Val de Vie restaurant terrace (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
The 2016 Val de Vie yearling sale has found its niche on the South African sales calendar, catering for a mix of select top-class and value-for-money yearlings. The sale venue at the Val de Vie estate helps to classify the sale as a boutique auction, intimate and classy. It echoes the words of Val de Vie founder Martin Venter, ‘to leave a legacy that will have a lasting, positive impact on those around us’.
This year’s Valentine’s Day sale features just over a hundred yearlings, which are progeny of just under 40 different stallions. As was the case last year, the sale has a small number of ‘select’ yearlings. These were nominated by their vendors as outstanding specimens. Gr1 producing sires Captain Al, Trippi, Var and Ideal World are among the sires of the select group. A diamond necklace will be awarded to the buyer of the highest priced select lot. Sarah Whitelaw looks at what’s on offer.
ANTONIUS PIUS
Antonius Pius (Danzig – Catchascatchcan)
Winner of the Gr3 Railway Stakes at two and runner up in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile the following year, Antonius Pius was South Africa’s Leading First Crop sire in 2012-2013.
The son of Danzig’s first crop really made waves, with their numbers including KZN Million winner Ace Antonius, Gr2 winner My Sanctuary and ill-fated Gr3 star Antonius Du Bois. Subsequent crops have produced the likes of Belong To Me, Cool Chardonnay and My Felicity. He has 7 on offer:
Lot 12 – a filly out of a daughter of top broodmare sire Caesour, this yearling hails from a great filly female with her relatives including star females Helenita, Trojan Belle and Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Little Ballerina.
Lot 44 – out of a three time winner, this colt’s dam is a full sister to the stakes winning St James’ Park. A direct descendant of the great mare Ethane, his relatives include Gr1 winning 2yo Fair Model and her outstanding grandson Legal Eagle.
Lot 54 – out of a winning daughter of Rakeen, this filly’s relatives include ill-fated Cape Guineas winner Face North and Gr1 J&B Met hero Polo Classic, as well as high class females Keen Observer and ill-fated Our Girl. Also the family of current smart performer Fifty Cents.
Lot 62 – a filly from a top filly family, she is out of a three time winning daughter of Western Winter and a stakes winning Elliodor mare. The family of top fillies Diorrissimo, Scented Royal, Franny and King’s Stand Stakes third Sweet Sanette.
Lot 95 – a colt out of a four time winning Jet Master mare, whose relatives include this season’s classy 3yo and Gr2 Selangor Cup hero Hard Day’s Night. Also the family of champions Bluffing, Taima Bluff and Tecla Bluff.
Lot 98 – a half sister to a winner, this filly’s dam is a half sister to two black type performers (this filly has been withdrawn)
Lot 101 – this nicely related colt is out of Kahal Gr1 SA Fillies Classic winning daughter Spiced Gold and is from the wonderfully prolific Majorca family.
ARGONAUT
Argonaut (Western Winter – Aquasarto)
An outstanding performer on the track, Argonaut was South Africa’s Equus Champion 2YO Colt of 2006-2007 when he won three of four outings including the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and Gr1 Golden Horseshoe.
His early crops have yielded such smart performers as Ernie Or Else, Spirit Of Hamilton, Beat The Retreat, Copybook and Jade Vine. He has a sole lot on offer:
Lot 108 – a half brother to a winner, this colt’s third dam is none other than champion filly Vesta, whose eight wins included three at Gr1 level. Vesta, whose wins included the Gr1 Champion Stakes, was a half sister to top class racemare and producer Roman Fantasy.
ASHAAWES
Ashaawes (Kingmambo – Crown Of Crimson)
By the hugely successful Kingmambo (also sire of top stallions King Kamehameha, King’s Best and Lemon Drop Kid), Ashaawes made a promising start to his stud career with his first crops including high class graded stakes winners Priceless Jewel and Reim, as well as the likes of Way Clear, and Gr1 Derby placed Dubai winner Sanshaawes.
He has 3 on sale:
Lot 31 – out of a winning daughter of champion sire and promising broodmare sire Captain Al, this well related colt’s relatives include Irish 2000 Guineas hero Flash Of Steel and Gr1 winners Bon Hoffa and Sparkalark.
Lot 68 – a filly with plenty of paddock value, she is a full sister to a four time winner and a half sister to The Sheik’s stakes winning daughter Sheikitupbaby. The family of ill-fated Cape Guineas hero Domino Man.
Lot 69 – inbred to the great sire Mr Prospector, this filly is very closely related to the Kingmambo line stakes winner Grandalea. This is the wonderful family of champion and young KZN sire Capetown Noir and his dam, Broodmare of The Year, Akinfeet.
BEZRIN
Bezrin (Danzig – Darling Flame)
Closely related to Gr1 Oakleigh Plate winner Shamal Wind, Danzig’s son Bezrin has proved a more than useful sire of smart performers, with his top performers including Gr2 Charity Mile winner Bezanova, stakes winning 2yo Jimmi Choo and 16 time winning millionaire Celtic Fire from limited opportunities.
He has 2 on sale:
Lot 25 – bred on the potent Danzig/Roberto cross, this colt is out of a Captain Al half sister to the Gr1 placed dam of top filly Control Freak. The family of champion and leading sire and broodmare sire Model Man. Bred on very similar lines to Gr3 winner Thunderflash.
Lot 92 – a half sister to 2 winners, this filly’s dam is a half sister to champion filly National Bay – like the filly a male line descendant of unbeaten sire legend Danzig.
