Whatever people might be saying right now, at this point last year when the major yearling sale season had finished it is very unlikely any bloodstock expert would have predicted the first season sires table would look like this and Saturday looms as another intriguing day at the office for this talented cohort.
Leading the list is Godolphin blueblood Tassort, a half-brother by Brazen Beau to Group I winners Alizee and Astern, but given he started just twice for a debut win over Spaceboy and a second in the Group II ATC Silver Slipper beaten by Time to Reign, he didn’t have the form to earn a slot on the Darley roster which is where Newgate and Emirates Park stepped in.
On face value in terms of the horses he beat or raced against his form was questionable, but that memorable debut win in the Golden Gift by five lengths in explosive fashion in fast time was enough to make him favourite for the Golden Slipper which is what earned him a shot at stud.
A similar scenario is what has also given Acrobat his chance on the Coolmore roster, so watch this space to see how that unfolds with his first yearlings to hit sales next year.
This weekend promises plenty of action in the first season sires division with two stakes races at Randwick, another at Morphettville and the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Rush at Bendigo all featuring juveniles by the young guns including Royal Meeting (IRE), while there is also a competitive juvenile race in Brisbane with talented Yes Yes Yes filly Useapin sent north by the Waller stable.
