Alabar News August 2010

August 2010

Shadow Play

A Double World Champion Plus Art Major’s Greatest Two Year Old Join The Alabar Team

Page 2 - Alabar News - August 2010

Welcome

Pat Riley is one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time.

He has been the head coach of five NBA Championship winning teams and is a three-time NBA coach of the year.

He is also renowned for his meaningful quotes.

One of Pat Riley’s greatest sayings is …

“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.”

We believe these few words sum up the Alabar philosophy.

Out of respect to Alabar’s proud history – and always with an eye to the future - we continue to work hard to provide our clients with not only the best possible line up of stallions but also the best possible service.

It was Pat Riley who also said “you can never have too much talent” and true to this belief we have added some serious talent to our roster for 2010/11.

• Shadow Play – the Little Brown Jug and US Pacing Ch’ship winning multiple world record holder – will stand at our Victorian farm.

• Santanna Blue Chip – Art’s Major richest two year old son – will stand in Auckland at Alabar NZ. Shadow Play, our headline new stallion, seen here enjoying the spoils of • Armbro Deuce – the former half-mile track world victory in the winners circle. Our aim is to get you there as well. record holder – will return to the Southern Hemisphere after a two year absence to also stand at our Victorian farm.

It would pay to book in early if you wish to breed to either of these elder These new stallions compliment our existing line up to give us an imposing statesmen in what may well be their last seasons at stud. selection for broodmare owners …

Safely Kept is now enjoying a well earned retirement and will be available by frozen semen only.

Our emerging sires – Art Major, Grinfromeartoear and Elsu – have shown that the Alabar siring dynasty will be in safe hands for the foreseeable future.

As always we also have much to look forward to: Our established sires headed by Armbro Operative and Village Jasper also • The first Southern Hemisphere two year olds by Real Desire and Ponder continue to prosper with Village Jasper currently locked in a battle to try and hitting the racetracks. win back-to-back Australian siring premierships.

• The first Great Success, Jereme’s Jet and Sutter Hanover yearlings to sell Presidential Ball and Earl are also showing that their progeny are still a force in New Zealand and Australia. to be reckoned with on the racetrack. However, they are both now in the twilight • The arrival of the first foals by Gotta Go Cullect and Tiz A Masterpiece. of their careers and will be available on a restricted basis. Presidential Ball only We appreciate your support of these stallions and wish you all the very best in Australia and Earl only in New Zealand. of luck in the sales ring and on the racetrack.

The full Alabar brochure will again be distributed at the end of August.

Having received this Alabar News you will also receive the Alabar brochure.

Alabar Australia Should you require any further information in the way of a DVD of the stallions, pedigree assessments or breeding advice please contact us or one of Phone Numbers (+61): our staff at the contact numbers on this page.

Office 03 5859 2201 (8am – 4pm) Fax 03 5859 2206 Best regards John Coffey (General Manager) 03 5859 2100, 0418 500 211 Manny Curtis (Stud Manager) 0438 887 708 John Coffey – Alabar Bloodstock, Australia Tom Galloway (Farm Manager) 0408 505 416 Graeme Henley – Alabar (NZ) Ltd Brett Coffey (Marketing and Pedigree Manager) 03 5859 2100, 0423 812 652 Joanne Andersen (NSW Rep) 0414 936 663

Important Contact Details

Email Addresses: General Enquiries Sally Burgess Liz Birnie Brett Coffey Manny Curtis Tom Galloway Joanne Andersen

alabar@alabar.com.au sally@alabar.com.au liz@alabar.com.au brett@alabar.com.au manny@alabar.com.au tom@alabar.com.au joanne@alabar.com.au

Alabar New Zealand Phone Numbers (+64):

Office (Hayley McNamara) Graeme Henley (General Manager) Wayne McNamara (Studmaster) Carla Robertson-Holmes (South Island Rep)

Email Addresses:

General Enquiries Graeme Henley Hayley McNamara Carla Robertson-Holmes

09 232 1800 Fax 09 232 1799 09 232 1800, 0274 870 901 09 232 1800 03 312 9314, 021 713 317 alabar@alabar.co.nz graeme@alabar.co.nz hayley@alabar.co.nz carla@alabar.co.nz

DATES TO REMEMBER

AUSTRALASIAN BREEDERS CROWN Sunday 22 August Tapcorp Park, Melton, Victoria

NZ BREEDING SEMINARS Invercargill – Monday 6 September Christchurch – Tuesday 7 September

National Blue Ribbon Broodmare Sale and Stallion Parade Sunday 19 September Alabar Bloodstock, Echuca, Victoria

ALABAR FIRST DAYS OF COLLECTION Australia – Friday 1 October New Zealand – Monday 20 September (earlier by arrangement)

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 3

Santanna Blue Chip His Foals Took Our Breath Away

blood through such an outstanding individual is a wonderful opportunity.”

“Art Major and Matts Scooter’s son Mach Three are two of the most influential sires in our industry today. To access a combination of this blood through such an outstanding individual is a wonderful opportunity.”

Santanna Blue Chip – very much his father’s son

Life is seldom black and white. Choices usually fall into the grey area in between and consequently decisions are often followed by varying degrees of doubt.

In the rare moments that you experience a moment of clarity with no doubt whatsoever it’s a tremendous feeling.

That’s the feeling Alabar Australia’s manager John Coffey got in June this year when, on his annual pilgrimage to North America, he was taken by Canadian horseman Jeffrey Gillis to see some of Santanna Blue Chip’s first foals.

As soon as he saw the foals he knew there and then that Alabar absolutely had done the right thing deciding to buy into Santanna Blue Chip.

Along with everything else Santanna Blue Chip had going for him, being able to produce foals like this he was exactly what Alabar wanted in a sire – no doubts whatsoever.

"The Santanna foals were uniformly outstanding with strong necks, shoulders and hindquarters and looked replicas of Santanna Blue Chip himself. Knowing that many of them will finish in the Jamieson or Gillis barns makes me even more excited about Santanna Blue Chip's future as a sire," said John Coffey.

"The Santanna foals were uniformly outstanding with strong necks, shoulders and hindquarters and looked replicas of Santanna Blue Chip himself.”

Since John’s visit, Alabar (NZ) Ltd has now finalised purchasing an interest in Santanna Blue Chip in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and will this season base him at their Auckland farm with semen transported throughout New Zealand and Australia.

So why was Alabar (NZ) attracted to Santanna Blue Chip?

"Being an outstanding racehorse son of Art Major from a precocious Matts Scooter mare makes him a most appealing stallion for New Zealand and Australian breeders," said Alabar (NZ) Manager Graeme Henley.

“Art Major and Matts Scooter’s son Mach Three are two of the most influential sires in our industry today. To access a combination of this

“We’ve always had tremendous respect for Santanna Blue Chip and when the opportunity presented itself for us to be involved with him on a permanent basis we were very keen to pursue it.”

Santanna Blue Chip is principally owned by three very prominent and respected Ontario horsemen, namely Carl and Jody Jamieson and Jeffrey Gillis.

Jody Jamieson set a new Canadian driving record in 2009 when he took the reins behind 787 winners of over $11 million in prize money.

His father Carl is one of the leading trainers in Ontario, whilst his good friend Jeffrey Gillis is a young trainer on the up and in 2008 trained the Canadian two year old Trotter of the Year Federal Flex.

Carl Jamieson trained Santanna Blue Chip, Jody of course drove him and Jeffrey predominately looked after the horse as he was at that time working as a second trainer for Carl prior to branching back out on his own.

In a 27 start career as a two and three year old, Santanna Blue Chip was only five times out of the money and banked a most impressive $1.622 million ($60,097 per start).

