There is no denying the impact Japanese bloodlines have made in Australia and the next chapter of their success may well be written by Aquis Farm’s dual Group I winning sprinter Brave Smash (Jpn), whose first crop of two year-olds are inspiring confidence.
Representing the world-renowned Sunday Silence sireline from a female family packed with elite Japanese Black Type, Brave Smash has pedigree and race performance at the highest level as well as explosive speed.
One of the few Japanese sprinters to come to Australia, he captured two Group I victories in here over 1200 and 1400m, not to mention a further four Group I sprint placings, two of them in the revered VRC Newmarket Handicap.
His first crop of yearlings were well received this year with 40 averaging over $80,000, while his 11 yearlings sold at Magic Millions averaged $151,364.
13 of his yearlings sold for $100,000 or more and they have entered some of the best stables in the country since being broken in and the reports are positive.
Brave Smash did his racing the colours of Australian Bloodstock and Jamie Lovett is keen to keep supporting the former star sprinter who has covered over 300 mares in his first three seasons and stands this spring at Aquis at a fee of $22,000.
“On the back of the early reports from our trainers including Kris Lees and Maher/Eustace we are sending six mares to Brave Smash this season!” he said.
Gary Portelli has a stellar reputation for producing early two year-olds having won the Golden Slipper twice in the last five years and he is full of praise for the half-brother to Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks winner Media Award.
Snapped up from the Bowness Stud draft at Magic Millions for $130,000, the colt has been named Hit Song.
“Hit Song is a very athletic, precocious colt who we will be aiming up at the early 2YO trials and races. He is everything you'd want in an early 2YO and more.”
Joe O’Neill of Prime Thoroughbreds is a very savvy purchaser and plucked his Brave Smash colt More for Me from the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $80,000. Named Power of the Brave he has been sent to Kris Lees.
“I am over the moon with the two Brave Smash’s I purchased, especially the colt out of More For Me. Kris Lees reports he has a great attitude and very trainable, like all the Brave Smash progeny he has. He’s about to have a short let up and we hope to get him to the races over the Christmas period.”
Richard and Chantelle Jolly have expectations their $120,000 Magic Millions purchase, a Brave Smash colt from Occitan, will be up and running at two.
“He broke in well.He looks to be a forward type, so he’ll only have a short break before coming back for the early 2yo races.”
Will Clarken has already named his Brave Smash filly from Our Girl Raquie that was bought from Magic Millions for $120,000.
“Tara Rani is a lovely filly, very athletic and great on her feet. She presents as an early type and she’ll get every chance to do it as a 2yo.”
Chris Munce has a homebred colt by Brave Smash from Winning Fashions that he has already named Delarenta in anticipation of an early start to his racing career.
“He is a beauty!! And very sharp. He has picked things up very easily and is a thorough professional. We will be aiming him towards the early barrier trials.”
Matt Dunn is hopeful his filly from imported US Group III winner Wonderlandbynight (USA) might be headed back to the Gold Coast for Magic Millions race day having been purchased from their sale for $130,000.
“She is an early runner, switched on and focused!! She has a good filly’s attitude. We will aim her towards the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January.”
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou have been well pleased with their colt from Been Scene, a $90,000 Inglis Classic purchase.
“The Been Scene colt moves really well! I quite like him. He's a nice horse with great outlook on life.”
