Champion USA 2YO Macho Uno is off to a brilliant start at stud in Kentucky and that’s good news for Queensland and Oaklands Stud.

Oaklands owner Neville Stewart imported Macho Uno stallion Wicked Style to his Darling Downs stud last year and was more than pleased with a book of 80 mares.

“His fleet-footedness as a 2YO at Group 1 level is the hallmark of an outstanding individual,” Stewart explained.  “That, together with a Group 1 pedigree, made it impossible to ignore him.”

The Macho Uno (Holy Bull) sireline has continued to make an impact this season with Macho Macho Man who is one the favourites for the G1 Belmont Stakes this weekend.

Mucho Macho Man (3c Macho Uno – Ponche de Leona by Ponche) was bred by Rose Grove Stud owners John and Carole Rio and he finished third in the Kentucky Derby and sixth in the Preakness Stakes.

The colt has developed into a classic candidate despite a setback at birth in June 2008.  The Florida based couple knew Ponce de Leona was about to foal so they made sure someone was watching the mare when they left the farm planning to be back within at hour at most.

While they were away, a telephone call alerted them to news the foal was stillborn.  They rushed back to Rose Grove to see the mare standing over a lifeless foal.  Carole Rio got down and began rubbing the baby as well as saying her prayers.  Then, all of a sudden, the colt jumped up and ran off.

Wicked Style also endured a major scare as a late two year-old.  He arrived at Oaklands Stud after winning five races topped by the G1 Breeders 2YO Futurity at Keeneland in 2007.  It followed a G3 win in the Arlington Futurity.

Wicked Style was unplaced in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile but there were excuses.  He sustained a leg injury that had him sidelined right through his classic year.  Resuming at four, he won twice and was Group placed at Keeneland and Arlington.

Macho Uno sired Wicked Style from from Develitta, a stakes performed Trempolino mare from the family of Zabeel’s G1 winner St Reims.

Wicked Style stands at Oaklands alongside Ferocity, All Bar One, Chateau Istana and Break The Vault .