As a two year old his brilliant wins included the Governors Cup and Breeders Crown plus a third place finish in the $1 million Metro Pace (won by Somebeachsomewhere). It all added up to a $931,223 bankroll in what was a tremendous debut season.

Santanna Blue Chip was the highest earning two year old in North America in 2007 – some $150,000 more than Somebeachsomewhere.

Santanna Blue Chip was the highest earning two year old in North America in 2007 – some $150,000 more than Somebeachsomewhere.

He is still Art Major’s greatest stake earning two year old.

In fact only two other stallions standing in the Southern Hemisphere this season earned more than this as a two year old and one of them is his future stablemate Jereme's Jet (the other is the leading siring son of Matts Scooter, Mach Three).

Santanna Blue Chip returned as a three year old to win a further $680,000 but found Somebeachsomewhere to be his nemesis placing behind him in the Burlington Stakes, an elimination of the North America Cup, the Confederation Cup and the Messenger Stakes. He was also placed in the Little Brown Jug won in record time by Shadow Play - also out of a Matts Scooter mare and standing his debut season at Alabar Australia in 2010.

Santanna Blue Chip will be available at a fee of $4,000 (plus GST) in both Australia and New Zealand.

Page 4 - Alabar News - August 2010

ARMBRO DEUCE

Some Western Ideal, Some Cam’s Card Shark And Now A Flashy, Flawless Colt Described by his trainer Blair Burgess as a flashy, athletic horse with a flawless gait, the colt is now a seven year old stallion named Armbro Deuce and is currently in quarantine heading for Alabar’s Victorian farm.

Armbro Deuce was a World Record holder on a half mile track, whilst his mother, Michelle’s Fantasy, was also a World Champion on a half mile track. His dad Western Ideal, a champion racehorse and champion sire, is fast becoming a great sire of sires.

Pretty impressive credentials for a horse standing at a $3500 service fee.

“The Western Ideal factor is playing a big role in shaping the breed at the moment – in both hemispheres – so it was important for Alabar to have one of his sons on the roster” said Alabar Australia Manager John Coffey.

In North America the big son of Western Ideal in Rocknroll Hanover looks poised to take over the gap left vacant with the passing of Artsplace and Western Hanover.

Rocknroll Hanover’s first crop raced in 2009 with instant success – leading the two year old sires list with over $3.3 million in earnings.

That same crop is now dominating the three year old ranks with his daughter and son Put On A Show and Rocknroll Heaven being arguably the best of their sex in the country.

In Australia the two year old ranks have been dominated this season by Royal Verdict (1:55 $239,375). Royal Verdict is by the son of Western Ideal in Dawn Of A New Day (1:50.6 $474,470).

Another son, American Ideal has his first crop to the races in North America in 2010 and, with the two year old season just five weeks old, he has already sired 18 in 2:00.

“Armbro Deuce possessed unbelievable gate speed that always had him in the position the driver wanted”

Trainer Blair Burgess “Armbro Deuce possessed unbelievable gate speed that always had him in the position the driver wanted” Trainer Blair Burgess

Armbro Deuce

A World Champion Mum As mentioned in the lead heading, there is a bit of Cam’s Card Shark in the mix of Armbro Deuce.

His mother in fact was a 1:54 daughter of Cam’s Card Shark. Michelle’s Fantasy became a World Champion with a 1:54.8 time on a half mile track at two and closed out her career with $402,050 in earnings. Her first three foals have all taken sub 1:55 times and have won in excess of $1 million.

His second and third dams are by the well proven sires Albatross and Bullet Hanover (by Adios).

With a pedigree that presents Albatross, Meadow Skipper and Abercrombie all via a dam, Armbro Deuce is perfectly bred to cross with mares carrying the blood of these stallions via a sire. i.e. mares by sons of Albatross including Soky’s Atom, Holmes Hanover, Vance Hanover etc, mares by other sons and grandsons of Meadow Skipper including Armbro Operative, Village Jasper, Presidential Ball etc and mares by sons and grandsons of Abercrombie including Albert Albert, Dream Away and Life Sign.

The Western Hanover / Cam Fella cross carried by Armbro Deuce should also ensure he will cross well with Direct Scooter line mares.

An interesting side point to Armbro Deuce’s pedigree is that his 6th dam is the 5th dam of the champion trotting stallion Speedy Somolli.

Armbro Deuce

That high speed and flawless gait was never better displayed than on Sunday 20th August 2006 in the $608,000 Confederation Cup. The race was run on the half mile track at Flamboro Downs and by the days end the race record, track record, Canadian All Age record and World Record all belonged to Armbro Deuce.

The race record, track record, Canadian All Age record and World Record all belonged to Armbro Deuce.

That blistering gate speed was to the fore at Delaware two months later when Armbro Deuce ran the fastest opening quarter in Little Brown Jug history – 25.4 seconds. Unfortunately, a rival driver terrorised Deuce in the heat which took enough steam out of him to leave him a little short in the Final, when he finished third to Mr Feelgood.

Prior to both these starts Armbro Deuce had finished third in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace and second in the Oliver Wendall Holmes Pace.

Western Hanover Western Ideal

No Nukes Wendymae Hanover Abercrombie

Leah Almahurst Liberated Angel Cam Fella Cam’s Card Shark Jef’s Magic Trick

Michelle’s Fantasy Jef’s Celebration

Albatross Claudia Hanover

Oil Burner Gidget Lobell Albatross Wendy Sue Hanover Silent Majority Bergdorf Meadow Skipper Angel Hair Most Happy Fella Nan Cam B G’s Bunny Meadow Trick Meadow Skipper Voodoo Hanover Bullet Hanover Claim Lady

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 5

Real Desire

World Class Sire Set To Make A Real Impact Downunder Real Desire is already a hugely successful sire in North America.

With his fifth crop just two year olds this season, Real Desire has to date sired the winners of over US$20 million – the winners of over US$5.8 million in 2009 and nearly US$3 million already in 2010.

To date, Real Desire is the sire of 139 sub 1:55 performers and 57 $100,000 winners.

Real Desire is setting truly world class statistics (these exclude this season’s two year olds as the season is only just getting underway): • $48,296 - Average earnings per live foal • $60,624 - Average earnings per starter • 60% of all foals have won in 2:00 or better • 33% of all foals have won in 1:55 or better In 2010, Real Desire is the sire of the sensational four year old Real Joke, who in winning at The Meadowlands in 1:47.6 is the equal fastest horse in North America for the year (as at 20 July).

Four Needed – an impressive Real Desire colt out of the Christian Cullen mare, For The Don

In 2010, Real Desire also has his first crop of Pennsylvania sired two year olds on the racetrack.

In My Pocket). They were all nice pacers with good attitudes and all look strong natural types. We are happy with them all.

Real Desire already has 10 sub 2:00 winning two year olds to his credit for the year with three of them winning in sub 1:55 (as at 20 July) – this puts him right at the business end of the siring premiership in both categories.

“Deacon Brodie is due back into work at the end of July – he would be the most likely to make a two year old.”

With this formidable record as a background, we – along with a lot of owners and trainers – are looking forward with great expectations for Real Desire’s first Southern Hemisphere two year olds to race next season.

Four Needed

Here’s a sneak preview of how they’re coming along…

Afterburn

(colt, Real Desire – Spicey by Christian Cullen) Trainer, Cran Dalgety:

“The Real Desire colt I bought out of Spicey is pretty smart. He would be the best of my rising two year olds, very laid back, intelligent and has a beautiful moving style.

“He’s returning to work mid to late July and I imagine he’ll be my first two year old to the races in January.”

