TWO new stakeswinners in the consecutive days for More Than Ready stallion Sebring could be the turning point in the Widden Stud residents quest to overhaul current leading freshman sire Real Saga.
The outcome of the 2012/13 First Season Sire crown could very well hang on the future performances of Sebring colt Criterion who managed to overcome a wide run to take out last Sunday’s Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m) in Canberra.
In doing so, the David Payne trained chestnut guaranteed himself a berth in next month’s Golden Slipper and a shot at the $2 million first prize.
A day after Criterion’s Canberra heroics, Sebring fillies Bring A Ring and Australia Day finished first and third respectively in the Listed SAJC Sportingbet Classic (1200m) on Adelaide Cup day at Morphettville.
But despite his March surge Sebring still has a considerable amount of ground to make up on Real Saga, trailing the Glenlogan Park stallion by over $700,000.
That figure belies Sebring’s superior record of individual winners (7 to 5) and stakeswinners (3 to 1) although Real Saga has needed just 11 runners for his handful of winners, while Sebring has used up 26 so far.
Regardless of the final standings, the prospect of another successful More Than Ready sire son will drive demand for the Halo-line stallion’s colts with buyers keen to exploit their residual value.
More Than Ready’s Goodwood winner Perfectly Ready beat Darci Brahma to be crowned New Zealand Champion First Seaosn Sire in 2010/11).
As has been the case with sons of Danehill, Redoute’s Choice and in later years, Fastnet Rock and Red Ransom, residual value drove their respective male progeny through the roof at yearling sales.
More Than Ready has a total of 17 colts among his 31-lot Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale including a three-quarter-brother to More Joyous, a half brother to All American and sons of Dizelle, Mimi Lebrock, Polar Success, Samantha Miss and Typhoon Tracy’s dam, Tracy’s Element.
Vinery Stud, the home of More Than Ready won’t have to enter the market to secure a world class sire son, given they stand his incredible 2010 Breeders’ Cup winner Pluck who covered a full book of mares in his debut season last spring.
