Vin Cox Bloodstock Latest News

Cox Mitchell Venture Easter 2011

The Cox Mitchell Venture, for those of you who do not know, is a group put together by VCB and well respected Melbourne based bloodstock agent Bill Mitchell. VCB and Bill are getting some clients/friends together to buy some well bred and attractive colts to try and find the next Superstar!

VCB and Bill Mitchell spent the best part of yesterday being beaten on some very attractive colts as the middle market was quite strong. However late in the day they were lucky enough to swoop on two well bred and equally good looking colts. The purchases are:

Lot 145 - Colt by Redoute's Choice x Angelic Smile. Purchase price $200,000.

Lot 165 - Colt by Fastnet Rock x Best French. Purchase price $300,000.

If you have any questions about the venture please do not hesitate to contact VCB or Bill Mitchell.

Battle Ready finally gets it right!

Battle Ready, a horse that Gary Portelli has always had an opinion of got the job done on Saturday at Rosehill. Given no chance by the punters and some of his owners (Well the two that appeared in The Sunday Telegraph Racing Confidential anyway) he was sent out at $41 by the bookies.

Gary has worked tirelessly to get this bloke right and its great to see the horse progressing for Gary and his loyal owners who have traveled this bloke around NSW teaching him how to race. Fingers crossed for further improvement from this bloke thru the Carnival.

 

USA Mares Having an Impact

Regular readers of this website would be well aware of the deeds of American mares on the Australian racing landscape. Over the past 2 weekends there have been sensational results for VCB clients and their purchases at Keeneland.

On March 5th, Foxwedge established himself as one of the leading Golden Slipper contenders by brilliantly beating a select bunch of 2YO's at Warwick Farm. As has been well documented, Foxwedge was one of the highest priced yearlings of 2010 and is now a genuine Golden Slipper chance. Foxwedge's dam was purchased by VCB at the 2004 Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale for US$45,000.

Just last Saturday, Running Tall captured the Group 2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes. This particularly good looking colt, who is also in line for the Golden Slipper, is a close relation to the Champion 2YO in the US, Midshipman. Running Tall's dam was purchased by VCB at the 2006 Keeneland November Sale for US$130,000.

On the same day in New Zealand, Anabandana won the Group 1 Auckland Diamond Stakes. Anabandana is a daughter of Great Notice, a US$130,000 purchase at the 1999 Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale, when I was still at Inglis.

For anyone doubting the impact of the US bred mare on Australian racing, surely these results dispel any doubts.

2011 Off and Running

It has been a great start to the year on the track for VCB.

Dusty Star capped off what has been a sensational start to 2011, in winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes. Dusty Star was purchased at the 2008 Magic Million Winter Weanling sale for $130,000. He was subsequently sold through the Widden draft at the Magic Million Yearling sale 6 months later for $230,000. It could be said that “everyone’s a winner.

On the same day, a couple of our mare purchase’s for clients produced 2 stakes performances, Red Tracer the full sister to Shellscrape ran a sensational second in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes. As has been well documented on this website, Kisma has been a terrific investment for Geoff and Mary Grimish to go to their stallion Dane Shadow now having produced a Group 1 winner and now a Group 2 placed filly with enormous potential.

The other stakes placing was Running Tall, whom is the first foal of Fleeting Touch (USA) a Keeneland Breeding Stock purchase of US$130,000. Running Tall was a $500,000 yearling at the 2010 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, and is stakes placed at his only 2 starts to date.

VCB is also very excited about the future of up and coming 3YO, Somepin Anypin. He has had 4 starts this preparation for 3 seriously impressive victories, to the point that Somepin Anypin is the talking horse of Sydney racing. His next start will tell us if the Sydney scribes are on the money, he will be in the deep end for Group 2 Hobartville Stakes.

2011 Magic Millions

The 2011 Magic Millions sale was a seemingly flat affair, the results in terms of average, gross and medians were all roughly on a par with last year. The vibe at the sale was subdued, with the extraordinary devastation that was occuring up the road in Brisbane and the home town of many breeders at the sale Toowoomba. 

The shining light at the sale was the participation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who clocked in with a spend of in excess of $2.5 million, all the talk leading into the sale was of a reduced spend from offshore parties, on account of the strong Australian dollar.

VCB had a Flying Spur filly knocked down to us by a long time client, for $200,000. The filly is a daughter of a particularly good race mare from New Zealand and a terrific residual pedigree.

The other purchase we were able to make, was in conjunction with former leading trainer Bill Mitchell. We were able to secure a magnificent running type of colt by More Than Ready who is out of an Danehill daughter of Jezabeel, winner of the Melbourne Cup. This colt will form part of a package of colts that are being packaged up in the Cox Mitchell Colts Venture

SOMEPIN ANYPIN OUR LATEST VALUE WINNER

Dec 29 - Somepin Anypin stamped himself as a performer to watch over the summer months when posting an effortless win in class record time at Canterbury Park today in Sydney.

The lightly raced gelding spaced his rivals in the Winning Post Restaurant Handicap (1100m) by three lengths at his first start back from a spell despite trainer Gary Portelli believing the trip would prove too short. The merit of the performance augurs well for connections who are well versed to racetrack success having partnered in the Gr.2 Villiers Handicap winner Something Anything.

Somepin Anypin (NZB Premier Yearling Sale; Pins x Ungaro $NZ30,000) was a VCB purchase at the 2009 NZB sales and today’s win lifted the earnings of the three start veteran to over $20,000 and there is the opportunity for plenty more success in store.

Vin Cox will be active at the upcoming yearling sales throughout Australia and New Zealand. If you are interesting in maximizing your chances of owning a winner please contact VCB.

 

2011 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, 10th -14th January

Keeneland has cataloged 1,827 horses for it January Horses of All Ages Sale, to be held from Monday 10th until Friday 14th January, 2011.

We have had some difficulties getting the catalogues thru Customs this year. This is the reason why your catalogues have not arrived, we are hopeful of getting them next week and we will have them to you as soon as possible. If you would like to search the catalogue please click on this link. http://www.keeneland.com/sales/Lists/Sale/allitemsalt.aspx

In recent years Vin Cox Bloodstock has made some nice purchases out of the Keeneland January Sale. Stakes winners like Angel Smoke (Jan 09, $82,000), Forest Code (Jan 08, $350,000), Mi Chiamano Mimi (Jan 10, $135,000) and Stakes placed Grand Slam mare Belle Cherie Mary (Jan 09, $70,000), whose 3yo half brother is now a Multiple Stakes winning Group 1 placegetter.

Although the Keeneland January sale overlaps with the Magic Millions Yearling sale we will be in attendance. We have been through the catalogue and think there are some nice broodmares and broodmare prospects.

There are plenty of attractive broodmare prospects being offered at the 5 day sale, including 138 Stakes winners, 156 Stakes producing mares and mares in foal to the following stallions Afleet Alex, Arch, Bernardini, Curlin, Empire Maker, Indian Charlie, Malibu Moon, More Than Ready, Mr. Greeley, Street Cry, Tapit, Tiznow and Unbridled’s Song.

Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s Director of Sales, said in a recent Keeneland Press Release “The January Sale is well-known as a market for stakes-winning broodmare prospects and it is also proving to be a solid market for yearlings, offering a broad representation for pinhookers and end-users alike, as well as those interested in horses of racing age or stallion prospects.”

Keeneland will also offer Yearlings by prominent stallions, including Afleet Alex, Arch, Bernardini, Distorted Humor, Giant’s Causeway, Indian Charlie, Malibu Moon, Medaglia d’Oro, More Than Ready, Mr. Greeley, Tapit, Tiznow and Unbridled’s Song.

If you have any questions about Keeneland January or any of the horses entered please do not hesitate to contact Vin Cox Bloodstock.

BEYONCE SINGS WINNING TUNE

Dec 11 - The judgement of Basil and Diane Nolan of Raheen Stud was reinforced when evergreen mare Beyonce’s Star posted her maiden stakes win in the Listed Just Now Quality (1300m) at Eagle Farm today.

The six-year-old mare was purchase from the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in June for only $40,000 and has won almost $140,000 in the ensuing six months.

Congratulations to the Nolans once again from VCB.
 

A KIWI PERSPECTIVE

Nov 29 - For a long time I’ve spoken passionately about the benefits of an industry reinvesting in its broodmare band. The upgrading of stock is the surest way to improve the quality of the progeny you sell and race as well as generating return business.

For some time now Australia has continued to reinvest in itself. New Zealand has not. Buyers should be mindful of this as they plan for 2011 and beyond.

Today I received an email from New Zealand agent Robt Dawe reflecting on the recently concluded Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Robt was the solitary New Zealand representative at Keeneland and was not even buying for New Zealanders. His three purchases were for Australian clients.

Robt’s email provides a ‘New Zealand perspective’ on Australia’s approach to the upgrading of our broodmare band. In part his email read:

“I’d like to drop you a post sale note regarding the greatest broodmare sale in the world, Keeneland, and for that matter Lexington (truly horse heaven), is without peer. This recent visit was my 17th Keeneland November – will I return, who knows, why wouldn’t I?

“The Aussies hit Lexington town in force and as buyers they were their normal aggressive self and purchased a couple of plane loads plus some, the first plane load was completed before the end of book three or day six (7 books in total – 13 sale days), no wonder they’re good at what they do and don’t shirk a challenge… The lone sale Kiwi, yours truly, purchased three well bred young mares.”

You should know my stance on US bred broodmares by now. In season 2009/10 they were once again to the fore providing Australian racing with the winners of almost nine percent of our Gr.1 races and some of our highest priced yearlings. Breeders were right to react positively and by the close of Keeneland November Australian buyers had spent in excess of US$11 million.

In season 2009/10 two of New Zealand’s 17 individual Gr.1 winners (11.7 percent) were the progeny of US bred broodmares. New Zealand breeders responded by not spending a single dollar at Keeneland.

If a country is not willing to invest in its own future why should buyers rush to invest in their stock?
 

SUPER WEEKEND FOR PRIVATE PURCHASES

Nov 23 - What a great weekend for VCB Private purchases.

 

In the last race at Moonee Valley, Impressive Eagle won at her second start for new owners Widden Stud and partners. The mare was purchased in conjunction with Adrian Hancock Quality Bloodstock a few months ago. The new owners are looking at a few nice races over the next couple of months, hopefully improving on what is already an impressive race record and pedigree.

Then in the early hours of Sunday morning, Wild Mia was second in the Grade 2 Mrs revere Stakes at Churchill Downs. From 2 starts for Rosemont Racing Syndicate, Nigel Austin and Anthony Mithen, she has won an allowance at Keeneland and this second at Churchill Downs. Next stop for Wild Mia will be a race in Florida worth $300K.

We look forward to watching the futures of both mares.

 

WHELANS COULD BE IN FOR A FANTASTIC 2011

Nov 21 - There is every chance the Whelan family will be given a heady ride throughout 2011 after boom colt Foxwedge was tipped out in preparation for a Golden Slipper tilt after saluted on debut at Rosehill on Saturday.

Foxwedge (Fastnet Rock x Forest Native) was the star offering of the Whelan’s Luskin Park Stud when changing hands for $925,000 at this year’s Easter Yearling Sale, the highest price for a Fastnet Rock at the sale.

