Almanzor's Sabar Breaks Maiden in Style

Mark Smith - Tuesday January 17

The Almanzor (FR) colt Sabar (FR) broke his maiden over 1200m at Hamilton on Tuesday in a style that suggests better days ahead.

Sabar pins the ears back (image Alice Miles/Racing Photos)

Ridden by Beau Mertens for Lindsey Smith, Sabar (FR) improved on his debut second on a heavy track at Warrnambool to defeat Lion City (USA) (Klimt) by two and three-quarter lengths with Frosty Squirrel (Frosted) a short-half-head back in third.

A €110,000 yearling, Sabar was a €284,200 purchase for Alex Elliott / Spicer Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Arqana Breeze Up Sale.

The son of Cambridge Stud shuttler Almanzor (FR) is a half-brother to the Group III Prix Djebel winner Gold Win (Showcasing), who was third behind Olmedo in the 2021 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas).

Gold Win raced in Australia as Dice Roll (FR).

After finishing midfield in the Prix du Jockey Club, Dice Roll was sold to Hong Kong, where he failed to run a place in ten starts.

Sent to live out his days at Goldin Stud in South Australia, Dice Roll (FR) was given another chance by Nick Ryan.

Advertisement

He promptly reeled off three consecutive wins at Caulfield, Sandown, and Flemington. Three starts later, he separated Sierra Sue, and I'm Thunderstruck in a thrilling Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.

That was the end of Dice Roll's heroics. He had three more starts before his second and final retirement.

A €110,000 yearling, Sabar sold for €284,200 at the 2021 Arqana Breeze Up Sale

Sabar (FR) and Dice Roll (FR) are out of the winning Pupit mare      

Schlague, whose stakes-placed dam Si Je N'Avais Plus (Kaldoun) is a daughter of Group III Prix des Réservoirs winner Boreal (Bellypha), which finished second in the Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

Fans of Almanzor (FR) will be spoiled for choice at Karaka with 56 lots in Book 1, while he has one on offer at the Inglis Classic and six at the Inglis Premier.

Advertisment

Race Result - Cogger Gurry Accountants Mdn 1200m

Hamilton Track: Good(4) Time: 1:11.34
1
Sabar
- 4g Almanzor (FR) x Schlague (FR) (Pulpit (USA))
Tnr: L Smith Rdr: Beau Mertens 59.5
2
2.8
Lion City
- 4g Klimt (USA) x Total Eclipse (USA) (Malibu Moon (USA))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: D Yendall 59.5
3
2.9
Frosty Squirrel
- 4m Frosted (USA) x Like It Is (AUS) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Tnr: Archie Alexander Rdr: Fred W Kersley 57.5
4
3.3
Drink Then Kiss
- 4m Toronado (IRE) x Bella Ava (AUS) (Equiano (FR))
Tnr: Wayne Walters Rdr: Ms K Walters 57.5
5
3.5
Star Honour
- 4m Astern (AUS) x Fantastic Honour (NZ) (Any Suggestion (AUS))
Tnr: Mitchell Freedman Rdr: Josh Cartwright 57.5
6
3.7
Hussy Pie
- 4m Pierro (AUS) x Husslew (AUS) (Hussonet (USA))
Tnr: Andrew Noblet Rdr: Neil Farley 57.5
7
3.8
French Comet
- 4g Shalaa (IRE) x French Doll (AUS) (Northern Meteor (AUS))
Tnr: T & C McEvoy Rdr: Dean Holland 59.5
8
3.9
Le Joke
- 4g Headwater (AUS) x Happy Laughing (AUS) (Starcraft (NZ))
Tnr: Matthew Smerdon Rdr: Jack Hill 59.5
9
4.1
My Gal Val
- 5m Valentia (AUS) x Gracious Me (AUS) (Hussonet (USA))
Tnr: P A Preusker Rdr: Ryan Houston 53.5
10
9.1
Timber Princess
- 4m Reward For Effort (AUS) x Princess Abassi (AUS) (Abassi (AUS))
Tnr: Daniel Kelly Rdr: Alana Kelly 57.5
11
9.9
Astrid's Comet
- 6m Fighting Sun (AUS) x Bianca Gold (AUS) (Bianconi (USA))
Tnr: Stephen Lenehan Rdr: Tahlia Hope 57.5
12
17.9
Verando
- 9g Witherwings (AUS) x Fimrose (AUS) (Fimiston (AUS))
Tnr: D T Drever Rdr: Laura Lafferty 59.5
More Reading...
Successive Lots for $675,000 and $600,000
Bloodstock agent Kevin ‘Millie’ Walls was a key player on back-to-back big lots at Karaka on Sunday, securing a colt for $675,000 before being underbidder on a $600,000 colt that was the very next yearling through the ring.
First Aussie Stakes-Winner for St Mark’s Basilica
The 2021 European Horse of the Year, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is on the board with his first Australian stakes-winner after hot favourite Aristopolos kept his unbeaten record intact with an impressive win in the Listed Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes (1100m) at Hobart on Sunday.
First Winner for Splintex - 25 for Perth Magic Millions
Darling View Thoroughbred’s G2 winning Snitzel son Splintex continues to be popular with leading WA breeders and the young stallion has a big draft of 25 yearlings to tempt buyers at the upcoming Perth Magic Millions.
People at Karaka - Day One
Maree McEwan has been out talking to buyers during a strong Day One of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Yearling Sale.
$850,000 Snitzel Colt from NZ Oaks Queen Amarelinha
A late, great sire and a deceased Group One-winning dam combined with an $850,000 colt that topped the opening day of the Book 1 session of Karaka 2026 on Sunday.
Well Deserved Stakes Win for Jaz Session
There are few more genuine racehorses in training in the west than the bonny mare Jaz Session. 
Champions Salute at Sha Tin- Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior
All eyes were turned to Sha Tin on Sunday where the world’s best horse Ka Ying Rising (NZ) made it 17 straight wins in the Group I Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), while evergreen superstar Romantic Warrior (IRE) dropped back to a mile to win the Group I Stewards’ Cup (1600m).
Sires With Winners - Sunday January 25
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Karaka 2026 makes favourable impression on William Haggas
The milestone 100th edition of New Zealand’s National Yearling Sale has caught attention throughout the thoroughbred world, including one of the United Kingdom’s leading trainers.
Booming Trade Kicks off Momentous Karaka 2026
NZB’s historic 100th National Yearling Sale kicked off with a solid first day of trade with increases across the average and median reflecting a healthy middle market.