was signed for by Magus Equine for NZ$500,000.
He clocked 10.30s for his breeze and was offered by Riversley Park, who partnered with Michael Guerin to pay $150,000 for him from the Cressfield draft at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Lot 81 - Exceed And Excel x Epitomise (colt) was purchased for NZ$500,000 by Magus Equine | Image courtesy of NZB
The colt’s dam is the two-time winner Epitomise (More Than Ready {USA}), who is a sister to stakes performer Trope and a half-sister to Group 1 heroine Personal (Fastnet Rock.)
“He’s a very athletic type, looks precocious, strong and Exceed And Excel has been doing well in Hong Kong for a long time,” Willie Leung, Magus Equine principal, told TDN AusNZ.
“He’s (Lot 81) a very athletic type, looks precocious, strong and Exceed And Excel has been doing well in Hong Kong for a long time.” - Willie Leung
“I was really keen on him. On the dam side, you have Personal, who was a Group 1 winner.”
Magus Equine later paid NZ$250,000 for Lot 100 – a colt offered by Kilgravin Lodge by Kermadec (NZ) out of the winning mare Galleries (Royal Academy {USA}).
Lot 19 – the sixth foal of the winning Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) mare Aypebe by Turn Me Loose (NZ) – was snapped up by Hong Kong-based trainer Caspar Fownes.
Lot 19 - Turn Me Loose (NZ) x Aypebe (colt) was purchased for NZ$500,000 by Caspar Fownes | Image courtesy of NZB
The colt, who breezed in 10.58s, was offered by Riversley Park and was knocked down for NZ$500,000.
His dam is a sister to Marvellous Miss, who was placed at Group 3 level as a 2-year-old, while his grandam, Wishing Star (GB) (Rainbow Quest {USA}) was unraced and is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Nadina (GB) (Shirley Heights {GB}).
Caspar Fownes | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Lot 22 – an Iffraaj (GB) gelding from the Dundeel (NZ) mare Bella Grace and was consigned to the draft of Cheltenham Stables was bought by trainer Francis Lui for NZ$375,000, having breezed in 10.77s.
This is the first foal of a mare that was unplaced in two starts and is a half-sister to Ego (NZ) (E Dubai {USA}), who notched six wins, including three in succession, and triumphed at Group 2 level.
Lot 22 - Iffraaj (GB) x Bella Garce (colt) was purchased for NZ$375,000 by Francis Lui | Image courtesy of NZB
The gelding’s grandam, Buckling (Redoute’s Choice), who raced twice, had 10 named foals, of which nine have raced and four are winners.
Worldwide Bloodstock got in on the act when it parted with NZ$350,000 for Lot 147 – a colt by Heroic Valour from the Kiltannon Stables draft. They paid $80,000 for him from the Sullivan Bloodstock draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale.
He is out of the five-time winner Lassila (Magic Albert) and his second dam, Cassis (Danehill {USA}), won the Listed Cinderella S. in 2002.
Francis Lui | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Another 2-year-old who will do his racing in Hong Kong is Lot 13 – a colt by Champion Sire Exceed And Excel from the Lyndhurst Farm draft, who clocked 11.20s for his breeze.
He was purchased by trainer Dennis Yip for NZ$280,000, after Lyndhurst Farm paid $120,000 for him from the draft of Fairhill Farm at the at the 2021 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.
The colt is the third foal of the seven-time winner Antarctic Dream (Southern Image {USA}), while the colt’s second dam, Groundless Threats (NZ) (Clay Hero), won in Group 3 grade and was placed in the G1 Thousand Guineas. Groundless Threats has produced, among others, winners Fishking Excellent (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}) and Pine Island (Monashee Mountain {USA}).
Lot 13 - Exceed And Excel x Antartic Dream (colt) was purchased for N$280,000 by Dennis Yip | Image courtesy of NZB
Lot 30 - another Riversley Park son of Turn Me Loose, this time a gelding, made NZ$250,000, with trainer Jimmy Ting signing for him.
The gelding, who breezed in a slick 10.16s, is the 11th foal of the two-time winner Blumarju (NZ) (Marju {Ire}), who has thrown the stakes-performed, six-time winner Couldn't Agreemore (Not A Single Doubt), among others.
His grandam is Fikra (USA) (Gulch {USA}), who was placed at two in Great Britain and is a half-sister to the stakes-performer Kafiyah (USA) (Shadeed {USA}), while Group 3 winner Bolt From The Blue (USA) (Blue Times {USA}) is the gelding’s third dam.