The colt is the third foal of Forest Native, a three time winning American mare that was stakes placed as a juvenile. Forest Native was purchased by VCB for US$45,000 from the 2004 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Forest Native has significantly repaid her purchase price already and may further enhance her stock if her two Fastnet Rock fillies on the ground also show a hint of their mother’s precocity.
 

CRACK JUVENILE SECURED

Nov 16 - With the appeal of More Than Ready in Australia continuing to grow season after season VCB was delighted to have secured Get Ready Bertie during session eight of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale today.

Having won the Tiffany Lass Stakes at Fair Grounds and twice placed at graded stakes level as a juvenile Get Ready Bertie (More Than Ready x De Bertie) has enormous appeal in the Australian marketplace. The most significant of those placings was a second in the 2006 Gr.2 Demoiselle Stakes, one of the most high profile races for juvenile fillies in the United States. Get Ready Bertie is a very good looking mare from a family that continues to produce quality stock and is a complete outcross to our Danehill line stallions. Her younger half-sister is the graded stakes winner Whirlie Bertie who has only retired in the last 12 months, her dam was a Gr.2 winner and her third dam Gr.1 placed. This is a family with tremendous upside. Had she sold in Australia at auction there is no doubt she would have significantly eclipsed her US$170,000 price tag.

VCB also purchased the impeccably bred and unraced Indycatfighter (A.P. Indy x Cat Fighter) for US$50,000. This four-year-old mare is the first foal of the young broodmare Cat Fighter, a winner of the Gr.2 La Canada Stakes, a half-sister to the stallion Ishiguru and is a daughter of former outstanding juvenile and dual Gr.1 winner Strategic Maneuver.

Both mares will foal down in the US early next year before coming back to Australia.

If you would like to capitalize like other breeders on the undoubted opportunities at the current Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale please contact Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com immediately.
 

CAPITALIZING ON A DOWNTURN

15 - VCB has continued to take advantage of fantastic buying conditions in the United States today by securing two quality mares for clients at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. In a session that saw the median price plummet 40 percent on last year’s mark there were again opportunities to source undervalue bloodstock.

The four time black type winner Double Malt (Whiskey Wisdom x Matching Sox; US$47,000), a winner of more than US$340,000 in earnings, was added to our purchases as was Broadway Ellie (Street Cry x Marisa Go; US$25,000), a young daughter of champion stallion Street Cry who is herself a daughter of a Gr.3 winner.

Opportunities to secure quality broodmares still exist in the second week of the November Sale and with the US buying bench significantly restricted Australian buyers have an opportunity to really capitalize. If you are searching for young commercial broodmares please contact Vin Cox immediately at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.

 

VALUE, VALUE, VALUE AT KEENELAND

Nov 14 - At the close of trade at the half way mark of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale VCB had secured a selection of the best credentialed broodmares and broodmares prospects on offer at the world’s foremost breeding stock sale.

Today’s purchase of the stakes placed Eagle’s Song (Proud Citizen x American Tradition; US$20,000) and yesterday’s selection of Love To Tell (Stage Colony x Kentucky Whisper; US$80,000) lifted our total number of purchases to five.

Eagle’s Song again emphasized that there are quality broodmares available for all budgets. A three time black type placegetter, this lightly raced mare has a pedigree that lends itself to turf racing and traces back to the outstanding Argentinean mare Nice Tradition. A similarly credentialed mare in Australia would sell for several times the price we were able to secure her for in the US.

 

VCB SECURED TWO QUALITY MARES

Nov 11 - Vin Cox Bloodstock secured two quality young broodmares at today’s third session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and is eagerly anticipating more opportunities as some of the international breeding operations exit the sales ring.

Both Moon De French (Malibu Moon x French Silk; US$300,000) and Noisy Feet (Tapit x Victory Road; US$200,000) were among the leading sale items of the day in a session that closed at US$65,000, a decline of 15 percent on the same session 12 months ago.

Moon De French was purchased having had a tremendous 2010 racing season. The lightly raced daughter of boom sire Malibu Moon won the Listed Del Mar Adoration Stakes over a mile in September before placing in the Gr.1 Oak Tree Lady’s Secret Stakes behind the one and only Zenyatta in October at her last start before going to sale.

Noisy Feet is another young mare who showed quality on the racetrack. A multiple winner, she annexed the Listed Monmouth College of New Jersey Stakes at her final career start before being prepared for sale. Importantly, she is also a full-sister to Gr.3 winner Touching Beauty and out of a family that has tremendous upside.

If you would like to open yourself to the opportunity to buy quality bloodstock in a falling market then please contact Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com. The current November Breeding Stock Sale has quality horses for all budgets so please do not hesitate to find out more.
 

KEENELAND PURCHASE PRODUCES MARIBYRNONG PLACEGETTER

Nov 10 - The Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate for 2yos at Flemington on Saturday provided a great result for the progeny of two VCB purchases at the 2006 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Aashiq at only his 2nd start finished 2nd beaten a neck and Running Tall finished a further long neck away in 3rd.

Aashiq is the first foal from Crevice who was purchased by VCB for US$250,000 on behalf of John Cornish's Torryburn Stud. Crevice by Gulch, a winner in the US from a family of full of black type was brought back to Australia where a mating with General Nediym produced Aashiq. Sold as a yearling for $90,000 and already stakes placed it won't be long before Aashiq is winning races and further increasing Crevice's broodmare value.

Running Tall by Stratum is the first foal out of Fleeting Touch, an unraced Touch Gold mare out of multiple Grade 2 winner Fleet Lady. Fleeting Touch was purchased by VCB for just US$130,000 at the 2006 Keeneland November Sale on behalf of Widden Stud and with her first foal selling as a yearling for $500,000 at Easter earlier this year and now Gr 3 placed at his first start it looks like a very shrewd investment indeed.

Vin and Garry are currently in Kentucky inspecting mares at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale which began last night and they can be contacted via email on vin@vincoxbloodstock.com

 

AUSSIE BUYERS ACTIVE AS NOVEMBER MEDIAN IS DOWN

Aussie buyers have burst into action at Keeneland as the auction house’s flagship November Breeding Stock Sale kicked into gear today. A range of noted Australian agents and breeders secured quality stock including VCB which acquired a quality young mare in Cadazzle for US$115,000. The Malibu Moon mare is out of a stakes winning mare and is a sister to Belmont stakes winner Miss Catalyst.

With the median on the opening day down 12.5 percent there is plenty of opportunity for Australian buyers to be judicious and get a great return on their investment. The absolute top end of the sale was strong as expected but American breeders are being very selective in their decision making and this won’t be changing as the sale progresses.

If you are interested in discussing the fantastic opportunities currently present at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale please email Vin at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

BUYING CONDITIONS PERFECT FOR AUSSIES

Australian buyers have been given a weighty reminder of the opportunity before them on the eve of the world’s biggest bloodstock sale with today’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale showing a significant decline in its median price.

The one day sale of select broodmares and weanlings was down 23.5 percent on 2009 figures and augurs well for Australians who are judicious enough to capitalize on the quality and variety of bloodstock on offer at Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale which begins tomorrow overnight.

With the Australian dollar having broken through parity and the US bloodstock market remaining tentative the opportunity to secure high quality bloodstock at never before seen prices is a reality. Importantly, the November Breeding Stock Sale will allow breeders to secure well credentialed young mares at prices that won’t be on offer in Australia in 2011.

Both Vin and Garry have been on the sales grounds at Keeneland for several days and have begun to shortlist suitable mares for Australia. To talk further about this gilt edged opportunity email Vin at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com or call now on .

 

FLEETING TOUCH A TIMELY REMINDER OF NEXT WEEKS KEENELAND BROODMARE SALE

 Nov 6 - Widden Stud has been quickly rewarded for their decision to source broodmares from the United States with Fleeting Touch’s first foal, Running Tall, running a game third in today’s Gr.3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington.
 

It is a timely reminder of the impact of US bred broodmares in Australia with the 2010 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale set to start this Monday.

Fleeting Touch, for her part, was a US$130,000 purchase by VCB from the 2006 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Since that sale she has stamped herself as a most astute purchase. Her younger half-brother Midshipman stamped himself as the best juvenile of his year when annexing the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Then at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Running Tall (Stratum x Fleeting Touch) became the most expensive Stratum sold at the premier auction when changing hands for $500,000.

With the Australian dollar stronger than the Greenback there has never been a better opportunity to buy quality US broodmares. If you are interested in talking about the opportunities that this year’s sale will provide then please contact Vin Cox now at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com. Both Vin and Garry at on the ground in Kentucky and can provide you with the best advice for your requirements.
 

Rosemont Stud Go Wild in Kentucky

Nov 2 - Rosemont Stud, Nigel Austin and Anthony Mithen purchased the promising Wild Mia privately through VCB recently. At her first start for her new owners Wild Mia won an allowance race at Keeneland by 5 lengths. Unfortunately the owners weren't on hand to see her win at Keeneland but they may well be at Churchill Downs for her next start in a Grade 2 race.

While it was a terrific result to win at Keeneland, a victory in a Grade 2 race will make what has proven to be a cheap buy already, an exceptional purchase.

THE GENEROSITY OF THE GRIMISHS

Oct 31 - The generosity of Geoff and Mary Grimish deserves mention after they donated first prize money of $42,000 from the Kidney Kids Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill yesterday.

The Grimishs won the race with Red Tracer, a daughter of Kisma who was purchased by VCB as a designated mate for Dane Shadow who they own a piece of. Kisma, as has been outlined previously, produced the now Gr.1 winner Shellscrape when mated with Dane Shadow for the first time. The promising Red Tracer is the product of a second mating between the pair.

Red Tracer looks to have a great future ahead of her and we commend the Grimishs on their most generous gesture.

GUINEAS DAY CELEBRATIONS

Oct 14 - Tumbling rain failed to dampen Thousand Guineas Day at Caulfield yesterday with the progeny of three VCB purchased broodmares saluting twice on the classic card and a third success snuffed out by a long neck.

Spurcific kicked off celebrations when saluting in the $70,000 Rokk Ebony Cup (1000m). Four races later Royal Commands emphatically dispatched her rivals in the Listed Carsales.com.au Stakes. And a long neck was all that denied Willy Jimmy from posting a VCB trifecta on the feature race day.

Yesterday's triumph with Royal Commands was a fitting result for Jack and Lucy Horseman who have been focused and diligent as we've worked with them to build up a quality broodmare band for their Parsons Creek Farm operation.

Princess Renee, the dam of Royal Commands, was purchased privately by VCB and has shown herself to be a broodmare of considerable ability in 2010. Aside from the aforementioned Royal Commands, Princess Renee has produced Cyndiana Star, a blisteringly quick juvenile that we managed to pick up for good clients at the Classic Sale in 2009 for $20,000. Cyndiana Star has already amassed over $71,000 in earnings having won at Flemington and Newcastle and was narrowly touched out from a second Flemington win. She is back in training and being set for a tilt at the Flemington carnival. Stay tuned.

Exact, the dam of Spurcific is another endorsement for private sales. Picked up by VCB she turned into something of a goldmine for Bill Betar when an advised mating to Redoute's Choice led to the subsequent yearling changing hands for $2.3 million. Spurcific was the last yearling sold by Bill out of Exact before trading her at the 2009 Australian Broodmare Sales.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention Corumbene Stud for whom we secured Hula Wonder at the 2004 Magic Millions Winter Broodmare Sale. Her lightly raced son, Willy Jimmy, has been racing in a rich vein of form having posted successive Warwick Farm wins prior to yesterday's game second.
 

