In a highly competitive marketplace for young well credentialled stallions it can be hard to stand out from the crowd, so a well thought out plan to maximise potential ROI and raise awareness is one broodmare owners will find intriguing.
During our tour of the Victorian studs last week we stopped in on Sean and Cathy Dingwall at Blue Gum Farm, which is powering forward with a new era of success under their ownership, partnered by Jason and Melanie Stenning.
Three stallions are based at the farm this spring with Group I sire Flying Artie offering proven value alongside Oxley Road, whose first foals are being born this spring and young gun Sejardan is a real showstopper.
A dashing well marked bay by the late great Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, Sejardan was all about precocious juvenile speed.
Trained by Gary Portelli, Sejardan did exactly as his pedigree suggested, hitting the ground running with wins in the Group III ATC Breeders Plate and $1million Golden Gift before Christmas.
The Blue Gum team see many of the traits that earned Sejardan a place at stud appearing in his offspring which has given rise to a detailed plan to showcase their talents.
“We have an agreement in place for Blue Gum/Trilogy to race at least 20 of Sejardan’s first crop allowing us to control a good percentage of his first runners,” said Sales and Nominations Manager Phil Marshal.
“These horses will initially be placed into a proven 2YO producing system to assess their talent and suitability for racing with the end goal being to produce those prized early juveniles like Sejardan himself.”
Following the initial pre training and first prep stage, some of the best 2YO trainers across Australia will be selected to be given these ready-made, well-educated prospects.
“They will be spread country wide from QLD to WA and every state in between to allow for maximum exposure, and in order to target as many 2yo races as possible,” Marshall added.
“We hope to be able to guide Sejardan’s destiny to a certain extent in keeping with his profile and ultimately provide him with the best opportunity for early success.”
Sejardan is priced this spring at $13,750 and his first weanlings sold for up to $130,000 this year.
"He’s throwing type after type and really stamping his progeny, so if you’re looking to upgrade your mare at great value, Sejardan is certainly worth consideration and inspection," Marshall concluded.
Contact Phil Marshall to discuss your mating plans and current deals or to book a farm visit.
