A host of young talent was on show on the first day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale breeze-ups at Te Rapa racecourse on Monday.
There were 70 heats of promising juveniles put through their paces on a Dead6 track, with the sale to take place on November 17 and 18.
A number of registered bloodstock agents were on hand to inspect stock at Te Rapa, including noted judge Chris Rutten.
Photo: Angelique Bridson
“There are some really nice horses here by some really nice stallions,” Rutten said.
“There are some real standouts. Just looking at the balance and the way they move, they are well presented. They are calm and are handling the situation well, it gives you an idea of what the horse is going to be like. It is an entrée here to see how they go.
“I am happy with what I have seen so far, I think there will be plenty of interest.”
Ohukia Lodge principal Jamie Beatson was kept busy with his 15 two-year-olds on Monday, with lot 98, the Astern colt out of Dragon Robe, a half-sister to Group One winner Hasahalo and Group winners All Saints’ Eve and All Hallows’ Eve, posting the fastest time of the day of 10.45 seconds over 200m.
“The track was in pretty good nick and I was happy with the way all of ours breezed up today,” Beatson said.
“The Astern colt is pretty sharp and will probably be a two-year-old. He has found everything pretty easy so far.
“He has got a nice page. Astern seems to be doing the job as well, he is getting a few stakes winners now.
“The Tivaci (lot 72) who went with him is quite sharp as well and Tivaci having that Group One winner a couple of weekends ago was good.”
Beatson is also looking forward to another busy day tomorrow, with 16 juveniles set to breeze-up at Te Rapa.
“We have got some pretty nice colts in tomorrow, including a couple of Savabeels,” he said. “We have a full to Milford and a full to Savvy Coup, they are both pretty sharp horses.
Photo: Angelique Bridson
“We have got a good bunch in tomorrow, we just have to hope the rain stays away.”
Following on from last year, the footage at the NZB Breeze Ups has been extended to include additional footage of the Breeze Up themselves, plus vision from the mounting yard, where all lots paraded prior to their gallop.
The full Breeze Up clips and Parade Ring footage will be made available for viewing on www.nzb.co.nz, as well as streamed on Trackside in New Zealand, plus SKY Racing and Racing.com in Australia.
Breeze Up times and the catalogue can be viewed on www.nzb.co.nz.