BLACK MINNALOUSHE
Black Minnaloushe (Storm Cat – Coral Dance)
A classic winning son of the great Storm Cat, Black Minnaloushe is a well established sire, whose offspring include 8 Gr1 winners. These include recently retired Triple Crown and Summer Cup winner Louis The King, champion 2yo Kochka, and SA Oaks winner Ash Cloud. The sire of 3 champion 2yos to date, Black Minnaloushe has 1 lot on offer:
Lot 48 –a half brother to 3 winners, this colt (bred on the powerful Storm Cat/Blushing Groom cross) is out of a winning half sister to top class filly Miss Doreet and hails from the same family as Horse Of The Year and young KZN sire Irish Flame.
BOLD SILVANO
Bold Silvano (Silvano – Bold Saffron)
The former Equus Champion and July winner made the best possible start to his stud career when his very first runner, Besotted, made a winning debut recently. Bred in South Africa like champion sires Captain Al, Dynasty and Jet Master, Bold Silvano is the first son of champion sire Silvano to retire to stud in this country.
He has 2 on sale:
Lot 111 – out of a winning Western Winter half sister to a stakes winner, this colt is a half brother to three useful winners including five time winner Hammie’s Dynasty.
Lot 113 – is a colt with a stallion’s pedigree, with his relatives including the highly influential sire Mummy’s Pet. A half brother to four winners, his dam is a half sister to New Zealand Horse Of The Year and multiple Gr1 winner King’s Chapel, who is currently standing in KZN.
CAPTAIN AL
Captain Al (Al Mufti – Off To War)
South Africa’s reigning champion sire and seven times champion sire of 2yos, Captain Al enjoyed a tremendous 2015 when his offspring included champion Captain Of All, now at stud alongside his sire, and Gr1 winners Carry On Alice and Pine Princess. The sire of more than 30 Gr1 horses and counting, Captain Al’s 2015-2016 runners include 6 stakes winners.
The champ has one on sale:
Lot 11 – this well related filly is a full sister to stakes winning 2yo Princess Alberta and a half sister to Gr2 winning speedster Badger’s Cove. Bred on the potent Captain Al/Badger Land cross which has produced champion Captain’s Lover and Gr1 SA Oaks star Pine Princess.
ELUSIVE FORT
Elusive Fort (Fort Wood – Ever Seeking)
A half brother to star 2yo Easyjadeasy, Equus Champion and triple Gr1 winner Elusive Fort shares his champion sire Fort Wood with outstanding sire Dynasty. One of South Africa’s most exciting young sires himself, Elusive Fort’s first two crops have both produced Gr1 winners, in the forms of Siren’s Call and Lauderdale respectively.
He has 2 on sale:
Lot 76 – a half sister to two winners, this filly (bred on similar lines to star filly Shadow Dancing) is out of a three parts sister to Gr2 Dingaans hero Special Squad. The family of Gr1 Queen’s Plate winner Yardmaster.
Lot 90 – a filly bred on the very successful Sadler’s Wells/Gone West cross (ie Motivator, Leading Light), she is out of a daughter of a three time winning Al Mufti mare and is closely related to Fort Wood sired stakes winners Fort Petersburg and Stormy Coast.
FORT WOOD
Fort Wood (Sadler’s Wells – Fall Aspen)
Sadly now deceased, this great sire has been one of the most influential stallions ever to stand at stud in South Africa. Sadler’s Wells’ Grand Prix de Paris winning son has been a champion sire (3 sons were named Horse Of The Year), outstanding sire of sires and champion broodmare sire (he is again leading that log).
The sire of 15 Gr1 winners has 2 on sale here:
Lot 51 – bred on the potent Sadler’s Wells/Danehill cross, this filly is a full sister to two winners. She is out of a four time winning daughter of champion sprinter and highly successful sire Choisir, who is a half sister to an Australian stakes winner.
Lot 94 – another bred on the Sadler’s Wells/Danehill nick, this colt is out of a winning daughter of top sire Danehill Dancer (broodmare sire of star European filly Minding) and former Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Igreja (herself an own sister to a Gr1 winner in Argentina). (this colt has been withdrawn)
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT
Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready – Yes She Can Cancan)
One of more than 150 stakes winners by hugely successful shuttle sire More Than Ready, Gimmethegreenlight was an outstanding 2yo, who won his first four races in a row. The handsome colt trained on well to beat subsequent dual Horse Of The Year Variety Club in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate at three. A half brother to Aus Gr1 winner Ofcourseican, Gimmethegreenlight has 8 lots on offer:
Lot 1 –a colt from one of the best families in the stud book, he is out of a three parts sister to Royal Ascot Gr3 winner Endorsement. His immediate relatives include Gr1 winning 2yo and top class local sire Count Dubois as well as Irish 2000 Guineas hero Indian Haven, while other notable relatives include champion siblings Diesis and Kris.
Lot 7 – this nicely bred filly is out of a Jallad half sister to US Gr1 winner Gypsy’s Warning and Gr2 Camellia Stakes winner Surabi. Her second dam is a full sister to a pair of sisters who both won the Gr2 SA Oaks.
Lot 34 – a half brother to 3 winners, he is out of Gr1 SA Fillies Guineas winner Duchess Daba. The latter, by leading sire National Assembly, is an own sister to talented feature race performer Chief Editor and second dam is 15 time Gr3 winner Izindaba.
