Catalogue Update - Lot 157 January (Late) Online Sale

The Matthew Williams-trained Unseen Ruler came from well back in the field to prevail in the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day as the five-year-old gelding notched his fifth career victory.

In a blockbuster edition of the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), outsider Midnight Edition and favoured runner Yaldi went to the line as one, with the latter securing the Boxing Day feature in a protest.

About Time was a rising star in the staying ranks as a three-year-old, and 12 months later, the Cambridge Stud mare collected another holiday feature with a powerful display in the $125,000 Dunstan Stayers Championship Final (2400m) on Boxing Day.

A hard-fought victory at the Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day by promising three-year-old Centennial Park, could be a precursor to a lucrative feature across the Tasman and has also brought a timely pedigree update for his half-sister to be offered by Wentwood Grange at Karaka Book 1.

There is always a flurry of trial activity all around Australia before the frenzy of Christmas and New Year racing so it’s worth a look at the Breednet unraced trial report to see what first season sires have some smoke on the horizon that could well turn into fire.

Astute trainer Phillip Stokes unleashed a very smart juvenile at Morphettville on Boxing Day with fleet footed Zousain filly La Roux delighting punters and her big team of owners with a dominant two and half length victory bringing a timely pedigree update for her Magic Millions bound half-brother.

Champion trainer Chris Waller prepared quality three year-old colt Yes Yes Yes to win the Everest in 2019 and got a Boxing Day reward from the young sire with a pair of promising three year-old maiden winners that saluted within half an hour of each other at Randwick and Newcastle and one of them is the last foal of a celebrated blue hen.

The owners of Damask Rose have been given a late Christmas present, with Te Akau Racing selecting the exciting filly to represent their slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh light heartedly suggested he was still waiting for his Christmas presents prior to racing commencing at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, but didn’t take long to fill his stocking with Provence taking out the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m).

The most expensive yearling sold by Torryburn Stud at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale was a lovely Exceed and Excel filly from Group I winner Dixie Blossoms that caught the eye of Godolphin and was secured for $900,000.