Based on recent trends of winners in Melbourne, Niconoise may be the Victorian stallion roster's best-kept secret.
You would have to be on another planet not to know about the performances of uber-talented Nicconi gelding Nature Strip.
And then have been quality metro wins in the past fortnight by Nicconi progeny including 2YO Tony Nicconi (at Flemington) and 3YO Legale (at Sandown). You can also add Sydney winner Nicci's Gold to recent Nicconi winners.
Ponderosa Park sire Niconoise, a son of Redoute's Choice, offers all of the sire's pedigee and speed, but without the cost!
Niconoise is the half-brother of Widden Stud's successful dual Group 1 winning sire Nicconi (Bianconi) as well as the three-quarter brother of multiple Group 1 winning Niconero (Danzero). They are all out of the Devitt and Gordon families' star broodmare Nicola Lass.
Paul and Sue Kelly of the Nathalia based Ponderosa Park said now was a great opportunity to access the blue-blooded pedigree of Niconoise.
"Mare owners shouldn't miss out on breeding to a stallion from a proven blue hen mare, by a champion stallion and whose half-brother is currently flying in the breeding barn with Nicconi," Paul Kelly said.
"This is a brilliant chance for Victorian breeders to tap into this exciting stallion prospect and elite female pedigree for a fraction of the price Nicconi is demanding in the Hunter Valley."
Niconoise won four city races from 1100 metres to 1800 metres and currently holds the Flemington 1700 metre track record. He ran in the Australian Cup the race after breaking this track record, however he suffered a serious leg injury and was subsequently retired.
Kelly also pointed out the similarity of Niconoise to Nature Strip in type.
"If you see them both in the flesh and in photos they are such similar types, which indicates the strong influence the female line has. That's what we need to showcase, as that's where the talent and ability is coming from. She (Nicola's Lass) has been an incredible producer and will shape the breed in the future," Paul said.
"Then on top of all this, his sire Redoute's Choice is a Champion stallion and sire of sires, including current champion Snitzel, giving Niconoise a more commercial pedigree based on current stallion trends.
"He was an incredible talent, and it's such a shame we didn't see the best of him on the track. His track record that still stands proves just what a class galloper he was."
Niconoise is nominated to VOBIS Sires for the 2018 breeding season giving his progeny the chance to race for more than $24 million in VOBIS benefits on offer every year.
Niconoise will send for exceptional value this breeding season at $3,300 (GST incl)
"We are willing to do discounts for multiple and winning mares, and as we want to make breeding to Niconoise affordable with no nasty surprises. We are also offering a package deal for $5000 that includes three months agistment, standard reproductive scanning and horse maintenance (farrier and worming)," Paul said.
Paul and Sue have been breeding thoroughbreds for over 12 years and have a strong background in camp drafting…Paul is also a local farrier.
"We started off pin-hooking and just got bigger and bigger; we now have around 50 or 60 mares currently on the farm. One thing we learnt about thoroughbreds is that you need to work out the game very quickly or you go out the back door," Paul said.
Contact Paul or Sue Kelly at Ponderosa Park on 0427 761 016 to book in your mare or for more information visitwww.ponderosapark.com.au