Lot 37 – out of an Al Mufti half sister to Gr2 winning 2yo Winterinthewoods, this well bred colt is from the same family as multiple Gr1 winner and promising young sire Warm White Night, champion Highland Night and Gr1 performers Night Watch and Vogue. His dam is a three parts sister to Derby winner Prince Asad.
Lot 71 – this filly is out of a full sister to Gr3 winner Dream Come True and from the family of none other than champion sprinter and Gr1 sire Goldmark.
Lot 79 – this filly is from a top filly female, with her relatives including Oaks winning champion Festive Occasion and her Gr1 winning daughter Do You Remember. The latter is now competing successfully in Australia.
Lot 80 – a half sister to three winners including a stakes performer, this filly is out of a stakes winning mare and she hails from the same female line as this season’s Gr1 Sansui Summer Cup winner Master Sabina and the latter’s Oaks winning dam Sabina Park.
Lot 97 – a beautifully bred filly, she is out of a half sister to stakes winner Admiral’s Daughter and the stakes performer Gibson Girl. Her Caesour sired dam is a three parts sister to international Gr1 winning full sisters Irridescence and Perfect Promise. Her third dam was broodmare of the year.
GITANO HERNANDO
Gitano Hernando (Hernando – Gino’s Spirit)
From the same male line as Silvano and Bold Silvano, Gitano Hernando was an outstanding racehorse who earned over $2 000 000 on the track. A direct descendant of 1000 Guineas winner Mrs McArdy, Gitano Hernando won both the Gr1 Goodwood Stakes and Gr1 Singapore Cup.
He has 2 on offer here:
Lot 83 – this colt is out of the talented Windrush mare Promises to Keep, whose 4 wins included the Gr3 Diana Stakes. A member of the great Drohsky family, Promises to Keep is a half sister to the lightly raced but hugely talented Speed Rocket.
Lot 118 – inbred to the great Danzig (as are more than 30 Gr1 winners), this filly is a half sister to 2 winners and is out of a four time winning three parts sister to Gr3 winner Sharp Design. From a very fast family, this filly’s second dam is top class sprinter Sharp Ledge.
GOLDEN SWORD
Golden Sword and Greg Muir
Winner of the Gr3 Chester Vase (like champion sires Bayardo and Hyperion), Golden Sword is a record breaking son of six times Gr1 winner and outstanding sire High Chaparral, whose Gr1 winners include the likes of So You Think, Dundeel, Toronado, and Free Eagle. From the same family as former champion SA sire Royal Prerogative, Golden Sword has 1 on sale:
Lot 39 –like an increasing number of top class runners (including local 2yo Intriguing Lady), this filly is closely inbred to the legendary sire Sadler’s Wells. Her first two dams are by Dynasty and Badger Land respectively, and this is the family of Gr1 winner Proud Pilgrim.
GREAT BRITAIN
Great Britain (Green Desert-Park Appeal)
Winner of the now Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint, Great Britain is a son of leading sire Green Desert, whose sire sons include top sires Invincible Spirit, Oasis Dream and Volksraad. Great Britain himself is a full brother to top miler and sire Cape Cross, whose 100 plus stakes winners include the likes of Golden Horn, Ouija Board (dam of Australia) and Sea The Stars. Sire of Gr1 performer Mystical Twilight in his first local crop, Great Britain has a single lot on sale:
Lot 45 –another inbred to undefeated sire star Danzig, this colt is out of a winning daughter of the great racemare Shepherd’s Moon, whose victories included impressive wins in both the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr1 Paddock Stakes.
GREYS INN
Greys Inn (Zabeel – Great Verdict)
A globetrotting champion, who won both in South Africa and Dubai, the former July winner and multiple Gr1 winner is one of more than 40 Gr1 winners for now deceased sire star Zabeel. Greys Inn has made more than made a name for himself at stud, with his top performers including such Gr1 winners as King Of Pain, Legal Eagle and Royal Bencher.
He has 1 on offer:
Lot 96 –a half sister to a winner, this filly is out of a mare by Saumarez (also damsire of Epsom Derby winner Authorized). Her dam is a half sister to a Derby winner and this is the famed Majorca female line.
HORSE CHESTNUT
Horse Chestnut (Fort Wood – London Wall)
Arguably the greatest race horse bred in South Africa, the former Triple Crown winner and J&B Met hero is now sadly deceased. Horse Chestnut has more than made his mark at stud, with his Gr1 winners including Chestnuts ‘N Pearls and Lucifer’s Stone, as well as the graded winners Banbury, Chestnut’s Rocket, and Spanish Chestnut, to name a few. The champion has one here:
Lot 57 –a three parts sister to a multiple winner, this filly (bred on the potent Sadler’s Wells/ Danzig cross) is out of a daughter of the great sprint champion Laisserfaire and hails from the same family as champion sire Centaine as well as Melbourne Cup winner Rainbird.
IDEAL WORLD
Ideal World (Kingmambo – Banks Hill)
A horse with an exceptional pedigree, Ideal World is a son of Kingmambo and champion Banks Hill, the latter being a full sister to champion sire Dansili. Ideal World has made a fine start to his stud career, with Gr1 fillies in each of his first two crops. The sire of Gr1 Woolavington 2000 & J&B Met winner Smart Call has five yearlings on sale here:
Lot 10 –a filly with a stunning pedigree (and bred on the marvellous Kingmambo/Sadler’s Wells cross), she is out of a full sister to champion Monyela and a three parts sister to Horse Of The Year and successful sire Horse Chestnut.
