Bunyip based Ampulla Lodge proudly flew the Victorian flag last week, achieving substantial success at the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sales on the Gold Coast.
For pin-hooking professional's, Steve and Ceri Jostlear, it is about making an informed decision and taking an educated chance.
“The key to pin-hooking is finding the right sale, so when we purchase weanlings, we already have a sale in the back of our mind. Then we can focus on a certain type, with a certain pedigree. We were confident that both of our colts were perfect for the coast.”
Ampulla Lodge was rewarded handsomely by the two colts they offered through the ring, and when asked why each was purchased, it was evident that they both deserved their place in a stunning catalogue of high-class bloodstock.
After some competitive bidding, their first lot, catalogued as 160, the Not A Single Doubt colt from Cariad (Sequalo) was secured for $520,000 by the partnership of Newgate Farm, China Horse Club and WinStar. A rewarding pinhook from the 2019 Magic Millions Weanling Sale from Aquis Farm for $280,000.
“As a weanling, he was just cracker from the start. He had a first-rate walk, but his attitude was the greatest thing. Every time a buyer came back, he was consistent in his manner and temperament, and we knew he would mentally handle a yearling prep with ease. He had plenty of leg under him to ensure he grew into a lovely colt,” Steve said.
“It was a great compliment to Ampulla Lodge that the best judges; Sun Stud, Newgate, China Horse Club, McEvoy Mitchell Racing and WinStar were all active on this colt. As James Bester pointed out, “it was his swagger and his huge hindquarter that stole the show. He is the spitting image of his sire, but with a better head.”
Steve believes that “after seeing how well he paraded on the coast, there is no doubt he will flourish as an early two-year-old.”
Their second yearling to be offered was Lot 275, the colt by Flying Artie out of En Why Sea Dream (Manhattan Rain). Knocked down to Triple Crown Syndications for $160,000, he was a clever $90,000 purchase from 2019 Inglis Sydney Weanling Sale from Caithness.
“As a weanling, he had a magnificent head and great balance. The end of his wither was in the dead centre of his frame, making him a beautifully symmetrical horse. He retained that balance as he developed into a yearling, with buyers commenting that he was a real racehorse, forward enough to be a two-year-old, and even better at three,” Steve said.
“Mick Malone from Kitchwin Hills commented that he was one of two best Flying Artie colts in the sale, and Mick Price pointed out that “at the same age, he was a carbon copy of his sire. He even moved the same.”
“While the Exceed and Excel yearling was withdrawn, he has shown us that he is a true classic type. Being out of the Zabeel mare, Zenaida (NZ), who is a half-sister to the NZ champion, Vosne Romanee, his black type pedigree will be perfectly suited to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He’s a top looker that will be at his very best come April, and he will have his time to shine.”
Fortunate to enjoy a bubbles or two celebrating up North, Steve and Ceri are now back on their Gippsland farm with the preparation of the Inglis Premier yearlings in full swing.
“I am thrilled to be offering the best group of horses that I have ever taken to the Melbourne sale, and I sincerely mean that. All six are great individuals, blessed with size and strength. With potent high-rating pedigrees selected by our renowned pedigree expert Diane Neylon, they will be a draft to impress.” Steve said.
“Lot 190, the Maurice (JPN) colt from Golden Eagle (NZ) (Zabeel) is an outstanding type, big and strong. He has plenty of presence, with an enormous girth, indicating he will have the speed and the stamina to suit distances from 1200 – 2000 metres. A half to Group 1 Caulfield Cup victor Southern Speed, he is one impressive unit.”
“Lot 350, the Artie Schiller colt out of Past The Post (Untouchable) is a standout, being a three-quarter brother to Flying Artie. He has grown into himself, becoming a magnificent big colt with a stunning head. He will present brilliantly come sale time.”
“While Lot 412, the chestnut Nicconi colt out of Sheerkat (Pentire) is made in the perfect mould. All speed, a powerful hindquarter, the right colour and a great head, and Lot 54, the colt by Star Turn out of the Group 2 placed Berry Delicious (Blevic) more than holds his own in every respect.”
“Lot 431, the Star Witness colt out of Sirenese (Belong To Me) is a cracker. A correct colt with a high pedigree rating, he has a lovely head and kind eye. He is a true racing type of horse, that is naturally athletic and fit.”
“Lot 213, the Manhattan Rain colt out of High Tea (NZ) (High Chaparral) is a beautiful colt, with a free moving walk and lovely balance. From the family of Prized Gem, Nom Du Jeu and Jue De Cartes, he has had a handy update in his pedigree since his purchase, as his half-brother is now stakes placed. He will have his admirers, as he is a colt you would have any day of the week,” Steve said.
“Ceri and I are excited to present Ampulla Lodge’s Premier yearlings through the Inglis ring, and in the near future, looking forward to cheering them home when they achieve racetrack success.”
