Ustinov is back in Victoria to stay after his latest stint at Brighthill Farm in New Zealand.  He will stand at Moorookyle Park which is situated between Ballarat and Castlemaine.

Conceived in Kentucky, Ustinov is by Seeking The Gold from Hall of Fame mare Let’s Elope (Nassipour).  In the spring of 2001, he was runner-up to Lonhro in a memorable edition of the G1 Caulfield Guineas and followed up with a G2 victory in the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.

Ustinov retired to Waikato based Brighthill Farm in 2003 and stood there for six years before owner Dennis Marks brought him back home for a one-off season at Millford Thoroughbreds in Nagambie.

He returned to NZ for another three books before the latest move to Moorookyle Park where owner Nioka Wozny will stand him for a $6,600 (inc gst) service fee.

Ustinov has sired 86 winners of 202 races at a 52% strike-rate.  Heading the list are G1 WRC Telegraph Hcp winner Vonusti and G3 MVRC Champagne Stakes winner Antarctic Miss.

Ustinov allows breeders to tap into the bloodlines of Seeking the Gold (Mr Prospector) and Nassipour (Blushing Groom).  It’s a perfect match for Danzig – Danehill sireline that’s so prevalent in Australia.

Seeking the Gold stood at Claiborne Farm where he generated 86 stakes winners.  He’s the damsire of Claiborne stallion Blame who inflicted the only defeat on Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic.  He also sired Sheikh Mohammed’s champion colt Dubai Millennium.

Let’s Elope is rising 25 and is in retirement at Lauriston Park in Euroa.  The 1991 Melbourne Cup winner’s final foal Karata (Elvstroem) debuted last month and ready to break through after finishing fourth to Miss Kempinsky at Seymour on Saturday.

Ustinov