Lot 27 – this filly is out of a winning Tiger Ridge half sister to Gr1 Champions Cup winner African Appeal and stakes winning speedster Mary Lou.
Lot 43 – a colt with a definite stallion’s pedigree, he is out of a daughter of champion sire Fort Wood and from the family of another champion SA sire in Western Winter. Inbred to the legendary breed shaping sire Mr Prospector.
Lot 89 – out of a three time winning daughter of Strike Smartly (damsire of Gr1 winner Guiness), this filly’s relatives include the outstanding filly Crimson Palace, winner of South Africa’s Gr1 Paddock Stakes and victorious in the Gr1 Beverly D Stakes in North America.
Lot 104 – another well bred filly, she is out of a three time winning Fort Wood half sister to smart stakes winner Animated. The family of Gr1 winning female Soft Landing.
JUDPOT
Judpot (A P Indy – Miesque)
Kingmambo’s AP Indy sired half brother made an exceptional start to his stud career when his first crop produced the Gr1 winners Along Came Polly and Forest Indigo.
His second crop has also done well, producing the likes of Gr2 Supreme Cup winner Deputy Jud and top fillies Double Whammy and Little Genie. He has 8 lots on sale:
Lot 5 – this well bred colt is a half brother to 4 winners including the stakes winners Miss Mischief and White Mischief. His Elliodor sired dam is a half sister to 2 stakes winners namely Hail To Rule and Magic Coast.
Lot 28 – a half sister to a winner, this filly (inbred to the great mare Special) has a second dam whose full sister produced Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Pointing North. The Judpot/Model Man cross has already produced one star in champion filly Along Came Polly and this filly could be another.
Lot 52 – inbred to the mighty Secretariat through A P Indy and Gone West, this filly is out of the top class stakes winner Lady Perez, who won or placed in seven black type features.
Lot 53 – closely inbred to Nureyev (as is the dam of champion Golden Horn), this colt is a half brother to the very useful filly Olive Leaf. This is a top class family of such notable performers as champion Aslan and Oaks winner Danseuse Classique (this colt has been withdrawn).
Lot 93 – another out of mare by leading broodmare sire Caesour, this filly is a half or full sister to two winners. From the family of recent Gr1 winner Captain America, she traces directly in female line to 1000 Guineas winner Picture Play.
Lot 105 – closely inbred to Broodmare Of The Year Weekend Surprise (dam of both A P Indy and Tiger Ridge), this nicely bred colt is out of a half sister to the classy stakes winner Pure Power (the latter sired by Captain Al whose sire Al Mufti is closely related to A P Indy and Tiger Ridge).
Lot 110 – another inbred to great matron Special, she is half sister to a winner and out of a half sister to Zimbabwean star Casey’s Dance. The family of champion filly Fov’s Dance and recent Hong Kong winner Potent Power.
Lot 114 – bred on the same cross as Gr1 winning 2yo Forest Indigo, this colt’s dam is an own sister to Big Bad John and a half sister to top filly Disco Queen, as well as the dam of Equus Champion French Navy.
MAIN AIM
Main Aim (Oasis Dream – Orford Ness)
A talented and speedy racehorse, Main Aim won the Gr3 John Of Gaunt Stakes twice and also finished second in Britain’s sprint championship, the Gr1 July Cup.
He shares his champion sprinter sire Oasis Dream with South Africa’s very exciting young sire Querari and hails from the same female line as none other than stallion luminaries Mr Prospector and Seattle Slew. He has 5 on sale:
Lot 19 – a half sister to the tough and durable Captain’s Diva, this filly is out of a winning Captain Al half sister to the stakes placed Cedar. From a versatile family, her relatives include classy stakes winning sprinter The Eden Project and Gr1 Gold Bowl hero Proud Pilgrim.
Lot 29 – a half brother to 3 winners, one of whom was stakes placed, this well bred colt is out of a Fort Wood half sister to classic winners Field Flower and Royal Land. The same family as St Leger winner Touching Wood and US Horse Of The Year and eight times champion sire Bold Ruler.
Lot 38 – is a filly out of a full sister to a stakes winner and a half sister to Gr3 winner Milden Magic (second dam of Triple Crown winner and new sire Louis The King). Like the filly on offer, Milden Magic is sired by a Danzig line stallion. Inbred to outstanding sire Sharpen Up.
Lot 72 – a half sister to two winners, this well related filly is out of a daughter of champion sire Al Mufti and Fort Wood’s champion daughter Dog Wood. Same family as another champion female – Enchanted Garden.
Lot 82 – this colt is out of a five time winning daughter of champion sire and emerging broodmare sire Captain Al. Bred on the hugely successful Danzig/Roberto cross, this colt (whose close relatives include Gr1 winner Fiery Fred) is a direct descendant of one of history’s greatest broodmares – La Troienne.
MAMBO IN SEATTLE
Mambo In Seattle (Kingmambo – Weekend In Seattle)
A top class racehorse who was placed in both the Gr1 Travers Stakes and Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, the blue blooded Mambo In Seattle is closely related to top sires Al Mufti, A P Indy and Lemon Drop Kid.
The son of Kingmambo made a top class start to his stud career with his first crop including multiple Gr1 winning millionaire Same Jurisdiction. Mambo has 7 yearlings on sale:
Lot 23 –a full brother to the useful Mock Mambo, this colt is out of a three parts sister to Gr1 winner Major Bluff. This is the family of champions Bluffing and Tecla Bluff as well as this season’s top class 3yo Hard Day’s Night.
