Middlebrook Valley Classic Stars

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday January 31
Verna and David Metcalfe and their team at Middlebrook Valley Lodge have a first rate reputation for producing quality athletes with a new generation set to take over from past star graduates.

Irish Bet wins the $500,000 Inglis NurseryMiddlebrook Valley Lodge have foaled / raised or consigned a growing list of top class performers headed by Caulfield Cup winner Jameka, Caulfield Guineas winners All Too Hard and Divine Prophet, Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Military Rose and last season's Group III winner Selenia with the current crop of two year-olds poised to build on their success.

Exciting prospect Irish Bet (image Steve Hart) provided John O'Shea with a welcome return to training in his own right after a stint as head trainer for Godolphin when taking out the $500,000 Inglis Nursery just before Christmas.

The talented son of Smart Missile was a $55,000 purchase from the Middlebrook Valley Inglis Easter draft that has also produced another eye-catching two year-old winner in Neutrality.

The Peter and Paul Snowden trained son of Sebring was sold for $400,000 to a syndicate headed by China Horse Club and Newgate Farm and looked impressive when winning on debut back in November at Rosehill.

A quiet trial earlier this week indicates Neutrality is on his way back to racing with the Golden Slipper firmly in his sights.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge will offer 15 yearlings at Inglis Classic with highlights below:

Lot 57 Filly Foxwedge x Sister Samantha, by Encosta de Lago



Half-sister to two winners, Ottamae scoring at Newcastle after the catalogue went to print. From a half-sister to the dam of Group III winner Hear the Chant.

Lot 77 Colt Choisir x Zac Seduction, by Danzero – GOLD RIBAND SESSION



First foal of a winning daughter of Golden Slipper winner Danzero and bred on the same Choisir x Danzero cross as Hong Kong Derby winner Luger and Group III MRC Blue Diamond Prelude winner Psychologist.

Lot 93 Colt Deep Field x Crystal Rock, by Fastnet Rock – GOLD RIBAND SESSION



Third foal of a winning half-sister to stakes-winner and Group I Golden Slipper and Blue Diamond place-getter Zizou from the Singles Bar branch of the famed Easy Date family that has produced outstanding sire Not a Single Doubt.

Lot 241 Colt Smart Missile x Airways, by General Nediym



Third foal of a winning daughter of stakes-placed These Days, a half-sister to stakes-winner Pottinger and renowned producer Suggestive the dam of Group I winner Sky Cuddle and Group II winner and sire Highly Recommended.

Lot 612
Colt Sepoy x Rose of Scotland, by Stratum



Third foal of a five time winner of over $170,000 in prizemoney from the family of Group I winners Mnemosyne and Impending.

See the draft next week at Riverside Stables - Barn E Stables (44-52, 57-64).

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