Exciting Times ahead as Stable Strength Builds

It’s been a really solid period for the stable lately, with a number of horses going close and plenty knocking on the door for a win off a string of placings. We’ve also had a good batch of yearlings come through from the breakers and into the system, so we’re starting to get a proper handle on what we’ve bought. Six have already come through and we’re very pleased with how they’re shaping up. The two Magic Millions purchases aren’t far away from returning for their second prep either, which is great timing.

The two-year-olds are coming along nicely, with a few already stepping out in jump-outs and trials. We’ve also got a couple of later-maturing three-year-olds who’ve been to the trials and aren’t far off making their race debuts. Per Sempre got things underway this prep with a strong finishing second at Caulfield Heath at big odds, and Ballon Dior followed suit with a similar run, charging home to grab third first-up at Ballarat at a good price. Both mares look to have come back in great order and should have nice preparations ahead.

It’s been a quieter stretch in terms of runners, so we’ve focused on educating the younger horses and continuing to improve the farm. One of the main projects has been “Malcolm’s Hill,” with several new paddocks now up and going. It’s positioned on the top corner of the property with a gentle 3–4 degree incline, feeding at the bottom and water at the top — ideal for naturally building strength, much like Bart Cummings used to do. The Japanese Maples at Misty Valley have also turned a brilliant red, which looks fantastic, although winter — and that familiar Macedon Ranges mist — isn’t too far away now.

There’s a real sense of excitement walking through the stables at the moment. The quality of the young horses coming through is as strong as we’ve ever had. We’re already seeing some encouraging signs, with relatives of recent purchases performing well — Straand Deal’s metro win at Morphettville on Saturday being a good example. We’ve got a filly by Ole Kirk from the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale that I’m really keen on, and there’s still a small share available for anyone interested. Seductra’s win at Gosford last weekend was another big push — a two-year-old taking on older horses and showing plenty of ability. That ties in nicely with the Captivant colt we bought at the Melbourne Premier sale. He’s an early type, already broken in and only a few weeks away from coming back into the stable. It’s a strong two-year-old family as well, with another sibling already winning the Magic Millions Debut and earning close to half a million in prize money from just eight starts. There’s still a bit left in him too for anyone keen. If you wan't any information on our recent yearling purchase please reply to this email or give me a call.

The weanlings have all been weaned and are doing well, and before long they’ll be yearlings. Then it’s back to selecting stallions for the broodmare band. Breeding the horses we race is something I really enjoy — you’re part of the journey from the very start, and by the time they get to the track, you know them inside out.

That’s about it for this month. Good luck to everyone with runners coming up, and for those following the stable on the punt — May is shaping up to be an exciting month!