Monks Hood hot topic

THERE are bloodstock agents who wouldn’t be seen dead near certain stud farms. Invariably the small, under-theradar farms get a toffee-nose up from the leading buyers. Port Elizabeth’s Benmarne Stud is situated on a 450hectare farm in Blue Horizon Bay, not a small operation and known for breeding quality bloodstock over many years.

Gordon

Still, breeder Arne Botha was surprised when trainer Alistair Gordon informed him that Form Bloodstock had signed for Saturday‘s Gr2 Gauteng Guineas winner Monks Hood at the 2016 BSA National Yearling Sale.

Botha told Turf Talk: “We were at our sales barn from sunset to sunrise that year and we never saw any of the big agents there. But Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock wasn’t born yesterday. He’s a wily agent who knows his oats. He must have seen Monks Hood on a walk around the complex and would have been impressed, maybe he slipped into our barn after hours and had the colt pulled out and paraded for him!“Whatever happened, we are always chuffed when one of our horses ends up with a top owner like Mary Slack, because then we know it will go to a top trainer and our graduate will get the care it deserves.”

Monks Hood

Botha said Monks Hood was outstanding as a young foal on the farm, he always caught the eye on a daily 3-4km walk along the beach side. “I must say, however, that his fullbrother Veratrum is even more impressive, I hope he turns out to be as good. He is Lot 87 on the National Sale in April. We also have a half-sister to Querari Falcon who looks smart.”