Widden Stud has announced explosive sprinter Nicconi will join its 2010 roster. His fee has been set at $22,000 (inc gst) although that could be subject to change depending on upcoming results at Royal Ascot.
Nicconi is currently in training for a tilt at the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes in June for which he has been installed favourite by British bookmakers.
Given his impeccable fresh record and dazzling brilliance at his pet distance of 1000 metres, it’s no surprise the David Hayes trained speedster is widely being tipped to emulate the success of past Aussie raiders Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Scenic Blast who were all good enough to win the prestigious King’s Stand over 1000 metres.
“He’s unbeaten first-up, unbeaten at 1000m and dynamic in straight races,” David Hayes said earlier this week. “I’ve never had a runner at Royal Ascot because I’ve waited until I had the right horse – I firmly believe Nicconi is the right horse.
“He’s the best sprinter I have ever trained and one of the best looking stallions to come out of Lindsay Park.”
Nicconi (Bianconi) is a half-brother to five time Group 1 winner Niconero and has been brilliant from day one, winning his debut as a two year old at Sandown over 1000 metres by three lengths in a blistering 56.84 seconds.
The freakish acceleration he showed that day has been the hallmark of his stellar career to date. The highlights include a Group 1 victory in the AJC The Galaxy (beating Group 1 winners Danleigh, Gold Trail and Swiss Ace) and G1 VRC Lightning Stakes (defeating Group 1 winners Wanted, Starspangledbanner, Headway and Duporth).
On the pedigree front, Nicconi is hard to fault being a grandson of breed-shaping sire Danzig from the Group 3 placed Scenic mare Nicola Lass, who has left four stakes-horses in Niconero, Nicconi, Recooperate and Holly Go Lightly.
Widden’s Anthony Thompson said Nicconi will be a more than suitable replacement for General Nediym who also won the Group 1 Lightning Stakes as a three year-old. “Horses with this type of speed rarely fail. He is a very masculine thoroughbred with a powerful sprinter’s physique that is going to make him a popular addition to our roster.
“Widden has purchased the four year-old with some of his current owners retaining a stake in his future stud career, so there will a percentage of Nicconi to be syndicated with shares available for interested parties.”
Nicconi, who worked the house down at Caulfield on Saturday, will travel to the UK next week and on his return will retire to Widden. Earlier this month, it was announced Dreamscape (Choisir) would also retire to Widden for the 2010 season.