Last year we ran parts of this story and it seemed to really hit the mark. It was a short and light take on an easy format to view yearlings that buyers might be interested in. It also gave a sneak peek at what preparers go through in order to give buyers (and more importantly the yearlings) the best start possible to a fun life on the track .
Being elite in any given field generally can come at a personal and financial cost. Amazing stories of athletes overcoming injuries to rise to the top are far from uncommon. Or there is the great story about Colonel Harland Saunders who took over 20 years to get his recipes and franchise model right before launching the 2nd greatest fast food chain in the world – KFC. In some ways, I see Matt Day’s rise as a successful yearling preparer being a little like the great man, Colonel Saunders.
You see, Matt is no 5 minute wonder. He now invests his entire life into breeding and selling yearlings, and is one of very few preparers that have supported APG in every sale from the start. Now as he approaches the middle phase of his life, success has finally started to come his way and it’s well and truly overdue in the minds of some. It’s great to see this passion for the sport that he and his family have been involved in for more than 50 years.
Matt’s straight talking can at times get him into a little bit of strife, however, it’s what most participants (his clients and friends) have come to expect, understand and in a strange way, respect. He calls it as he sees it, every single time. The Auctioneers love his horses, not only because of the way they are presented, but also their soundness, quality and the way they behave. I’m told all his horses walk into the ring for genuine sale – it’s the way it has to be for Matt and Jannine. And don’t under estimate the value of his life partner Jannine – not only does she have a delightful manner, she has a very calming effect on the yearlings she handles.
Last year Matt and Jannine had 17 yearlings in the sale, and their own top Lot was a colt out of the beautifully bred mare Bettorthanyou. That colt was sold to Darren Hancock (another great harness racing identity) for $80,000 and is now under his care at Pheasant’s Nest, NSW. Although this stunning colt was sold for a price out of the reach of many buyers, Matt and Jannine have not forgotten their loyal band of clients over the years that prefer to invest in that sub $20,000 bracket where many super star horses have come from. I do get the feeling it’s these horses and their new owners at the lower end that give Matt and his team the greatest thrill.
Peter Wharton, (https://baringbloodstock.com.au/people-who-have-devoted-their-lives/ ) a man I have great respect for has written about Matt’s team again for this year (I’ve deleted the ones I choose not to mention) for the APG Sydney Sale. What’s really encouraging is that almost all price points have been covered in this consignment. Best tip I can give any perspective purchaser of yearlings this year is to start looking at this consignment from the man that calls it as it is – Matt Day – a man with the surname with more than 50 years behind it, in the sport we all love.
Lot 260 is a N30 Colt by Mach Three – Aqui Mi Lado – Rocknroll Hanover
First foal of a Rocknroll Hanover half-sister to Breeders Crown and NZ Sires Stakes heat winner Our Classical Art 1:52.4 ($140,258) and metro winner Lost In Bangkok 1:55.6 ($85,733). Third dam Under Cover Lover 1:51.8 ($864,923) NZ 2YO, 3YO and 4YO of the Year, a half-sister to millionaire racemare Better Cover Lover. Other horses of note from this same N30 family are Divisive $1,280,097 and Amongst Royalty$570,820.
Lot 267 is a U306 Filly by Pet Rock – Ark De Jeanne – Village Jasper
From the second crop of Pet Rock, whose first USA crop earned $1million. Half-sister to QBred Triad and Albion Park Gold placegetter Ark Patrol 1:59. Dam won 20 races and $108,858 and was placed in QLD 2YO Breeders Classic and Triad. From a half-sister to three in 1:58. From immediate family of QLD Derby winner Arkamigo ($293,474), QLD Winter Cup winner and Interdom heat winner Atomic Ark ($435,113) andMonarkmac ($232,120). Gammalite, Allegro Agitato and Whatsundermykit are family stars of U306.
