Artie Schiller (USA) has ridden the wave of fashion since he first shuttled to Australia in 2007.
The 2005 Breeders' Cup Mile hero is now a permanent resident at Independent Stallions where he still hale and hearty covering eighteen mares last spring.
The 21yo son of El Prado has seen his list of supporters gradually dwindle over the years. The baton has been handed to his son Flying Artie who is forging a successful career of his own at Newgate Farm with the likes of Artorious and Giannis from his first crop.
But Artie Schiller (USA) looks set to play a pivotal role in Saturday’s $2million Magic Millions 2yo Classic.
His son Golden Artie has claims on form, but the barrier draw may have sounded the death knell to his winning chance.
Then there is Russian Conquest, a daughter of first season sire Russian Revolution out of My Conquestadory (USA), a daughter of Artie Schiller (USA).
My Conquestadory (USA) played an important role in the Artie Schiller (USA) story.
A $240,000 purchase from the 2013 Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s March sale, My Conquestadory (USA) came with a barnstorming finish to win the 2013 Grade 1 Alcibiades Stakes to honour her sire with his first elite level winner.
Consigned to the 2016 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale with a positive test to Tapit, My Conquestadory (USA) was purchased by SF Bloodstock and Newgate Farm for US$1,500,000.
They got the majority of that back when the Tapit colt sold for $1.3million at Keenealnd.
Named Bourbon War his highlight came when second to Code Of Honor in the Grade II Fountain Of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
My Conquestadory (USA) was imported to Australia in 2017. She was covered by Capitalist that year but missed.
Russian Conquest is her first Australian foal.
From the first crop of Russian Revolution, Russian Conquest was consigned by Newagte Farm to the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where she was knocked down to Snowden Racing for $425,000.
That makes her equal second highest priced yearling among the 21 final acceptors.
Another daughter of Russian Revolution, the fifth emergency Russian Warrior, made the same amount.
High priced yearlings are conspicuous by their absence in the 2yo Classic. The $600,000 Fastnet Rock filly Bright Blue Sky is the frontrunner there.
Russian Conquest has won her only two starts to date. Following a debut win in the Max Lees,Classic at Newcastle, she demolished a hany field at randwick on Boxing Day.
Bookies have her as one of the very few chances of upsetting the even money favourite Coolingatta.