Real Kamwood

(colt, Real Desire – Kamwood Diva by In The Pocket) Trainer, Paul Kerr:

“I bought three Real Desires (two colts, one filly) at the sales this year, they were all lovely horses to break in, with good temperaments and were nicely gaited.

“The Kamwood Diva colt would be the pick of them and would have a really good chance of making a two year old. He’s a big strong horse.”

Deacon Brodie

(colt, Real Desire – Eagles In My Pocket by In The Pocket) Trainer, Scott Phelan (in partnership with Barry Purdon):

“We bought three at the sales, the best would be Deacon Brodie (out of Eagles

(colt, Real Desire – For The Don by Christian Cullen) Trainer, Dave Anderson:

“The Real Desire colt out of For The Don is a lovely balanced colt, good gaited and has a great attitude. He’s currently in his first preparation after being broken in, and as long as he keeps going like he is, he’ll make a two year old.

“I wish I had more like him. I’ve also broken in a Real Desire colt out of Nuclear Princess (by the No Nukes stallion Nuclear Canyon), who’s also a great pacer.”

Secret Love

(filly, Real Desire – Ouch La Fe Fe by Christian Cullen) Trainer, Nicky Chilcott:

“The Real Desire filly out of Ouch La Fe Fe has the best manners of any yearling I’ve broken in.

“She is a great pacer, the first time I clocked her last week over 2000m she ran a half in six and quarter in 31. She has done everything I have asked of her.”

Cowgirls N Indians

(filly, Real Desire – Barn Dance Betty by In The Pocket) Trainer, Tim Trathen:

“The Real Desire filly out of Barn Dance Betty is a lovely filly. She does everything right, is good gaited, has a great attitude and covers the ground nicely.

I really like her.

“We’re thinking of putting her in the Ready To Run Sale as she looks like she’ll be up to it – which says something as she’s only a January foal.”

Page 6 - Alabar News - August 2010

Is There A Reason He’s So Good Recent history will show that a bunch of colts born in 2006 are the smartest boys to race as three year olds for many years.

Chariot King, Cuttheattitude, Renaissance Man, Lanercost, David Hercules, etc in Australia and Sir Lincoln, Courage To Rule and Russley Rascal in New Zealand amongst many others are colts we would all love to own.

However the best of the best title now sits pretty firmly with the NSW bred and Queensland trained For A Reason.

To the date of writing (20 July) his record stands at 25 starts, 18 wins and 5 placings and prize money collected of $306,605 – not a bad return for Belinda Lamb and partners on the $38,000 they paid for the colt at the 2008 Sydney APG Yearling Sales.

For A Reason has some pretty impressive bloodlines being by the sensational young sire Art Major from the Fake Left mare Left For Me For A Reason has some pretty impressive bloodlines being by the sensational young sire Art Major from the Fake Left mare Left For Me. He was bred by the south coast of NSW breeder Matthew Sandblom.

Although not your typical big powerful son of Art Major, For A Reason does have one very valuable asset – blistering high speed. On five separate occasions this season For A Reason has flashed home his last half in somewhere between 55 seconds flat and 55:6. In fact on that day (55:6) For A Reason’s personal last half was probably sub 55 seconds as he came from near last down the back straight to be beaten only a half neck by another son of Art Major in Renaissance Man. The Luke McCarthy trained and driven youngster has now completed his season with three Derby titles on his belt – the NSW, Queensland and Gold Coast Derbies and even a fourth if the $20,000 Redcliffe Derby is counted.

The only unplaced run for the season came in the prestigious Victorian Derby, when For A Reason was recovering from sickness after travelling from his Queensland base in January.

Is the reason for greatness to be found in the pedigree?

As we all know there are lots of attributes required to fit the recipe of a champion.

Art Major - the champion sire of For A Reason

In this case being by Art Major is a big help and being from a mare by the champion sire Fake Left adds another dimension.

However, it could be said that his mother Left For Me, who although took a record of 1:59, was no real star on the racetrack – her 79 starts resulted in 10 wins and $30,905 in prize money.

Left For Me was a daughter of a Lordship mare Lady Delwin (now the Kiwis can take some credit) who produced 11 individual winners including the smart Albion Park winners Deputy Dan 1:54, Delectable Dolly 1:56.9 and Derringer 2:00.2.

Lady Delwin is a half sister to the dam of one of New Zealand’s most successful female exports to North America in Double Dream (1:49.4, $638,870), whilst her mother Del’s Dream was a tough and talented racemare who won the Consolation of the Inter Dominion during the 1970’s.

Where to from here for For A Reason?

“It’s the paddock for now” said Luke McCarthy today (19 July) “And then we’ll bring him back with a light four year old campaign planned” Somewhere in the future you can’t help but think there is a stud career beckoning.

Sutter Hanover Great Gait And Early Speed

There is so much to like about Sutter Hanover as a type – he is tall (16 hands), dark (black), and handsome and has a temperament to match. As trainer Mark Harder described him when eye balling him for the first time at the Harrisburg Yearling Sales in 2005: “He was a big yearling, picture perfect really. You could tell he had class right from day one” He went in a 63 inch hopple, did not wear knee boots and had a long fluent stride. Just take 10 minutes to watch him on the Alabar DVD and you can judge for yourself.

One of the impressive races on the DVD is the 2006 Governors Cup, a major stakes race run towards the end of the season. Horses such as Artsplace, Western Hanover, In The Pocket and Bettor’s Delight have put this race on their resume in years gone by.

On this night Sutter Hanover survived a rough trip to win running away by 3 ¼ lengths in 1:52 – leaving in his wake the very smart colts Always A Virgin and Artzina (US 2yo of the Year).

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 7

Gotta Go Cullect He’s Earned The Breeders’ Seal Of Approval

Book full and closed. 187 mares pregnant.

Now that’s a great first season for any stallion.

For a four year old stallion straight out of work, it’s a truly amazing result.

To succeed at stud a stallion needs to have quality, he needs to be given opportunity and he needs to be fertile enough to take advantage of that opportunity.

At Alabar, we have long felt that Gotta Go Cullect – a brilliant racehorse bred from the mating of two champions in Christian Cullen and Elect To Live – had the necessary quality, the x-factor to deserve a stud career.

The photos on this page show just what a great athletic individual Gotta Go Cullect is.

In Gotta Go Cullect’s first season at stud, New Zealand and Australian breeders supported him with a full book or mares sending out a definitive statement that they agreed with our assessment of this potential stallion.

With a first-up full book of mares, Gotta Go Cullect has certainly received the opportunity he needed.

With 187 mares pregnant, Gotta Go Cullect showed that he is more than fertile enough to take full advantage of this well-earned opportunity.

Reason would suggest that at least one of Christian Cullen’s sons should continue his siring dynasty.

Gotta Go Cullect is the Christian Cullen son that breeders have chosen to give the best opportunity to do just that.

They have given him their seal of approval – and Gotta Go Cullect has accepted the challenge.

The photos on this page show just what a great athletic individual Gotta Go Cullect is.

We now look forward with great anticipation to seeing his first foals on the ground.

Page 8 - Alabar News - August 2010

Shadow Play

From H

What are the stories that best epitomise Harness Racing?

For most of us it is the tale of a horse or human that rises from humble beginnings to hero status through hard work, courage and sheer ability.

Well this is the story of the exciting black stallion, Shadow Play.

He was bred in Pennsylvania, USA by an Amish horse breeder named Samuel Stoltzfus. After being sold at the 2006 Harrisburg Yearling Sale, Shadow Play was then shipped to an area in North America that most enthusiasts would consider the “back blocks” – that being Prince Edward Island on the far east coast of Canada.

This was to be his training base for the next three years under the care of Dr Ian Moore – a veterinarian whose “day job” was Lecturer at the Vet Department, University of Prince Edwards Island.

