A colt by the proven Gr 1 sire Pentire (GB) topped New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2012 Select Sale when selling for $230,000 on Friday afternoon. Out of the Zabeel mare Sunshine Gold, the colt from Haunui Farm was secured by Hawkes Racing, adding to the stable’s total haul of seven yearlings bought from Karaka this week for $1.4 million.

Commenting on their sale-topper, Wayne Hawkes says they were initially attracted to the pedigree by a close relative that they had previously purchased at Karaka. ”We bought Luck of Smiling - the half-brother by Elusive City - for $40,000 as a yearling and he went up to Macau and he’s about the fourth best horse up there.”

Pentire - Sunshine Gold colt

“Dad took one look at this colt and said we had to have him. He’s a better sort than Luck of Smiling and he’s by a proven sire in Pentire so we were sold. We like the Pentires - we bought the highest priced Pentire in New Zealand last year for $520,000, out of Platinum Blonde, and we really like the way he is coming along.

“We always love coming to New Zealand and buying those kiwi staying horses and are really happy with what was there this year.”

Hawkes Racing, represented at Karaka by John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes, paid a top price of $420,000 for the Zabeel colt at Lot 152 of the Premier Sale. This contributed to the team ending up in the top five leading buyers for the week.

Pentire has provided three of the top five prices of the Select Sale. The other two were the $170,000 filly purchased by John White Bloodstock for his Australian client at Lot 724, and the $170,000 colt bought by Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing at Lot 1120.

A filly by Pentire (GB) topped the opening session of the NZB three-day Select Sale today at Karaka,when offered as the second to last lot of the day.

Offered by Mark & Denny Baker’s Hallmark Stud, the filly from Redoute’s Choice mare Eyes Light Up at Lot 724 was secured by John White Bloodstock. “She was just a real smart filly, purchased for Bevan Laming in Queensland. ”He’ll think about it over the next few days whether he sends them to his Brisbane or Melbourne stable.”

Pentire - Eyes Light Up filly

Two lots sold for $160,000 earlier in the day. The first came at Lot 576, when the colt by freshman sire Any Suggestion (Lion Hunter) was knocked down to the bid of Western Australia trainer Wally Mitchell. With Any Suggestion claiming Sunday night’s Karaka Million winner, Ockham’s Razor, Mitchell identified this colt as an ideal prospect for next year’s $1 million incentive race.

“We bought him mainly for the Karaka Million and we will be aiming for that. He will stay with Murray Baker in preparation for the big race. We nearly made the field this year with Testimonial Mac and we are keen to have another go at it. He had a strength that drew me to him, I owned Placid Ark who was Horse of the Year and he reminded me a lot of him with a similar build through the shoulder.”

“We were also the under-bidder on the three-quarter brother to So You Think and we were disappointed to not get him as we got to $775,000. We ended up purchasing Lot 69 by High Chaparral, the three-quarter brother to Monaco Consul (Lot 69), and overall we are very happy with what we’ve got at Karaka.”

Later in the Sale Lot 665 shared the top spot when knocked down to South African agent Andy Williams’ Worldwide Bloodstock. The colt by Towkay, offered by Little Avondale Stud, is from the Dance Floor mare Dancing Daze.

Four-year-old mare Say No More ( Pentire - Our Lucy, by Walking Ring) became the latest Group 1-winning miler for Rich Hill Stud stallion Pentire (Be My Guest - Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) in Saturday’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham in New Zealand.

Say No More joined the likes of Rangirangdoo (Pentire - She Wishes, by Kenfair), Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) and Penny Gem (Pentire - Gemscay, by Maizcay) as 1600-metre winners at the highest level with her success in the $NZ200,000 event.

Say No More settled midfield for apprentice Rosie Myers before unleashing a terrific sprint to dash two lengths clear of her opposition with 200 metres to run. The margin proved more than enough as Say No More defeated Postmans Daughter (Postponed - Kinjabelle, by Kinjite) and Jetset Lad (Elusive City - Jetset Lass, by Jetball).

The win was the up and coming mare’s fifth in nine starts. Her trainer Paul Duncan said he would probably aim Say No More at lucrative races during the Brisbane winter carnival.

“She’s shown a lot all the way through and has just got stronger and stronger,” Duncan told Trackside.

“There are some nice races like the Winter Stakes over there for this mare and I’d like to take Midnight Oil over too. She had a setback but is coming along now.”

Say No More became the 35^th individual stakes winner for Pentire. Her breeders did not offer her for auction at any sale as a yearling.

Rich Hill Stud resident Pentire (Be My Guest - Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) has continued his remarkable season with another two successes at Wednesday’s Ellerslie and Sale meetings.

