Friday February 17, 2012

From The Paddock

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Matt's view on his 5 favourite weanlings this year so far...

You read two weeks back all about the processes involved in weaning your young foals. This week we ask Mat to talk us through the personalities of a few of his favourites so far...

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1. Queenin Caper - Duporth

This is one of the first Duporth's that Matt has weaned. Interestingly she is already one of his favourites'. Matt has commented on how strong and scopey she is and possesses great bone and correctness to go along with it. He did however make special comment on how she is an incredibly confident filly, almost verging on cheeky which adds to her appeal.

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2. Royal Pageant - Snitzel

This mare seems to throw a favourite in the paddock each year and this year is no exception. Yet again this great quartered colt is a popular with all the staff not only because of his conformation but also for his terrific friendly temperament. Matt's exact words were: "He is a quality colt with huge bone and looks like he will be the star of the future.”

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3. Vormista - Redoute's Choice

She was a very cheeky little foal who used to have us all, including her owner, on the defence in the paddock as she was very fond of her personal space. Now she is an outstanding filly in every way with a great look of athleticism and strength. There is still an air of arrogance about her as if she knows she is gorgeous. She wasn't at all concerned at being removed from her mother when she was weaned; she called out once then contentedly got stuck into her feed.

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4. Cinecitta - Duporth

Mat has loved this filly from day one and as you can see his favouritism was well founded. She has grown into a powerhouse with the strength and athleticism she always promised to have. The touch of Apache Cat with her big white face will make her an eye catching figure on the race track.

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5. Layette - Dane Shadow

This colt is big, lengthy and powerful, he has a great presence and the stamp of a horse of quality. He is a full relation to a Black Opal placegetter in Bright Heart but seems to have a head start even on her.

So far Mat hasn't had any major dramas with the weaning process. All the foals have all been well behaved are learning quickly. But as is the case of all youngsters this is not always the way and he is preparing for the fireworks to start. The foals are big and still growing quickly due to the incredible season we have had so they no doubt will be full of beans as they keep rolling through the barn!

We look forward to keeping you posted.

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One chance in 728

Congratulations to Neil Werrett who won the $250k Inglis Premier race for 2yo's on Wednesday with Snitzerland. Mick banging the table as he does on rare occasions, was desperate to buy this filly, and Neil purchased Snitzerland in good faith for $125k. So for two starts she is Stakes placed and has pocketed $163k in earnings. Neil is now extremely well placed for an exciting Golden Slipper campaign and he is one owner who sure does know how to enjoy these situations.

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Black Caviar Celebrations

When a photo says a thousand words.

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Weekend Acceptances

FROM THE PADDOCK

FRIDAY NIGHT 17/02/2012
Australia
ATC
8:00pm Race 4 Sydney Markets Limited H., A$27000 1550m
Bright Heart (AUS) 2008 (F. by Dane Shadow-Layette) - Sold for $200k at Magics 2010. Seemingly doesn’t handle the wet so might get her chance here tonight. Probably not though. Good luck to her breeder Neil Werrett.
Fille Vilaine (AUS) 2008 (F. by Dane Shadow-Naughty Girl) - Sold at Magics 2010 for $50k. Her most impressive runs have been when ridden quiet so barrier 16 might be a blessing IF there is any speed on. Good luck to her breeder Geoff Grimish.

8:30pm Race 5 Everybody's Body H., A$27000 1550m
Light Warrior (AUS) 2007 (G. by General Nediym-Danebeam) - Sold at Magics 2009 for $100k. Despite last start failure seems to be running well and should be shot from the barrier. Good luck to his breeder Grahame Mapp.

MVRC
9:45pm Race 7 Win a Trip to Royal Ascot H., A$30000 1600m
Shifting Shadows (AUS) 2006 (F. by Dane Shadow-Futurama) - Sold for wait for it......$1750 in 2010. Has won 3, placed 3 for $37,155. Has the form and ability to be some small hope here. Good luck to her breeder Grahame Mapp.

SATURDAY 18/02/2012
Australia
ATC
2:30pm Race 3 Canonbury S. L, A$100000 1100m
Nediym's Quest (AUS) 2009 (C. by General Nediym-Zabere) - Sold for $205,000 at Magics 2011. First start in a tough listed race. He is by the General so don’t be surprised. Good luck to his breeder Grahame Mapp.
3:50pm Race 5 Breeders Classic Gr.2, A$176700 1200m
Red Tracer (AUS) 2007 (F. by Dane Shadow-Kisma) - Welcome back Red Tracer. You seem to of grown a hand? Deserving a Group 1 and winning one are two different things. Hopefully this race will provide the platform to do so. Barrier and competition will make winning this extremely difficult. Good luck to her owner and breeder Geoff Grimish.
5:10pm Race 7 Light Fingers S. Gr.2, A$176700 1200m
Kneeling (AUS) 2008 (F. by Encosta De Lago-Sunday Service) - Sold at Easter 2010 for $340k. Stakes winner who heads up North for the first time. Tough race but has shown serious ability. Can win but gate 17? Good luck to her breeder David Reid.

Other Runners of Interest.

SATURDAY 18/02/2012
Australia
ATC

3:50pm Race 5 Breeders Classic Gr.2, A$176700 1200m
Steps In Time (AUS) 2007 (F. by Danehill Dancer  Shadow- Rare Insight ) - What a pedigree, what a producer Rare Insight is becoming and it appears the best is yet to come here with Steps In Time. Won impressively last start and reports are she has trained up for this. Good luck to her breeder/owners Neil Hoar, Chris Jackson and Mike Everett. What happened to Whitby and Manning?
VRC
4:10pm Race 6 Lightning S. Gr.1, A$752500 1000m
Black Caviar (AUS) 2006 (F. by Bel Esprit-Helsinge) - Who would of thought she would be going around here in the Lightning. Many have commented that last week’s win was her most impressive. If she wins this considering the drop in distance, even that effort may be surpassed. Good luck to the BC team!

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