KEENELAND'S NOVEMBER CATALOGUE NOW ONLINE

Oct 6 - Keeneland's much anticipated 2010 November Breeding Stock Sale catalogue is now online at www.keeneland.com. A spectrum of bloodlines is represented among the 4695 horses listed for this year's sale which including the dispersals of a number of prominent US farms and a reduction from the famed Phipps Stable.

The world's foremost breeding stock sale has proven to be a boon for Australasian buyers in recent seasons with the progeny of some of these judicious purchases among our latest generation of stakes winners.

Already in season 2010/11 US broodmares can attest to producing no less than seven individual stakes winners of eight stakes races with More Strawberries, Theseo, Precedence, Retrieve, Lovemelikearock, Smart Missile and Yulalona enhancing their own reputations and providing significant future value to their breeders.

VCB anticipates having hard copy catalogues in Australia by late next week. If you are interesting in securing a catalogue for the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale please email Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

KEENELAND BAROMETER A POSITIVE FOR U.S. INDUSTRY.

Sept 27 - The US thoroughbred industry has shown its most significant sign yet that it may slowly be dragging itself out of its malaise with the flagship Keeneland September Yearling Sale posting stronger than expected results.

The two week sale concluded overnight with both the sales median of $US25,000 ($26,055) and average $US 64,811 ($67,545) up by 13.6 percent and 6.7 percent respectively. The sale was also buoyed by the most significant individual sale purchase since the Global Financial Crisis began with healthcare mogul, Benjamin Leon Jr. outgunning Coolmore to secure an A.P. Indy x Balance colt for $US4.2 million.

Australia's Patinack Farm showed considerable foresight to capitalize on some of the world's foremost bloodlines at a time when the Australian dollar is almost on parity with its US counterpart. The Nathan Tinkler owned operation secured 11 yearlings for $US856,000 ($892,657) off the back of Queen of the Creek's (a 2008 Keeneland September Yearling purchase) gushing form which saw her collect a stakes win and perform solidly in grade one company.
 

BARGAINS THE ORDER OF THE DAY

Sept 20 - The world's biggest yearling sale has shifted into discount overdrive as it moves into the second week of trading with the session to session average plummeting noticeably.

Overnight trading in session seven, the first session of week two, remained solid but the session median and average tumbled significantly with many of the world's biggest buyers having left the sales ground. In what is a clear shift in the sale's buying patterns, the median from last Friday's session dropped from a mark of $85,000 ($89,812) to an overnight session median of $US50,000 ($52,832) .

Australia's Patinack Farm is among those still capitalizing on the fantastic buying opportunity with the progressive Hunter Valley operation acquired a further three yearlings overnight. Included in the haul is a filly from the former crack Australian mare Lan Kwai Fong, winner of the Gr.3 Vanity Stakes and a runner-up in the Gr.1 Victorian Oaks. In 2008 Patinack secured a Smart Strike colt out of the mare for $US475,000. Yesterday's selection was considerably cheaper with the daughter of second crop sire, Flower Alley, snapped up for a more modest $US65,000.

A further six sales sessions remain before the sale concludes ensuring there is ample time and a vast array of quality horses to sift through to meet the needs of Australasian buyers. Outstanding stallions of the ilk of Smart Strike, Street Cry, Distorted Humor, Giant's Causeway, Tiznow, Tapit, More Than Ready, Rahy and Theatrical continue to be represented in the upcoming catalogues and many of their progeny continue to sell below service fee price.

If you are interested in capitalizing on the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale please don't hesitate to contact Vin Cox Bloodstock. Vin Cox is currently in Kentucky and continues to shortlist quality yearlings to suit Australasian needs.
 

AUSSIES SNAPPING UP THE DISCOUNTS

Buyers at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale are plundering at will with quality stock continuing to be traded at below stallion service fee prices. Australian buyers are among the feeding frenzy with both Patinack Farm and VCB active in the fourth session of trading.

With the Australian dollar hovering at around $0.94 and the market in freefall there has never been a better time for local buyers to capitalize on the world's premier yearling market. VCB was delighted to secure a striking More Than Ready colt (Lot 739) for a Hong Kong client early this morning for $US150,000 ($159,758). While Patinack Farm, like many major breeding operations, continues to shop very well. To date they have secured no less than four yearlings, their most recent purchasing being a filly (Lot 583) by boom sire Bernadini out of a stakes winning half-sister to the stallion Mineshaft for an astonishing $US32,000 ($34,080).

The fourth session saw the median price tumble further to $US85,000 ($90,500). It has many US investors speculating as to whether the median will continue its trend south despite the new format for Book 2 (horses listed alphabetically) which is designed to ensure there is a consistency of quality from Tuesday until this Friday.

The world's two biggest buyers, Darley and Coolmore, have certainly capitalized on the decline in heavyweight competition. Both were judicious in their buying over the 'select session' of the sale and are continuing to meet their requirements in Book 2.
 

MILLION DOLLAR BABY BUT IT'S A BUYERS MARKET

Sept 15 - For the third successive session Keeneland's September Yearling Sale has crashed through the million dollar barrier as the assembled international buying bench once again nodded to the quality on offer.

A Smart Strike x Ask Me No Secrets rig became the standout sale of the day when reaching the $1 million mark. The bay became the third yearling to sell for a million or more in three days as buying heavyweights flex their monetary muscle.

However, day three concluded with a noticeable drop in the sale median and average from the 'select session' that was run over two evenings. Vendors remain in no doubt that it is a buying market with a growing percentage of yearlings selling for under cost price.

The media for today's trading settled at $US100,000 ($106,496) after 190 lots were sold for a clearance rate of just over 63 percent. The median for the first three days of trading is $US150,000 ($159,344).
 

DAY 2: BUOYANT SELLING AT KEENELAND

Sept 14 - For the second successive day the Keeneland September Yearling Sale has been buoyed by million dollar yearlings and an atmosphere many felt had been robbed by the GFC.

Noted agent Mike Ryan pounced on one of the star lots of the second day when outpunching his rivals with a bid of $US2.05 million for a Distorted Humor x Angel's Nest colt from one of Europe's most glittering families. The Lane's End offering was out of an unraced Storm Cat mare that is a half-sister to champion stallion Kingmambo who appears to have been retired from the breeding barn.

The Distorted Humor colt was the only million dollar sale for the evening but was not the only horse to have brought a weighty price tag. Three other yearlings changed hands for $US900,000 in what many hope is a positive sign for the industry in the US.

Over the first two evening sessions a total of 127 horses have sold for more than $US44.3 million with the average and median at $348,858 and $US285,000 respectively. And while media attention on the world's premier yearling sale traditionally abates at this point Keeneland's Director of Sales, Geoffrey Russell, was at pains to point out that quality is laced through each of the catalogues of the 2010 sale.

"We hoped that the momentum from last night would continue and it did, as reflected by a strong average and median, and continued consistent purchases, even though it is still a very selective market," he said.

"One of our goals all along has been to broaden our buyer base and we saw that tonight. It was a great balance of domestic and international buyers.

"Traffic in the barns has been busy and we know that there are some people on the grounds that have not yet made a purchase. There are many, many good horses still left in this sale. Hopefully, those buyers will become active in Book 2, which begins tomorrow. There is uniformity of quality throughout every day, so great values for the price exist."

KEENELAND'S QUALITY SEES SALE START WITH A BANG

Sept 13 - A stunning bid of $US4.2 million ensured the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sales kick off in thunderous fashion as the who's who of bloodstock royalties duelled at the world's premier thoroughbred sale.

The bid confirmed the quality of stock on offer at this year's sale and was the highest price paid for a yearling in the United States since the Global Financial Crisis. And while this individual result proved to be a tonic for Keeneland's sales team after their decision to restructure the sale, it certainly hasn't extinguished the hopes of many looking for value. No less than 29 of the 69 lots sold changed hands for $US200,000 or less.

Once again the 2010 catalogue includes sires proven in Australia and stallions traditionally inaccessible to Australasian buyers and what the opening day's trading has shown is that vendors are willing to sell quality stock at under cost price.

Adding to the interest for many serious bloodstock players is the continued strength of the Australian dollar. Today the dollar touched $US0.93 providing ample reasons for Australasian buyers to seriously look at capitalizing on the opportunity present.
 

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS FOR TINKLER

Sept 6 - Nathan Tinkler snared his first international stakes triumph with Queen of the Creek streeting rivals at the famed Saratoga race meeting in New York over the weekend.

The Riskaverse Stakes (1600m turf) win was a fitting reward for the Patinack Farm principal who has earmarked the US as a potential extension of his Australian-based operation. In 2008 he purchased a small selection of yearlings from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale through agent Vin Cox and the haul included Queen of the Creek.

Overnight the close relative of Big Brown produced a display not dissimilar to her iconic relative by blistering through fast sectionals in a free-running performance that suggested higher honours a wait. On the line Queen of the Creek was three-and-a-half lengths clear of her nearest rival with a further four lengths back to third.

The victory ensured Queen of the Creek became the second Australian owned Keeneland September Yearling Sales graduate to have won a stakes race in the last 12 months. In 2009 Miss World triumphed in the Gr.1 Belmont Garden City Stakes.

"This filly has a lot of ability, and we've quit trying to rate her," trainer Tom Proctor said after the race. "The other day she ran well, and there were four-year-olds chasing her. I said, 'Next time, there will be three-year-olds chasing her.'"
 

KEENELAND SEPTEMBER CATALOGUES
 

Aug 25 - Catalogues for the Keeneland September Yearling Sale will be at VCB before the week is out. The depth of the 2010 catalogue reconfirms the September Sale's place as the world's premier source of yearlings.

There is no doubt a myriad of future stars will be purchased here at very affordable prices before going on to excellence on all surfaces in a range of countries. If you are interested in the sale and would like a set of catalogues please don't hesitate to contact any of our staff or come by the office from this Friday.

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has 4857 yearlings catalogued and runs from September 12-26.
 

STATS POINT TO BENEFITS OF BUYING AND RACING IN USA

Aug 24 - A growing number of Australians are exploiting the benefits of American racing to give themselves an advantage over their local counterparts. By buying and racing American bred yearlings in the US they are giving themselves a significantly better chance of securing valuable black type and being rewarded season after season with the ongoing financial benefits that come with it.

Statistics from both the Australian Racing Board's Fact Book and the Jockey Club show that Group 1 races for fillies and mares only make up 4.6 percent of all group races in Australia. By comparison Grade 1 races make up 11.1 percent of all Graded stakes races in the USA. Fillies and mares Group races make up 23.1 percent of all Australian group races. In the United States that figure is almost double with 42.3 percent of all group races designated to fillies and/or mares.

 

	Australia	USA
Percentage of F & M Gr.1 races/total Gr races	4.60%	11.10%
Percentage of F & M Gr. Races /total Gr races	23.10%	42.30%
Percentage of F & M Gr.1/total F & M Gr races	20%	26.30%

Considering that graded stakes success can double or treble the value of any filly or mare and all but guarantee the placement of any future yearlings in the most elite of catalogues it is an advantage well cherished.

There are 4,000 more yearlings coming at Keeneland and there is no a sense of urgency among buyers. Where there did not seem to be any competition at all was for the horses under $100,000."