The only notoriety about Shadow Play’s early career was that one of his part owners, Serge Savard, was one of the biggest names in Canadian Ice Hockey.

Shadow Play was the only three year old to take any votes away from Somebeachsomewhere in the years end Dan Patch Awards However, by the end of the 2008 season everyone knew about the two “Monsters from the Maritimes”, namely Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play. They had ruled the three year old pacing colts in North America and although the “Beach” colt was clearly the dominant horse, Shadow Play was the only three year old to take any votes away from Somebeachsomewhere in the years end Dan Patch Awards.

His two memorable days in 2008 came on 1st August and 18th September. In an elimination of the Adios Pace Shadow Play made it a one act affair touring the 1000 metre track in a World Record 1:48.4. He returned a week later to take out the Final of the Adios Pace.

On the third Thursday in September the World of Harness Racing shifts its focus to Delaware, Ohio for the running of the Little Brown Jug. Although not the richest race on the calendar, it is the race that every breeder, owner, trainer and driver strives to win. Because of the tight half mile circuit it has become harder to win in recent years.

Shadow Play recorded one of the most overwhelming victories in the then 61 year history of the Jug. His two heats victories in 1:50 and 1:50.2 resulted in another World Record However, in 2008 Shadow Play recorded one of the most overwhelming victories in the then 61 year history of the Jug. His two heats victories in 1:50 and 1:50.2 resulted in another World Record.

The Alabar Involvement At the end of the 2008 season both Blue Chip Farms of New York and Alabar Bloodstock expressed a joint interest in buying into the handsome son of The Panderosa. So when Shadow Play was about to start his four year old season in June 2009, Alabar Bloodstock had signed a contract to purchase the Southern Hemisphere breeding rights to him, commencing in the 2010 breeding season.

Shadow Play’s four year old season was in some ways a frustrating one. He covered himself in glory on 8th August (Hambletonian Day) with a decisive victory in the $328,750 US Pacing Championship, leaving in his wake Mister Big, Shark Gesture, Art Official and Won The West.

However, a niggling foot abscess at the wrong time of the year meant he was never 100% for any of his major races.

The blood spattered pants of his driver David Miller after winning the US Pacing Championship says a lot about the courage of Shadow Play.

Shadow Play overcoming adversity t

Two weeks later the foot was still bothering him when he finished a close second to Aged Pacer of the Year Won The West in the Breeders Crown Final. On this occasion Shadow Play finished nearer the outside fence – running straight up the long Meadowlands lane would have no doubt resulted in another major victory.

The Panderosa over Matts Scooter with a Little Bit of Breath O’ Spring Obviously the main selling points about Shadow Play are his brilliant racetrack career and his imposing physical presence.

However, he does possess a pedigree that should attract much interest from both Australian and Kiwi breeders.

His sire The Panderosa needs little introduction – a brilliantly fast son of Western Hanover and now the sire of 30 in 1:50. Interestingly three of The

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 9

Humble Beginnings To An Explosive Jug Victory

Shadow Play wining the Adios Pace

Shadow Play

to win the US Pacing Championship

Panderosa’s best sons in Shadow Play, My Panmar (1:48.6) and Perfect Union (1:49) are out of Matts Scooter mares.

Shadow Play

Now speaking of Matts Scooter, this influence in the pedigree should hold lots of appeal to the broodmare owners in New Zealand, where Mach Three (son of Matts Scooter) has had huge impact on the breed.

No Nukes

Shadow Play’s dam, Matts Filly has an interesting pedigree in this regard and so close to that of Falcon Seelster’s.

Her dam is by Warm Breeze whilst her third dam is by Adios Butler.

Now compare this to Falcon Seelster who is a son of Warm Breeze and whose grand dam is by Adios Butler. Could make for an interesting mix – Shadow Play over Falcon Seelster mares.

Western Hanover Wendymae Hanover The Panderosa Coal Harbor Daisy Harbor J R Daisy

Of course with Warm Breeze so close up in the pedigree, this brings in the influence of the great broodmare Breath O’ Spring (the grandam of Warm Breeze) and her dam Lady Scotland (sister to The Old Maid).

So it makes an obvious cross to breed mares with this influence in their pedigree to Shadow Play – Falcon Seelster, Live Or Die and Road Machine mares in New Zealand and Grinfromeartoear, Safely Kept and Panorama mares in Australia to name a few.

With the absence of Cam Fella and Abercrombie blood in his pedigree, mares by these stallion lines also make an out cross and an obvious choice for Shadow Play.

Direct Scooter Matts Scooter Ellens Glory Matts Filly Warm Breeze Breeze’s Girl Bit Player

Oil Burner Gidget Lobell Albatross Wendy Sue Hanover Albatross Perna Hanover Blaze Pick Rosie Baron Sampson Direct Noble Claire Meadow Skipper Gloria Barmin Bret Hanover Touch Of Spring Oil Burner Abbe Butler

Page 10 - Alabar News - August 2010

Elsu

Making All The Right Moves – And Plenty More To Come Elsu is garnering an increasingly impressive siring record.

His fertility and ability to leave consistently attractive types continues to make him very popular with breeders.

The attitude and ability of his progeny also makes him highly popular with owners and trainers alike.

Here’s an update on what some of his higher profile performers are up to…

“That particular family usually improve with age, and haven’t generally made two year olds.”

Miss Elsie (1:59.3, $75,360), one of NZ’s leading two year old fillies in 2009/10

Soak it Up, a promising two year old in 2009/10

Co-trainer, Colin De Filippi: Colin, when did Miss Elsie first show you she was going to be a two year old?

“We were taking her half-brother B Grudge to the trials at Ashburton late August and thought we would take her as well as some of his owners also had a share in her and hadn’t seen her go. There was only one other two year old in the heat, but she won that trial and ran a quarter in 26.9. She surprised us as I hadn’t really run her up too much at home.

What are your plans for her next season?

“The syndicate plan to make the late payment to make her eligible for the Nevele R Series. She is due back in work mid-August and I hope to give her a couple of starts before the first Nevele R heat at Blenheim in January.”

Trainer, Paul Kerr: What stage is he up to?

“He’s back in work after having three months off after his fourth start at Addington in March. He went 1.55 (when sixth) at Wyndham in the Kindergarten. He really is our big hope for this year.”

Do you have any particular targets with him?

“At this stage I’m aiming him for the early Sires Stakes heat at Addington in September.”

What’s his attitude like?

“For a colt he’s really laid back, but when you ask him for something he really gives everything he’s got – that’s what I like about him.”

Do you have any other Elsu’s?

“I bought three at the sales this year, they all paced first day in the cart and had good attitudes – that’s what I really like about them, they want to be there.”

Stormy Sirocco (1:58.3, $93,741), 4 wins in 2009/10 Trainer, Jeff Crouth: “When he fills out he should be a hell of a horse.

“He’s currently in the spelling paddock. Stormy Sirocco was raced sparingly as a two and three year old due to his size (16 1/2 hands). He’ll be aimed for the major four year old races this season.”

Arnoux (1:58.3, $38,844), 5 wins in 2009/10

Miss Elsie (by Elsu) - one of New Zealand's best two year old fillies in 2009/10

“We then gave her a brief spell and she qualified in December at Motukarara. She went on to win her first start - the Young Guns heat at Ascot Park against the colts in mid January, which was a very nice run. Usually we wouldn’t start the fillies against the colts but it was preferential draw and I knew she would draw handy. Terror To Love (Sapling Stakes winner) and Le Sol (Kindergarten Stakes winner) were among the other starters in the race.”

She had five races all season – was that the plan?

