Ampulla's Time to Shine

Media Release - Wednesday January 15

Bunyip based Ampulla Lodge proudly flew the Victorian flag last week, achieving substantial success at the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sales on the Gold Coast.

For pin-hooking professional's, Steve and Ceri Jostlear, it is about making an informed decision and taking an educated chance.

“The key to pin-hooking is finding the right sale, so when we purchase weanlings, we already have a sale in the back of our mind. Then we can focus on a certain type, with a certain pedigree. We were confident that both of our colts were perfect for the coast.”

Not a Single Doubt colt from CariadAmpulla Lodge was rewarded handsomely by the two colts they offered through the ring, and when asked why each was purchased, it was evident that they both deserved their place in a stunning catalogue of high-class bloodstock.

After some competitive bidding, their first lot, catalogued as 160, the Not A Single Doubt colt from Cariad (Sequalo) was secured for $520,000 by the partnership of Newgate Farm, China Horse Club and WinStar. A rewarding pinhook from the 2019 Magic Millions Weanling Sale from Aquis Farm for $280,000.

“As a weanling, he was just cracker from the start. He had a first-rate walk, but his attitude was the greatest thing. Every time a buyer came back, he was consistent in his manner and temperament, and we knew he would mentally handle a yearling prep with ease. He had plenty of leg under him to ensure he grew into a lovely colt,” Steve said.

Flying Artie colt from En Why Sea Dream“It was a great compliment to Ampulla Lodge that the best judges; Sun Stud, Newgate, China Horse Club, McEvoy Mitchell Racing and WinStar were all active on this colt. As James Bester pointed out, “it was his swagger and his huge hindquarter that stole the show. He is the spitting image of his sire, but with a better head.”

Steve believes that “after seeing how well he paraded on the coast, there is no doubt he will flourish as an early two-year-old.”

Their second yearling to be offered was Lot 275, the colt by Flying Artie out of En Why Sea Dream (Manhattan Rain). Knocked down to Triple Crown Syndications for $160,000, he was a clever $90,000 purchase from 2019 Inglis Sydney Weanling Sale from Caithness.

“As a weanling, he had a magnificent head and great balance. The end of his wither was in the dead centre of his frame, making him a beautifully symmetrical horse. He retained that balance as he developed into a yearling, with buyers commenting that he was a real racehorse, forward enough to be a two-year-old, and even better at three,” Steve said.

“Mick Malone from Kitchwin Hills commented that he was one of two best Flying Artie colts in the sale, and Mick Price pointed out that “at the same age, he was a carbon copy of his sire. He even moved the same.”

“While the Exceed and Excel yearling was withdrawn, he has shown us that he is a true classic type. Being out of the Zabeel mare, Zenaida (NZ), who is a half-sister to the NZ champion, Vosne Romanee, his black type pedigree will be perfectly suited to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He’s a top looker that will be at his very best come April, and he will have his time to shine.”

Advertisement

Fortunate to enjoy a bubbles or two celebrating up North, Steve and Ceri are now back on their Gippsland farm with the preparation of the Inglis Premier yearlings in full swing.

“I am thrilled to be offering the best group of horses that I have ever taken to the Melbourne sale, and I sincerely mean that. All six are great individuals, blessed with size and strength. With potent high-rating pedigrees selected by our renowned pedigree expert Diane Neylon, they will be a draft to impress.” Steve said.

“Lot 190, the Maurice (JPN) colt from Golden Eagle (NZ) (Zabeel) is an outstanding type, big and strong. He has plenty of presence, with an enormous girth, indicating he will have the speed and the stamina to suit distances from 1200 – 2000 metres. A half to Group 1 Caulfield Cup victor Southern Speed, he is one impressive unit.”

“Lot 350, the Artie Schiller colt out of Past The Post (Untouchable) is a standout, being a three-quarter brother to Flying Artie. He has grown into himself, becoming a magnificent big colt with a stunning head. He will present brilliantly come sale time.”

“While Lot 412, the chestnut Nicconi colt out of Sheerkat (Pentire) is made in the perfect mould. All speed, a powerful hindquarter, the right colour and a great head, and Lot 54, the colt by Star Turn out of the Group 2 placed Berry Delicious (Blevic) more than holds his own in every respect.”

“Lot 431, the Star Witness colt out of Sirenese (Belong To Me) is a cracker. A correct colt with a high pedigree rating, he has a lovely head and kind eye. He is a true racing type of horse, that is naturally athletic and fit.”

“Lot 213, the Manhattan Rain colt out of High Tea (NZ) (High Chaparral) is a beautiful colt, with a free moving walk and lovely balance. From the family of Prized Gem, Nom Du Jeu and Jue De Cartes, he has had a handy update in his pedigree since his purchase, as his half-brother is now stakes placed. He will have his admirers, as he is a colt you would have any day of the week,” Steve said.

“Ceri and I are excited to present Ampulla Lodge’s Premier yearlings through the Inglis ring, and in the near future, looking forward to cheering them home when they achieve racetrack success.”  

Advertisment
More Reading...
Widden Parade Braves the Rain
Widden Stud’s annual series of stallion parades in the ‘Valley of Champions’ kicked off as scheduled on Thursday with the reigning Champion Australian Sire Zoustar the centre of attention, while the world’s fastest horse Cogburn (USA) also made his debut in Australia.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
Future Bright for Danica Guy
Group Three winner Lupo Solitario has returned to New Zealand, and the care of his former trainer Danica Guy, following a six-month racing stint in Hong Kong, while the stable are also excited about a first starter this weekend by Justify (USA).
€1.85million Sale-Topping Frankel Filly Now Triple G1 Oaks Winner for Coolmore
Already a winner of the Group I Epsom Oaks and Irish Oaks, expensive blueblood Frankel filly made it a treble of G1 Oaks races when landing the Group I Yorkshire Oaks (1m4f) overnight.
Second Stakes-winner for Palace Pier
Kingman’s champion son Palace Pier (GB) only shuttled for one season to Darley Australia with his first 2YO’s to race here this season and in Europe he’s doing a pretty good job with his second stakes-winner emerging overnight at York.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Wootton Bassett Juvenile G2 Double
Wootton Bassett (GB) featured in Ireland overnight at The Curragh with two stakes-winning juveniles, Constitution River taking out the the Group II Futurity (7f), while the Group II Debutante (7f) went to the filly Composing, who comes from the family of Amelia’s Jewel.
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).