Two Year Olds Come Highly Recommended

Media Release - Friday August 4
Berkely Stud resident Highly Recommended is off to a flying start following the performances last season of his first crop of two-year-olds.

Highly RecommendedThe black-type efforts of both Waldorf and Joyfilly emphasised the stallion's ability to leave early types, which came as a welcome surprise to stud co-owner Edwina Morris.

"We're absolutely over the moon. We never really expected him to leave two-year-olds because he is a big son of Fastnet Rock," she said.

"The stallion actually won his first trial as a two-year-old and then won on debut at Flemington as a two-year-old, so he is putting that bit of early speed into his progeny."

That early pace was shown in Joyfilly's runner-up performance in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes and her third placing behind Melody Belle in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni earlier this year.

However, the highlight of Highly Recommended's season was his first stakes victory when the Andrew Campbell-trained Waldorf ran away from his competition to win the Listed Ryder Stakes on Monday.

As a result of that dominant win, the phone has been ringing off the hook at Berkley Stud.

"Every day we have been getting bookings and some people are booking in more than one mare," Morris said.

"On Wednesday night, someone booked in three mares so we have had a tremendous response, more than we thought we would get."

This comes off the back of four strong books and Morris expected it to be more of the same in 2017.

"After his first crop, the type of his foals made people return to him and that has continued," she said. "They are very good natured horses.

"He's averaged 112 mares each season since he went to stud. He has been well supported."

Waldorf - Race ImagesWith glowing reports about Highly Recommended's progeny coming in from trainers from all around the country, Morris believes the best is yet to come from the gentle-natured stallion.

"We are really excited to see his three-year-olds come out on the track," she said.

"There are two that will be nominated for the Caulfield Guineas, including Waldorf, which is incredible. A win in that race would be a dream come true."

Highly Recommended will stand at Berkley Stud's Canterbury property this coming season for a service fee of $5000 + GST. – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Fastnet Sire Son Making an Impact
Berkley Stud stallion Highly Recommended has scored his first Group victory as a sire after Sumstreetsumwhere won the Group II James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa on Monday.
Black Type Potential for Zoustar Colt
Tony and Calvin McEvoy have  plans to tackle Black Type races with promising Zoustar colt Prestar, who scored his second win from just five starts at Randwick on Wednesday.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing More Stakes Success
Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly Platinum Diamond will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).
Wanganui Guineas Winner for Fastnet Sire Son
Andrew Campbell has no doubt that his gifted three-year-old Waldorf can excel over more ground and, to that end, he’s setting his sights on completing a notable 1600m family double with his gifted colt.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday August 27
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Too Darn Hot nomination realises $255,000 in August (Late) Sale
A nomination in exceptional young stallion Too Darn Hot has topped today’s Inglis Digital August (Late) Online Sale, selling for $255,000.
Last to First – He’s Seriously Hot!
Sent to the paddock after just one placing from five starts at two that included three attempts in stakes company, Siriusly Hot returned a gelding at Randwick and it certainly made a difference!
Finding the Perfect Match for Your Mare
Now that the first foals of the season have hit the ground at farms across the country, breeders are finalising stallion bookings and searching for the perfect match for their mares.
Al Riffa Aiming Towards Melbourne Cup for Australian Bloodstock
The exceptional qualities of Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) are such that he can get fast juveniles and also high class older horses over a distance and we are set to see a taste of it this spring as media reports suggest Australian Bloodstock have purchased his top class 5YO stallion Al Riffa.
Highly Recommended 3YO Delivers
Highly Recommended 3YO Jamie delivered on his trainer’s high expectations at Riccarton yesterday, winning at just his second raceday appearance by two lengths.