Lot 42 – a half brother to a winner, this colt is out of a Gr2 placed daughter of champion Australian sire Encosta De Lago. This well bred colt is from an outstanding US family with relatives including Canadian Triple Crown winners Izvestia and With Approval and Belmont Stakes hero Touch Gold.
Lot 58 – bred on the potent Kingmambo/Sadler’s Wells nick, this colt is a half brother to stakes performer Jo Malone (who is by Mambo’s close relative Tiger Ridge). The family of Gr1 sprinter Shoe Shac and Mauritian stars Green Keeper and World Focus.
Lot 100 – intensely inbred to the great mare Lassie Dear, this colt’s third dam is Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile vixen Royal Heroine and his relatives also include French Gr1 winning sprinter Carmine Lake.
Lot 102 – this filly has a very interesting pedigree, with her damsire Tiger Ridge and second damsire Sportsworld both hailing from the same family as her sire Mambo In Seattle. Her second dam was a top class filly, who sadly broke down when second in the Gr2 SA Oaks.
Lot 106 – closely related to Mambo’s useful daughter Beautiful Shay, this filly is a half sister to four winners and out of a daughter of French Oaks winner Lypharita. This top class overseas family is also responsible for King George winning sire Belmez.
Lot 112 – out of an Al Mufti mare (thus bred on similar terms to Same Jurisdiction), this filly’s relatives include the outstanding racemares Arctic Sweep and Renounce as well as Met winner Arctic Cove.
MARCHFIELD
Marchfield (A P Indy – Pico Teneriffe)
Dual champion in Canada, Marchfield earned more than $1 million in a career which saw him win or place in stakes races from 2-5. A son of dual champion sire A P Indy (sire of top sires Bernardini, Malibu Moon and Pulpit), Marchfield made a pleasing start with his first Canadian runners last season and his first crop includes the classic performer Field Of Courage.
He has 12 here:
Lot 20 – a half sister to a winner, this filly is out of a mare by Al Mufti (a horse closely related to A P Indy). This filly is from the wonderful Party Time family, responsible for such top class fillies as last season’s Gr1 winner Chestnuts ‘N Pearls, as well as Eligible, Lambarina, Sally Bowles and former Equus Champion In The Fast Lane.
Lot 24 – a half brother to 2 winners, this colt is out of a half sister to a US stakes winner and is inbred to both Mr Prospector and Secretariat.
Lot 33 – a half brother to a 3 time winner, this colt is out of a three parts sister to this season’s Gr3 Fillies Mile winner Negroamaro. His second dam is champion Donatella, whose 7 wins included the Gr1 SA Fillies Guineas.
Lot 35 – another inbred to both Mr P and Secretariat, this filly is out of a mare who won three and whose relatives include the Gr1 winning fillies On Her Toes and Savannah Queen. Her third dam is Broodmare Of The Year Pretty Falcon.
Lot 47 – a half brother to a winner, this colt’s dam is a Jet Master half sister to a Gr3 winner of six and this is the family of champion Night Diva, herself responsible for promising filly Christmas Carol.
Lot 59 – this filly is out of a half sister to stakes winner Monterey Star, and hails from the family of classy fillies Follow The Piper, Katy’s Lane and Poetic.
Lot 66 – this well bred colt is out of a half sister to Gr3 winner Pirate’s Gold with his relatives also including Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes winner Captain America. Traces back to the great tap root mare Queen Of Light.
Lot 67 – this filly is inbred to all of Mr P, Northern Dancer and Secretariat. Her dam is winning daughter of Gr3 performer Blue Lace Agate with her third dam being Gr1 placed Gr2 Majorca Stakes winner Wild Aster (this filly has been withdrawn).
Lot 74 – out of a half sister to feature race winner Code Rock, this colt’s relatives include former champion 2yo colt Special Preview and ill-fated Gr1 Mainstay 1800 hero Military Muse.
Lot 75 – a direct descendant of mighty broodmare Drohsky, this filly’s dam is a half sister to Gr1 Summer Cup hero Ingleside, with her fourth dam being SA Oaks winner Sea Mist.
Lot 77 – out of a mare by world class broodmare sire Saumarez (damsire of Derby winners Authorized and Gentlewave), this filly’s relatives include star filly Pacific Blue and her three parts Gr2 winning brother Western Walk.
Lot 88 – a half sister to a winner, this filly’s dam, by world leading sire and broodmare sire Rahy, is a half sister to a US stakes winner. From the family of US Gr2 winner and Gr1 sire Sightseeing, this filly is a direct descendant of one of history’s greatest broodmares – Lady Be Good.
Lot 91 – inbred to broodmare great Lassie Dear, this colt’s dam won three and is a granddaughter of Gr1 performer and producer Eligible. The famed Party Time family responsible for recent US Gr3 winner Consumer Credit as well as champions In The Fast Lane and Trademark.
Lot 99 – this colt is intriguingly inbred to the outstanding sire Red Ransom. His second dam is a stakes winner of four in the USA and this is the same family as 2015 US Gr2 winner Red Rifle.