Redemption (Pentire - Top Cut, by Famous Star) won The Edge Maiden (2200m) before Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing prepared Count Lotus (Pentire - Cortina, by Zephyr Bay) to take out the Dux Hot Water Handicap (2200m) at Sale.

Wednesday’s double success is indicative of Pentire’s strong form on both sides of the Tasman Sea. The deeds of the multiple Group 1 winner Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) have helped Pentire to second place on the New Zealand general sires’ table with 16 individual winners from 44 runners.

Pentire is well-placed for a strong finish in Australia with the sire 27^th in the general sires’ table across the ditch. The sire’s combination with Zabeel mares has reaped four successes, including two from the unlucky He’s Remarkable (Pentire - Axiom, by Zabeel).

He’s Remarkable won at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival before Racing and Wagering WA stewards stripped the stallion of a Group 1 on protest after he was first past the past in the Railway Stakes in Perth last month.

King Mufhasa (7 g Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) registered his eighth Gr 1 victory with a dominant display in the Westbury Stud Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

Winner of the Toorak Handicap during the Melbourne Spring carnival, Mufhasa was somewhat surprisingly beaten in a Group Three race at Tauranga last month but there was never any question of defeat yesterday once Sam Spratt positioned King Mufhasa outside early leader Bragato.

At the top of the straight, King Mufhasa striding to the front and finishing strongly to beat Vonusti (Ustinov) by 1-1/4 lengths with Dating (O’Reilly) back in third.

“It takes a really good horse to win eight Group Ones,” trainer Stephen McKee said. ”We will try to get him to ten. That’s the mission.”

McKee said King Mufhasa could go back from 1600 metres to the 1200 of the Group One Telegraph Handicap at Trentham in January. ”He will be nominated for the Telegraph. He is heading to the Waikato Draught Stakes and has to run before that.”

King Mufhasa won the Telegraph in 2009 and again this year.

Top-class New Zealander Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) will shoot for his eighth win at the highest level in Saturday’s Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

Mufhasa broke through for his first Australian Group 1 win two starts back in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield in early October before a foot issue prevented the 16-time winner from taking his place in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) in November.

Mufhasa resumed from the slight setback with a brave second to Lady Chaparral (High Chaparral - Images by Gleam Machine) in the Group 3 Tauranga Stakes (1600m). Mufhasa’s trainer Steven McKee said the seven-year-old’s feet issues have settled as the gelding has aged.

“I was happy with him before Tauranga, the foot was no concern, and he’s looking good,” McKee said. “I’ve got no excuses for him and he’s going well.”

“He’s always had little niggles with mainly his front feet over the years, but they’ve all grown out and are more symmetrical and in proportion this year, so he’s been pain free, sounder, and he’s racing accordingly.”

Mufhasa will face nine rivals in the $NZ200,000 event. The Captain Cook Stakes field is below.

A field of 15 has accepted for Saturday’s Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot, which is the final Group 1 race in Australia for 2011.

Australia and New Zealand have hosted 31 Group 1 races to date this season. Fastnet Rock (Danehill - Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) has produced the winners of four Group 1 race in the first half of the 2011/12 term but does not have a runner in the Kingston Town Classic.

Vinery Stud stallion Testa Rossa (Perugino - Bo Dapper, by Sir Dapper) has the chance to win his second Perth Group 1 race in a fortnight. Ortensia (Testa Rossa - Aerate’s Pick, by Picnicker) claimed the newly-promoted Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) while Ranger can atone for a luckless Railway Stakes run in the Kingston Town Classic.

Bradbury’s Luck (Redoute’s Choice - Skating, by At Talaq) scored his first Group 1 win as a sire in controversial fashion when Luckygray (Bradbury’s Luck - Damah Lady, by Mukaddamah) won the Railway Stakes on protest on November 19. Luckygray will have a chance to show his Railway Strakes win was no fluke.

Below is the final field for Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot. Perth Racing will conduct the barrier draw for the weight-for-age race on Wednesday.

Although Black Caviar and now Albert The Fat will not be making the trip to Perth for its Summer Carnival, two horses that were on the flight across the Nullabor on Tuesday evening were last start Flemington winners Ortensia and He’s Remarkable, with He’s Remarkable set to contest the $1 million Carlton Draught Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on November 19.

Speaking on Sky Sports Radio yesterday, trainer Roger James said, “On Sunday morning he trotted up freely and in lovely order. He vetted very well overnight and then my man reported he felt quite fresh on Monday morning when he worked him so we’ve decided to go.”

James says the principal reason for the Perth trip is to raise He’s Remarkable’s rating in order to ensure the son of Pentire (GB) obtaining a run in the Doncaster Handicap next year.

“The Doncaster isn’t run next year until the 21st of April and that meant that we’re wasting quite a lot of time if that is going to be our main goal. On top of that I phoned the NSW handicapper on Monday and he said at his present rating he wouldn’t have made the field for the Doncaster this year.”

