LEE Freedman and Tony McEvoy are the latest trainers to have secured Testa Rossa yearlings in 2011 joining a growing list of elite buyers.

So far at the Magic Millions, Karaka (NZ) and Inglis Premier, Testa Rossa yearlings have sold to the likes of Bart Cummings, Peter Moody, Paul Perry, Grahame Begg and Ortensia’s trainer, Tony Noonan.

Freedman paid $130,000 for Lot 37 at this week’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling sale at Oaklands and was clearly thrilled with the stable’s latest acquisition.
“Just an absolute cracker,” the Hall Of Fame trainer declared, “and probably one of the top two or three colts in the sale I thought.
“He is just a lovely, lovely horse and the cross had worked really well and I think Testa Rossa is a very good commercial stallion.
“I haven’t had any of his absolute top ones but I’ve had several stakeswinners by him and several handy horses, so I think they’re pretty good value.”
Freedman’s purchase is a full brother to Listed VRC Poseiden Stakes winner Tindal, one of six winners out of the mare Marauding mare Indian Spice.

McEvoy meanwhile is taking the Testa Rossa/Star Hit colt back to Angaston and doesn’t think it will take long before the colt starts to show a return on his investment.
“I really like this colt,” McEvoy told Sportsman, “he is a very active, very athletic horse who looks like a real run-along horse to me that will come early.

“I loved his attitude. I first saw him twice last week and probably five times this week and his attitude was one of acceptance of every thing, he just bowled around and did his job and had fun with it.
“I like that, because some horses can get tired and annoyed at sales and lose interest – but this colt could have stayed at the sales for another month I reckon, he just enjoyed himself and has a really good outlook.
“He has a little bit of growing to do but that’s fine, he’s only a yearling, but I do see him as a two-year-old for sure.”

McEvoy has intimate knowledge of the colt’s family having seen King’s Best filly Zodiac Miss up close throughout her career which was highlighted by a close second in the Group Three SAJC Auraria Stakes.
“She had a very good ability and I remember (the dam) Star Hit who won the Wylie over here in Adelaide.
“Testa Rossa is a good stallion and I was really chuffed to be able to buy this colt,” McEvoy said.