Lot 305 is a N83 Colt by Four Starzzz Shark – Donna Kelly – Stature
Half-brother to Iron Outlaw (1:53.1) and NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO heat winner Serene Highness. Third dam Judith Kelly, winner of Raith Memorial and Golden Easter Egg. From the immediate family of NSW Breeders Challenge 2YO winner Conviction ($137,380) and Bathurst Gold Crown winner Kyalla Dream Time ($136,673)
Lot 319 is a N61 Filly by Modern Art – Fourstarzsolataire – Four Starzzz Shark
First four dams are race winners. From a half-sister to QBred Triad and QLD Breeders Classic winner Smarty Jones 1:54.1 ($234,731) and WA Village Kid Sprint winner Rockyourbaby ($179,272). Third dam a sister to dual QLD Breeders Classic winner Sweet Liberty. Closely related to Philadelphia Man 1:52.6 ($558,335)
Lot 351 is a N7 Colt by American Ideal – Lifes Expression – Life Sign
First foal of half-sister to nine winners including Bathurst Gold Tiara winner and dual Oaks placegetter Dougals Dream ($177,046), Idol Stride(NSW Golden Easter Egg) and Bathurst Gold Crown runner-up Warrior Stride. From same family as Dream About Me (NSW Breeders Plate), Muddy River (NSW 2YO Sires Stakes) and Walton Matera 1:51.2 ($194,806). Soho Tribeca, Pembrook Benny, Messini, Villagem and Restrepo are all from this N7 family.
Lot 362 is a N101 Filly by Four Starzzz Shark – Lils Dream – Badlands Hanover
Half-sister to three winners incl. classics placegetter Manly Mach and Lils Angel 1:57.7. From a winning sister to Breeders Crown heat winnerBraeview Creation and half-sister to the dam of Flaming Courage 1:55.2. Third dam a half-sister to NZ 4YO Mare of the Year Michele Bromac. Family of Vic. Tatlow winner Roman Ruler
Lot 383 is a U30 ( Australasia’s best Family ) Filly By Somebeachsomewhere – Nosotros – Albert Albert
Half-sister to Vic. Graduate winners and Breeders Crown runner-up Stars Align 1:54.2 ($161,710) and Red Vee Hanover 1:54 ($175,086). From a half-sister to Interdom heat and multiple Group winner Hexus 1:55 ($555,144). Grand-dam a half-sister to WA Derby heat winner Winforus 1:55 ($139,915). Don’t forget the U30 Family is our best.
Lot 391 is a U4 Filly By Somebeachsomewhere – Gold Dust Woman – Art Major
Bred on same cross as Captaintreacherous, Sunshine Beach and Poster Boy. First foal of winning half-sister to NZ North Island Breeders Stakes winner The Fascinator 1:53.9 ($155,162) and to the dam of NZ Sires Stakes 3YO and Great Northern Oaks winner Twist And Twirl ($283,258), who left the 2017 Breeders Crown 2YO champion King Of Swing. Family of Smart Son 1:49.6, Vanderel (NZ 4 & 5YO C’ship), Trot West Crusader 1:50.2, etc.
Lot 423 is a N70 Colt by Western Terror – Silver Tail – Christian Cullen
Dam won nine races at Harold Park and $78,805. Half-brother to Menangle and Albion Park winner Philanderer 1:55.4. Dam a half-sister to seven sub 2:00 winners incl. Harold Park and USA winner Prince Rama 1:51 ($370,860) and Harold Park winners Monarama ($114,030), Major Works and Aussie Cullen. Third dam NSW Breeders Plate winner Titian’s Countess. First three dams have left 22 winners from 35 foals
Lot 433 is a N20 Filly by Roll With Joe – Strawbs Interact – In The Pocket
Half-sister to Australian Pacing Gold champion Park Life 2, 1:53.2 ($185,131) and QBred Triad 3YO Consolation winner Wishitwasheaven 1:55.8. From a 1:56.3 Albion Park winning half-sister to Strawbs Ideal Act 1:54.5. Grand-dam a half-sister to NZ 2YO Filly of the Year Classical ($291,590). Very closely related to Bendigo Cup winner My Kiwi Mate 1:52.2 ($286,017) and Bathurst Gold Tiara winner My Sweetchillyphilly. Don’t forget this is the same N20 family as Im Themightyquinn.
Lot 449 is a N14 Colt by Art Major – Virginia Khan – D M Dillinger
Bred on the same cross as Major Crocker and Restrepo. Three-quarter brother to Melton winner and Carousel placegetter Modern Maestro 1:55 ($81,368) and half-brother to Koora Khan 3, 1:54.9. Dam an Australian Gold heat winning half-sister to Sabre Chief (20 wins). Family of Vic. Derby winners Khan’s Thunder and Blueagle and NZ Oaks winner Hurrania. Baltic Eagle, Alta Serena and Ananz are also from the N14 family.
See you all in Sydney, cans of Pepsi Max are on Matt.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