“Winning another nice race would help him get into the field next year. He can be home and in the paddock by the end of the month which will allow him to have a month out and a four month preparation towards the Doncaster.”

Hardy New Zealand gelding (King) Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) has managed a breakthrough win in Australia in Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.

The Stephen McKee-trained seven-year-old is one of the best in his homeland but failed to register a win in 11 previous attempts on the other side of the Tasman Sea.

The son of Rich Hill Stud sire Pentire (Be My Guest - Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) earned all honours after racing on a generous speed before staving off challenges under 58kg to score by a neck.

“He has been a bit of a maiden since he’s had that King prefix but glad to get the monkey off his back today,” McKee said.

“Everything has gone well today and the run of the race suited him so he’s finally been able to put his best foot forward.

“He is plenty tough enough and he’s got a good turn of foot.”

McKee said his charge’s seventh Group 1 win would force a rethink of his plans for the rest of the spring with races such as the Group 1 Emirates Stakes appearing as viable targets.

“Today was his main goal but we’ll just have to work things out,” he said.

The Rick Hore-Lacy-trained stallion Toorak Toff (Show A Heart - Orong, by Grand Lodge) has a chance to complete a Group 1 double on his home track in Saturday’s Toorak Handicap (1600m).

Toorak Toff won the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 24, carrying 56.5kg. The stallion will need to carry 1.5kg more to claim Saturday’s $350,000 event.

Glenlogan Park Stud sire Show A Heart (Brave Warrior - Miss Sandman, by Regal Advice) will have two runners engaged in the Toorak Handicap with the Robert Heathcote-trained Woorim (Show A Heart - Wabble, by Canadian Silver) engaged in the race. Woorim will carry the same colours as Show A Heart carried when he won the Toorak Handicap in 2001.

The sons of Show A Heart will need to overcome two New Zealand-based geldings, King Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido) and Wall Street (Montjeu - Villa Wanda, by Grand Lodge) to win the Toorak Handicap.

King Mufhasa booked an Australian trip with his strong win in the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Hastings on August 27, beating the Cox Plate contender Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park - Cierzo, by Centaine). Wall Street has not won since his Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) success in November last year but has finished second twice at the highest level in the ensuing months.

Click here for the full field for Saturday’s Group I Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

Rich Hill Stud sire Pentire (Be My Guest - Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) continued his terrific week with yet another winner at Thursday’s Sunshine Coast meeting.

Pentire has sired seven winners in the past seven days, including Mufhasa (Pentire - Sheila Cheval, by Mi Preferido), who won the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Hastings last Saturday.

Pentire’s hot form continued when Connacht (Pentire - Darine, by Dahar) scored a comfortable win in the Bundaberg Distilling Company Class 3 Handicap (2200m).

The sire’s big week has taken his win tally for the 2011/12 season to 14.

Meanwhile, Victorian operation Eliza Park Stud enjoyed a double success with winners at the Seymour and Wyong meetings.

Bel Esprit (Royal Academy - Bespoken, by Vain) three-year-old Sir Fernando (Bel Esprit - Ruby Doll, by Desert Style) scored a comfortable win in the Print Supply Management Maiden (1009m) at Seymour. The David Hayes-trained Spirited Addition (Bel Esprit - Ruby Doll, by Desert Style) finished second to complete a Bel Esprit quinella.

God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice - Angel In Disguise, by Sky Chase) completed Eliza Park’s double when Magnolia Lane (God’s Own - Stikumonice, by Umatilla) won the LA Interiors Handicap (1600m) at Wyong.

Mufhasa (Pentire) returned to his brilliant best with victory in yesterday’s Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes over 1400 metres at Hastings. Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park), crowned NZ Horse of the Year on Friday night, ran on well for second place ahead of Fleur de Lune (Stravinsky).

“He certainly doesn’t lack on the score of fitness, he’s ready for this,” trainer Stephen McKee. Mufhasa raced in second place behind Fleur De Lune to the home turn before dashing clear at the top of the straight and never looked like being caught, though Jimmy Choux finished well for second.

It was the 15th win for Mufhasa who was bred by Colin Thompson and his son, John at Rich Hill Stud in Matamata, selling him at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2006 Karaka Select Sale for NZ$50,000. The brown gelding has won around NZ$2.3m for his owners David Archer, his partner Diane Wright and Archer’s children, Natalie and Simon.

A two-year-old colt by Pentire (GB) topped yesterday’s South Island Sale held at Canterbury Agricultural Park when selling for $70,000 to Paul Moroney on behalf of his trainer brother Mike Moroney. The colt is out of the stakes winner Aimee’s Idol (Colombia) and he will now head to Kilgravin Lodge before the decision is made whether to educate him in New Zealand or Australia.

