New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2012 Karaka Premier Sale will see world champion sire Galileo represented by his only southern hemisphere bred yearling colts to be offered in Australasia next year.
To be offered by Gordon Cunningham’s Curraghmore Stud, the two colts represent a unique chance for buyers to secure yearling colts by a sire that has developed into one of the world’s most respected and successful stallions.
“They are a pair of quality colts and we’re excited and privileged to be presenting them for sale in January,” commented Cunningham. “The yearling out of Astonish (Lot 54) is absolutely top draw, he would be one of our best yearlings.”
Astonish (Cape Cross) was bred in England and is from the family of G1 Hong Kong winners Industrialist (Rudimentary) and Firebolt (Flying Spur).
The other Galileo colt is out of the Rock of Gibraltar mare Tasmania (Lot 482). He is from the family of New Zealand’s champion sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram) and represents the highly successful Galileo – Danehill cross.
A champion sire, Galileo has had a season to remember in the northern hemisphere headed by his wonder colt Frankel. Galileo is the sire of 98 stakes winners worldwide and 22 of them have been in the southern hemisphere
His standout performers in this part of the world include G1 NZB graduate Sousa (AJC Spring Champion Stakes) as well as stakes winners the calibre of Gallant Tess, Linton, Banc De Fortune, Discorsi, Miss Galilei, Reprisal, Saint Minerva and Melbourne Cup runner up Purple Moon.
Galileo has continued the winning run this season with Team Hawkes stayer Niwot (G3 VRC Lexus Stakes) who is currently at $8 for the G1 Auckland Cup in March.
The Melbourne spring carnivals also saw the Robert Hickmott trained Tanby claim the LR Bendigo Cup while his Sydney stakes winners include Galizani (LR NSW Tatt’s Club City Cup) and Sea Galleon (LR ATC Christmas Cup)
Galileo is one of many sire sons of the great Sadler’s Wells that have made their way to Australasia including Montjeu and High Chaparral.
High Chaparral’s impact on the Australasian tracks was immediate, siring four Group 1 winners from his first New Zealand crop including the eight-time Group 1 winning NZB graduate So You Think (NZ).
The Karaka Premier Sale will offer 61 yearlings by High Chaparral including Curraghmore Stud’s colt from the Stravinsky mare Ballet Danseuse (Lot 67). The dam is a half-sister to the Melbourne Cup – VRC Derby winner Efficient (Zabeel) and G2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes winner Guillotine (Montjeu).
“He’s another quality colt and a real standout,” said Cunningham. “I would say that he will be one of the highest rated High Chaparral colts at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale.”
Catalogues for New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales (30 January – 5 February) are now available and can be viewed online at www.nzb.co.nz.