I can’t remember being more excited before a sale than l’m right now in the lead up to the APG Melbourne Autumn Sale this weekend coming.
The magnificent Inglis Sales complex can hold close to 800 horses and while the number of yearlings at this sale will only be around 15% of that, the combination of both the pacers and trotters being sold on the same day, at a world class facility (and Harness Racing people) looks like a winner to me.
To think these 60 or so pacing lots will have a chance to race in their own exclusive Group 2 race worth $50,000! Plus they have the added advantage of also having a shot at the APG/LADBROKES Group 1 $350,000 for Colts which will be held at Melton and the APG/LADBROKES $350,000 Group 1 Fillies final will be at Menangle.
Some of the most successful APG graduates have been real value buys over the years and l see this Autumn sale as the place that someone may find a ‘value for money’ yearling to take them forward and have a chance of winning way more than the $50k on offer that these 60 yearlings will be racing for. Don’t be surprised if the next super star comes out of this sale.
Now if anyone sees me walking around the sales complex over the weekend looking like l’ve too many coffee’s (and showing a tad too much excitement) you can blame the team at Goodtime Lodge as they were the first ones to start sending in their yearling photos – put frankly they look stunning.
Ian and Judi established Goodtime Lodge in 2010 and they now stand, Allamerican Ingot, Goodtime Sammy, Major In Art and Shadyshark Hanover who will have another full book in North America this year.
The property has been a nursery for many successful racehorses including the classic winner Goodtime Mike and the sub2:00 performers Goodtime Bobby, Goodtime Slater, Goodtime Veejay, Goodtime Marjie and Goodtime Jasper.
The farm is operated by this well-respected family with help from their daughter Courtney and her husband, Mark Driscoll who have enjoyed a good measure of success as trainers and drivers in their own right.
However I’m told it’s Courtney that can be credited for the way these yearlings look. Outstanding is what one good judge keeps telling me and remember Courtney has the distinction of preparing the highest priced lot at the inaugural Australasian Premier Trotting Sale in March 2013.
Don’t be surprised if the slater consignment gets strong interest from South Australia as Goodtime Scout (half-brother to Lot 592 ) has had 2 more wins since the catalogue went on line.
Lot 586 Tiz A Masterpiece – Goodtime Katie – Grinfromeartoear
Lot 592 Tiz A Masterpiece – Goodtime Lena – Grinfromeartoear
Lot 597 Shadyshark Hanover – Jean Caulder – What’s Next
Lot 601 Shadyshark Hanover – Jessica Jasper – Village Jasper
Lot 606 Shadyshark Hanover – Luskin Girl – Panorama
Lot 612 Shadyshark Hanover – Orion Star – Armbro Operative
Lot 627 Shadyshark Hanover – Tarzar Jah – Grinfromeartoear
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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