“To be honest, winning the Young Guns heat changed our whole plan. It put her in the Young Guns Fillies Final and made her eligible for the Jewels and I didn’t want to over tax her. I gave her one run Auckland way round before the Young Guns final. I would have liked to have given her two more starts before the Jewels but there were no suitable races for her. I ended up having to start her against the older horses in a one win race which she won from nine at the mobile gate.”

How did she cope with the travelling?

“She travelled well - she is a great eater which always helps.”

She didn’t fare well in the draws all season?

“No, as it turned out her only decent draw all season ended up being the preferential draw race. We had to go forward from eight over a mile in the Jewels which made it hard for her.”

What are her best attributes?

“She has good gate speed, settles in her races, is a nice pacer – she’s hard to fault really.”

How does she compare with other fillies you’ve trained?

“We haven’t raced many fillies at two, but she would be the best two year old filly.

Michelle Bromac was a nice three year old.”

Is she typical of the others out of that family you have trained? i.e. B Grudge, Rural Jack?

Trainer, Henderson Hunter: “He’s had a good season. After winning at Waterlea in June we turned him out and he is currently in the spelling paddock.

He’ll be aimed at racing just before NZ Cup time.”

Shady Su (2:00.7, $54,615), 2 wins plus second to Smiling Shard in the Yearling Sales Open in 2009/10 Co-trainer, Scott Phelan: “He’s up and ready to trial. We’ve decided to send him to Australia to trainer Tony Peacock to prepare him for the Breeders Crown at Melton in August. He should do a good job over there.”

Elysium, promising three year old filly in 2009/10 Trainer, Tony Herlihy: “She’s quite a big filly. She should develop into a handy mare. She has come a long way in her first campaign, and will probably race a couple more times this season before a spell.”

Anvil’s Best Ever (1:58.3, $181,195), 3 wins incl Sires Stakes Heat plus second to Sir Lincoln in NZ Sires Stakes Final in 2009/10 Trainer, Nigel McGrath: “I was very happy with his run in the Jewels, finishing half a length from the winner (Sir Lincoln). He’s currently spelling and will be aimed at racing over NZ Cup time.

“Unfortunately, we’ll probably never see the best of him. He got sick and nearly died as a two year old. He’s never raced up to where he was prior to getting sick – which is a heck of a shame really. Everything considered, he’s done well this season.”

Black Mambo, 3 wins in 2009/10 Trainer, Robert Dunn: “Black Mambo has been sold to Perth interests, to be trained by Gary Hall.

“I think he’ll develop into an outstanding four year old due to his beautiful gait and high turn of speed.”

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 11

Great Success

Poised To Fly The Valley Victory Flag In The Southern Hemisphere There is no doubt that Sundon has revolutionised trotting in Australasia.

Sundon’s owners, Roydon Lodge are to be congratulated for keeping his service fee at a level that has enabled all trotting breeders to have access to this most influential sire.

Such is Sundon’s dominance in this part of the world, for a new trotting stallion to flourish at stud here he simply must be able to cross well with Sundon’s daughters.

Earl (the sire of the Dominion Hcp winner Mountbatten out of a Sundon mare) and Monarchy (Sovereignty) are two sons of Balanced Image that are crossing well with Sundon mares.

However, it may well be that it is the Valley Victory line sires that will eventually provide the greatest cross for Sundon mares.

There is an element of inevitability in this as Sundon’s impact in the Southern Hemisphere is at least matched by Valley Victory’s impact in the Northern Hemisphere.

Only the sub-fertility of Valley Victory and some of his siring sons has moderated the total domination of this sireline in North America.

However, highly fertile sires from this line - Muscles Yankee, Yankee Glide and Cantab Hall in particular – are continuing to build on the dynasty.

In 2010 Cantab Hall (as at 20 July) is North America’s leading sire of both two and three year old trotters. Cantab Hall is a son of Self Possessed (as is Alabar’s Great Success).

Cantab Hall has sired four $100,000 performers from Pine Chip mares including one of the star two year old trotting fillies in 2009 Cantab It All (2,1:55.6).

In 2010 Cantab Hall (as at 20 July) is North America’s leading sire of both two and three year old trotters. Cantab Hall is a son of Self Possessed (as is Great Success).

Interestingly, Cantab Hall’s two best performers – the $1.5 million winner Explosive Matter and the brilliant filly All Star Hanover – are both from Valley Victory line mares so carry a double strain of Valley Victory, as does our own Great Success. Blood does not come any more modern than this.

Muscles Yankee is also exerting a considerable influence in New Zealand and Australia Rising superstar Miami H is not only an excellent example of a high quality Australasian sired son of Muscle Yankee, he is also a prime example of how well Muscles Yankee – and quite probably the Valley Victory sireline in general - is capable of crossing with daughters of Sundon.

Great Success time trialling in 1:51.4

Great Success

Miami H is by Muscles Yankee (a son of Valley Victory) from Martina H, the multiple Group 1 winning daughter of Sundon.

It is also important to mention that, in North America Muscles Yankee has sired 20 $100,000 winners and 13 1:55 trotters out of Pine Chip mares. That is more $100,000 winners and more 1:55 performers than he has sired from broodmares by any other sire.

The best performer to date bred on this cross is the outstanding trotting mare Vulcanize (3,1:54, $621,633).This year’s Stanley Dancer Memorial winner and Hambletonian contender, Muscle Massive is another.

Pine Chip and Sundon are both sons of Arndon.

Overall, Muscles Yankee is making an increasingly significant impact on Australasian trotting through the deeds of not only Miami H but also Sky Valley, Lord Of The Gym, the 2010 Jewels winner I Can Doosit and his full brother Sno’s Big Boy. Other successful crosses for Muscles Yankee of interest to Australasian breeders include – Balanced Image mares (14 $100,000 performers) and Sierra Kosmos mares (7 $100,000 performers) while the champions Deweycheatumnhowe ($3 million) and Strong Yankee ($1.4 million) are out of mares by sons of Speedy Crown.

Also of significance is that Sky Valley, I Can Doosit and Sno’s Big Boy are all out of mares by Chiola Hanover.

This all augurs well for other quality Valley Victory line sires at stud in Australasia, especially Great Success – the fastest trotter ever to be available in the Southern Hemisphere and carrying not one but two strains of the prized Valley Victory blood.

Page 12 - Alabar News - August 2010

Suggested Crosses Demystifying The Options For The New Stallions

Santanna Blue Chip

Focus point for crosses: Santanna Blue Chip is bred on the Abercrombie (via Art Major) / Direct Scooter (via Matts Scooter) cross. This is an outstanding cross which is considered desirable to reinforce (i.e. by breeding him to mares that carry one or preferably both these lines). What is crossing well with Art Major and the sons of Matts Scooter will also be well worth following for Santanna Blue Chip.

No Nukes line mares – In North America Art Major has sired 19 $100,000 winners out of No Nukes line mares incl 7 out of Jate Lobell mares and 5 out of Western Hanover mares. In Australasia Renaissance Man is out of a Safely Kept mare and Major Mark is out of a Live Or Die mare. Art Major’s 2010 Meadowlands Pace finalist Kyle Major is out of a Die Laughing mare.

Cam Fella line mares – Art Major has sired 16 $100,000 winners in North America out of Cam Fella line mares. One of his best Australian sired performers (For A Reason) is out of a mare by Fake Left.

Direct Scooter line mares – Art Major has crossed very well with Direct Scooter line mares – Santanna Blue Chip himself is the best example of this.

We believe Christian Cullen, In The Pocket and Courage Under Fire mares in particular will be great options for Santanna Blue Chip.

Abercrombie line mares – Art Major has had good success with both Albert Albert and Pacific Rocket mares. Mares by both these stallions should cross well with Santanna Blue Chip – especially Pacific Rocket mares as he is bred on the same Abercrombie / Direct Scooter cross as Santanna Blue Chip.

