Unbeaten Dude targets Derby Day

Described as a ‘bit of a dude’ by his trainer Ciaron Maher, Victorian bred Yulong January is certainly taking it all in his stride as the three-year-old now heads towards black-type targets.

The son of Greta West sire King Of Prussia, bred by Wangaratta’s Allan and Cheryl Price, cruised to victory in the Young Members Handicap at Randwick last Saturday keeping his unbeaten record intact.

Greta West’s Laurie McCarthy is thrilled the colt is flying the flag for the stud’s longstanding stallion.

“You really have to take your hat off to King Of Prussia as he only gets his ten or so mares a year, but he sure can throw a very handy horse or two,” McCarthy told www.tbv.com.au earlier this week.

“We bought King of Prussia off the track and he is part of the furniture now. He may not be the most commercial stallion, but when you look at his runners the last couple of years he has had Prussian Vixen, Entre Nous, Cha Cha King and now with Yulong January he certainly punches above his weight.

“He may be getting on a bit, but he is very fertile, and he wouldn’t mind a few more mares coming his way.”

“(Breeder) Alan Price keeps his dam Duty With Honour at our property and, although she headed off to Frosted this year, after Yulong January’s success Alan has said that she will certainly be coming back to King Of Prussia next year.”

Ciaron Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, indicated that Yulong January will head to the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington on Derby Day.

“He’s a very genuine horse and just keeps improving. He’s a straightforward no-frills horse. He does his work, he eats up – you wouldn’t know he’s a colt,” Maher said.

Bred by the Prices, long-term clients of Greta West, Yulong January was a yearling sold through the Bucklee Farm draft at the 2017 Inglis Premier Sale.

“He could prove to be a brilliant bargain by the end of the spring carnival,” McCarthy said.

“Leeanne (Smith) and Bucklee Farm are pretty much our neighbours, and they prepare and sell most of our yearlings. We have three heading to them at this stage to the Premier Sale that are all going to be worth a second look. We support each other, and they are a big help with all our walk-ins.”