And on the eve of the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale conditions have never been more appropriate to buy and race in the US and give yourself a real chance of bringing back some very well credentialed broodmares or stallions to Australia or New Zealand. The US -yearling market appears to be in freefall and the Aussie dollar remains strong.

The 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale begins on September 12 with 4857 yearlings listed to sell over two weeks. The catalogue is online at www.keeneland.com and hardcopies are now available. If you are interested in a catalogue or would like further information about this sale please feel free to contact Vin Cox on (02) 9328 5788 or at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

KEENELAND SET TO BE A BUYERS PARADISE

Aug 22 - The US yearling market is the softest it has been since before the Global Financial Crisis with breeders haemorrhaging at the first three yearling auctions of the season. Continued falls in sales averages and gross have created a malaise that will almost certainly see priceless buying opportunities at the world's foremost thoroughbred sale, the upcoming Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Independent analyst Bill Oppenheim all but declared this season an Annus horribilis for American breeders. In a recent column he wrote "So it will be a testing yearling season, no doubt everywhere, as there is limited discretionary capital and not much if any credit available (at least from banks) to buy horses."

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has a long history of revealing the elite of world racing including Kentucky, Epsom and French Derby winners, champion sprinters and milers from all regions and on all surfaces. In 2010 alone it was represented by 21 Group 1/Grade 1 winners and nearly 200 stakes winners.

In recent years some enterprising Australasian buyers have capitalized on a marketplace considered peerless for both the depth of pedigrees and quality of stock offered. In 2007 Waratah Thoroughbreds secured a Bernstein x Moonstar filly for $US160,000. In 2009 they watched the now named Miss World race to success in the Grade 1 Garden City Handicap in New York.

In 2008, Patinack Farm, purchased six yearlings as part of their initial intake to set up an international breeding operation. It is early days but the filly Queen of the Creek is justifying such lofty ambition. In only six starts she has won on three occasions and is already stakes placed.

In 2005 Moonee Ponds was secured by Vin Cox Bloodstock for $US45,000. In a seven start career she won three turf events, including a Listed race, and was sold in foal three years later for $US300,000.

This year 4857 yearlings are catalogued to sell between September 12-26. The catalogue currently online and will be available in hardcopy this coming week.

YOBURG PICKS UP SPIRITS

Aug 7 - Yoburg provided a fantastic tonic for the Portelli stable and VCB after the recent passing of good friend and valued team member Liz Carolan when leading throughout in today's $100,000 Quaddie Jackpot Handicap (1300m) at Randwick.

"[Liz] actually strapped Yoburg in a few of his earlier preparations," Gary Portelli said post race.

"You've never seen anyone cheer them harder when they're in front. She's probably looking down and cheering. Go on you Liz."

Yoburg (Johannesburg x You Jest; Inglis Classic $40,000) lifted his earnings to over $200,000 after leading early, kicking at the corner and proving too strong for his rivals. Three lengths separated Yoburg from runner-up Storm Kite on the line in what was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the six-year-olds career.
 

GAL GOING GREAT

Aug 4 - The blossoming of a new season has done nothing to curb the flurry of winners for clients with Military Gal reconfirming her talents with a dominant win in the Panasonic Specialists Air Network Handicap (1150m) on Randwick's Kensington track today.

Military Gal (General Nediym x Bella Moxie; Magic Millions $120,000) has long hinted that she is above average and the slick change of gears the filly showed today suggests she may well be on track to regain the form that had her contest last year's $1 million Golden Rose against Denman and Trusting.

Today's success comes after a fantastic July with Mr. Unforgettable ($100,000 Listed Winter Stakes), Yoburg (Randwick), Kenobe (Happy Valley) and War on Everything (Wean Cup) all saluting. Congratulations to the connections of Military Gal who have a most talented filly on their hands.
 

WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE STALLION SHARES SERIOUSLY

Aug 3 - If you want the greatest chance to return a profit on your investment in the thoroughbred industry then invest in stallion shares.

As a collective stallion shares outperform broodmare, yearling or weanling investments because the structure of a stallion syndicate is designed to allow investors to recoup their investment within three or four years. In plain terms, breakeven should happen around the time a stallion's first runners are hitting the track.

A share also retains a level of value beyond this breakeven point by guaranteeing a shareholder at least one nomination annually. This nomination can be used by the shareholder (to try and generate revenue through the sale of the future thoroughbred at auction) or can be cashed in. In some cases shares allow for more than one ongoing nomination per season and a shareholder has the option to both use a nomination and sell one. Stratum is one such example.

The Golden Slipper winner retired to Widden Stud in 2006 with shares selling for $300,000 (+GST). Each share guaranteed a shareholder four nominations to Stratum for the first four years he was at stud (2006 – 2009) and two nominations per season every year after.

At his advertised service fee between 2006 and 2009 these 16 nominations held a value of $480,000. Shareholders broke even on their $300,000 share payment within three years.

Stratum has made an outstanding start to his career and was crowned the Leading First Season Sire of his generation. He sired two stakes winners in his maiden crop of runners, including Slipper heroine Crystal Lily, and demand for the son of Redoute's Choice has exploded.

In June of this year a share in Stratum sold at the Magic Millions National Sale for $330,000 (+GST) and this spring he will stand for $55,000 (+GST). It means that the commercial value of the two nominations per season allotted to shareholders has risen to $110,000.

But what if Stratum hadn't of sired the Golden Slipper winner, how would this have affected shareholders?

In all likelihood his service fee would have been revised from its 2009 mark of $30,000 (+GST). Remember shareholders have already recouped their initial $300,000 (+GST) investment so this drop in service fee will only affect the profit margins they enjoy. If Stratum was to have his fee altered to $20,000 (+GST) or to $25,000 (+GST) then the two nominations per share would have an annual value of $40,000 (+GST) or $50,000 (+GST). An outstanding return on investment in any language.

If you are interested in stallion shares it is important to understand that not every stallion syndicate is based on the same model. There is likely to be some variation in the number of shares available, the number of nominations provided per share and whether or not share dividends are built into the syndicate model. For this reason it is always advisable to engage professional advice to find an option that best suits your needs and budget just as you might when investing in the stock market.

Vin Cox Bloodstock is an independent agency with a deep understanding of the stallion share marketplace. If you are interested in discussing the opportunities to invest in shares in the current market or would like to be kept abreast of future opportunities then please consider contacting Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com. We have a number of shares currently for sale and our close relationships with leading studs and breeders means we are aware of additional opportunities.
 

QUEEN OF SARATOGA

July 27 - Queen of The Creek confirmed her promise with a stirring display at the acclaimed Saratoga meeting in New York when accounting for older rivals overnight.

The Patinack Farm owned filly (Theatrical x Miasma; Keeneland September Sale $US140,000) was aggressively ridden from the outset in the turf allowance race (1600m), opening up a lead of more than seven lengths during the middle stages of the race.

Despite jockey Julian Leparoux's exuberance the VCB purchase was still able to hold off her rivals in the straight to lift her career record to three wins from only six starts.

Congratulation to Nathan Tinkler and his team. We look forward to seeing Queen of the Turf graduate to higher honours.
 

UNFORGETTABLE JULY

July 21 - July has been a fantastic month for our clients with the aptly named, Mr. Unforgettable, crowning those results with success in the $100,000 Winter Stakes at Rosehill. The gelding's win has quickly followed the success of Kenobe in Hong Hong and Yoburg at Randwick a week earlier as well as the roaring success of War on Everything in the Wean Cup.

The brilliantly honest Mr. Unforgettable (Rubiton x La Marama; Magic Millions Premier Sale $62,500) has now won over $400,000 and the way Kevin Moses has him purring there's no doubt there is plenty more in store for him. The Listed win was a welcome return of fortune for the gelding who had been campaigning during the Brisbane Winter Carnival only to be struck down by a virus.

And while Mr. Unforgettable stole the headlines there were plenty in the Cox household cheering War on Everything as he collected the Wean Cup, his third Cup win in his last four starts. It's been a fantastic ride with family and friends with this gelding who we purchased from good clients a few months ago when his career was in need of a change in direction.
 

KENOBE SALUTES AGAIN

July 21 - Kenobe closed the Hong Kong racing season in euphoric fashion when delivering another deserved win for the Hong Kong Boys in the Congratulations Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley.

Squeezing through a small opening on the fence inside the final 200m, Kenobe quickly hit top gear to overhaul a number of swoopers to post his second win and collect his fourth pay cheque in his last five starts.

The boys from Hong Kong have had a great run of late with Yoburg saluting for them at Randwick earlier this month. We hope the success roles on.
 

'YO, LET'S DO IT AGAIN'

July 11 - Almost 12 months to the day that Yoburg left connections cheering with his maiden Randwick win, the ever game performer posted his most dominant success to date when streeting rivals at Headquarters by more than four lengths. What a fantastic result for all concerned.

The "Hong Kong Boys" have owned some outstanding horses over the year and Yoburg (Johannesburg x You Jest; Classic Sale $40,000) has been a great little earner with yesterday's triumph lifting his record to six wins from 21 starts and earnings of over $165,000.

Our good friend Stephen Chang, who shares in the ownership of Yoburg, went close to celebrating a metropolitan double when Cyndiana Star (Johannesburg x Princess Renee; Classic Sale $20,000) again showed blistering pace in the AFL Life Members & Carbine Club Handicap (1000m) only to be collared close to the post at Flemington.
 

EOFYS SPECIAL: 3 BLOODSTOCK APPRAISALS FOR PRICE OF 2

June 21 - With the End of the Financial Year only days away Vin Cox Bloodstock is providing clients with an opportunity to capitalize on a fantastic promotion designed to help those still deliberating over possible breeding and racing stock decisions.

From now until close of business on 30th June 2010, you can have three Bloodstock Appraisals carried out for the price of two. This promotion is strictly for a limited time so if you are interested in this promotion then please email Vin at vincoxbloodstock.com.
Conditions of this promotion can be seen here.

BEYONCE HAS NOLAN'S DANCING

June 21 - The Nolan's of Raheen Stud have quickly been rewarded for their astute judgement with Beyonce's Star's second in the Listed $100,000 Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) at the feature Ipswich meeting.

Basil and Diane picked the mare up for only $40,000 earlier this month at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and quickly recouped much of that outlay on Saturday.

Congratulations to the Nolan family from all at VCB.
 

CYNDI-A-STAR

June 15 - Cyndiana Star (Johannesburg x Princess Renee; Inglis Classic $20,000) has stamped herself as a quality juvenile after giving some very well credentialed runners a galloping lesson at Flemington on Saturday.

The brilliantly quick filly kicked off a fantastic weekend for VCB purchases by leading from the jump before spacing rivals at the 300m mark. From that point the race was all. It is a great result for long time client and very good friend Stephen Chang. Stephen's first horse with us was Down The Wicket, over the years he has been very lucky for us and has always been involved in a handy performer.

The following day Yvonne Chow's Vintage Hussler (Private Purchase from David Brideoake) won at his second start in Hong Kong when taking out the HKU Arts Alumni Handicap (1000m) by a length.

The gelding was purchased from a trial in Victoria and has made a most encouraging start in his new surrounds with Sunday's win following a debut third. Vintage Hussler raced up on the speed in the Sha Tin event before showing a slick change of gears to win in the style of a most promising horse. It was a great result for some very good clients of VCB who have previously had success in Hong Kong with Lucky Red. We will watch his future with interest.

