By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
A total of around 340 yearlings will go under the hammer at the 2025 National Standardbred Yearling Sales.
The sales kick off with 130 yearlings being offered at Karaka in Auckland this Saturday, February 15 followed by a further 213 in Christchurch, three days later on Tuesday, February 18.
“We are very happy,” says NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray, “the yearlings have presented in a very forward condition.”
Over the two days, numbers-wise Downbytheseaside will be represented by the most yearlings. He has 50, two more than “the King” Bettor’s Delight.
Victorian breeding heavyweights Yabby Dam Farms are selling yearlings at the sales for the first time and one of their offerings in particular is creating a lot of interest.
Lot 106 is a bay Colt, the second foal and first colt by Next Gen sire Face Time Bourbon in Australasia. By champion French sire Ready Cash, Face Time Bourbon won 35 races and over $7m in stakes. This is the first time his progeny have been offered for sale at the Yearling Sales. The colt is from Dance Craze (24 wins), a multiple Group 1 winning Muscle Hill daughter of La Coocaracha.
“Experts” are already calling Lot 106 a potential sales topper, as is Lot 70, the first colt out of champion mare and $1.6m earner and 2014 New Zealand Cup champion Adore Me. Part of the Woodlands Stud draft, this is the first time that any of Adore Me’s progeny have been offered at auction.
Also certain to prompt a lot of interest is Lot 134 Mahomes (Captaintreacherous – Imaginary Bet), a half brother to recently-crowned Pacer of the Year, Merlin. It is part of the draft from Southland-based Breeder of the Year Taffy Limited (Todd and Fleur Anderson).
So who of the other yearlings are likely to pique the most interest?
(Auckland)
Lot 15 is a full sister to dual New Zealand Cup winner and millionaire pacer Copy That
Lot 73 is the first foal from seven-time Group 1 winner and former 3YO Filly and Pacer of the Year Bettor Twist
Lot 81 is a colt from Albuquerque who is a half brother to the unbeaten Millwood Nike (Captaintreacherous – Albuquerque) who won 17 from 17 before being retired last year.
(Christchurch)
Lot 147 is a Captaintreacherous – Kensington Kate filly, making her a half sister to NZ Oaks winner Duchess Megxit.
Lot 260 is a Bettor’s Delight colt who is the first foal from multiple Group winner Aardie’s Express
Lot 261 Akula is a full brother to pacing millionaire and 7-time Group 1 winner Akuta
Lot 301 is a bay filly and full sister to last year’s boom 2YO Marketplace
Lot 312 is Tour Party, a brother to Auckland and Invercargill Cups winner Republican Party.
The Sales will feature 70 yearlings sired by Next Gen sires. The sires are :
Bettor’s Wish
King Of Swing
Bird Parker
On A Streak
Zenith Stride
McWicked
Tall Dark Stranger
Bold Eagle
Elite Stride
Propulsion
Timoko
Captain Crunch
Lather Up
Stay Hungry
Face Time Bourbon
Ultimate Sniper
To find out more about the Next Gen initiative click here
Where and when :
Saturday February 15 Auckland – Lot 1 – 130, from 1pm
Tuesday February 18 Christchurch – Lot 131- 343, from 11 am
The Karaka parade will be held on Friday from 10am while there will be inspections in Christchurch from 9am Monday.
Coverage of the sales will be live streamed to NZB Standardbred’s website and Facebook page, as well as Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand.
All yearlings purchased at the 2025 National Yearling Sale are eligible for the lucrative $1 million Harness Million Sale Race Series.