Albatross line mares – Art Major himself carries two strains of Albatross and many of his better performers have an Albatross influence on their dam’s side (this blood via Niatross is particularly desirable for Art Major). Auckland Reactor is proof enough that the Matts Scooter blood will cross well with Albatross line mares.

Falcon Seelster mares – on the strength of how well these mares have crossed with both Art Major (Art Official) and Matts Scooter’s son Mach Three (Fiery Falcon) it would be reasonable to suggest that Falcon Seelster mares will cross well with Santanna Blue Chip.

Shadow Play

Focus point for crosses: Shadow Play is by the hugely successful Western Hanover sire The Panderosa out of a Matts Scooter mare. What has worked well for Western Hanover and his sons as well as for Matts Scooter and his sons should work well for Shadow Play. The Western Hanover / Direct Scooter cross has been brilliant, reinforcing this cross should definitely be a positive – especially by introducing some more Direct Scooter blood.

Cam Fella line mares, especially Presidential Ball mares – Both The Panderosa and Matts Scooter cross well with Cam Fella line mares. The Panderosa has sired 29 $100,000 performers out of Cam Fella mares. Remarkably, The Panderosa has sired 9 $100,000 winners from the 28 Presidential Ball mares he has sired foals from.

Abercrombie line mares – Shadow Play doesn’t carry any Abercrombie blood yet his sire and maternal grandsire both covet this blood. Other than Shadow Play, The Panderosa’s next two best performers (Ponder and Metropolitan) are both out of Abercrombie line mares – along with 72 other $100,000 winners.

That Mach Three is by Matts Scooter out of an Abercrombie mare says enough about that cross. It seems certain that Shadow Play will cross well with mares carrying Abercrombie blood.

Direct Scooter line mares – this is one of the more captivating options for Shadow Play. The opportunity to double up Direct Scooter in the resulting pedigree is very exciting. It reinforces the excellent cross that Shadow Play is bred on and has the potential to build on the Direct Scooter legacy in this part of the world.

Albatross line mares – The Panderosa carries a 3x3 cross to Albatross but Shadow Play has no Albatross in his dams family. Interestingly, The Panderosa has produced 3 $100,000 winners including Restive Hanover ($941,000) out of Albatross mares. With Shadow Play having only the two strains of Albatross in his fourth generation he should be a sound option for Soky’s Atom and Holmes Hanover mares etc.

Falcon Seelster mares and Breath O Spring – Shadow Play’s third dam is

by Warm Breeze so breeding him to a Falcon Seelster mare will result in an attractive 4x3 reverse sex cross to Warm Breeze. Other broodmare sires that will provide a double up of Warm Breeze’s grandam – Breath O Spring – in the resulting foal also provide attractive options for Shadow Play (e.g Live Or Die, Grinfromeartoear, Road Machine, Panorama, Safely Kept etc)

Ponder - a wonderful cross for Abercrombie, Most Happy Fella and Direct Scooter line mares

PONDER

Focus point for crosses: Ponder is also a son of The Panderosa. His pedigree is further strengthened by the fact that he is out of a daughter of Abercrombie and also the fact that he is a three-quarter brother to the dam of Shark Gesture – North America’s dominant free for aller in 2010. His grandam is a daughter of Most Happy Fella which opens up opportunities for reverse sex crosses by breeding him to mares with Most Happy Fella sons in their pedigree. We also have emerging trends to look at with Ponder’s impressive first North American two year olds in 2010.

Abercrombie line mares – being bred on the outstanding Western Hanover (via The Panderosa) / Abercrombie cross, Ponder was always going to cross well with Abercrombie line mares. Reinforcing the Abercrombie in this cross is almost always the right thing to do. It works for Western Ideal and Rocknroll Hanover and it should work for Ponder. Ponder has already sired two smart two year olds out of mares by the Abercrombie line stallion Real Artist.

Cam Fella line mares, especially Cam’s Card Shark line – as mentioned previously, sons of The Panderosa should cross well with Cam Fella line mares. Ponder being out of an Abercrombie mare makes this an even stronger likelihood. It’s very early days, but of Ponder’s four best performers to date, two are out of Cam’s Card Shark mares and one is out of a Camluck mare. The fact that Ponder’s sister has crossed so well with Cam’s Card Shark (to produce Shark Gesture) is another reason to suspect Ponder will cross especially well with this blood.

Most Happy Fella line mares in general – not only should Ponder cross well with Cam Fella line mares he should really cross with a much wider range of Most Happy Fella line mares. As Ponder’s grandam is by Most Happy Fella, breeding him to Most Happy Fella line mares will produce an attractive (and relatively rare) reverse sex cross to Most Happy Fella.

Direct Scooter line mares – When Western Ideal (a stallion bred on the Western Hanover / Abercrombie cross) was bred to the Direct Scooter mare, Rich N Elegant they produced the great Rocknroll Hanover. Ponder, another stallion bred on this cross should definitely cross well with Direct Scooter mares. Interestingly, Direct Scooter features as the sire of the grandams of two of Ponder’s first winners.

GOTTA GO CULLECT

Focus point for crosses: Gotta Go Cullect is bred on the cross of New Zealand royalty being by Christian Cullen out of the champion daughter of Live Or Die, Elect To Live. What has worked for these two iconic sires provides the best pointer as to what should bring the best out in this precocious young stallion.

Albatross line mares – both Christian Cullen and Live Or Die have crossed well with Albatross line mares, especially mares by Soky’s Atom (Mainland Banner and Stunin Cullen for Christian Cullen and Life Of Luxury for Live Or Die). Gotta Go Cullect can be expected to do the same.

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 13

Suggested Crosses Demystifying The Options For The New Stallions

Falcon Seelster mares – again these mares have proven to be a great cross for Christian Cullen (Lauraella and Ohoka Arizona) and Live Or Die (Ewie Duncan and Bondy). Once again Gotta Go Cullect should love these mares.

Elsu daughters, with the extra New York Motoring influence that Christian Cullen has crossed well with, should also cross particularly well with Gotta Go Cullect.

Most Happy Fella and No Nukes line mares – breeding No Nukes line mares (excluding Live Or Die mares) – and Most Happy Fella line mares in general for that matter - to Gotta Go Cullect will reinforce the excellent cross he himself is bred on and should be an attractive option.

REAL DESIRE

Falcon Seelster mares – Falcon Seelster crosses extremely well with both Western Hanover and Abercrombie blood. Falcon mares should cross particularly well with Jereme’s Jet. Western Ideal has sired 5 $100,000 winners from 17 foals out of Falcon Seelster mares. (see also below re Alma Lee) Mares carrying the Direct Scooter / Albatross cross – this is one of the best options for Jereme’s Jet. Breeding these mares to Jereme’s Jet will produce a pedigree that carries the four great modern day sirelines (i.e. Most Happy Fella (via Western Hanover) / Abercrombie / Direct Scooter / Albatross). American Ideal and Yellow Diamond are two examples of this producing outstanding horses.

Abercrombie line mares – Doubling up Abercrombie in a pedigree is almost always a good thing. 29 $100,000 winners sired by Western Ideal are bred 3x2, 3x3 or 3x4 to Abercrombie. Included amongst these is Vintage Master, probably the best four year old in the world in 2010 and the winner of this year’s $500,000 Ben Franklin Pace.

Presence of Medoro or Worthy Boy in pedigree – Jereme’s Jet traces back to the influential mare Alma Lee. She is also the dam of Medoro and the grandam of Worthy Boy. Jereme should cross well with mares with either of these two sires in their pedigree. e.g. Medoro occurs in the Tight Connection family while Worthy Boy occurs in many pedigrees as the sire of Breath O Spring including pedigrees featuring Falcon Seelster, Live Or Die, Grinfromeartoear, Panorama, Safely Kept and Road Machine.

