Baramul Stud’s Racing Manager Luke McDonald is coming off another busy schedule after selling 23 lots from a draft of 25 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Sale on Tuesday.
Back home at the Widden Valley nursery on Thursday, McDonald was already organizing Baramul’s draft for the 2024 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Baramul owner Gerry Harvey will be consigning an unprecedented draft of 82 lots from January 9 to 16.
“Our Brazen Beau colt (Lot 44) was second on the leader-board at $210,000 on Tuesday,” McDonald said. “It was a tricky sale but all credit to Magic Millions. David Chester and Nicky Wong did a fantastic job finding new markets to help replace Singapore.
“Now we have 10 weeks until the Yearling Sale. There are 56 in Book 1 and 26 in Book 2 and that includes the yearlings from Gerry’s NZ-based farm Westbury Stud.”
The Baramul team will be otherwise engaged on Saturday afternoon when its homebred star Alligator Blood goes for the jugular in the Group 1 W S Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley. Harvey bought back a majority share in the All Too Hard gelding in August 2022 and he’s currently in career-best form carrying the owner’s blue and white racing silks.
“The enthusiasm around here is unreal,” McDonald said. “He’s won five Group 1 races in our colours and he’s in super order with a perfect draw for the Cox Plate. And that tenacious attitude will ensure he’s the one they have to run down in the straight.”
Baramul had 10 lots catalogued at Tuesday’s 2YO Sale by Vinery sire All Too Hard and the only one that didn’t find a buyer was the chestnut colt out of Star Of Darwin (Lot 119). “I was surprised because he’s ready to go,” McDonald continued. “There are a few on him and I’m pretty sure he will be sold soon enough.
“He’s a nippy type with a short, sharp walk. He’s precocious and a trainer could even bring him back into work next week.”
Baramul sold all seven of its entrants by Vinery sire Star Turn with a standout being the colt from More Than Ready (USA) mare Warsaw Pact (Lot 136). “He has a beautiful action with a lovely temperament. It looks effortless when he’s cruising and I can see him furnishing into a nice horse for Brett Cavanough.”
The early-bird in McDonald makes him think the All Too Hard yearling colt from Mnemonic (Hussonet) will one of the highlights from Baramul at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He’s a full-brother to Far Too Easy who has been placed in the last two editions of the $2million Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick.
“He’s an exceptional, well-balanced colt and I have a feeling he will make good money come January.”
Vinery Stud stands All Too Hard for $38,500 and Star Turn for $27,500. Service fees include GST and are payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006)
Hoofnote: Baramul received a welcome addition to Alligator Blood’s family last Saturday when Kylikwong (Red Ransom) foaled a good-sized filly by All Too Hard. Kylikwong was beaten a nose by Hollow Bullet in the 2004 Victorian Oaks (Gr.1, 2500m) at Flemington and her first foal was Alligator Blood’s dam Lake Superior (Encosta de Lago).
