NEWS: Kermadec and Exosphere set to make an impact at Magic Millions
Darley pair offer strong first-crop drafts at first sale of Australian season
As ever, there is huge anticipation ahead of the opening yearling sale of the season, with none greater than surrounding this year’s first-season sires before their first offspring go through the ring.
At the 2019 Magic Millions sale, which begins on Queensland’s Gold Coast on Wednesday, 9 January, two young stallions whose progeny will undoubtedly be the centre of attention are Darley duo Kermadec and Exosphere.
At a sale that traditionally sets the tone for the entire season, Kermadec and Exosphere have 36 yearlings on offer between them, with a further 86 yearlings by the remaining Darley stallions also catalogued.
For Nominations Manager, Adam Brayshaw, optimism and expectation can be difficult to separate when it comes to the two newcomers and their offspring
“It is extremely exciting for us to see the first yearlings by Exosphere and Kermadec go through the ring. These are two stallions who were the highest-rated colts of their generations,” Brayshaw said.
“Kermadec has 12 entries and I expect him to set the early pace in the race to be leading first-season sire.
“The colt offered by Kulani Park from Pimms Time is outstanding, and a stunning filly from Previous in the Attunga Stud draft are among the first lots of the sale.”
Colt by Kermadec x Pimms Time
The colt from the Pins mare Pimms Time (Lot 13), whose only foal to race is a winner, is from the family of the Champion mare Emancipation and is also closely related to the G1 winners Virage De Fortune and Stratum Star.
Filly by Kermadec x Previous
Catalogued as Lot 26, the filly from Previous (an unraced Commands mare) is closely related to several Stakes performers in Maizcay, Catbird, Danbird, Yesterday and Sebring Sally.
Colt by Exosphere x Ouija
Exosphere has 24 yearlings at Magic Millions, with one likely to capture a great deal of attention in Lot 884, a colt from Ouija, offered by Fernrigg Farm.
The colt is related to the outstanding but ill-fated filly Unworldly, plus Stakes winners Renaissance, Sessions, Seances and Gordo.
Ouija’s first two foals to race were both winners and her third, Whiskey Neat (Denman), won on debut in New Zealand last month by 10 lengths, following up with a G3 success at his only start since.
As ever, considerable emphasis at Magic Millions is placed on buying yearlings who will be up and running for the country’s most lucrative juvenile races, a category in which Brazen Beaualready has form.
As Brayshaw points out: “The majority of buyers on the Gold Coast are looking for strong, precocious two-year-old types.
“Given the Darley stallions have been responsible for four of the last 10 Golden Slipper winners, plus four of the last 10 Blue Diamond Stakes winners, the progeny of our stallions are must-sees for any potential buyers.”
“With current Golden Slipper favourite in brilliant five-length debut winner Tassort, Brazen Beau’s 16 yearlings set to go under the hammer are likely to be hot commodities.
“As well as Tassort, Brazen Beau has also sired the hugely impressive Inglis Nursery winner Accession, so he could not have made a better start to his stud career.”
Filly by Brazen Beau x Emanday
Amongthe Brazen Beau yearlings set to make their mark on this sale is Lot 549, a filly from Emanday, an unraced daughter of Redoute’s Choice and a sister to the G1 TJ Smith Stakes winner Master Of Design.
Another Brazen Beau attracting interest is Lot 418, a colt from the winning Fastnet Rock mare Breccia, dam of last season’s G1 All Aged Stakes winner Tivaci.
