In search of juvenile ‘bargains’

In promoting their forthcoming National Two-Year-Old Sale, Bloodstock SA only need to point to one of their graduates - the dual Grade 1 winner, Bela-Bela.

The grey has become a huge favourite with racing fans and many hope she ends her career with victory in Saturday’s World Sports Betting Champions Cup. The sponsors quote her as the third favourite at 9-2.

The sale at Germiston runs over two days - 17 and 18 August - and a total of 474 two-year-olds are set to come under the hammer. Lots 1-250 will be offered on the Thursday and the remainder on the Friday.

Of course, Bela-Bela isn’t the only star to emerge from this sale with JJ The Jet Plane (R70,000 buy), Talktothestars (led out unsold!) and The Apache (R80,000) all going on to hold their own at the highest level.

Bloodstock SA can also boast that recent Mercury Sprint winner, Bull Valley, was a bargain buy at their National Yearling Sale costing only R180,000.

While this sale has always been regarded as the year’s “value-formoney” sale, that was when the majority of the top studs weren’t represented, but that situation has changed dramatically.

The big studs have all sent drafts and there are progeny by all the most popular stallions..

Here’s a look at some of those drafts in no particular order:

MAINE CHANCE: Their consignment of 17 two-year-olds includes five colts by Silvano, one by Var, one by Jackson and a filly by Gimmethegreenlight.

VARSFONTEIN: As usual some beautifully bred thoroughbreds which include a colt and filly by recently-deceased Captain Al, four colts by Judpot, one colt by Silvano, one by Var and four by Master Of My Fate.

SUMMERHILL: A draft of 33 which includes five colts by Visionaire as well as the progeny of other well-known sires Await The Dawn, Ato, Golden Sword and Brave Tin Soldier.

MOUTONSHOEK: Represented by a 28 draft including two Dynasty colts (one out of the British mare Cinna’s Ransom), two Captain Al fillies, one Trippi colt.