Busker breakthrough in Adelaide

Busker’s Ballad added his name Yarradale Stud’s interstate roll-call with an overdue victory at Morphettville on Saturday.

The consistent son of Street Cry (Ire) took advantage of the prevailing conditions to win the Caudo Vineyard Hcp (2250m). He settled last in a tactical race of changes before having final say with a strong finish along the fence.

Busker’s Ballad, who was bred by Yarradale and sold for $300,000 through its consignment to the 2016 Perth Magic Millions, returns a cheque just about every time he’s saddled up by Ryan Balfour.

“He’s had a good campaign and has deserved to win more races,” Balfour claimed. “I walked the track this morning and realised the rail was the place to be. I told Dom (Tourneur) to ride for luck and the horse dug deep when the run came.”

Busker’s Ballad follows recent Yarradale-sired Eastern States winners La Belle Jude (War Chant), Metro Boy (City Place), Choncape (Gingerbread Man) and Ginger Jones (Gingerbread Man).

He is one of 7 winners from 7 to race out of Verse (Quest For Fame) who hails from the family of Group 1 winners Anthems, Yell, Microphone and Holler.

Verse has been a profitable producer since Yarradale owner Ron Sayers bought her for $30,000 out of a Darley Reduction Sale in 2010. Shortly after changing hands, her Commands stayer Lamasery came out and won four black-type races including the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) in Sydney.

Verse’s yearling by War Chant (USA) sold for $180,000 at this year’s Perth Magic Millions to Singapore-based Constance Cheng. “I thought she was the top filly of the sale,” Cheng said. “I really liked her as a type and it was great to be able to buy her off Yarradale Stud as I have had a lot of success with the stock from the farm.”

War Chant ($11,000) heads Yarradale Stud’s roster for 2020 alongside Gingerbread Man ($5,500), Bradbury’s Luck ($3,300) and Heritage (FOA). All fees (inc GST).

BUSKER’S BALLAD