As she has been doing for around 25 years, Dunlop took her draft to Karaka for
the National Yearling Sales series and the subsequent race track performances
have been exceptional.Ohaupo-based Phoenix Park has enjoyed strong sales ring results through the years, certainly consistent with being in the top vendor's list at Karaka each year with Dunlop always doing her utmost for her clients.
She leaves no stone unturned in her quest to present her yearlings in glowing condition on sale day.
In 2015, five fillies from her draft went through the Karaka sale ring and went on to earn valuable black type on the track.
In the same draft, but unfortunately withdrawn on sale day was another subsequent black type performing filly Nurse Kitchen.
The others were Samara Dancer, Montoya's Secret, Gold Rush, Storytime and Rosa Carolina.
"Those sort of results you can't predict," Dunlop said. "All I can do is give them a good start.
"Samara Dancer was an absolutely cracking individual, Montoya Star was just a lovely filly with lots of quality, Gold Rush had a really nice top, and so on but I mean, you never know.
"I give them a natural preparation, with lots of hand walking and time in the paddock and when possible if something needs treating we try a natural remedy if it's appropriate."
The experienced operator doesn't hesitate if a vet is needed.
"We're on the phone in a flash if a vet is needed and we work closely with them."
Her purpose-built property started as a blank canvas and has been developed to
cater for weanlings right through to ready to run horses.This year's yearling draft is smaller than usual by design.
"What I did was put a line in the sand," Dunlop said. "I decided to just do Book 1 this year.
New Zealand Bloodstock's sale restructure to the larger numbers in Book 1 was part of the reason.
"With the added expense for me to be at the second sale I think it justified the move," she said. "I'm a one man band with lots of good helpers and it seemed the right move."
Dunlop has been taking horses to Karaka from day one and is a fan of the new sales format.
The number of horses sold in Book I has been extended to 700, with four sessions from Sunday to Wednesday with the aim to give the international buyers a reason to stay longer.
"I think things needed to change," she said. "To get as many horses as possible in front of the buyers is a good thing."
She is happy with her team and is excited to present the first Karaka yearling by first season sire Sacred Falls when Lot 16 steps into the ring.
"He's handsome and strong and really athletic like his sire."
Her draft is a mixture of leading Australasian sires with Zoustar, Zoffany and Excelebration representing Australia while Savabeel, Tavistock, Sacred Falls, Burgundy and Darci Brahma fly the Kiwi flag.
Dunlop has high hopes for Peter and Heather Crofskey's Tavistock half-brother to champion filly and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Habibi.
"He's strong, powerful and tough," she said. "I'm really happy with him. You know, a half-brother to a Derby winner should sell well."
The Zoustar colt out of a half-sister to Volkstok'n'barrell is owned by Victorian breeders Woodside Park who realised $325,000 with a Phoenix Park-prepared yearling last year.
"They were more than keen to put another one through Karaka and he's a big, strong lad with a big walk. He's got a great attitude about him.
"Last year we had some obvious stars. This year we have a nice, even line-up of nice horses and they will sell well."
A life with horses has taught Dunlop not to get too excited but she knows the thoroughbred industry inside and out and loves what she does.
"I love it. I love the preparation (of the horses), I love the feeding, looking after them – everything about it."
Her love has produced some outstanding sales results and has transferred to the track through the likes of Able One, She's A Meanie, Marju Snip, Qiji Phoenix and a host of others.
"There's been quite a few really," she said. "But you can never have too many. To consistently produce winners is what I strive for." – NZ Racing Desk.