NOORDHOEK FLYER
Noordhoek Flyer (Pivotal – Serra Negra)
A dual Guineas winner, the brilliant miler Noordhoek Flyer shares his sire Pivotal (responsible for over 100 stakes winners) with successful sires Kyllachy and Siyouni. From an outstanding family, responsible for the likes of Halling and Volksraad, Noordhoek Flyer is responsible for this season’s smart looking filly Felicity Flyer (a past graduate of this sale).
He has 8 lots:
Lot 15 – a half sister to a winner, this filly’s second dam is a full sister to Gr2 winner Over Bearing and a half sister to Gr1 winners Alpha Omega and Final Claim. Her third dam is Broodmare Of The Year Ollies Last.
Lot 56 – a half brother to 3 winners, this colt is out of a daughter of classy stakes winner Joyous Dancer and his first dams are by top class broodmare sires Elliodor and Dancing Champ respectively.
Lot 64 – out of a four time winner, this filly’s relatives include Gr1 Classic hero Patchouli Dancer. Interestingly, Pivotal (sire of Noordhoek Flyer) sired Irish 1000 Guineas winner Halfway To Heaven out a full sister to this filly’s damsire Grey Eminence.
Lot 65 – this filly is out of a half sister to two black type performers, with her third dam being Gr1 winner Fanciful –the latter going on to produce the top class racemare and producer Cover Look.
Lot 70 –a half brother to a lightly raced winner, this colt’s dam (by emerging broodmare sire Strike Smartly) is a half brother to two stakes horses and this is the family of champion The Barbican.
Lot 73 – this filly’s dam is intensely inbred to the great sire Sadler’s Wells (as are Gr1 winners Kamsin and Parish Hall). Out of a half sister to feature race winner Sunset Tripp, her second dam is a full sister to a stakes winner and a half to Gr1 winner Imperious Star. Third dam is Met winner Imperious Sue (by champion sire and broodmare sire Northern Guest).
Lot 85 – this well bred colt is out of a four time winning daughter of the flying filly Lupine Lady and is inbred to the great sire Nureyev – as is the dam of European champion Golden Horn.
Lot 86 – this nicely bred filly, a half sister to 2 winners one of whom won four, is out of a half sister to Canadian Gr1 winner Salty You and from the family of Horse Of The Year and top speedster Moorestyle.
ORACY
Oracy (Zabeel – Lady Dehere)
A top class racehorse, who won his first five outings on the trot, Oracy earned more than R1 000 000 in prize money. His wins included both the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas and Gr2 Dingaans. A son of now deceased sire legend Zabeel, Oracy’s relatives include successful sire Oratorio (by Stravinsky) and star filly Sea Siren.
He has 1 on sale:
Lot 61 – this colt is out of three time winning half sister to 2 black type performers. Related to Gr3 Tony Ruffel winner Fantastic Mr Fox, his second dam is the stakes winning Foxroom.
PATHFORK
Pathfork (Distorted Humor – Visions of Clarity)
An unbeaten champion at two, Pathfork’s wins included the Gr1 National Stakes, won previously by sire greats Roberto, Sir Ivor, El Prado and Dubawi. He is by champion sire Distorted Humor, whose son Any Given Saturday had a 2015 Breeders Cup winner.
From the great Best In Show family, Pathfork has 2 yearlings on sale:
Lot 16 – this well bred filly is out of a winning half sister to champion and multiple Gr1 winning sire Kildonan. The filly on sale is a three parts sibling to that record breaking star, with Kildonan being sired by a son of Forty Niner – the grandsire of Pathfork himself.
Lot 78 – inbred to legendary sire Sadler’s Wells, this filly is out of a Fort Wood own sister to a stakes performer. Her second dam is a stakes winning daughter of champion sire and successful broodmare sire Jallad.
PHILANTHROPIST
Philanthropist (Kris S – Hidden Reserve)
The blue blooded son of Kris S hails from the great Grey Flight family, responsible for top sires National Assembly, Sovereign Dancer, What A Pleasure and very promising young horse Gone Astray.
A proven sire of champions Pender Harbour and Phil’s Dream, Philanthropist was North America’s Leading Sire on Synthetics in 2014. He has 1 lot:
Lot 41 –this nicely bred filly, inbred to both Mr Prospector and Grey Flight, is a half sister to 2 winners including very useful Star Chestnut. She is out of a three time winning daughter of champion sire Western Winter and National Assembly’s Gr3 winning speedster Happy Harriet.
QUERARI
Querari (Oasis Dream – Quetena)
The Gr1 winning son of champion sprinter and leading sire Oasis Dream made an outstanding start to his stud career last season, with his first crop including Gr2 winner Cosmic Light, and fellow high class 2yos Dynamic Speed and Champery.
Already off the mark with his second crop of 2yos, this exciting young sire has four on sale:
Lot 32 – this colt is out of a stakes placed mare who hails from the same family as talented fillies Jabulani Jive, Proud Classic and Proud Peyton – the latter, like the colt on sale, being by a Danzig line sire.
Lot 46 – bred on the powerful Northern Dancer/Blushing Groom cross, this colt is out of a Jallad half sister to 6 winners including Gr2 sprinter Captain Harry (this colt has been withdrawn)
Lot 60 – a half sister to a winner, this filly’s three time winning dam (by successful broodmare sire Royal Chalice) is out of a daughter of Gr2 winner Gay Mamselle. From the family of top sprinters Golden Taipan and Rebel King –the latter being by a Danzig line horse.
