Skilled and Wayed Zain will join the Riverbank Farm roster at Benalla this year.

Riverbank owners Russell Osborne and Dr Caroline Duddy have added the two young stallions to incumbent sires Redente and Von Costa de Hero.

Skilled (Commands) won a G1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick and was the first of three black-type winners from Dextrous (Quest For Fame).  He was followed by Ambidexter (G2 Theo Marks Stakes) and Sidestep (G2 Royal Sovereign Stakes).

Initially based at Darley Victoria, his stud career commenced on a winning note when his first two starters – Cayman Dayze and Little Elsa – were successful last year.

There have been 9 individual winners this season headed by So Skilled who will be aiming for a hat-trick when he returns from a spell having completed a running double at Morphettville in February.

“Ever since we decided to stand Skilled we have been getting all these phone calls from breeders telling us how much they like him,” Duddy said.  “So many people have a Skilled youngster who they really like and with that in mind we are confident that the best is ahead for him.”

Wayed Zain is a son of High Chaparral from a half-sister to Encosta de Lago.  He won twice at Canterbury in a one-prep career as a spring 3yo for Emirates Park and Team Hawkes.

Riverbank Farm has announced the following fees for 2017;  Redente ($3,850), Skilled ($3,300), Wayed Zain ($2,200) & Von Costa de Hero ($2,200).  All service fees include the reproductive vet costs.

SKILLED