Finally, on a personal note, as great supporter of picnic racing it was a great thrill to have won the Mallawa Picnic Cup on Saturday, with a former yearling purchase War On Everything. War On Everything was initially purchased and raced by clients, including James Jackson. After racing over a few seasons it was time for War On Everything's connections to move on. At the same time my brother and I were looking for a picnicker to race around the western NSW circuit, so a lease was organised and he was transferred to us. Subsequent to the demolition on Saturday a price has been negotiated and he will be raced in the "ownership" of my brother, myself and friends from the Moree district. Talmoi Cup next stop.
 

STAKES WINNERS/PRODUCERS FOR SALE

June 11 - Four new stakes winners or producers are among the list of 22 quality fillies and broodmares currently for sale at Vin Cox Bloodstock.

This wide selection of bloodstock has been attractively priced and has commercial appeal with covering stallions including Danehill Dancer, Stratum, Sebring, Starcraft, Tale of the Cat, Oratorio, Casino Price and Myboycharlie.

Descriptions and asking prices of all the fillies and broodmares currently on offer can be viewed by click on the Breeding Stock pages at www.vincoxbloodstock.com. If you would like to inquire further about any particular broodmare or if you would like assistance in selecting a mare for your specific needs then please contact Vin at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

KEENELAND 'KEY' TO GREAT VALUE BROODMARES

June 7 - Bellagio Lodge were among those cheering Switch as she outgunned Kentucky Oaks winner Blind Luck in the Gr.2 Hollywood Oaks in California overnight. The Australian based breeders own Switch's stakes-winning half-sister Keystone Gulch whose value multiplied significantly on the back of this length and a quarter triumph.

Keystone Gulch, who was offered for sale at this year's Inglis Easter Broodmare Sale, is the latest in a growing list of US bred broodmares to confirm the importance of Australian breeders shopping at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

Twelve months prior to the purchase of Keystone Gulch, VCB purchased Fleeting Touch ($US130,000) from Keeneland in November, a season before her half-brother Midshipman was to stamp himself as the premier two-year-old of his generation in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Fleeting Touch's first yearling became the most expensive Stratum to sell at this year's Easter Yearling Sale when changing hands for $500,000. Easter also marked a great dividend for Luskin Lodge whose mare Forest Native _ purchased by VCB at the 2004 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for $US45,000 _ had her Fastnet Rock colt sell for $925,000.
 

DON'T WASTE THIS DOWNTURN

June 4 - Right now Australia's thoroughbred industry is in a 'perfectly good down turn' and it is an opportunity not to be wasted.

Congratulations to our clients who capitalized on this fantastic chance to secure real value at this week's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. As others were tentative, they kept their heads, were active and saw their dollar go further.

One of the secrets of this industry is that you actually make money when you buy. Not when you sell. Buying in this downturn is the first and most important step towards capitalizing on the upturn that will inevitably come.

The MM National Broodmare Sale was the last of the major breeding stock sales in the country but don't assume this means that your opportunity to secure real value in 2010 has slipped by. It hasn't. This year clients of VCB have found that some of the best value has been sourced by buying privately.

Private purchasing allows us to target mares, either locally or internationally, specific to the needs of your budget and requirements. Importantly, private purchasing ensures that buying possibilities aren't limited to the depth of a catalogue.

This week's MM National Broodmare Sale hinted at the kind of opportunities that exist in the private market. VCB targeted value in the middle market and we were delighted with the 11 broodmares and one stallion share we secured for our clients.

Recently retired metropolitan winning mares Beyonce's Star and County Tale, always a favourite with yearling buyers, were purchased below market value. And on the final day of trading we were delighted to secure, among others, the group placed Star Mystic _ a full-sister to Gr.1 Coolmore Classic winner Alverta and Singapore Guineas winner Revolte _ for $290,000 and the listed winner Single Rose, in foal to Flying Spur, for $270,000. Talk during the sale was that both of these broodmares would sell for over $300,000.

Our purchases were:

LOT	NAME	SIRE	DAM	COST
716	Alnwick	Exceed And Excel	Rose Archway	$18,000
835	Snipped in the Bud	Snippets	Festivale Bay	$24,000
864	African Rain	Woodman	Savana City	$250,000
983	Beyonce's Star	Orientate	Concert Star	$40,000
989	County Tale	Tale of the Cat	Day County	$32,000
1015	Lesmartre	Jugah	Sawbuck	$46,000
1164	Stratum Share	Redoute's Choice	Bourgeois	$330,000
1213	Killcare Beach	Testa Rossa	Sally Magic	$60,000
1219	Little Diamond A	Dixie Union	Izana	$160,000
1275	Single Rose	Irgun	Waterford  Fair	$270,000
1284	Star Mystic	Flying Spur	Grilse	$290,000
1323	Borely	Reprimand	Clicquot	$8,000

To find out how you can secure real value in the broodmare market ahead of the breeding season please contact Vin onvincox@vincoxbloodstock.com for a no obligation consultation.
 

PRINCE BRAEMAN CLAIMS STAKES WIN NO.2

May 29 - The charge of Prince Braeman continues unabated with today's win in the Listed Chief de Beers Stakes at Doomben taking his earnings to just shy of $400,000. The multiple stakes winner is a timely reminder that quality stock can be purchased at our weanling sales.

The nine-time winning gelding was a $30,000 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale purchase by VCB in 2005 and was on-sold as a yearling for $42,500.

Prince Braeman is racing in career best for at present and may have further stakes success ahead of him during the Brisbane Winter Carnival. Today's triumph was his second stakes winning having snared the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap last December.

Congratulations to all his connections on yet another scintillating win.
 

STRENGTH IN MM WEANLING SALE

May 29 - Last week's Magic Millions National Weanling Sale posted encouraging results from an industry point-of-view. A strong international buying bench ensured that there was an outstanding clearance rate for what was in essence a solid catalogue.

VCB purchased six weanlings for long term clients who were looking to both secure future racing stock and possibly on-sell into next year's yearling market. I was delighted with the value secured for our clients. The six purchases were:

• 174 California Dane x Aspirant filly $105,000
• 212 Dubawi x Critical Miss colt $7,000
• 218 Danehill Dancer x Desert Fairy filly $37,000
• 234 Hussonet x Familial colt $22,000
• 299 Strategic x Lillianne colt $17,000
• 440 Primus x Bumpa filly $8,000

California Dane is a stallion whose stock impressed me earlier this year at the yearling sales and this filly was, as her price tag indicates, a most impressive style of horse. She was purchased as a long term racing prospect, as was the Primus x Bumpa filly.

The Dubawi, Danehill Dancer, Hussonet and Strategic weanlings were all lovely h

orses who will hopefully reinforce their value at next year's yearling sales or on the racetrack in 2012.

If you would like to discuss opportunities to secure either broodmares or yearlings at next week's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale (30th May – 2nd June) or Magic Millions National Yearling Sale (6th June – 8th June) please contact Vin on vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

PATINACK RECORDS FIRST INTERNATIONAL STAKES RESULT

May 24 - Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm has recorded its first international stakes result with Queen of the Creek a determined third in the $US200,000 American 1000 Guineas (1600m) in Illinois over the weekend.

The highly talented filly overcame a wide path during her stakes debut to leave onlookers in little doubt that stakes success beckons. On the line Queen of the Creek was only three lengths adrift of Bay of Bay, a more seasoned campaigner that already had stakes success to her name when victorious in the Grade 3 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine in September last year.

Queen of the Creek may have her chance to further enhance her record with connections considering a Grade 3 contest at Churchill Downs for her next start. In only four career appearances the daughter of Theatrical has posted two wins, including a near five length allowance win during the Keeneland Spring Meet, and a stakes placing.

The heady rise of Queen of the Creek is a deserving reward for the forward thinking Patinack Farm who began targeting quality yearlings from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale a few seasons ago. Queen of the Creek ($US140,000) was one of the six yearlings among Patinack's inaugural purchases selected by Vin Cox Bloodstock.
 

DON'T GET FLEECED ON SERVICE FEES

May 19 - The yearling sales are over, service fees have been announced and a high proportion of breeders are currently wondering if the commercial reality of the marketplace has played any role in the decision making of many of our leading stud farms.

The 2010 yearling sales season was fickle at best. Segments of the market performed well but there were segments that grossly underperformed. This was the case throughout all the yearling sales in both Australia and New Zealand. The consensus from breeders before service fee announcements was that stud farms need to be responsible when setting their mark. This consistent message was trampled in some quarters.

Considering the volatility of different market segments this can only be put down to ill judgement or greed. A failure of some farms to meet the market with more than one stallion slaps of hubris and I hope breeders stand their ground and don't buckle under the weight of marketing and PR spruiking.

Let's not forget that stallion selection is always more volatile in a downturn. Right now there are stallions that are exceptional value. They are well priced when considering market trends for the future and they will provide considerable upside. Perhaps more importantly, there are stallions that are dramatically overpriced and they sit in our marketplace as landmines waiting to maim. When it is your money it is your responsibility to:

-ensure that you distance yourself from any spin
-either do your own research or engage the services of those who do
-make an educated decision free of emotion

Make sure it isn't you who is being maimed in three years time.
Studs have shown that they won't always retract when markets dictate and they won't always acknowledge responsibility when overhyped and overpriced stallions don't deliver. Breeders must never forget that it is them as a collective that is the market and they have a significant role to play in keeping studs in line.

The heady excess of the Noughties is long gone. It is time to show some discipline and have quality results justify service fees rather than these results becoming reasons for further fee increases.

So what should you expect of a stallion for your service fee. Here are our views:

$100,000+ STALLION:
Stallions priced over $100,000 must be household names to breeders and buyers and should be delivering:

-Multiple Gr.1 winners every season
-A high percentage of stakes winners to runners
-Delivering yearlings sales median that are greater than 2 to 2.5 times service fee plus the cost of keeping the yearling
-Have the capacity to deliver a $1 million yearling

$50,001 - $100,000 STALLIONS:
Stallions priced over $50,000 must be really recognizable and commercial stallions that are capable of delivering:

-A Gr.1 winner a season
-A good number of stakes winners and a high number of promising performers
-Delivering a yearling median price that greater than 2 to 2.5 times service fee plus the upkeep costs of the yearling

$25,001 - $50,000 STALLIONS:
A stallion standing at a fee of $25,000 or greater should have the capacity to deliver plenty of metropolitan winners and a good percentage of stakes performers. They should also have:

-The potential to deliver a Gr.1 winner
-The ability to generate solid sales ring results (a median price that is greater than 2 to 2.5 times their service fee plus the upkeep costs of the yearling)

$10,001 - $25,000 STALLIONS
A stallion standing at over $10,000 is on the cusp of being commercial and results will mirror this. They should have the capacity to:

-Consistently sire metropolitan winners and occasionally sire a stakes winner
-Deliver a high proportion of yearlings that have a sales price median greater than 2.5 times service fee plus the costs of keeping and preparing the yearling

$10,000 and under STALLIONS
Stallions standing at under $10,000 are either not commercial or need to generate significant results to be seen as commercial. These stallions:

-Should be able to deliver metropolitan winners and have the potential to produce stakes performers
-Produce yearlings that have a median sales price that is greater than the combined total of 2.5 times service fee plus the upkeep and preparation costs of the yearling

If you would like assistance in determining just which stallions are most suitable for your needs please contact Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

MINE DECISION A CONCESSION

May 19 - The NSW Government's decision to deny an application for a mine in the NSW Hunter Valley may have been more about politics than any significant belief that the thoroughbred industry is as important to the future of this state as mining is.

