Sydney based breeder Ian Johnson is still on cloud nine after watching Viewed romp to victory in Saturday’s G1 Caulfield Cup.
Johnson bred the Scenic gelding from Lover’s Knot (Khozaam) and he has decided to send the mare to Coolmore shuttler Duke Of Marmalade this year. She foaled a filly to God’s Own last month.
“For me, Duke Of Marmalade was the standout when I saw the Coolmore stallions,” Johnson remarked yesterday. “They are a lovely bunch of horses at Coolmore but physically he really stood out.
“He has great presence about him. Obviously he has a good pedigree, but physically he has what I am looking for with Lover’s Knot. She’s a big, coarse mare and he has that quality that I think she needs.”
Lover’s Knot is not the only top-class mare being served by Danehill’s last great son. Duke Of Marmalade was a five-time Group 1 winner and his initial Australian book includes Glammis (G2 winning 2yo), Dizzy De Lago (dam of G1 winning Sth African 2yo Musir), How Funny (G1 Golden Slipper runner-up), high-class racemare Mrs Tendulkar as well as close relatives to the likes of Titanic Jack and Dane Ripper.