Lot 81 – bred on the same cross as Querari’s Gr1 daughter Melliflora, this colt’s dam is a half sister to five winners including the Derby placed Paolo. Her second dam, by breed shaping champion sire Monsun, is a half sister to French champion and Gr1 winner Paita.
REBEL KING
Rebel King (National Emblem – Cousin Linda)
An unbeaten 2yo and R2 million earner, this former champion sprinter has made a name for himself as a sire of fast, precocious juveniles.
Other notable performers sired by Rebel King include Gr3 Winter Classic hero Royal Dreamer and Gr3 Champion Juvenile Cup winner Prince Of Thieves. The chestnut has 1 lot:
Lot 21 – by a champion sprinter out of a mare by another top sprinter in Goldmark, this filly should be quick. Her dam was a Gr1 placed winner of six and has already produced 6 winners, two black type performers among them. The family of former Horse Of The Year and exciting young sire prospect Legislate.
RIGHT APPROACH
Right Approach (Machiavellian – Abbey Strand)
A Gr1 winning son of the late, great Machiavellian, Right Approach is from one of the greatest families in the stud book, with his relatives including Deep Impact, Pulpit, Johannesburg and Round Table.
A proven sire, his best include Eventual Angel, Fantastic Mr Fox, Halve The Deficit and Whiteline Fever. He has 1 on offer:
Lot 103 –this is a filly with plenty of paddock value, being a full sister to Mauritian star and stakes winner Green Keeper, and a half to another top performer on the Island in World Focus. Her dam is a half sister to Gr1 winner Shoe Shac who outgunned Tommy Hotspur to win the Gr1 Computaform Sprint.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Royal Air Force (Jet Master – Regal Blue)
By seven times champion sire Jet Master and a half brother to Met winner and Gr1 producer Imperious Sue, Royal Air Force defeated a top class field when he won the 2007 Gr2 Astrapak 1900.
Since retiring to stud he has sired a number of useful winners including Coco, Petty Officer, Riff Raf and Spirit Of Dover. He has 1 on sale:
Lot 36 – this filly is a half sister to none other than Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes winner Budapest, who has earned more than R1.3 million in stakes . Her third dam is Model Man’s Gr1 Paddock Stakes winning daughter Model School.
RUSSIAN SAGE
Russian Sage (Jallad – Sage Blue)
From the Blushing Groom male line, Russian Sage, winner of both the Gr1 Cape Derby and Gr1 Daily News 2000, is one of 16 Gr1 winners for champion sire Jallad. From a top class female line, Russian Sage has already left behind some useful winners including debut winner Russian Speed.
Lot 116 – a half brother to a winner, this colt is out of a four time winning half sister to Gr1 performer Fenerbahce. Bred on the reverse cross to champion sprinter Shea Shea, this colt’s dam is closely inbred to the great sire Danzig.
SEUL AMOUR
Seul Amour (Zabeel – Grand Archway)
A stakes winner by the late, great sire Zabeel (sire of more than 40 Gr1 winners), Seul Amour is a sire deserving of more support. His overseas runners include the stakes winners Black Tomahawk and Coldens Choice, while his local runners include talented Gr2 winner Heart Of A Lion.
He has 3 yearlings:
Lot 17 – this well related filly’s first two dams both could run, with her dam winning six and her granddam a stakes winner of ten. Second dam Caboose not only won ten races but is a half sister to Derby runner up Satin Supreme.
Lot 40 – out of a Var half sister to a winner, this filly’s second dam is a half sister to Gr1 Paddock Stakes winner and Gr3 producer Badger’s Gift. This is the family of top sprinter Thunder Cat, and Guineas second Superior Service.
Lot 84 –this colt is out of a half sister to Gr3 Streltizia Stakes winner Elegant Blush, with her second dam being a Secret Prospector half sister to Gr1 winning millionaire Glamour Boy. His third dam is by Danzig and fourth by Exclusive Native – who between them notched up five US General Sires titles.
TIGER RIDGE
Tiger Ridge (Storm Cat – Weekend Surprise)
A Storm Cat half brother to A P Indy and Summer Squall, Tiger Ridge is sadly now deceased. The former leading first crop sire has been in tremendous form of late, with recent runners including Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Noah From Goa. Other top performers sired by Tiger Ridge include Summer Cup hero Wagner, millionaire Kavanagh and champion filly Cherry On The Top.
He has 8 yearlings on offer:
Lot 2 – intensely inbred to the great mare Crimson Saint, this colt’s out of a half sister to July placed Eton Square. From the same family as champions Promisefrommyheart and London News and promising young sires Master Of My Fate and Pluck, the colt carries the same Tiger Ridge/Model Man cross as Fillies Guineas winner Maybe Yes.
Lot 3 – this colt is bred on the same Tiger Ridge/Fort Wood as Gr1 winners Cherry On The Top and Noah From Goa. His dam won five and is a sister in blood to champions Monyela and the legendary Horse Chestnut.
Lot 13 – another bred on the Tiger Ridge/Fort Wood cross, this filly’s dam won twice and is a sister in blood to Horse Of The Year and outstanding sire Dynasty. A direct descendant of legendary broodmare Lavendula.
Lot 49 – a half brother to 3 winners including current Gr3 performer Fear Not, this colt is out of a daughter of champions Diesis and Kimberley Mine (by Fort Wood). The family of US star Stella Madrid and Irish Oaks winner Winona.
Lot 55 – this colt is out of a three time winning Strike Smartly mare and is thus bred on the powerful Storm Cat/Mr Prospector line cross. His second dam is by Tiger Ridge’s close relative Al Mufti making this colt inbred to Lassie Dear.
