Surely, asks Larneuk Stud's Neville Murdoch, it is just a matter of time until breeders notice just how well the underrated Ilovethiscity is performing at stud?.
Despite being a Group One winner of the Randwick Guineas - a race also won by popular stallions Dundeel, Dissident and Hallowed Crown - Ilovethiscity has never been afforded the best of opportunities; during his first five years siring just 118 foals.
But they can run!
Such as the very exciting Filibuster who is creating such a big impression in Singapore - on the eve of Winx's historic third W.S Cox Plate victory racing away to a big win at Kranji.
Trained by Victorian Cliff Brown, Filibuster was sent out favourite in the
1100m contest, having been so impressive saluting at her debut three weeks
previously.
As was the case at her first start, Filibuster proved tricky to load but she does everything right when it matters and she shot out like a cannon from the inside gate, setting up a good pace - one that gave the others every chance to catch her.
Taken on from the early stages, Filibuster shook her rivals off with disdain - "she has broken their hearts again," said race caller Craig Evans as the bay raced clear, her winning margin a soft 3 1/2 lengths.
And in doing so she demolished the class record and broke the track record.
Bred by her Western Australian based owner Mark Chadwick of the Divided House Syndicate, Filibuster is a full sister to the talented Moonlover who was Ilovethiscity's first winner when saluting at her debut last year.
Now the winner of four, Moonlover was only just pipped when resuming at Mornington recently and the city placed four-year-old looks to have plenty more to come.
As do the likes of other recent Ilovethiscity winners such as Love In The City, San Francisco, Miss Vegas, Little Rio and Son Of City, all of whom have been successful since the start of this season.
"Ilovethiscity is proving a great upgrader," Murdoch said, hopeful that the striking chestnut will be better supported from now on.
"He is an ideal VOBIS horse who is really doing the job for owner/breeders."
As is O'Lonhro, the Chelmsford Stakes winner (whose record breaking time has been bettered only by the mighty Winx) whose recent winners include the Flemington carnival bound Frankly Harvey, the consistent Union Jukebox, O'Lonh Star, O'So Hazy, Lots Of Dots, Elle O'Love, Brightly Goes, O'Spacehello, Big Phil and Skyscraper.
Meanwhile Murdoch is excited about his younger stallions Cluster and Wolf Cry, both of whom are being warmly supported by local breeders.
"I am thrilled with both of them," he said. "They are both outstanding looking stallions with high class pedigrees. Cluster's first and second crop foals are surpassing expectations and I am confident that Wolf Cry is also going to sire great looking foals."
Also new to stud this spring is the Craven Plate winner Honorius, son of Holy Roman Emperor from the prolific Mumtaz Mahal family - his fifth dam being the champion Petite Etoile.
Located in the heart of Victoria's most fertile thoroughbred country, Larneuk Stud has provided a number of recent winners including the Group Three winner Quilate who was born and raised at the Euroa farm. As was the last start Flemington winner I'm Telling Ya.
For further information on Larneuk Stud contact Neville Murdoch on 0418 105 706 or visit www.larneuk.com and www.facebook.com/pages/Larneuk-Stud/455896497806590