Focus point for crosses: Real Desire has now been at stud in North America long enough for a definite trend to be developing as to which mares he crosses best with. While the broodmare base in the Southern Hemisphere is different, we really need to take note of these developing trends.

Albatross line mares – Tell All is a $1.5 million winner and Real Desire’s best son – he is out of an Albatross mare.

What’s more, many of Real Desire’s best performers have an Albatross presence in their pedigree – usually in combination with Most Happy Fella.

Direct Scooter line mares, especially Christian Cullen mares – In North America Real Desire has sired 4 $100,000 winners from just 12 foals out of Direct Scooter mares plus the half million dollar winner Mattdultery out of a Matts Scooter mare. In New Zealand we have contacted many of the trainers that have Real Desire rising two year olds. Many of the best Real Desires in Focus point for crosses: Sutter training are out of Christian Cullen (or Hanover is by Dragon Again out of a In The Pocket) mares. This is probably No Nukes mare – Dragon Again is one not that surprising as Christian Cullen of the leading sires in North America presents not only Direct Scooter but and this is clearly the best cross for also the Most Happy Fella blood which Dragon Again – something worth is highly attractive to Real Desire. reinforcing. Sutter is also a direct descendant of The Old Maid. Sutter Beach Towel line mares – Real Desire Hanover is a tall athletic horse who has sired 3 $100,000 winners from just 9 is predominantly leaving foals of a foals out of Beach Towel mares including similar type to himself. Dragon Again his best mare, Btwnyurheartnmine Jereme’s Jet – an outstanding cross for Direct Scooter, is renowned in North America for (1:48.6) and 5 $100,000 winners from Falcon Seelster and Abercrombie line mares siring a very consistent line of strong just 16 foals out of Jennas Beach Boy and dark foals in his own image. Sutter Hanover appears to have inherited this mares. Mares by these sires present excellent options for Real Desire.

Most Happy Fella blood – Real Desire’s sire Life Sign almost exclusively left highly desirable trait.

SUTTER HANOVER

his best horses out of Most Happy Fella line mares. Real Desire is bred on this cross and most of his top performers have Most Happy Fella coming through on their dams side. Most Happy Fella line mares in general including Cam Fella line mares and No Nukes line mares should cross well with Real Desire.

Golden Miss family – Real Desire is yet another successful sire from the prolific Golden Miss family. Doubling up this family has proven to be highly successful time and again. Tell All has a double up of this family. Grinfromeartoear is another descendant of Golden Miss and many of his best performers are from mares by fellow descendants (e.g Smiling Shard and Make Me Smile are out of mares by Panorama and Rocknrolla is from a Safely Kept mare). Mares by the Golden Miss descendants Grinfromeartoear, Panorama, Safely Kept, Mystical Prince and Rustler Hanover should all be great candidates for Real Desire.

JEREME’S JET

Focus point for crosses: Jereme’s Jet is bred on a cross that has influenced a breeding generation in North America, that being the prolific Western Hanover / Abercrombie cross. Reinforcing this cross, particularly by the introduction of further Abercrombie blood is highly recommended, as is introducing blood that has worked for other outstanding stallions bred on this same cross.

Direct Scooter line mares – Western Ideal is a leading stallion bred on the same cross as Jereme’s Jet. Remarkably, from 20 foals out of Direct Scooter mares, Western Ideal has sired 10 $100,000 winners – including the great Rocknroll Hanover. Western Terror, another leading stallion bred on a similar cross, has sired 5 $100,000 winners (incl his best performer – Yellow Diamond, $1.3million) from 17 foals out of Matts Scooter mares.

No Nukes line mares especially Badlands Hanover mares – Dragon Again has sired 21 $100,000 winners from No Nukes mares, 5 from Jate Lobell mares (incl the $2.3 million winning mare My Little Dragon) and 15 from Western Hanover mares. Breeding Sutter to No Nukes line mares reinforces this great cross. More and more of the leading horses in North America have a double up of No Nukes in their pedigree. An especially good cross for Sutter could be Badlands Hanover mares (Badlands is not only by Western Hanover but there is a mirrored No Nukes / Tyler B genetic linkage between Sutter and Badlands).

Abercrombie line mares – Dragon Again has sired 10 $100,000 winners out of Abercrombie mares and 11 from Artsplace mares. The best of these to date is the outstanding 2010 free for aller Foiled Again (interestingly his second dam is by Dexter Nukes – again showing how well Dragon Again crosses with No Nukes blood).

The Old Maid and Spinster – Doubling up this blood is a tried and true recipe for success. Sutter is a direct descendant and should cross well with mares carrying this blood (e.g. mares with Bachelor Hanover, Noodlum etc in their pedigree).

Beach Towel, Sands A Flyin, French Chef and Plat Du Jour – From just 9 foals out of Beach Towel mares Dragon Again has sired 8 sub 2:00 winners of which 5 have won over $100,000. Mares by Beach Towel and his sons are obviously an attractive option for Sutter. Another reason that this will work well with Sutter is that Beach Towel is by French Chef – he is out of La Pomme Souffle who is Sutter’s third dam. Plat Du Jour is also out of La Pomme Souffle so the incidence of any of these sires in a broodmare’s pedigree makes them an attractive option for Sutter Hanover.

Page 14 - Alabar News - August 2010

Doctor Ian Moore The Man Behind Shadow Play

Not only is Shadow Play a class horse, he also had a class guy as his trainer – that guy being Dr Ian Moore from Prince Edward Island.

In a recent interview in Horseman and Fair World magazine with Phil Terry, General Manager of Delaware County Fair (home of the Little Brown Jug), Phil was asked for his favourite Jug. Well he did name two, 1993 and 2007 and his comment for 2007 was: “Shadow Play showed us the heart of the standardbred and Ian Moore is a class guy”.

So there you have it, at least two people think Ian Moore is a great guy … although we’re inclined to think there’ll actually be a great deal more.

As mentioned in the Shadow Play feature, his “day” job has been as lecturer in Vet Science at the University of Prince Edward Island, although in 2010 he is now training five youngsters in Ontario and then doing some Veterinary work in the afternoon for a Mohawk based practice.

Dr Moore, by nature loves to be hands on – he trains, educates and drives his youngsters in their trials and early racing. Years ago he turned his attention to racing stock cars, but his love of horses bought him back to Harness Racing.

Some quotes from an interview in The Harness Edge magazine give a little insight into the man known as Doc.

On Shadow Play On Jug Day “The horse was very sharp that day. The only thing that could have held him up was a post position. He wasn’t going to let anything deter him from winning that race.

He gave it his all and showed a lot of heart and courage”.

On Life “I live life like it’s a long one but tomorrow is going to be my last day. I have always liked to be busy. When I’m lying in the coffin one day, I won’t be able to, so I do what I want to do now”.

“I will take a real good looking individual with a softer pedigree any day of the week over a lesser horse with more pedigree. I want to be glad when I look over his door when he arrives home.

“It’s a little bit like when I was dating, it was all about

On Shadow Play Being Born The Same Year As Somebeachsomewhere “The lack of recognition (compared to Somebeachsomewhere) is maybe something that bothers you for a day but you soon get over it and drive on. He’s out in the barn and when I go out to feed him this afternoon he’s the first horse I will see. That brings a smile to my face – I thank him every day for everything he has done for us”.

