Breeding Notes: Depth of Pedigree on Show Across the Weekend

It was a successful weekend for high profile Australian breeding operation Yabby Dam Farms in New Zealand, with the specialist trotting nursery producing winners at both Alexandra Park and Addington to continue its strong recent run of results.

Yabby Dam Farms double on NZ tracks

Smart mare Belle Neige (by Love You) recorded her 10th win from just 28 starts and lifted her earnings beyond $225,000. The move to the Wallis and Hackett training partnership has proven highly effective, with nine of those victories coming in New Zealand.

Her residual value has never been in doubt, being a half sister to Group 1 winner Revelstoke (by Quaker Jet) and closely related to trotting star Keayang Zahara, who was beaten only once in 28 starts on her way to earning $1.25 million.

At Addington, I’m Collected made an impressive debut to become the first New Zealand winner for his sire Classic Connection (by Love You). The three-year-old gelding sat parked for much of the race but proved too strong, highlighting his obvious potential.

He is just the second foal from Ready Set (by Monarchy), a mare from the long established ‘Deidre’ family that has been highly productive since Sir Roy McKenzie imported Roydon Diedre (by Arndon) in the 1980s. The first foal is multiple Group winner I’m Ready Jet (28 wins and $842,000), and it would be no surprise to see I’m Collected feature prominently in the three-year-old features later in the season.

Brilliant Chase building a strong record

Brilliant Chase (by Downbytheseaside from Delicata) added another win at Addington, taking his record to two wins and a placing from four starts.

Bred by Tardina Stud, his dam Delicata (by Falcon Seelster) won two races but has excelled as a broodmare. Her first foal Chase Auckland won 14 races and $802,000 with a best mile rate of 1:50.4.

Second foal Little Miss Perfect won three races and has already left a promising two-year-old winner in Daisy Bay. Another son Chase Me has developed into a highly consistent performer, winning seven of 15 starts and earning $134,000. He is a full brother to Brilliant Chase.

The family also includes Hug The Wind, a 10 win performer in New Zealand and Australia who later recorded a 1:49 mile rate in North America.

Final Approach revives a proven trotting family

Final Approach (by Tactical Landing from Majestic Play) produced a strong performance at Alexandra Park, coming from well back to record her fourth win from just 16 starts.

Her dam was unraced and has had only one foal in the past decade, but she descends from a highly successful family. Second dam Arpeggio (six wins) is by Sundon from Chiola’s Lass, who won 10 races from just 17 starts.

At stud, Chiola’s Lass left a number of high class performers including Allegro Agitato (22 wins), Cabaletta (seven wins), Rondo (nine wins) and successful sire Skyvalley (24 wins).

The family has been quieter in recent years, but Final Approach looks capable of bringing it back into prominence.

Sonofamistery continues to progress

Sonofamistery (by Sweet Lou from Luna Danza) continues to build an impressive record, now boasting five wins from just 13 starts for the Telfer stable.

His half brother Mister Smartee was sold to Australia after just two starts and went on to win 19 races from 30 starts, earning $1.4 million.

At the recent Christchurch yearling sales, a half sister by Tall Dark Stranger failed to meet her reserve, although that situation may soon change given the family’s continued success.

Their dam Luna Danza is by Stonebridge Regal from top class mare Lento, a multiple Group 1 winner of 13 races. Nine of her 11 foals reached the races, including Group performers Strauss (18 wins) and Whanau (10 wins), winner of a Nevele R three-year-old fillies final.

The family also includes Bella Chip, the dam of major winner Bella’s Boy, and Winter Rose, a prolific producer for the Arden Lodge breeding operation.

Rocking Ruby delivers on debut

Rocking Ruby (by Downbytheseaside) made a successful debut at Motukarara, justifying strong tote support following impressive trial form.

Her dam Gwendoline Ruby (by Bettor’s Delight) was unplaced in a short racing career, but her first two foals qualified before Rocking Ruby, her third foal, became her first winner.

Second dam Princess Alberta (six wins) proved an even better broodmare. Daughter Miss Sunshine has been a highly effective producer, while Alberto Contador became a 1:49.8 performer in North America.

Another daughter Albuqueque (eight wins) produced champion filly Millwood Nike, unbeaten in 17 starts. She is now part of the Todd Anderson broodmare band and has a yearling full brother to Millwood Nike.

Canterbury breeder Simon Pulley also has a weanling full sister to Rocking Ruby from the most recent breeding season.

Spicey Lou adds to consistent family

Spicey Lou (by Sweet Lou) made a winning debut at Motukarara despite not enjoying all favours in the running, suggesting further success lies ahead.

The three-year-old gelding is from a family long supported by Stonewall Stud.

His dam Spicey Lady (by Mach Three) has already left the promising Spicey Crunch, a three win performer from just 10 starts.

Half sister Spicey Delight (by Bettor’s Delight) has produced Caught The Eye and recent winner Crimson Tide.

Further back, Spicey (by Christian Cullen) won nine races and $183,000 and comes from a highly successful family that includes Sly Flyin (29 wins) and Sly Shard, who became an outstanding broodmare leaving millionaire pacer Smiling Shard, Mach Shard and Pemberton Shard.

With that depth of pedigree, Spicey Lou appears well placed to continue progressing on the racetrack.