The historic Widden Stud is home to some of Australia’s most sought-after stallions and following last year’s announcement that Gr.1-winning sprinter
(2017 Deep Field x Sky Rumba) would be joining that list of luminaries, Widden are pleased to report that he will be fulfilling stud duties from the farm’s Hunter Valley home this season.
A brilliant son of Deep Field, Portland Sky’s impressive victory in the 2021 renewal of the Oakleigh Plate secured his place among an elite band of 3YO winners of the time-honoured race, joining the ranks of Snitzel, Fastnet Rock, Weekend Hussler and Starspangledbanner.
“A look at the Oakleigh Plate honour roll tells you it takes an exceptional 3YO to win the race. Furthermore, Portland Sky defeated Anders (184 mares), Dirty Work (155 mares) and Hanseatic (195 mares) that day, all of which proved to be extremely popular freshman stallions,” said principal Antony Thompson.
After his debut win, Portland Sky showed early promise with a victory over 1200m in the Gr.3 Red Anchor Stakes, followed by the Gr.3 Manfred Stakes, where he defeated Caulfield Guineas runner-up Aysar and Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa.
On their decision to stand Portland Sky in the Hunter Valley, Thompson commented: “He’s from a sireline we have the utmost respect for and is the best colt by Northern Meteor’s top class sire son Deep Field (2021 fee $88,000), who’s progressed to the next level with his stock in recent times.”
With the success that Deep Field has enjoyed in the sales market, and his increased service fee, it’s apparent that his Gr.1-winning son Portland Sky is the perfect candidate to provide breeders another opportunity to ride the wave.
Purchased as a yearling and trained throughout his career by Matt Laurie, his trainer is adamant that Portland Sky has the makings of a serious stallion: “History says these colts, who excel in open company, have the makings and ability to become great Australian sires, remembering he has the looks to boot!”
An outcross pedigree with his closest cross being Sir Tristram 5m x 5m through his second damsire Dr Grace, and Deep Field’s second damsire Military Plume, Portland Sky is bound to provide many possibilities for breeders.
With Danehill in the fourth generation of his maternal pedigree and given Deep Field’s success with Danehill-line broodmares, similarly to his own sire, Northern Meteor, who has also crossed well with Mr. Prospector line mares, potential matings for Portland Sky are seemingly versatile.
Portland Sky clearly demonstrated his ability on the track as a Gr.1-winning sprinter and Widden look forward to him echoing this talent in the breeding shed.
Portland Sky will stand for a fee of $25,000 plus GST in 2022 with limited Lifetime Breeding Rights available.
