John Muir's boutique Southern Highlands based Milburn Creek is one of the smaller operations that plays consistently at the top end and under the guidance of new Stud Manager Scott Holcombe, the horses have never looked better.
Milburn Creek had the pleasure of selling Redoute's Choice colt Hampton Court at this sale in 2013 and while it was nice to see him fetch $500,000, it was even nicer when he came out and won the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes last spring.
The draft of six this year features his three-quarter brother by red hot sire Snitzel from Roses 'n' Wine (Can) that will be offered as Lot 141.
This youngster is the third foal from a US stakes-winner that comes from the family of the great Makybe Diva and while he does not look obviously like his famous sibling, who was bay, this flashy chestnut will have his admirers.
Snitzel has already produced a great result for Milburn Creek, who bred and sold his first Group I winner Sizzling, winner of the BRC TJ Smith as a two year-old with overall earnings topping $1.3 million.
Lot 264 is a full brother to Sizzling being by Snitzel from the speedy General Nediym mare Admirelle. A strong muscular bay, foaled in August, he looks a natural runner as was his brother and will be a standout on type at this sale for his sire.
Consigned on behalf of Makybe is Lot 424, a Fastnet Rock filly from superior producer Gold Anthem, the dam of six winners headed by world champion sprinter and promising young sire Starspangledbanner.
Another of her offspring is stakes-placed Gold Chant, the dam of Group I MRC Thousand Guineas winner Amicus, who is also by Fastnet Rock.
From the last crop of yearlings by ill-fated Northern Meteor, Lot 43 is an eye-catching bay colt from US turf stakes-winner Mi Chiamano Mimi (USA).
Given the limited edition nature of the Northern Meteor's this colt will be more out of his box than in when he arrives at Newmarket.
Golden Slipper winner Sebring is the sire of Lot 111, a typically chestnut filly from Pride of Tatius, a full sister to $4.6 million earner and triple Group I winner Shogun Lodge and half-sister to Group I winners Referral and Singing the Blues.
Pride of Tatius is already the dam of Group II placed Lady Tatia and it's not hard to see why this filly represents serious residual value.
From the first and only Australian cop of foals by Champion US Grass Horse Gio Ponti (USA), Lot 312, a colt from stakes-winner Blazonry. Lovely, strong athletic colt from a family that has also produced Group I winners Prince Salieri and Mr Celebrity.