Playing God to Draw Buyers to The West

Tara Madgwick - Friday February 16

The Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale is on next week (February 22 and 23) and the big draw card is Playing God, whose largest ever foal crop are poised to play a big role and if you need reminding why this is a big deal we decided to revisit and update our Australian Studbook Red Flags story from last year that charted his rise.

Playing God is the best in the west!

A dual Group I winning son of champion West Australian sire and Victoria Derby hero Blackfriars, Playing God scored back to back wins in the Group I WATC Kingston Town Classic in 2010 and 2011 before retiring to stud in 2014 at a fee of $6,600.

Playing God sired five stake-winners in his first crop of just 35 foals and in recent years has been on an upward spiral with his fee rising from $13,200 in 2020 up to $16,500 and then $27,500 before hitting a high in 2023 of $33,000 at Darling View Thoroughbreds.

His current crop of three year-olds are the beginning of his better numbers and better quality mares, so should pave the way for further success in the future for a sire that runs at  69% winner to runner and 9.6% SW to runner. He has had five stakes-winners this season headed by Group I winner Bustler and Group II winning 3YO Zipaway.

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Playing God is also garnering respect in the sale ring with 21 selling at the Perth Magic Millions last year for up to $280,000 with an average price of $119,286. Click here to see all his Perth MM yearlings.

While the direct Danehill sireline is losing it’s dominance in the rest of Australia, Playing Good will keep it front and centre in WA for a good while to come.

Crop

Service Fee/ Mares Covered

Foals

SW’s

2014

$6,600 / 49

35

5

2015

$4,400 / 45

28

2

2016

$4,400 / 33

18

1

2017

$4,400/ 57

34

3

2018

$11,000 / 75

48

3

2019

$11,000 / 88

58

2

2020

$13,300 / 96

56

2YO’s

2021

$16,500 / 128

72

Yearlings

2022

$27,500 / 132

64

Foals

2023

$33,000/ 144

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