Lot 30 - Turn Me Loose (NZ) x Blumarju (NZ) (colt) was purchased for NZ$250,000 by Jimmy Ting | Image courtesy of NZB
Ting also handed over NZ$260,000 for Lot 99 – a Swiss Ace colt from the winning Mossman mare Funhouse.
He breezed in 10.68s and is related to dual Group 2 victress My Sienna (Weasel Clause).
Howley snaps up No Nay Never colt
Kyneton-based trainer Liam Howley has long been a fan of No Nay Never (USA), who recently notched his maiden Group 1 triumph in Australia when Madame Pommery took out the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
Howley came to Karaka with his sights set on Lot 142 – a colt by the Coolmore stallion out of the two-time winner La Cicciolina (Bernardini {USA}) from the Riverrrock Farm draft – and he got him for NZ$520,000.
Lot 142 - No Nay Never (USA) x La Cicciolina (colt) was purchased for NZ$520,000 by Liam Howley | Image courtesy of NZB
“We’re pretty happy, we think we’ve got a nice colt,” Howley told TDN AusNZ.
“I’m a fan of the stallion because his progeny are so natural.
“He presents like he’s got a great brain on him.
“The way he presented and his breeze, he’s just a really nice horse, a really nice colt.
“The way he (Lot 142) presented and his breeze, he’s just a really nice horse, a really nice colt.” - Liam Howley
“He couldn’t have been turned out any better and he just looks a real racehorse, which is the exciting part for us.
“We’ll get him back to the stable and hopefully this time next year we’re talking about him.”
In partnership with Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA), Chad Ormsby and Aliesha Moroney-Ormsby – owners of Riverrock Farm – secured the colt for $160,000 at this year’s Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Morning Rise Stud.
“We liked him as a yearling, but I couldn’t get enough clients on him. When he popped back up… the stable’s grown a little bit and picked up a few new clients, so we dug deep and were able to get him. It took a bit of work, though,” Howley explained.
“We liked him (Lot 142) as a yearling, but I couldn’t get enough clients on him. When he popped back up… the stable’s grown a little bit and picked up a few new clients, so we dug deep and were able to get him. It took a bit of work, though.” - Liam Howley
The colt hails from a nice family that has loads of speed.
His dam is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Crack Me Up (NZ) (Mossman), who also won a Listed race over 1200 metres. Listed victor Hoofit (NZ) (Mossman) and six-time winner, Group 3 placegetter Leading Girl (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) are also half-siblings to La Cicciolina.
The colt’s second dam, Chuckle (Danehill {USA}), won at Listed level and was placed in Group 2 grade, while his third dam, Clowning (Rory’s Jester), is a three-quarter sister to the very fast Catnipped (Rory’s Jester), who won in Listed company over 1000 metres, as well as Listed victress Miss Prospect (Rory’s Jester). The latter is the dam of Group 1 winner turned sire Reward For Effort, as well as Listed winner Consular (Royal Academy {USA}).
Liam Howley
The colt impressed in his breeze-up, clocking 10.24s, which was the fastest time recorded by the eight-member Riverrock Farm draft, prompting Ormsby to tell TDN AusNZ: “He is a nice type and I think everyone that has seen him would attest to that. He’s a typical No Nay Never, strong and with that dark colour, while athletic at the same time.”
Howley concurred with the former Group 1-wnning jockey.
“He gives the impression he’s got a lot of natural speed and he just looks that natural racehorse,” Howley said.
“He looks like his sire and is up on his toes, he certainly knows what he’s doing.
“We’ve got him earmarked to be a sharp 3-year-old, sort of 1200-1400 metres at first glance, but we won’t know until further down the line.”
“We’ve got him (Lot 142) earmarked to be a sharp 3-year-old, sort of 1200-1400 metres at first glance, but we won’t know until further down the line.” - Liam Howley
Ormsby said Howley and his clients have a quality colt on their hands.
“This colt was a standout for me when we purchased him as a yearling,” said Ormsby.
“What really impressed me about the horse was his demeanour and the way he held himself on the grounds here. He thought it was all about him and put on a good show so we’re really rapt with the result.”
Day 2, the final day of the two-day sale, continues Thursday, November 17 at 11am NZT.