In plain terms, this is a very small mine and Premier Kristina Keneally happened to make the announcement during the Scone Horse Festival, a time when there is widespread attention on this region.

Certainly the denial of any mine is a win. Yet it would be naïve to presume that this decision will act as a precedent to the denial of a more significant mine in future months or years.

For all of the thoroughbred industry's yelling, pleading and fist pumping, it remains a minnow in the shadow of a bohemiath. Our Federal Government has already outlined the importance of mining to the future of this country with its super profits tax. I fear we may be doing no more than trying to hold back the tide.
 

SHAM WOW

May 2 - Offshore Sham claimed a big payday for connections when netting $112,000 for her efforts in taking out the Reavill Farm – Inglis Handicap (1200m) at Hawkesbury yesterday.

The filly (Shamardal x Staten Island; Inglis Classic $32,500), who ran a game fifth on debut in the Listed Keith Mackay Quality, replicated that form when downing her male counterparts and is now likely to be spelled with the spring in mind.

Trainer Gary Portelli will resist the urge to press on to the Brisbane Winter Carnival preferring to send Offshore Sham out on a high before setting her for even weightier targets later this year.

Congratulations to connections who have a most promising performer on their hands.
 

VALUE COULD BE FOUND AT INGLIS BROODMARE SALE

April 19 - The Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale proved to be a fantastic sale for VCB and an example of why a disciplined approach is vital whether you are selling or buying.

There was a very large catalogue of mares and broodmares offered and, as often happens with a large catalogue, there are a lot of mares that aren't commercial or that have been over-mated and the sale results reflected this.

Breeders who overcapitalized on their mares were stung with bidding on a number of broodmares not even reaching the listed service fees of the stallions that covered them. But as a rule this was a typical sale, the quality commercial stock sold well and you had to work hard to source value.

I was particularly happy with the mares we bought. We did a lot of pedigree work so that we could know where the pedigrees were heading and did a lot of work on the ground at the sale and that allowed us to come up with a true figure for the value of each of the mares we were interested in and we bid accordingly.

When approaching a sale you have to look at where the market is. There is a very solid middle market and you have to buy to that market and that's what we aimed for with our purchases.

The broodmares our clients purchased were:
 

LOT	NAME	PRICE
41	Involve	$120,000
53	Just So (USA)	$105,000
62	Khepri (NZ)	$170,000
272	Paris Tryst	$270,000
325	Danube	$8,000
454	Spiralling	$20,000
480	Throne Inn	$240,000
511	Woman Eyes	$65,000
587	Carolina Pines	$70,000
616	Crystal Event (USA)	$140,000
619	Cyclone Annie	$57,000
726	Star Hussar	$11,000

 

BUY MARES IN FOAL TO HIGH CHAPARRAL

April 16 - A rare opportunity has presented itself to buy mares in foal to the hottest stallion in Australasia right now – High Chaparral.

The Coolmore owned sire is the most in demand stallion of 2010 and has already been heavily booked for this coming season with breeders eager to capitalize on the momentum created by his three individual group one winners So You Think, Shoot Out and Monaco Consul.

VCB has a selection of broodmares in foal to High Chaparral to offer including one who is by the great broodmare sire Centaine. The asking price is $A100,000. If you would like to know more information about this rare opportunity please contact Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

CLASSIC FILLIES TO THE FORE

April 16 - At last year's Inglis Classic Yearling Sale good clients Stephen Chang and Stanley Leung outlined their instructions. They wanted a filly worthy enough to name their wives after.

Fast forward a year and Cyndiana Star has opened her account with a blistering debut win at Newcastle when streeting rivals by three lengths and is set to face her next challenge at Canterbury Park this coming Wednesday.

Cyndiana Star (Johannesburg x Princess Renee; Inglis Classic Yearling Sale $20,000) has already made a considerable dent in her purchase price and is proof that racing can be an affordable pursuit if you do want to have a bit of fun.

Fellow Classic graduate Offshore Sham (Inglis Classic Yearling Sale; Shamardal x Staten Island $32,500) will make her debut at double figures odds in tomorrow's Listed Keith Mackay Quality (1200m) on Doncaster Handicap Day at Randwick and is more than capable of running a race against more seasoned opposition.

Some promising trial performances have connections hopeful and we wish both them and the connections of Cyndiana Star well over the next week.
 

MISSHIRAZ WINS AT CANTERBURY

April 14 - Misshiraz has stamped herself as one of Sydney's most resilient juveniles with today's Canterbury Park win coming at her seventh run this season.

The game filly (Secret Savings x Viator; Inglis Easter Yearling Sale Session II $80,000) has provided connections with some great thrills to date.

Aside from today's win in the Caravan Camping RV & Holiday Supershow Handicap (1200m), the Garry Frazer trained runner was only beaten three lengths behind Chance Bye in the Group Two Silver Slipper Stakes and has amassed more than $100,000 in earnings in her first racing season.

We look forward to hearing more of Misshiraz in the near future.
 

PROGENY OF U.S. BRED MARES DOMINATE MARCH

April 13 - The cream of Australasia's racing talent was on display at carnivals in both Australia and New Zealand throughout March and the impact of US bred broodmares could not be lost on some of our most significant races.

No less than 15 group one races were run on either side of the Tasman throughout March with four (26.6%) being claimed by the progeny of US bred mares while a further four finished in the placings of group one events.

Throughout March a total of eight group or stakes races were won by sons or daughters of US bred mares and a further 10 finished in the minor placings. Considering how vitals stakes success is to potential stallions and to fillies and mares these are heady results as US broodmares only make up 2.7 percent of the Australian broodmare population.

A complete list of results from March is below:


GROUP ONE WINNERS:

-Theseo: Group One Chipping Norton Stakes
-Theseo: Group One Ranvet Stakes
-Alverta: Group One Coolmore Classic
-Zavite: Group One Auckland Cup

GROUP & STAKES WINNERS:

-Brilliant Light: Group Two Ajax Stakes
-Dreamscape: Group Three Liverpool City Cup
-Precedence: Listed Manion Cup
-Sound of Nature: Listed C. Hayes Memorial Cup

GROUP & STAKES PLACEGETTERS

-Gold Water: 2nd Gr.1 Coolmore Classic
-November Rain: 2nd Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks
-Run For Naara: 3rd Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas
-Speed Gifted: 3rd Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes
-More Strawberries: 2nd Gr.2 Magic Night Stakes
-Mentality: 3rd Gr.2 Ajax Stakes
-Brilliant Light: 2nd Gr.3 Newmarket Handicap
-Alverta: 2nd Listed Wenona Girl Handicap
-Noesis: 3rd Listed Streets Stakes
-Electromotive: 3rd Listed Anniversary Vase
 

PATINACK TASTE AMERICAN SUCCESS WITH FILLY

April 9 - Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm looks to have a most promising filly on its hands in the United States after Queen of the Creek streeted rivals by almost five lengths in a Keeneland Allowance race on turf earlier today.

It was the second win in only three starts for the daughter of Theatrical who has marked herself as a stakes class contender with such a dominant performance at a feature carnival.

VCB purchased Queen of the Creek for $US140,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September Yearling Sale on behalf of Patinack Farm who were keen to capitalize on the opportunity to purchase quality yearlings, race them in the United States and then add them to their pool of broodmare talent.

We wish Nathan and his team well and hope they can follow in the footsteps of fellow Australian Paul Fudge who won the Gr.1 Garden City Handicap in New York late last year with Miss World.
 

U.S. BROODMARES PAY THEIR WAY AT EASTER

April 8 - The value of capitalizing on international opportunities was spelt out in plain terms when US broodmares produced two of the highest priced colts to sell on the final day of this year's Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

A Fastnet Rock x Forest Native yearling became the most expensive colt of the day when changing hands for $925,000. It was a heady result for Luskin Park Stud with VCB purchasing the colt's dam, Forest Native, from the 2004 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for only $US45,000.

Seven lots earlier bidding rocketed to $500,000 for a striking Stratum colt that was the first foal of the well bred US mare Fleeting Touch. VCB purchased Fleeting Touch in 2006 from the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for $US130,000 prior to the mare's half-brother, Midshipman, stamping himself as America's premier juvenile with his win in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

The Fastnet Rock x Forest Native colt and the Stratum x Fleeting Touch colt proved to be highlights of an erratic sale. There were a lot of very nice horses on offer but this year's Easter Sale did have a long tail and that was very evident in the results. When the right yearling was presented for sale it was exceedingly difficult to buy.

VCB secured four lots from the main session of the Easter Sale:

Lot 3: More Than Ready x La Rieuse colt
Lot 91: More Than Ready x Pegasus Queen filly
Lot 106: Flying Spur x Princess Polona filly
Lot 177: Encosta de Lago x Sovereign Countess filly

 

KENOBI WINS AGAIN

April 1 - Kenobe posted his fifth career win in Hong Kong when defying all challengers to take out the Class 3 Caine Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley last night.

Kenobe was purchased privately out of a barrier trial by VCB on behalf of Hong Kong clients and has proven to be a more than handy galloper. Last night's win ensured that the gelding has now posted at least one success in each of his last three seasons with his career earnings now topping $HK2.8 million.

VCB congratulations his owners and trainer John Moore and wishes them well for the rest of the season.
 

PREPARATION VITAL FOR THIS YEAR'S EASTER SALE

Mar 31 - Prior preparation prevents poor performance.

The catchcry may never prove more telling than it will this year when the stock conceived during the drama of the Equine Influenza outbreak in 2007 is offered at next week's Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

It is apt to remember that with the Hunter Valley in lockdown a percentage of breeders mated by necessity rather than design and the results of those decisions will be intermixed among those parading through Inglis' Newmarket sales ring in a few days time. But which ones are they?

Judge poorly at Easter and the fall is hard.

Judge wisely and you have a great chance to own a very significant racehorse.

Adding to the complexity of decision making will be the progeny of nine internationally based stallions who breeders turned to when it appeared as though the 2007 breeding season would not include prized stallions from the Hunter Valley.

How will the progeny of Dansili, Distorted Humor, Dynaformer, Kitten's Joy, Montjeu, Oasis Dream, Rahy, Singspiel and Smarty Jones sell against the local product?

Will these yearlings perform under Australian conditions?

And perhaps most importantly, where does value lie in all of this?

VCB has extensive experience in international markets. It has evaluated all 614 pedigrees listed and has already inspected a high percentage of the yearlings that will be sold at Easter.

If you would like assistance in your Easter Yearling Sale selection please consider contacting Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

MEYDAN SPECTACULAR

March 28 - The hype of Meydan certainly delivered with the World Cup an event of spectacular proportions. Racing is more than big money racing, it is about challenging people to dream and achieve and Meydan certainly does this.

Australian horses have already won a $US5 million Dubai Duty Free and $US5 million Sheema Classic with Elvstroem and Sun Classique respectively and with the $US10 million World Cup now run on the synthetic Tapeta there is no reason why one of our stars can't win the world's richest race one day.
 

ZABRASIVE ZOOMS TO GR.1

March 28 - Congratulations are in order for John O'Shea, Champion Thoroughbreds and all connections after Zabrasive confirmed his promise with a scintillating display in the $500,000 Rosehill Guineas on Saturday.