Agent Paul Harris was on hand to bid for the colt. “I thought he was the best of the horses in the Sale. As soon as I saw him I thought that’s Mufhasa, he has a very strong likeness to him. Mike trained Xcellent so he has a great association with Pentire and it would be great for that to continue.”

The sale gross was slightly down on 2010 results with an increase in clearance to 77% from 71% last year while both average and median posted increases.

The leading vendor by aggregate for the seventh year was Edwina Morris and Alan Jones’ Berkley Stud selling 19 horses for total takings of $268,750. The day’s leading vendor by average was White Robe Lodge with their top lot selling for $37,500 to Kevin Myers who was also top purchaser securing four lots for $105,500.

Pentire - Aimee's Angel colt

Tinseltown added another Cup to his record yesterday with victory in the $150,000 Queensland Cup (Listed) over 3200m at Eagle Farm,  his first at 3200 metres after six previous attempts at the distance.

Tinseltown was towards the rear early before making some ground to be behind the leaders turning into the straight. Tinseltown came with his run down the centre of the track and struck the front at the 200 metre mark and went clear to defeat Smoking Chimneys (Generous) by two lengths with Raeburn (Danehill Dancer) in third.

Tinseltown (7 g Pentire – Tinsel, by Jetball) has now won nine of his 50 starts and earned $547,914.

Dual Group 1 winner Shocking has arrived at Rich Hill Stud and is now available for inspection. The son of Street Cry (Ire) is in great condition and has immediately settled into his new environment at Rich Hill Stud according to principal John Thompson.

Rich Hill will be hosting an Open Day on Sunday, August 7 to parade Shocking and to showcase his associate stallions. “We’re waiting until that date as Sir Percy will be back from England by then to join in the parade.”  Thompson said.

Anyone wishing to view Shocking at an earlier date is welcome to contact the Rich Hill office to make an appointment.

The syndication of Shocking is almost complete and he has attracted major interest from New Zealand and Australian breeders.

Shocking will stand at an introductory fee of $NZ12,000+gst. He will stand alongside leading stallion Pentire $NZ30,000+gst, English Derby winner Sir Percy $NZ15,000+gst and Any Suggestion $NZ6,500+gst.

Rich Hill Stud resident Pentire (Be My Guest - Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) produced a double of his own on Tuesday with successes at the Cessnock and Hamilton meetings.

The Kris Lees-trained filly Urgent Bells (Pentire - Bouquet Toss, by Nureyev) proved too classy for her rivals, recording a 1-3/4 length win in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (900m). Warrnambool trainer Ciaron Maher produced The Black Oak (Pentire - Margarita, by Dance Floor) to win the Centrebet Handicap (1400m) at Hamilton.

Shocking

Pentire will have a new co-tenant at Rich Hill Stud later this week. The 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking (Street Cry - Maria Di Castiglia, by Danehill) will leave Mark Kavanagh’s stable on Thursday to make the trip to New Zealand to stand his first season at stud.

Rich Hill Stud has set a fee of $NZ12,000 + GST for Shocking’s first season.

Trainer Chris Waller was reduced to tears after Rangirangdoo won the $400,000 Daily Telegraph George Ryder Stakes (Gr 1) in a blanket finish to the 1500 metre WFA event.

Making just his second start after a career threatening suspensory injury but the six-year-old son of Pentire (GB) vcame through strongly in the straight to wear down Love Conquers All (Mossman) by a half a neck. Stablemate Triple Elegance (Mossman) was close up in third.

“He is just a very good horse,” a clearly emotional Waller said. “Obviously he is just a class horse and it is very hard for me as I want to give credit to my staff. It was a serious injury and lets’ hope it he pulls up well. Words cannot explain this, it was a breathtaking win.”

Rangirangdoo was the first-leg of a Group 1 double for jockey Corey Brown, who also won the Vinery Stakes on Mirjulisa Lass. “600m from home he was actually towing me,” Brown explained. “I pushed Bossy out of the road because there were no runs for me on the inside and he just needed a bit of galloping room.

“I changed course on him at about the 300m and I was trying to get him out and rolling but I had to come back towards the inside. It made no difference and he lengthened out really well. It is just a great effort to get him back to where he was.”

The $1 million Group 1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on Saturday attracted a star field of local and international talent, but it was the kiwi Mufhasa who proved too good for his rivals. (more…)

This 85th New Zealand National Yearling Sales Series will commence at Karaka on January 31. (more…)

New Zealand Bloodstock has just released its catalogues for the 2011 Premier, select and Festival sales which will be conducted at their spacious Karaka venue 20 minutes south of Auckland commencing on Monday 31st January. (more…)