Lot 87 – this colt’s dam is a half sister to Gr3 winner Milk And Honey and exported Derby runner up Happy Valley. The family of Oaks winner Sweetie Pie and US champion Riboletta.
Lot 115 – another inbred to Lassie Dear, this filly is out of a Spectrum half sister to recent Gr2 Gold Bracelet winner Gallica Rose and her Gr1 own brother Galanthus. Spectrum is also broodmare sire of leading sire Dutch Art and European champion Moonlight Cloud among others.
Lot 117 – a half brother to 3 winners, this colt is out of a full sister to Gr2 performer Fortunates and from the same family as champion Heavy Metal and recent Gr1 Golden Slipper winner For The Lads, as well as Gr1 winners Drum Star and Planetary Music.
TRIPPI
Trippi (End Sweep – Jealous Appeal)
One of South Africa’s top stallions, Trippi is a world class whose offspring include such top class performers as Inara, For The Lads, Afrikaburn, Trip To Heaven and R8 000 000 winner Illuminator.
Also broodmare sire of 2015 Breeders’ Cup winner Liam’s Map, Trippi’s offspring have earned more than $50 000 000 in stakes. He has one lot on offer here:
Lot 8 – from one of the best families in the South African stud book, this colt is out of a three time winning half sister to multiple Gr1 winner and Dubai star Grand Emporium. His second dam is champion Whistling Dixie and this is also the family of former champion 2yo Ice Cube – a three parts brother to the dam of this colt.
TWICE OVER
Twice Over (Observatory – Double Crossed)
A multiple European champion, Twice Over is one of the best performed sires ever to begin their stud careers in South Africa. A four time Gr1 winner, and third to Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup Classic, Twice Over, a dual winner of the Gr1 Champion Stakes, earned more than £2 000 000.
His first crop are now yearlings and he has one on offer:
Lot 63 – this colt is out of a winning half sister to two stakes performers including Gr1 performer Chave De Oura. His second dam is Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Wonderful World and this nicely bred colt is inbred to the broodmare of the year Kerala.
VAR
Var (Forest Wildcat – Loma Preata)
One of South Africa’s best and most popular sires, the sire of champions Variety Club, Val De Ra and Via Africa has made a stunning start with his juveniles this season – four of his first five 2yo runners having won.
The sire of 17 Gr1 horses and counting, Var has hugely popular in the sales ring with his stock fetching up to R4 million. He has 2 lots:
Lot 4 –a full brother to classy Gr3 filly Garibondy, this colt is out of a Jallad Gr3 placed half sister to SA Fillies Nursery winner Dash For Gretna. This is the famed Let Kiss family, and this colt’s relatives include champion Kochka – who like the colt on offer is sired by a Storm Cat line horse.
Lot 9 – this colt has one of the hottest pedigrees on offer. Not only is he out of a stakes winning racemare, but he is a half brother to ill-fated Gr1 winning 2yo War Horse as well as this season’s Gr2 Supreme Cup winner Deputy Jud.
WHAT A WINTER
What A Winter (Western Winter – Waseela)
A multiple Equus Champion, What A Winter is one of the best sprinters to have raced in South Africa in recent years. He won 15 races including four at Gr1 level and earned more than R3 million in stakes.
By triple champion sire Western Winter, and from the powerful Gone West male line, What A Winter is from the same family as champion sires Hyperion, Mossborough and Sir Tristram. His first crop are yearlings and he has four on sale here:
Lot 6 – from one of the best families around, this colt is out of a half sister to stakes winners Brown Penny and Night Trip. This blue blooded colt’s other notable relatives include Gr1 Prix Ganay winner Planteur, Gr1 Melbourne Cup hero Protectionist and legendary French champion Peintre Celebre.
Lot 18 – bred on the extremely successful Gone West/Sadler’s Wells cross, this colt is out of a Fort Wood half sister to a Gr3 winner from the family of high class Gr2 winners Casino Queen and Jungle Earl.
Lot 107 – a half brother to 3 winners, this colt is out of a full sister to Gr2 Victory Moon winner Over Bearing and a half sister to Gr1 winners Alpha Omega and Final Claim. His second dam was Broodmare Of The Year and this colt is closely related to the Western Winter sired star performers Fair Maiden and Braggadacio.
Lot 109 – a half sister to nine winners including Gr1 filly School Assembly, this filly is out of a winning half sister to Gr1 winner Fanciful, herself the dam of outstanding filly Cover Look. This filly is closely related to Western Winter stakes winner Winter Fever.
WINDRUSH – First Crop
Windrush
A proven sire of both sexes, Windrush’ top runners include ill-fated Equus Champion Mother Russia, Gr2 males Rushing Wind and In A Rush, and high class Graded performers Promises To Keep, Sunsational, and the brilliant Diana’s Choice. He is also responsible for current high class galloper Doing It For Dan. He has 1 on sale:
Lot 50 – this colt is from one of the best families in the stud book. His 12 time winning second dam is a half sister to UAE champion and promising young Gr1 sire Asiatic Boy, and this colt traces back directly in female line to the tap root mare Alablue –responsible for champions Cryptoclearance, Harlan’s Holiday, Equiano, Marchfield, and successful local sires Home Guard and Peaceable Kingdom.
Read more in Love Life and Uncover Hidden Catalogue Truths in our Val de Vie Buyers’ Guide
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