The son of Zabeel will stand in association with Joe Smithies, of Monovale Farm
who bred and raced the well-related four-year-old.Verdi won three of his eight starts before a tendon injury pre-maturely ended his career just as his trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman were having thoughts of the Gr.1 Auckland Cup for the half-brother to the multiple Group One winners Sir Slick and Puccini.
"He is royally bred and Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman had extremely high hopes for him before his career was cut short," Smithies said.
"After his retirement, Long Acres Stud expressed interest and an agreement was put in place. I am really excited about what the future holds for him.
"I'm sure he will let down into a magnificent stallion and can't see a reason in the world that he won't be successful."
Smithies said that they were yet to set a service fee for Verdi and that a decision would be made at a later date.
"We are keen to meet the market and get as many foals on the ground as we can. I'm sure he will produce some lovely stock if he is given the opportunity."
Verdi will stand at Long Acres alongside Remind, who achieved Group One success this season when his daughter Aide Memoire won the Captain Cook Stakes. – NZ Racing Desk.
