Rare Gems

Tara Madgwick - Monday January 7
When $7million earner Criterion retired to Newgate Farm at a fee of $35,750 in 2016, much was expected of the superstar son of Sebring, but three years on we arrive at Magic Millions and instead of a bumper draft of stunning youngsters to rival his top end peers Vancouver and Pride of Dubai, we find just two yearlings to be offered for sale.

Well documented fertility issues have made a commercial stud career all but impossible for Criterion, who remains at Newgate on a fee on application basis.

 



In his first season, Criterion covered 70 mares and produced just 14 foals, two of which are in the Magic Millions.


One look at them makes us all realise what might have been for the feisty chestnut who contested a Golden Slipper and a Melbourne Cup with Group I wins in the ATC Australian Derby, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Rosehill Guineas and MRC Caulfield Stakes falling in between.

Lot 560 Colt Criterion x Exceleine, by Exceed and Excel – Newgate Farm




Second foal of metro winning Exceleine, who traces in tail female line to legendary matriarch Best in Show from the Monroe branch that has produced stallions Domesday and Xaar (GB)

Lot 807 Filly Criterion x Miss Beauty World, by God's Own – Kitchwin Hills




Second foal of a winning half-sister to Group winners Lite 'n' in my Veins, Hi World, Loveyamadly and Ducimus.

Criterion covered 27 mares in 2017 and had 12 foals born last year. He covered just 15 mares last spring.

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