Zabrasive (Zabeel x Danasia; NZ Premier Sale $NZ95,000) was selected by VCB in 2008 on behalf of Storm Thoroughbreds before the management of the gelding's career was taken over by Champion Thoroughbreds.

The gelding has developed into one of the most exciting staying three-year-olds in Australia and the AJC Australian Derby looks to be at his mercy.
 

MIRRASALO SETS SIGHTS ON THE OAKS
 

March 25 - Mirrasalo is poised to become the latest star filly for trainer Gary Portelli after confirming her Oaks credentials with a blistering display in the Group Three Keith Nolan Classic.

The beautifully bred three-year-old is owned by good clients Peter and Catherine Campbell and is rewarding their faith in her this preparation with a string of outstanding performances.

Group placed now, Mirrasalo (Redoute's Choice x St. Therese; Australian Easter Yearling Sale $700,000) will have her next two starts in the Group One Storm Queen Stakes and the Group One AJC Australian Oaks and Gary expects his charge to give an outstanding account of herself. The trainer is well placed to make such an assessment having won the Australian Oaks in 2007 with Rena's Lady.

Mirrasalo is bred to be a queen with her dam the high class front-runner St. Therese. While trained in New Zealand, St. Therese made some flying visits to Australia where she was only narrowly beaten in both the Group Two Angus Armanasco Stakes and Group Two Kewney Stakes in successive starts.

Mirrasalo has hinted that she may well eclipse those performances and all at VCB wish Peter and Catherine well as she bids to do so.

 

HOW TO CAPITALIZE ON THE UPSURGE IN OUR THOROUGHBRED MARKET

Mar 18 - The fastest growing sector of the global thoroughbred industry in 2010 is Australasia where six of the seven yearling sales to have been run to date experienced growth of at least 24 percent.

In a stunning opening to the year average price rises have been stratospheric and there looks to be no abating such growth in the coming months.

The explosive upsurge in sales prices ensures this is the one market you want to be selling into in coming seasons. But what can be certain is that the tsunami of price rises won't be limited to yearling sales. Breeding stock sales will feel the ripples created in the yearling market and many leading judges are already anticipating similar incremental jumps in broodmares prices at our major breeding stock auctions this year.

So what do breeders do?

Overcapitalizing on breeding stock this year after the turmoil of the previous 12 months is a position that is untenable for most businesses. However, to maximize commercial opportunities one must continually upgrade the quality of their broodmares or be left behind.

Thankfully there is an alternative to bidding duels in our local marketplace.

Buying privately in North America remains a peerless opportunity that continues to reap significant rewards for Australian breeders and there has never been a better time to invest or reinvest from this region. The collapse of thoroughbred values in the United States and the robustness off the Australian dollar provide the kind of opportunity that is unlikely to be replicated in the next decade.

At the time of writing:

-bloodstock prices in the United States remain depressed
-The Australian dollar continues to hold firm at above $US0.90
-The progeny of US bred mares continue to excel on the racetrack

US bred broodmares only make up 2.7 percent of the Australian broodmare population but so far in season 2009/10 their progeny:

-Have won no less than 20 Australian stakes races
-Make up 13.3 percent of the 30 individual group one winners this season

In the last 12 days alone the progeny of these US bred broodmares have been dominant. Former Horse of the Year candidate Theseo defied all challenges in the Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm. Forty minutes later Dreamscape stamped himself as a Doncaster Handicap contender when racing away with the Group Three Liverpool City Cup. And last Wednesday Zavite streeted rivals in the $NZ1 million Auckland Cup [not included in the above figures].

Globally, US bred broodmares continue to produce the highest of achievers. Five of the world's top 10 ranked horses in 2009 share the common trait of a US bred dam. It is also significant to note that the above five runners include:

-Sea The Stars: the world's highest ranked horse and turf male
-Goldikova: the world's highest ranked turf female
-Gio Ponte: the world's highest ranked synthetic track male
-Zenyatta: the world's highest ranked synthetic track female
-Rachel Alexandra: the world's highest ranked dirt runner of either sex

If you would like to know more about how you can capitalize on some fantastic buying opportunities in the United States then please do not hesitate to contact Vin at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.

BUTT ON TRACK FOR CHAMPAGNE STAKES
 

March 9 - Butt I'm Ready may not have been able to replicate the success of either Delago Bolt or Down The Wicket in the $250,000 Black Opal Stakes (1200m) but his fast finishing third in the Canberra feature shows he is on track for the Group One Champagne Stakes over the autumn carnival.

Connections were ecstatic with the performance of the chestnut who has become a handy acquisition. Purchased for $150,000 from the 2009 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Butt I'm Ready has lifted his stakes earnings to $97,800 from only five career starts having already netted a city win and placing prior to his weekend stakes placing.

Trainer Gary Portelli reports that Butt I'm Ready has come through the Black Opal Stakes in good order and will take his place in the Listed Baillieu Stakes on Golden Slipper day before progressing towards the Champagne Stakes.

RESURGENCE AT THE FARM
 

March 8 - Hats off to the Australian Jockey Club, for so long Warwick Farm has been treated as all but a training centre. The AJC has clearly formed the view that there is an interested populous from the south western region of Sydney and marketed the Chipping Norton meeting to them.

The minute you drove in the place, you could tell there was a different feel, people everywhere, families, picnic baskets, jumping castles, packed car park and a crowd that was appreciating the great racing on the day.

Full credit to a progressive AJC committee.
 

MIRRASALO ON TARGET FOR HIGHER HONOURS

March 5 - Mirrasalo looks on target for the Sydney Autumn Carnival after an explosive display that carried her to victory in the Cool Ridge Handicap (1550m) at Canterbury Park.

At only her second start back from a spell, the strapping filly showed she is poised for greater things after spotting the leader, General Sniper, a conservative eight lengths turning into the Canterbury straight. But once balanced up she hit overdrive to dead-heat with that runner in an eye-catching performance.

Mirrasalo (Redoute's Choice x St. Therese; Easter Yearling Sale $700,000) hinted at her raw potential when finishing a game fourth in the Listed Dulcify Handicap against the males at only her sixth career start.

On last night's display the bay will appreciate a further step up in distance and the larger expanses of either Randwick or Rosehill.

Congratulations to her owners, Bennelong Bloodstock, who will hopefully be rewarded further for their faith in this promising three-year-old.
 

STRENGTH OF OUR MARKET COMING TO THE FORE
 

March 4 - It is a reflection of just how solid and resilient our bloodstock market is that the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale became the third successive Australian yearling sale to post rises in both average and median in 2010 and the sixth in the region when including the three sales during the week of selling at Karaka.

The damage caused last year by the GFC is fast being repaired with the Premier Sale's median climbing 22 percent to $55,000. It was only the second time in the sale's history that the median price had eclipsed the $50,000 mark and the quality of stock on offer certainly helped kick interest along.

The first day's trading was moderate but each of the ensuing two days saw a rise in the standard of stock and, in turn, demand.

By the close of the sale VCB had purchased three beautiful fillies:

-Pins x Bleveeka filly
-Testa Rossa x Canny Me filly
-More Than Ready x Harley Ma filly

We had orders for more but demand for the right type of yearling was very high and prices eclipsed our valuations.

The weight of money around coupled with new buyers from South Australia and Star Thoroughbreds' intensifying their buying in Melbourne augurs very well for Easter. Our feature yearling sale is already a talking point and with the depth of pedigrees on offer anything could happen.

 

TAP INTO A TALENT POOL

26th February - In 2007 Victorian breeders were denied the opportunity to send their best mares to the Hunter Valley by Equine Influenza. The silver lining of that crippling outbreak will be seen at this year's Inglis Premier Yearling Sale [March 1-4] when Victoria's flagship auction presents a catalogue that is distinctly weightier in quality.

That augurs very well for buyers who have a passion for racing horses. After all the Premier Sale has stamped itself as a great value for money auction and in the last four years its median price has only once jumped above $50,000. The buoyancy of the 2010 market may well see that happen again but it could be warranted for a sale that consistently delivered hard-knocking runners, the kind that conquer if Sacred Kingdom, Starspangledbanner and Black Caviar are any gauge.

Vin Cox Bloodstock has certainly found the Premier Sale to be fruitful source of talent for our clients and will once again be active when the sale starts on Monday, March 1. In the last five years VCB has advised on 17 purchases 12 have raced to date. Of these 12 runners:

-25 percent have either won or placed in group or stakes company
-30 percent have won a metropolitan race
-83 percent have won prizemoney

And these figures may improve further before the season is out with the above average Battle Ready also in the pipeline.

In 2005 a $38,000 payment for a Royal Academy filly was repaid many times over when Fleur Royale was placed in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes and Widden Stakes in her first two career starts. That promise was confirmed 12 months later when Fleur Royale finished third in the Group One Flight Stakes.

In 2006 we purchased a Red Ransom x Cool Chick colt for $80,000. As Kick 'n Chase he stamped himself as well above average, contesting group one contests in his maiden preparation before placing twice in stakes company as a more mature galloper.

In 2008 it was a strapping chestnut colt that we couldn't let go. Delago Bolt ($50,000) made a 600 percent return on his sales price in his maiden preparation, winning the Black Opal Stakes and contesting the Golden Slipper. As a three-year-old he is a horse of immense potential and again has high expectations on him after a determined fourth on his return to racing in the Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes earlier this month.

With much of the cream of Victoria's yearlings on offer early next week there is a very real chance that another Delago Bolt, Kick 'n Chase or Fleur Royale can be source. If you would like the chance to race a quality performer then please contact Vin Cox at vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.
 

KISS 'N CHASE GOES BACK-TO-BACK

24th February - The journey of Mark Gold and his close friends looks to have only begun with Kiss 'n Chase stamping herself as a potential stakes class performer when saluting with a last stride win in today's Heat of the Moment Handicap (1100m) at Warwick Farm.

It was the second successive metropolitan win for the grey filly that has now won three of her six career starts. With further scope for improvement it must certainly be tempting for trainer John O'Shea and connections to think more broadly with the autumn carnival only starting to unfold.

"I thought she would have really come on with her manners," jockey Corey Brown said when discussing Kiss 'n Chase's inexperience.

"She wandered really badly first-up at Wyong and did it again today on the home corner. But the last 50m was the best part of her race."

Kiss 'n Chase (Red Ransom x Cool Chick; private purchase) settled fifth behind race leader and fellow VCB purchase Zassi (Zeditave x Sassi Switch; Classic Sale $100,000) who had booted up along the fence to set the pace. Brown was content to stay within four lengths of the pacesetter and then stalked a rival into the race.

Rounding the corner the three-year-old wobbled slightly but when balanced up in the straight she showed genuine acceleration, claiming Keshi in the final bound to score by a short half head.

Zassi, game as always, was a length back in third and would have no doubt taken some chasing had she not been attacked for the lead. Her chance for a metropolitan win will hopefully come soon for Barbara Joseph and her owners.

Earlier in the meeting Crimson Ribbon (Encosta de Lago x Nevermore; Inglis Easter Yearling Sale $250,000) made an encouraging return to racing in the Embassadora Handicap (1000m) when finishing within a few lengths of Dove Lake. This beautiful filly was big in condition and will derive plenty of benefit from today. Crimson Ribbon will be ready for some of the nicer races over the carnival.
 

TVN Connections

Recently Richard Haynes of Connections asked if I would come into the studio and do a little piece on Bloodstock Agency and the like. I hope you enjoy the footage on YouTube.

