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...
One To Watch – Hawkesbury
Having his first start for the Michael Freedman yard, Godolphin’s 3yo I Am Invincible colt Ohope resumed from a spell on Tuesday to land his maiden victory, winning the Blakes Marine Maiden Handicap (1100m) at Hawkesbury.
Pierro and So You Think Combine
Two of Coolmore’s most proven and reliable Group I sires combined to give Torryburn Stud a promising homebred winner at Goulburn on Monday.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 11
Here is the full list of 14 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Wootton Bassett Colt Wins G3 – Also a First for Toronado
Back in Australia for another season at Coolmore, Wootton Bassett produced a new stakes-winner in France overnight where three year-old colt Sahlan charged home to win the Group III Prix Daphnis (1600m) at Deauville.
Last of the Danehill Mares – A Good Read
Racenet’s Shayne O’Cass has stepped sideways from penning his usual racing stories in search of the next winner and has come up with a story about an exceptional broodmare.
Family Celebration for Highview Homebred
Late bloomer Jethro Tull sparked another family celebration when he doubled his winning tally at Te Rapa.
Handy Victory For Wootton Bassett’s Wise Inlaw
Making just his third trip to the races and improving off his last start fourth, 3yo Wootton Bassett gelding Wise Inlaw produced the goods at Bairnsdale on Tuesday, winning with plenty in hand over 1200m.
Stakes Hopeful Fillies In The Best Sydney 3YO Maiden for Months
In what may be the strongest maiden we’ve seen in a month or two in Sydney, at least three fillies with spring stakes potential, along with an unraced blueblood, are slated to kick off their campaigns on the Kensington track on Wednesday, all coming off excellent trials.
Hong Kong Derby Winner’s Half-Brother Wins At Hawkesbury
Sirius Legend, the Dundeel half-brother to Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat got his head down right on the line in the fifth at Hawkesbury to defeat the well-related Sigma, himself a three-quarter brother to Hong Kong Champion Griffin Thewizardofoz (Redoute’s Choice).
Sacred Satono on Track for Spring
Byerley Park trainers Grant Cooksley and Bruce Wallace had a strong representation in Saturday’s star-studded 1000m trial at Te Rapa, and they are hoping a big spring is instore for their quartet of triallers.