On David Miller (driver) “Another thing to the horses’ advantage was hooking up with David Miller. The two had chemistry. He is actually the first driver I have been with who has stuck with us through thick and thin. That strengthened the bond. I know Dave loves the horse and was crying after the Jug win. How many guys do you get that from?”

On Shopping For Yearlings

Village Jasper Just can’t help but think of the words of this song, every time we talk about Village Jasper… The next line goes “When you’re perfect in every way”.

Village Jasper, who was Australia’s leading sire in 2008/09, has now sired his 5th sub 1:55 performer in Australia – a remarkable achievement and something unmatched by any other sire in Australia we’re sure.

The two new sub 1:55 pacers this year are the three year old colt Maywyn Jasper 1:52.7, who took out the APG Final for three year olds in March and the outstanding Victorian four year old mare Broadways Best who was stunning in winning the Ladyship Cup, Tabcorp Park, Melton in May. The complete list of his sub 1:55 pacers in Australia are: Tip Your Hat 1:54.5 $536,961 (from a Speed King mare) Blatant Lie 1:54.6 $410,403 (from a Butler B G mare) Penny Vee Jay 1:54 $387,114 (from an Armbro Aussie mare) Broadways Best 1:53.6 $319,329 (from a Muckalee Strike mare) Maywyn Jasper 1:52.7 $74,236 (from an Armbro Operative mare) At the time of writing (20 July) the little champ Village Jasper was running second on the Australian Sires List for 2009/10 – approx $150,000 behind the leader Live Or Die. Any money that the progeny of Village Jasper can earn during the upcoming Breeders Crown series will assist in maybe obtaining a second consecutive Sires Premiership.

Village Jasper’s service fee for 2010 remains at $4000 incl GST.

She is one of the best The standout performer of Village Jasper’s progeny this season has been the Shannon McLean trained Broadways Best.

Shadow Play and Dr Ian Moore shared a great bond and took harness racing by storm in 2008

conformation. I didn’t even know what pedigree was back then.

“Another thing I will tell you is that you would go a long way to find better conformed horses than Shadow Play and Somebeachsomewhere.”

Oh Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble The now four year old mare has had just seven starts for five wins and one second place finish with all her wins in sub 2:00 times – 1:56, 1:59.6, 1:56.3, 1:56.1 and her last start a stunning 1:53.6 victory in the $30,000 Ladyship Cup. Amongst those other wins were a Heat, Semi Final and Final of the Vicbred Series.

She continues to put lots of grins on the faces of former Carlton and Richmond star Rick McLean and his two sons Shannon and Christian.

Broadways Best (2005) No Nukes Jate Lobell J R Amy Village Jasper Abercrombie Village Jewel Sabella Lobell Strike Out Muckalee Strike Jealous Broadway Girl Adover Rainbow Neshia Trixie Charles

Oil Burner Gidget Lobell Blaze Pick Good Time Minnie Silent Majority Bergdorf Most Happy Fella Scene Stopper Bret Hanover Golden Miss Lusty Song Nancy Graham Overtrick Adie Rainbow Young Charles Bar Queen

Alabar News - August 2010 -

Page 15

THERE IS NOW NO NEED TO PONDER …

THE BOYS AND GIRLS ARE FLYING We have been telling everyone for the past three years what a great gaited, tough and fast horse Ponder was on the racetrack.

There was also doubt in some people’s minds about his ability to sire two year olds – even though injury shortened Ponder’s debut season to just one start for one win.

Well D-Day is now arriving for the handsome son of The Panderosa and he is answering a lot of questions in style.

From a crop of just 61 foals of 2008, 28 of these – or nearly 50% - have already hit the racetrack and the two year old season is only five to six weeks old in North America.

From these starters, there are already 12 winners with 9 in 2:00 including the colts Royal Trell (1:56.2f), Stress Test (1:55.3f) and Willie Boots (1:55.2f) and the fillies Day To Ponder (1:58h), In Deep Thought (1:57.4f) and Think It Over (1:57.3f).

Three of the six winners mentioned are from Cam’s Card Shark or Camluck mares, which is no surprise really as Ponder doesn’t have any Cam Fella in his bloodlines.

To further reinforce the Cam Fella connection, Ponder’s threequarter sister is the dam of the incomparable free for all star, Shark Gesture (by Cam’s Card Shark) – now the winner of over $2.25 million.

The Ponder filly, Day To Ponder (trained by Bob McIntosh, who put the polish on Ponder) has a pedigree of interest to Australian breeders. Her third dam is Julialba, an Albatross mare imported into Australia by prominent Victorian breeder Kevin Newbound.

Two of her Australian daughters have produced the classy youngsters Sheza Clout (1:58.1, $252,920) and Muchos Gratias (2:01.1 – winner of the SA Botra Pace).

The early training reports on the Ponder yearlings in Australia are very encouraging. Alabar Bloodstock has retained an interest in two fillies that have done everything asked of them at this stage of their preparations. Both give the impression they will race as two year olds.

The Ponder yearlings averaged $16,438 (8 sold) at Yearling Sales around Australia earlier this year.

At this time it is worth re-visiting some of the quotes from Hall Of Fame trainer, Bob McIntosh on the qualities and ability of Ponder.

On his gait: “He could pace as fast in the turns as he could in the straights.” – evidenced by his 1:49 World Record around the half-mile circuit at Delaware, Ohio.

Day To Ponder – an impressive first crop two year old filly by Ponder

On his mental attitude: “He was one of the two mentally toughest pacers I ever trained – he was like a heavyweight boxer who traded punches and kept coming back for more.”

On his natural ability: “I bought him as a yearling and as a two year old he was the best one I had.

He had a little hairline crack in a back ankle so we stopped him after one race.

“I always thought he was a great horse and now everyone is getting to see what I was talking about.”

Ponder’s toughness and courage was there for all to admire in a twelve week span from 8th July to 21st September 2006.

In that time span Ponder had 9 races for 3 wins, 4 seconds and 2 fourths with his personal time in 8 of these races being 1:49 or better. In the 9th he was second on a five-eighth track in 1:49.8

Jereme’s Jet

Yearlings Set To Make An Impact The August 2010 issue of the North American publication “Hoof Beats” featured a section on the stallions with their first yearlings selling this year.

One such stallion is Jereme’s Jet. Here is an excerpt from the article …

Jereme’s Jet time-trialling in 1:47

David Heffering is highly optimistic about the 117 yearlings by Tara Hills Stud’s rookie pacing stallion (Jereme’s Jet): “We have 14 of his yearlings going to the sale. They look very much like their father – dark bay; average to above average in size, smart, good attitudes. And a lot of ours have paced free-legged since they were babies. Watching them on the pace has always got me pretty excited.”

Jereme’s Jet rookies include 21 from $250,000-winning mares and 11 siblings to $500,000 winners, led by Boulder Creek ($3,425,857) and Ponder ($1,522,936).

“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley Armbro Deuce Armbro Operative* Artesian* Art Major Earl** Elsu Gotta Go Cullect Great Success Grinfromeartoear Jereme’s Jet Ponder* Presidential Ball* Real Desire Safely Kept* Santanna Blue Chip Shadow Play Sutter Hanover* Tiz A Masterpiece* Village Jasper* * - Available in Australia Only ** - Available in New Zealand Only

SEMEN AVAILABLE AT APPROVED LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALASIA

Australia:

Alabar Bloodstock P O Box 129, Tongala Victoria, 3621, Australia Phone: +61 3 5859 2201 Fax: +61 3 5859 2206 Email: alabar@alabar.com.au ww

New Zealand:

w. a l a b a r. c o m .

Alabar (NZ) Ltd 480 Seagrove Road, R D 4 Pukekohe, 2679, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 232 1800 Fax: +64 9 232 1799 Email: alabar@alabar.co.nz au