Perhaps the most challenging aspect of buying horses, is working out what constitutes value.
Most experienced racing participants will identify the top priced half dozen or so yearlings at any sale. Correct, precocious types with sexy, fashionable pedigrees & clean veterinary reports. They sell themselves….but at what price?
Not only does it then become what you can afford but calculating the risk reward, even if you have the wherewithal, is the fascinating part of purchasing a yearling. High priced yearlings don’t have a flash record if only for the fact it’s such a long, long way back from 7 figures!
The Proven policy, in tandem with our trainers, is to put a price on the horses we like. Then see how we fare!
At the NZ Karaka Sale earlier this year, the OCEAN PARK x DEE DAY filly “constituted value” at $70-80k. She reminded us of a very good OCEAN PARK we’d raced called OCEAN TREATY who won 7 races and was stakes placed. Plus, we’d also purchased the first foal by ALMANZOR for $80k only 12 months prior. He’s now named ALDEZOR and is shaping up very well.
It goes without saying that when she was knocked down for NZ$45k, a 40% discount was irresistible! This filly has since broken in beautifully and had a short prep with trainer Kerry Parker.
Kerry’s a dab hand with a stayer as he again showcased at Randwick on Cup Day when the highly promising FLYING BANDIT belted his rivals over 1800m.
OCEAN PARK goes alright too, especially in the Classics. He sired 2nd & 3rd in the VRC OAKS on Thursday, noting that Australasian bred stayers have the Derbies & Oaks to themselves because the hundreds of imports proliferating our Cups aren’t eligible.
Just 17.5% remains and $1,950 will get you a share in this filly who’s back in work at Milangall Park. Indeed Milangall have backed their judgement and purchased a share for themselves…echoed in the latest update:
“This filly has done super in her spell so far. She’s a magnificent filly, and I personally think she is in the top 5 fillies to come through Milangall Park for the season. Please find attached a video of her this morning in her paddock…..watch HERE.”