Top lots
| 166 | Savabeel | Maxmara | C | Ohukia Lodge Ltd | Forsman Racing | $575,000 |
| 142 | No Nay Never | La Cicciolina | C | Riverrock Farm | Liam Howley Racing | $520,000 |
| 19 | Turn Me Loose | Aypebe | C | Riversley Park Ltd | Mr R Fownes | $500,000 |
| 81 | Exceed And Excel | Epitomise | C | Riversley Park Ltd | Magus Equine | $500,000 |
| 22 | Iffraaj | Bella Grace | G | Cheltenham Stables | Mr F Lui | $375,000 |
| 147 | Heroic Valour | Lassila | C | Kiltannon Stables Ltd | Worldwide Bloodstock | $350,000 |
| 13 | Exceed And Excel | Antarctic Dream | C | Lyndhurst Farm | Dennis Yip Racing | $280,000 |
| 99 | Swiss Ace | Funhourse | C | Riversley Park Ltd | Mr J Ting | $260,000 |
| 30 | Turn Me Loose | Blumarju | G | Riversley Park Ltd | Mr J Ting | $250,000 |
| 100 | Kermadec | Galleries | C | Kilgravin Lodge | Magus Equine | $250,000 |
Top buyers
| SROA (Expoline) | 8 | $342,000 | $42,750 |
| Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) | 4 | $385,000 | $96,250 |
| HY Investments | 3 | $250,000 | $83,333 |
| Tiang Kim Choi | 3 | $175,000 | $58,333 |
| Mr L Khoo Peng Ann / Isdale Racing | 2 | $75,000 | $37,500 |
| Mr R Fownes | 2 | $575,000 | $287,500 |
| Mr J Ting | 2 | $510,000 | $255,000 |
| Mr JW Pride | 2 | $310,000 | $155,000 |
| Mr KT Myers | 2 | $35,000 | $17,500 |
| Pertab Racing | 2 | $47,500 | $23,750 |
Vendors by aggregate (3 or more sold)
| Riversley Park Ltd | 14 | $2,682,500 | $191,607 |
| Ohukia Lodge Ltd | 10 | $1,692,500 | $169,250 |
| Westbury Stud | 15 | $885,000 | $59,000 |
| Kilgravin Lodge | 7 | $767,500 | $109,642 |
| Kiltannon Stables Ltd | 4 | $640,000 | $160,000 |
| KB Bloodstock | 6 | $622,500 | $103,750 |
| Prima Park | 5 | $515,000 | $103,000 |
| Phoenix Park | 3 | $280,000 | $93,333 |
| Regal Farm | 3 | $250,000 | $83,333 |
| Pertab Racing | 3 | $192,000 | $64,000 |
Vendors by average (3 or more sold)
| Riversley Park Ltd | 14 | $191,607 | $2,682,500 |
| Ohukia Lodge Ltd | 10 | $169,250 | $1,692,500 |
| Kiltannon Stables Ltd | 4 | $160,000 | $640,000 |
| Kilgravin Lodge | 7 | $109,642 | $767,500 |
| KB Bloodstock | 6 | $103,750 | $622,500 |
| Prima Park | 5 | $103,000 | $515,000 |
| Phoenix Park | 3 | $93,333 | $280,000 |
| Regal Farm | 3 | $83,333 | $250,000 |
| Pertab Racing | 3 | $64,000 | $192,000 |
| Lilywhites Lodge | 3 | $60,000 | $180,000 |
Sires by aggregate (3 or more sold)
| Savabeel | 4 | $1,125,000 | $281,250 |
| Turn Me Loose | 3 | $860,000 | $286,666 |
| Tarzino | 5 | $460,000 | $92,000 |
| Tivaci | 5 | $445,000 | $89,000 |
| El Roca | 5 | $395,000 | $79,000 |
| Reliable Man | 4 | $390,000 | $97,500 |
| Sweynesse | 3 | $265,000 | $88,333 |
| Redwood | 4 | $237,000 | $59,250 |
| Contributer | 3 | $225,000 | $75,000 |
| Telperion | 6 | $150,000 | $25,000 |
Sires by average (3 or more sold)
| Turn Me Loose | 3 | $286,666 | $860,000 |
| Savabeel | 4 | $281,250 | $1,125,000 |
| Reliable Man | 4 | $97,500 | $390,000 |
| Tarzino | 5 | $92,000 | $460,000 |
| Tivaci | 5 | $89,000 | $445,000 |
| Sweynesse | 3 | $88,333 | $265,000 |
| El Roca | 5 | $79,000 | $395,000 |
| Contributer | 3 | $75,000 | $225,000 |
| Redwood | 4 | $59,250 | $237,000 |
| Telperion | 6 | $25,000 | $150,000 |
