By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Christchurch has a hard act to follow after Karaka’s record-breaking success on day one of the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales.
On Saturday sales exceeded $5.7m, including 18 lots that sold for $100,000 or more. Christchurch on Tuesday is a bigger sale numbers wise with around 200 yearlings, compared to 125 in Auckland.
Leading the charge at Karaka was Stonewall Stud with boss Steve Stockman spending just over $1m on the day including a record-breaking $360,000 for the top two lots, two Captaintreacherous colts, out of champion mares Adore Me and Bettor Twist.
More than a dozen Next Gen yearlings were sold on day one, highlighted by Lot 106, a bay colt by Next Gen sire Face Time Bourbon from Dance Craze for $240,000. Another 40 or so Next Gen yearlings will go under the hammer in Christchurch.
To read the Terms and Conditions of Next Gen click here
NZB Standardbred’s Manager Cam Bray reflected on the positive first day of selling.
“It’s been a great day for harness racing – the positivity on the grounds has been fantastic but we never expected to witness the results we did today.”
“We look forward to carrying on the momentum on Tuesday.”
One certain to fetch big numbers on day two will be Lot 134 (Captaintreacherous – Imaginary Bet), a half brother to newly crowned Pacer of the Year Merlin. He was bred by 2024 Breeders of the Year Todd and Fleur Anderson (Taffy Limited).
Other yearlings likely to be in high demand include :
Lot 147 – a Captaintreacherous – Kensington Kate filly, making her a half sister to NZ Oaks winner Duchess Megxit.
Lot 171 – a Bird Parker – Neita colt being offered by Yabby Dam Farms
Lot 260 – a Bettor’s Delight colt who is the first foal from multiple Group winner Aardie’s Express
Lot 261 Akula – a full brother to pacing millionaire and 7-time Group 1 winner Akuta
Lot 301 – a bay filly and full sister to last year’s boom 2YO Marketplace
Lot 312 – Tour Party, a brother to Auckland and Invercargill Cups winner Republican Party.
The Christchurch session starts at 11am and will be broadcast on Freeview channel 200, with coverage streamed live at nzbstandardbred.co.nz and on NZB Standardbred’s Facebook page.
The sale’s expected to conclude just after 6pm.
To see the Christchurch catalogue click here
