Telemon Stud is proud to present a digital showcase of three exciting young stallions in Sidestep, Jungle Cat (IRE) and newcomer Sun City, a stakes-winning son of champion sire Zoustar.
Renowned Queensland racing presenter Michael Maxworthy hosted the virtual parade event with owner-operator Dan Fletcher, while local breeder Mark Dunkley from KBL Thoroughbreds and bloodstock agent Julian Blaxland offered their insights on the stallions.
Maxworthy introduced the rich history of the property, which boasts a strong stallion roster record including the likes of Written Tycoon, Bel Esprit and Success Express, with his son Mossman.
The first stallion introduced in the stallion showcase is first season sire Sun City, a stunning physical described by Julian Blaxland as "a male version of Sunlight". Sharing the same sire, Zoustar as that great mare, Sun City had a short but brilliant career, which included a win in the G3 BJ McLachlan Stakes.
"I think only Snitzel has run a faster time in the McLachlan, that's saying something," said Sun City's trainer Tony McEvoy. "It was incredibly frustrating when he was injured leading into the Magic Millions, where he was favourite and I strongly think he would've won that race."
Blaxland stresses the importance of pre-Christmas two-year-old racing in Queensland with the rich QTIS bonuses on offer and suggested Sun City has the ideal profile to deliver this to breeders and trainers.
"If a stallion can get pre-Christmas two-year-olds that get you into the Magic Millions, you have a strong chance of taking out a first season sire premiership. Based on how this horse is bred and put together and his two-year-form, he's every chance to take out a first season sire title."
Jungle Cat's physical type and racing profile, as a sprinter competing at the top level over many seasons, most impressed Dunkley who stressed the importance of sires leaving stock that could appropriately handle tough Queensland racing conditions. He said, "this is the type of stallion Queensland has been looking for. You can see how he had speed to burn, he's explosive."
A son of Iffraaj, Fletcher mentioned the purchase of his highly successful sire son Wootton Bassett by Coolmore as a ringing endorsement for the sire line.
Headline horse Sidestep rounds out the stallion showcase, one of the few sires throughout history to have sired a Golden Slipper winner in his first crop. The son of Exceed And Excel presents in glorious condition with a dappled coat.
"One of the best things about Sidestep's progeny is they improve under stressful conditions, like in a yearling preparation or in training," said Dunkley. "That's why they're successful and that's what trainers love to buy."
Sidestep already has six stakes performers from his first two crops, with exciting larger and higher quality crops to come.
Queensland breeders are invited to visit Telemon and see the stallions in the flesh. To arrange an appointment contact Dan Fletcher at dan@telemonstud.com.au.
Sun City
360-degree View
Front View
Side View
Rear View
360-degree view
Front View
Side View
Rear View
360-degree view
Front View
Side View
Rear View
