Premier Premier

Yallambee Stud's Melbourne Premier yearling draft 2012

Wow! And I do mean WOW! This year’s consignment of yearlings is one of the best that Yallambee Stud has taken to the Melbourne Premier Sales … and we’ve had some serious drafts in the past!

We’re very proud of what we’ve presented in Melbourne over the years … and, just as importantly, the results achieved by graduates.

For starters, Yallambee has maintained a position in the ‘Top 10 Leading Vendor by Aggregate’ since 2007 and, in 2008, we were in fact leading vendor by aggregate (helped, in no small part, by the sale of two yearlings in the top 10 for $300,000 apiece).

In 2009 Yallambee Stud was not only second leading vendor by aggregate, but in what was a source of immense pride for the whole team, we were the recipient of the coveted ‘Luxbet Best Presented Yearling Draft’. It was the award’s initial year and we managed to achieve it with a large draft of 29 yearlings.

These results highlight the most notable feature of Yallambee drafts over the years: the consistency of maintaining a benchmark set in preparation and presenting yearlings that attain the troika of criteria: type, conformation AND value.

 Of the 30 yearlings making the trip to Oaklands Junction this year, there are 21 individual stallions represented … and what exceptional list of stallions!

Among the First season sires showcasing their progeny are an Astronomer Royal (USA) colt from a half-sister to Group Two winner Miss Marielle (Lot 74); a Kaphero half-sister to city winner Heyington Honey (Lot 642), a New Approach (IRE) filly from Listed winner and Group Two placed Honest Politician (Lot 585), Northern Meteor with a smart early looking colt from the Listed placegetter Jennifer Ann (Lot 602), and War Pass (USA) represented by a colt from the prolific black type producing “River” family, River’s Secret (Lot 172). Meanwhile, Michael and Anna Flannery of Avoca Park are venturing over from Western Australia with a filly by Henrythenavigator (USA) from the internationally well related mare Melee (GB) (Lot 61). 

Sires jostling for public accolades with the first of their two year olds gracing our tracks this season, include Haradasun with a very good colt from Group Two and Group Three winning mare, Spurn (Lot 251); and Trotamondo (CHI) with a half-brother to Group One placegetter and Group Three winning, Uate (Lot 36). All eyes will be on the highly promising Magnus who has nine outstanding yearlings in the Yallambee Stud draft including yearlings from multiple Group winning mare, Coniston Gem (Lot 467); the multiple listed winners Timeless Winds (Lot 302) and the tough Nova Clause (Lot 106), and, believe me, on type the filly from the tough racemare Guild (Lot 574) and the colt from Blow (Lot 734) are quite special.

Two “sugar daddies” that continue make their presence felt in the Leading Sires lists year in, year out include Encosta De Lago with a filly from the Group One placed and Group Two winning mare, Velasco (Lot 321), while Flying Spur has a fabulous full brother to the current and very smart Group Two Matriarch Stakes winning Vintedge (Lot 374) from a mare that just keeps doing the job every year turning out great types.

Other stallions represented included Charge Forward with a good tough first foal (filly) from a resident mare Paeroa (Lot 118); the sire of the moment in Fastnet Rock with a colt from Sister Madrid (Lot 233); God’s Own – who is currently racing up the Third Season Sires’ chart with a spate of winners – has a half-brother to the listed placegetter Cristallo (Lot 656); Champion Australian sire Lohnro has very strong representation with a full sister to multiple stakes winning sprinter Pinwheel (Lot 150); and, not to be outdone, Reset has a full brother to the Group One winner Rebel Raider from the Group One placed Picholine (Lot 131).

Speed sources are well represented too: More Than Ready’s athletic colt from Seeking A Way will be kicking the dew off the grass being first lot on Day 2 of the sale (Lot 206); multiple Listed winning mare Stella Maree’s filly by Snitzel (Lot 261) is sure to be kept busy during inspection days; as will the Stratum filly from Bel Mer’s family (Lot 329). Starcraft has a colt from the speedy Gimcrack Stakes runnerup Junebug (Lot 607) and, after being missing in action for a few years, we see the return of Statue Of Liberty yearlings … and we have a pair of ripping colts in the sale from Montamigo (Lot 82) and full sister to Group One winner Triple Honour in Tegula (Lot 286).

Many of the above mentioned yearlings have been born and raised at Yallambee Stud and belong to a very loyal and committed group of owners that have supported with us for many years. Again the reward for their commitment to the breeding of racehorses is evident in the quality of their product available for sale this year.

Yallambee Stud enjoys a very close working relationship with Robert Crabtree’s Dorrington Park and David Moodie’s Contract Racing: both farms are well known for their enviable broodmare band, and we are privileged they have entrusted their high quality yearlings with us for preparation and sale. It is not often the CR brand is seen in the yearling sales ring, but this year sees two very highly credentialed youngsters from stakes mare Honest Politician (Lot 585) and Group One producing Picholine (Lot 131) up for grabs.

And we are delighted to again prepare yearlings on behalf of Bruce & Chris Wilson’s Glentree Downs: last year Bruce and Chris realised $170,000 each for colts by Encosta de Lago and General Nedyim from our draft, underlining the strength and quality of yearlings they present to the buying public.

Meanwhile, the very mention of Yarraman Park Stud conjures up a warm and fuzzy feeling due to the integrity of the family operated business. Yarraman has assigned yearling preparation to Yallambee Stud with a group of five very highly credentialed yearlings, and quite naturally we are look forward to parading them on the duel runway out the front of Barn D.

Unsurprisingly, things get fairly busy outside Barn D – probably more so than ever given the quality of this year’s draft – so, to assist with inspections, we’ll be up bright and early as usual with the draft ready for your perusal from 8.30am each morning, kicking off on Tuesday 21 February (the four day sale commences on Monday 27 February).

And, we again welcome you to our hospitality marquee throughout the duration of inspection days for refreshments - which of course includes Hilton’s legendary chicken sangers!
   
See the Yallambee Stud draft list, yearling pedigrees & photos (when posted)