Something in Common

Tara Madgwick - Monday September 20

The first official two year-old trials in Sydney are always a showcase for the progeny of first season sires and while Merchant Navy does not stamp his stock in a definitive way as anyone who was at the yearling sales will know, they may have something more important in common and that’s the ability to run.

The heir apparent to champion sire Fastnet Rock, Coolmore’s Royal Ascot hero Merchant Navy made his presence felt with an impressive heat winner in Drisana and two more place-getters.

Drisana wins her trial - image Ashlea Brennan

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, two year-old filly Drisana was very impressive for Kerrin McEvoy, jumping quickly from an outside gate, but allowed to find her feet and settle into a rhythm at the back of the field.

She surged around runners turning for home and unleashed a long powerful charge to the line to win by three-quarters of a length running away in 50.30 seconds.


Drisana was foaled and raised at Segenhoe as was her sire Merchant Navy and fetched $125,000 at the Inglis Weanling Sale when purchased by Donald Dickie.

Bred by Peter Horwitz, she is the first foal of Group III winning Sebring mare Broadband, a juvenile winner whose dam is a three-quarter sister-in-blood to Group I winner Anamato, the dam of superstar colt Anamoe.

The manner of Drisana’s win would suggest the Group III ATC Gimcrack Stakes on October 2 would be well within her scope if she pulls up well and pleases the stable.

Merchant Navy was also in the placings at the trials with the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained colt Calico Jack finishing a good length second in his heat and looking open to further improvement, while Annabel Neasham would be well pleased with her colt Dirty Merchant, who found the line well in his heat for third.

Breednet had an independent analyst look at the trial videos and both of the Merchant Navy colts were found as horses to follow, read the story here.

An exceptional racehorse, that was unbeaten at two before maturing to win two elite Group I sprint races at three, Merchant Navy retired with the imposing record of seven wins and two placings from 10 starts.

Merchant Navy stands at a fee of $33,000, click for more information.

A powerhouse sprinting type, being by Fastnet Rock with his next two dams by champion sires Snippets and Last Tycoon (IRE), Merchant Navy has the pedigree, performance and physique desired by breeders and is priced this spring at just $33,000.

That is the cheapest fee this horse has stood for and represents amazing value if he kicks the big goal. 

Best to remember champion sires Encosta de Lago and Snitzel did not and do not stamp their progeny either.


 

Advertisment
More Reading...
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.
National Online Breeding Stock Sale Online Now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Sires With Winners - Saturday June 28
Here is the full list of 109 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
Tenth 2YO Winner Spirit of Boom
Lindsay Park Racing produced the tenth 2YO winner of the season for Spirit of Boom at Pakenham on Monday when the well backed favourite Idleonby saluted at her second start.
Bergerson Honoured at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.
G1 Aussie Season – Best of the Best
The $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday was the last of 76 Australian Group I races run this season that produced 57 individual Group I winners, so let’s take a look at the best of the best.