Sensing Success - Victor Ludorum

Joe Carbone - Thursday June 20

From time to time it pays to think outside the box, the pivotal yet very tricky aspect of breeding a thoroughbred with commercial appeal is finding a stallion that is not so much flavor of the month now but has the potential to set off some bells into the future.

Advertisement

Victor Ludorum

After all it takes a minimum of 2 years from conception to sale and what may be in favour now is definitely no certainty to have that very appeal that is needed to attract a price in the sales ring later.

It’s now more important than ever to cast a wider net in search of value. After doing a deep dive the stallion which inspired me to write this article is Darley’s almost forgotten son in Victor Ludorum.

His success on the track included Group 1 victories at 2 and 3, but I’m more interested in the bloodlines that got him there and what he may be able to produce moving forward.

A son of the immortal Shamardal and closely inbred to Reines De Course mare Helen Street, herself an Irish Oaks winner and more importantly responsible for giving us another immortal in Street Cry who needs no introduction but we’ll reel off a few names anyway.. Winx, Zenyatta, Shocking, Whobegotyou, Street Boss…

A double up of a mare that good can only bode well for future generations that tap into that line.

Somewhat unknown in this part of the world is Victor Ludorum’s damsire, French horse Kaldounevees who carries the line of champion stallion Caro. Kaldounevees himself a well traveled multiple stakes winner and G1 placed, sired 2 absolute standout group 1 gallopers in Ange Gabriel and Terre à Terre of the Mill Reef and Danzig lines respectively.

Only modestly received in Australia to date with 78 mares in 2022 and 85 in 2023. More traction in the northern hemisphere however covering a quality European book of 154 mares in 2022, 139 in 2023 and 67 in 2024.

Definitely worth noting too Victor Ludorum’s overseas fee of €15,000 euros in comparison to his fee of $13,750 down under for 2024.

I think we are presented here with an opportunity of what may be a sleeping giant. It’s a big yes from me.
 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Four Winners for Dennis
Local trainer Robert Dennis won half of the eight-race card at Ascot Park on Friday, culminating with a special win by Sir Sterling in the Vale Tony Dennis (1400m).
Too Darn Hot’s Shiki Wins G3 Gimcrack Stakes
Winning her heat in good time at the official 2yo trials saw the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Too Darn Hot filly Shiki jump away the race favourite in Saturday’s $250,000 Group 3 Keeneland Gimcrack Stakes (1000m), a race she duly won with a fighting performance.
Mogumber Park hoists wet sail with Marine One
This time last year, the first foals by Mogumber Park stallion Marine One were widely regarded as some of the best types on the ground in Western Australia.
Captivant Colt Shines at Warwick Farm Trials
Captivant’s burgeoning reputation for producing precocious 2YOs took another leap forward at today’s Warwick Farm trials, with Courthezon powering to victory in Heat 10.
So You Think Filly Wins G2 Edward Manifold
Danny O’Brien believes he has the Group I VRC Oaks in his sights with So You Think filly Getta Good Feeling breaking her maiden in the best way possible with a last stride win in the Group II VRC Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
G1 Metrop Win for Australian Bloodstock
Second in the Italian Derby at three, progressive stayer Royal Supremacy (IRE) had racked up multiple Group placings in Europe before his sale to Australian Bloodstock and broke through for his first ever stakes win when taking out the $750,000 Group I ATC The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Miraval Rose Impresses With G2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes Win
Already a Listed winner at 3 and 4, Grahame Begg’s Grunt mare Miraval Rose added her third black type victory to her record, winning the $300,000 Group 2 VRC Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) in style at Flemington on Saturday.
Apocalyptic Crowned Darley Princess with G1 Flight Victory
Extreme Choice filly Apocalyptic has been the dominant force in the Darley Princess Series this year and she claimed the jewel in the crown at Randwick on Saturday with a commanding win in the $750,000 Group I ATC Flight Stakes (1600m).
Derby Options Alive For Impending Colt
Tony and Calvin McEvoy look to have a smart 3yo on their hands as Impending colt Options wins the Listed VRC Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington and could now be aimed towards the $2m Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) on November 1.
Sires With Winners - Friday October 3
Here is the full list of 61 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.