The 2026 NZB National Yearling Sales (January 25-29) offers buyers the cream of the New Zealand crop and in the weeks leading up to the sale we’ll go looking for pedigrees of interest for a myriad of reasons.
Currently leading the Australian 2YO sire list by earnings, Hellbent is a sire that is enjoying a personal best season and is poised for a big couple of weeks with his unbeaten colt Zip Lock to run as one of the favourites in the $3million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and his classy Group winning 3YO filly Savvy Hallie to resume from a spell in the $3million Magic Millions Sunlight this Saturday.
For astute yearling buyers looking at the bigger picture his two youngsters to be offered at Karaka will be hard to resist.
Lot 315, offered by Kaha Nui Farm, is a lovely filly by Hellbent from stakes-winning Not a Single Doubt mare Bidii Babe making her a three-quarter sister to stakes-placed Countyourblessings, who won at Randwick on Saturday taking her earnings in excess of $337,000.
Lot 49, offered by Henley Park, is another quality bay filly and is the first foal of Polina, a winning half-sister by Darci Brahma to Group II winner Platinum Princess.
With his oldest progeny just 2YO’s, Golden Slipper winning sire Stay Inside posted his second stakes-winner in New Zealand last weekend in Lassified, who joined his Group III ATC Breeders Plate winner Incognito.
Stay Inside has just the two yearlings for Book 1.
Lot 499, offered by Jamieson Park, a filly (first foal) of seven time metro winner Kedah, a daughter of outstanding sire Per Incanto, who is the broodmare sire for the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising.
Lot 507, offered by Carlaw Park, a colt (second foal) of Lady Bing, a metro winning half-sister by Sebring to Group III winner Runway Star and SW What You Need from the family of G1 winners Wrap Around and Fashions Afield.
Karaka 2026 marks the 100th National Yearling Sale at Karaka, selling 25 - 29 January. A century of thoroughbred excellence has shaped the National Yearling Sale, from guineas to dollars, Trentham to Karaka and Wrightsons to NZB.
All yearlings purchased are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series featuring the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series with $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season.
For more information and to view the Book 1, Book 2 and Summer Sale catalogues, visit www.nzb.co.nz. To relive the memories and milestones of the New Zealand National Yearling Sale, visit 100years.nzb.co.nz.
