This bargain priced Victorian sire has a happy knack for producing a well above average performer and racing fans watching the races at Sale last Thursday are sure they have seen his next rising star.
Exciting prospect Barocha was sent to the races by young trainer Clayton Douglas with high expectations, backed from $6 into a $1.75 to win the 1105m maiden on debut.
With Jamie Kah in the saddle, the four year-old son of Ilovethiscity lived up to the hype, bolting clear to win by five lengths eased down.
It was the first winner as a trainer for injured jockey Clayton Douglas and justified his faith in Barocha.
"I'm just rapt," Douglas told Racing.com.
"Jamie has done a really good job with this horse, he's not an easy horse and she's really educated him well.
"There was a lot of hype on him but I knew he was pretty good and so did Jamie so we did think he could do that."
Jamie Kah was thrilled with the performance and believes there is a lot more to come from Barocha.
"I don't think I've ever been this excited before," Kah said.
"We think he's got a lot of ability but obviously being a first-starter we just wanted him to do it on race day and run well.
"I'm so happy for Clayton, he puts so much time and effort into the horse and his team so it's really rewarding.
"Now that he's won, I can say that I think he's definitely Stakes-class.
"Once we step him up over 1200m and 1400m, he'll really be able to let down and show his class."
Barocha is a full brother to handy galloper Paghman, who has won over $175,000 and was second in the Darwin Cup earlier this month.
He is the third winner from two time winner Feesforus, a Legal Opinion mare from the family of Group II winner Sequential Charm.
Feesforus was one of 59 mares covered last spring by Magic Albert's Group I winning son Ilovethiscity .
Completely free of Danehill blood, Ilovethiscity is not only a Group I winner himself, but also a Group I sire having produced Group I ATC Sires Produce Stakes winner El Dorado Dreaming.
Despite limited numbers, Ilovethiscity has impressive statistics with over 64% winners to runners and nearly 5% stakes-winners to runners with El Dorado Dreaming and Group III winner Chapel City joined by his other stakes-winners Moonlover and last season’s Flemington juvenile stakes-winner Ilovemyself, who has now been sold to Hong Kong.
Ilovethiscity will again stand the 2020 breeding season at Noor Elaine Farm in Victoria.
Noor Elaine Farm and his syndicate of owners supported Ilovethiscity heavily over the past two seasons where he has served his two strongest books of mares, so breeders who get on board this year can be assured there is plenty of opportunity for an upswing for this under-estimated sire.
In 2020, Ilovethiscity has had two new stakes winners and could certainly justify an increased fee, however given the current economic environment the syndicate along with Noor Elaine Farm has resolved to reduce his fee in order to provide comfort for his supporters.
Ilovethiscity stands at Noor Elaine Farm in Euroa and his 2020 fee is $4,400 (Including GST). All enquiries can be directed to Mark Calwell on 0417 547 394.
