New Zealand Bloodstock Sale begins Monday

A total of 1,362 yearlings have been cataloged through the first three

sessions of this year's New Zealand Bloodstock Sales Series, headed by the

two-day Premier Sale which begins in Karaka on Monday.

The Premier session will be immediately followed by the Select Yearling Sale

and the single-session Festival Sale before resuming with next month's Carnival

Sale. The Premier session features 459 lots, including 16 yearlings out of Group

1-winning mares and 26 individuals who are full or half-siblings to Group 1

winners.

A pair of first foals out of Australasian champion mares are expected to

bring plenty of attention at this year's sale. Lot 137, a colt by Stravinsky

offered by Pencarrow Stud, is the first foal out of Melbourne Cup (Aus-G1) and Caulfield Cup

(Aus-G1) heroine Ethereal (Rhythm).

Cambridge Stud will be well

armed with Lot 411, a colt by Zabeel out of Sunline (Desert Sun [GB]),

who was New Zealand Horse of the Year on three occasions, Australian Horse of

the Year twice and collected 13 Group 1 victories during her career.

"We are pleased with the selection on offer at the Premier Sale, with some

exciting stars among a quality catalog that we think boasts strength and depth

to appeal to a wide range of buyers," said New Zealand Bloodstock Marketing and

Public Relations Manager Petrea Vela.

A total of 16 first-season sires represented by their first Southern

Hemisphere crops will be featured in the Premier portion of the sale, including Dubai Destination, Elusive City, Exceed

and Excel, Falbrav

(Ire), Grandera, Hawk Wing, Hold That Tiger, Lonhro, Lucky Owners, Spartacus and Thorn Park.

A total of 593 yearlings have been cataloged for the Select Sale, which

begins Wednesday and continues through Friday. The one-day Festival Sale

concludes the week with 310 yearlings offered on Sunday.

In

addition, more than 200 yearlings will be offered at the single-session Carnival Sale

held on March 9 during the Auckland Racing Club's Cup week.