Scenic Lodge has been home to Champion WA sires since the turn of the century and its dominance will continue despite the recent loss of Blackfriars.
Legendary stallion Scenic (Ire) won 9 premierships straight until Blackfriars assumed his mantle in 2010-11. He's already assured of an 8th title in a row this season and it won't be the last with his final 2yo crop commencing their racing careers in 2020-21.
Snippetson
"The death of Blackfriars was a shock but it's been softened by the amazing season enjoyed by our other stallions," he explained. "That's why we won't be adding to our line-up for 2018.
"Snippetson was Champion sire for individual winners ahead of Blackfriars last season and has taken over as the leading active sire in WA," Smith continued. "And Universal Ruler is the leading WA-based 2yo sire this season."
The first WA yearlings by Snippetson averaged $52,000 at the Magic Millions in February and, on that score alone, he's tremendous value at a $6,600 (inc gst) service fee. He's free of Danehill blood and has achieved great results with Danehill-line mares.
Scenic sire Universal Ruler has enjoyed a breakout season with his juveniles headed by Lady Cosmology. She will be voted Champion WA 2yo Filly this season following a victory in the LR Supremacy Stakes and a nose second in the G2 Karrakatta Plate.
Bam's On Fire is another promising Universal Ruler filly in Perth. She rocketed home for an eye-catching third in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes and then came from the tail of a capacity field to finish fourth in the G2 Karrakatta.
The Simon Miller-trained Market Ruler added her name to the growing list of his juvenile winners on Saturday. She's a stablemate of Lady Cosmology and the addition of blinkers made all the difference as she sprinted to a three-length victory at Ascot.
Abdicator heads Universal Ruler's 3yo division with a black-type win in the LR Rangeview Stud Classic. He was also placed in the LR Challenge Stakes and LR Raconteur Stakes.
"He's emerging as one of the leading sires in WA," Smith said. "And he's so versatile - just like Scenic."
Universal Ruler sires sprinters the calibre of Rebel King (LR Scenic Blast Stakes) as well as stayers like Master Magician who won over 2200m during the autumn carnival prior to doubling up over 2100m at Ascot on Saturday.
His yearlings sold to $72,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions and he will stand at $4,950 (inc gst).
Proven sire Dash For Cash has built up an exceptional 64% winning strike-rate and is still siring stakes winners the calibre of Dodging Bullets (LR Bendigo Golden Mile). Champion trainer Darren Weir produced another future stakes winner when Grey Shadow bolted in at Caulfield last month.
Dash For Cash rounds out the roster at a rock-bottom service fee of $2,750 (inc gst).
For bookings or further information, broodmare owners can contact the Scenic Lodge office (08 9571 0155 / sceniclodgestud@bigpond.com) or Jeremy Smith (0419 943 356).