PRIVATE SALE. PUBLIC SUCCESS.

10th February - Mark Gold and a collection of close friends were rewarded for their enterprise when Kiss 'n Chase showed a slick change of gears to take out the Joanne Handicap (1100m) on Randwick's Kensington track today.

The nine friends owned former talented gelding, Kick 'n Chase, (Red Ransom x Cool Chick; Melbourne Premier Sale $80,000) who VCB purchased in 2006. Eager to capitalize on his talents before they were fully exposed, the friends approached VCB to buy his full sister privately before she went to through the sales ring.

"The same group of blokes that own this filly own the full brother, Kick n' Chase and he went around in group races," Mark said after the race.

"We had a lot of fun with him he won three races and was probably unlucky not to win a stakes race. When we saw how good he was we thought we should look at buying his sister before she went to sale."

The early estimations of Kick 'n Chase's capabilities were franked when he started in group one company as a juvenile before going on to run third in the Listed Show County Stakes and second in the Group Three Tramway Quality in successive starts as a four-year-old. Now it is his little sister who is showcasing significant talent.

Settling just behind the speed, Kiss 'n Chase was kept within striking distance of the leaders and when asked for a full effort inside the final 200m she answered with a burst of acceleration. On the line the grey had three-quarters of a length to spare of her nearest challenger but the margin didn't enunciate the ease of her win.

Today's success was the second victory for the three-year-old who has only been unplaced once in her five start career. Such is her promise Kiss 'n Chase looks certain to measure up to sterner tests this preparation.

"The other bloke [Kick 'n Chase] had a fair bit of ability but she has more and she has a turn of foot as well," Mark said.

"The boys are pretty excited about it and we hope there's more in store."
 

OPAL SQUARELY IN DENNIS' SIGHTS

6th February - The Black Opal Stakes has proven to be a rewarding destination for long time client Dennis Yopp and trainer Gary Portelli and once again the duo will be aiming squarely at the Canberra feature after Butt I'm Ready's determined win at Rosehill today.

The gelding showed good tactical speed early before tenaciously holding off all challengers to take out the Natural Green Chemistry Company Handicap (1100m) and more looks in store for the chestnut that was a $150,000 VCB purchase at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Dennis has been a fantastic client for both Gary and VCB owning in Down The Wicket (Over x Golf Circuit; Classic Sale $38,000), our 2006 Black Opal conqueror, as well as the above average Lighthorseman, Over The Wicket and Allervite.

Congratulations are also in order for the Portelli stable that will again have a contender in the lucrative juvenile feature. Aside from putting the polish on Down The Wicket, Gary has taken out the Black Opal with Coral Salute and Delago Bolt ($70,000, Inglis Premier Sale).

A photo of Butt I'm Ready as a yearling can be seen on our 2009 sales page under Magic Millions purchases.

A CLASSIC SALE IN EVERY WAY
 

28th January - This year's Inglis Classic Yearling Sale was as good a sale as you will see. Hats off to Inglis for making some changes to the sales format that generated a strong buying bench and positive sales results. The average (24 percent) and median (25 percent) were up. The clearance rate was an outstanding 83 percent. There were some good horses there and no doubt good horses will come out of this sale as they always do.

VCB purchased four yearlings including one for our good friends at the Banjo Club who we bought Gr.1 Canterbury Guineas winner Jymcarew for a few years ago. Our four purchases were:

Not A Single Doubt x Fleecing colt

Strada x Intimate Affair filly

Excites x Neidin colt

California Dane x China Doll filly

With two yearling sales now complete the opportunity presents itself to draw some parallels between the stock of the latest batch of first season stallions.

California Dane had some nice yearlings at both the Magic Millions and the Classic Sale and I have a bit of time for him. He was a quality sprinter and he's throwing nice horses.

Report and puchase on the Sales page
 

QUALITY COUNTED AT KEENELAND JANUARY
 

27th January - So what can be learnt from the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, the first breeding stock sale of the year in the United States?

We learnt that US breeders are still in the hunt for quality commercial stock. Buyers may have remained as judicious as ever but a mare with both pedigree and performance was a commodity of genuine appeal. This demand for the top bracket of mares on offer was exacerbated by a number of prominent withdrawals just days prior to the sale but what was important to note is that the dollars were there if the horse warranted it.

Adena Springs' Frank Stronach was stretched to $US1,085,000 to secure Miss Isella, a dual graded stakes winner who is still a racing prospect. And Denali Stud held off bidding from one of our clients for the beautifully credentialed Bon Jovi Girl, a graded stakes-placed half-sister to dual grade one Eclipse winner, Gio Ponti.

But despite the competitiveness at the top end of the market the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale was a fantastic vehicle to source commercial broodmares at affordable prices. Indeed the US, whether it is with public or private sales, should remain a source of great value for Australian buyers throughout 2010 because of the strong Aussie dollar and weakened US economy.

Australians traditionally haven't approached the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale with the same mindset as they have the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. 2010 was a little different and with clients eager to capitalize on favourable buying conditions it was almost a breakout year as outlined above.

VCB had good results purchasing three mares and a yearling for clients. The three mares are young commercial prospects that will have real appeal in the Australian market. They are:

Seeking Sunshine ($US50,000): a winning daughter of champion stallion Seeking The Gold who is out of a sister to Grade One Test Stakes winner Missed The Storm.

Lune Rouge ($US35,000): a stakes winning daughter of Malibu Moon and a half-sister to the stakes winner Road to Mandalay.

Mi Chiamano Mimi ($US135,000): a stakes winning two-year-old from only three starts and is a daughter of a grade three winner.

We also picked up a More Than Ready x Malayan Princess filly for the bargain price of $US15,000. This filly is out of a half-sister to three stakes winners and three stakes placegetters including Grade Three Hawthorne Derby winner River Squall and Scenic Point who is a grade stakes producer. She will return to Australia with our other purchases.

Report and puchase on the Sales page

UNFORGETTABLE RUN OF FORM
 

24th January - It has been an unforgettable New Year period for the new connections of Mr Unforgettable (Rubiton x La Marama; Magic Millions Premier Sale $62,500) who franked his outstanding performance in the Magic Millions Cup with a game win in the $70,000 Kraft Foods Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill yesterday.

Trainer Kevin Moses has the five-year-old thriving with his last three starts netting two city wins and a third in the $500,000 Magic Millions Cup. Yesterday victory has now lifted Mr Unforgettable's career earnings past the $300,000 barrier and there looks to be plenty more in store.

Mr Unforgettable travelled sweetly for jockey Jim Cassidy just behind race leader Hadaaf before sliding forward to offer his challenge at the 250m mark. The confidence of his backers grew with each of the three looks that Cassidy had before giving him full rein and while challengers loomed _ including a burst from fellow VCB purchase Test Edition who finished third _ Mr Unforgettable had the race in his keeping.

CLASSIC OPPORTUNITY

22nd January 2010 - This Sunday an opportunity will present itself to buy into a hobby that can provide head-spinning highs and has the capacity to help pay for itself and all at a bargain basement price.

The two day Inglis Classic is a sale I always look forward to because it never fails to provide a myriad of opportunities. In its decade long existence more than 10 group one winners have been sold from this sale and only one of those has sold for more than $60,000. Some good clients of ours are among that lucky brigade having been thrilled when Jymcarew ($50,000) won the Group One Rosehill Guineas.

And we've been delighted that so many of our other clients have had a great run with the likes of Down The Wicket, Mimzical, Chaud Roche, Yoburg, Cigar Royale, Weekend In Paris, Letter of Intent, Zassi and now French Lion.

I've already inspected most of the stock on offer at the Newmarket Sales ring and I'm again impressed by the opportunities that exist in 2010. As always this is a 'type' sale and buyers have a habit of chasing good looking colts leaving great opportunities to buy fillies at bargain prices.

Mimzical ($12,500), Chaud Roche ($28,000), Cigar Royal ($46,000), Weekend In Paris ($28,000) and French Lion ($16,000) show that it doesn't have to be expensive to become involved in this fantastic sport.

If the thrill of racehorse ownership is something you would like to experience for the first time or once again, please don't hesitate to contact Vin Cox on vin@vincoxbloodstock.com.

GREAT SIGNS SURFACE FROM THE MM

13 January 2010 - The Magic Millions has kicked 2010 off in tremendous fashion with the sale and race meeting a terrific success. And while this was the first year since 2005 that a yearling failed to break through the million dollar barrier there were plenty of positive signs to emerge from the Gold Coast.

The clearance rate was an amazing 82 percent which is a very healthy sign for the industry. Such a high mark not only highlights the competitive nature of bidding at the Magic Millions but more importantly shows there is plenty of money circulating in the industry.

The sale average was also solid, slipping only slightly from last year's mark of $131,632 to $129,399. Such a dip isn't a surprise with the industry feeling its way after the turmoil caused by the Global Financial Crisis last year.

What will be interesting to see is whether our other leading yearling sales in Australasia will mirror the Magic Millions or improve off this mark. If they do improve then vendors will breathe easier and feel that the worst is behind them.

It could also be suggested that if our industry has hit the bottom then 2010 is certainly a year to seriously consider buying into a racehorse before prices rise even further next year. After all, prize money levels in Australia's major racing centres remains very strong and our state based incentive schemes are second to none.

VCB had a very productive Magic Millions Sale with our clients purchasing eight lots from the premier catalogue and one from session five. By the end of the weekend our purchase list included two Encosta de Lago's, a full-sister to recent group one winner Gold Trail and yearlings by Lonhro, General Nediym, Testa Rossa, Starcraft, Elusive Quality and Strada.

Hopefully there is another Magic Millions Classic contender among this selection. Triple Crown, who we bought last year, unfortunately wasn't able to replicate her Randwick win in the Magic Millions Classic. However, she will have her chance to continue delivering for her connections before too long.

If you are interested in any of our Magic Millions purchases or are considering buying into a yearling this year please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sales results from the 2010 Magic Millions yearling Sale are now on the Sales Results page

LIGHTHORSEMAN AND ZASSI KICK OFF 2010 IN GREAT STYLE 

13 January 2010 - A new year and a new start for Lighthorseman who confirmed his immense talent with an effortless win in the BIG6 Jackpot Today Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

The beautifully bred Lighthorseman (Redoute's Choice x Salty Sal; Magic Millions $900,000) has gnawed at the nerves of Gary and Troy Portelli and punters alike in his short career but his ability has never been in question. After all, this is a horse that in five previous career starts had gapped subsequent Listed Ramornie Handicap winner Battlefield and run strongly against subsequent stakes winners Desuetude, Aichi and Silently.

However, all of that angst was forgotten as apprentice Nathan Berry pulled Lighthorseman to the centre of the Randwick straight and the four-year-old lowered into a full sprint before racing away to score by nearly two lengths. What a fantastic sight.

Hopefully this recent success is a sign of things to come for Lighthorseman and his connections in 2010.

Congratulations are also in order for Barbara Joseph and the connections of Zassi after the mare posted her fifth career win at the Sapphire Coast on Saturday. 

Zassi (Zeditave x Sassi Switch; Inglis Classic $100,000) may not have the scope of Lighthorseman but she is very game and had her connections cheering as she made light of her 58kg impost when spacing rivals by two and a half lengths.

The four-year-old has now won five races and placed on another three occasions in 19 starts and in Barb's safe hands hopefully there are more wins in store.