As we progress through the spring carnival the quality three year-olds with classic aspirations begin to emerge and we saw two Kiwi-bred Karaka graduates win the VRC Oaks and Derby Previews at Flemington on Sunday and both are by sires represented at the upcoming NZB Ready to Run Sale on November 16 and 17.
Karaka graduate So Dazzling (NZ) is headed to the VRC Oaks - image Grant Courtney
Trained by master conditioner of staying fillies John Sargent, So You Think filly So Dazzling was an eye-catching debut fifth at Warwick Farm over 1400m last month and showed some serious staying potential with this stylish win in the Oaks Preview (1800m) at her second start.
A $200,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from the Beaufort Downs draft for DGR Thoroughbred Services / John Sargent Racing, So Dazzling was subsequently installed favourite for the Group I VRC Oaks in November.
Another New Zealand-bred superstar on the track, So You Think went very close to being Champion Australian Sire last season and has one entry for the NZB Ready to Run Sale.
Lot 191 is a brown filly presented by Ohukia Lodge and is the first foal of No Doubt Ma’am, a winning Not a Single Doubt daughter of stakes-winner Royal Commands.
So You Think has had just four runners from mares by Not a Single Doubt and all are winners headed by stakes-placed So Let’s Toast.
Stakes-placed in New Zealand, the Andrew Forsman trained Savabeel colt Mr Maestro was having his third Australian start in the Derby Preview (1800m) and enjoyed the step up in trip to score a dominant two length win.
Karaka graduate Mr Maestro (NZ) is headed to the Victoria Derby - image Grant Courtney 
A $100,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase for his trainer from the Windsor Park Stud draft, Mr Maestro is the first winner from Group II placed Rip Van Winkle (IRE) mare Let Me Roar, a half-sister to Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer.
Fans of Savabeel will be spoiled for choice at the NZB Ready to Run Sale with 11 entries for the champion sire and one of them is bred on the same cross as Mr Maestro.
Offered by Ohukia Lodge on behalf of Waikato Stud, Lot 115 is by Savabeel from Rip Van Winkle (IRE) mare Honor.
He is the first foal of a winning half-sister to Group I winner Pondarosa Miss and stakes-winner Ecuador.
Interestingly, Honor is closely related to Rip Van Winkle’s best performer, the $1.3million earner and dual Group I winner Te Akau Shark, whose three year-old brother Coppleson has won his only two starts this season for the Chris Waller stable in Sydney.
Savabeel has had only two runners from mares by Rip Van Winkle and both are Black Type performers with the other being Group I New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas winner Noverre.
Click here to see the full NZB Ready to Run catalogue to be held on November 16 and 17.
