Hitotsu’s first 2YOs: “early signs are very encouraging”
There is perhaps no more eagerly awaited news in thoroughbred breeding than the safe arrival of foals and trainers’ reports on a stallion’s first 2YOs.
At Arrowfield we’re grateful for the incredible work of our foaling, broodmare & veterinary teams that have so far supervised almost 200 foalings on the farm this Spring.
And we’re excited about the feedback from leading Australian stables about the first 2YOs by triple Group 1 Classic winner Hitotsu.
His own trainer Ciaron Maher signed for three Hitotsu colts at $125,000, $210,000 & $480,000 and he’s very happy with what they are showing him.
“I’ve been really pleased with what we’ve seen from the Hitotsu progeny so far. They’re very natural horses and certainly more forward than we had anticipated at this early stage.
“I think people sometimes forget just how good Hitotsu was as a two-year-old. He was right there alongside Anamoe in the Blue Diamond, so he always had that natural speed and precocity before going on to show his class over further. We’re certainly seeing those qualities coming through in his progeny, and the early signs are very encouraging.”
Maher adds, about the colt ex Angel Of Mercy (by Hussonet), and Full Charge (ex Bel’s In Charge by Charge Forward), “Both have shown plenty of natural ability and athleticism.”
The early progress made by the Hitotsu-Euro Chic (by Dehere) colt has pleased Phillip Stokes, who paid $60,000 for him at Inglis Classic.
“He’s got a very good attitude and he’s a good mover with a nice turn of foot. He’s quite sharp and more forward than we expected, I can see him running as a two-year-old.”
Richard Jolly has two Hitotsu fillies from Magic Millions Gold Coast & Inglis Classic, including Klynina (ex Ms Rodarte by I Am Invincible), a half-sister to recent Listed winner Modella.
“They are both very well-mannered and look like they will get up and go at two. Klynina is a very nice, strong filly and she’s quite forward, she could get to the races this prep.”
HITOTSU’S FIRST 2YOs as YEARLINGS
PHOTOS: Alma Vale Thoroughbreds, Fernrigg Farm, Glenn Lee Thoroughbreds, Kenmore Lodge, Sullivan Bloodstock, Kate Dallimore & Georgie Lomax
The colt out of Zhaojun (by Choisir) made $140,000 as a weanling and $250,000 as an Inglis Classic yearling when secured by Group 1 Bloodstock & trainer Lloyd Kennewell, who says, “He’s a really nice colt and one of the best types we bought this year. Good bone, good strength and has shown nice ability – he could be a Sires’ Produce type horse.”
Unmei (ex Evening Star by Rubick), a $200,000 buy from Magic Millions, is similarly pleasing Bjorn Baker.
“She’s a lovely filly with a terrific attitude and she loves her work. She’s proven more precocious than we initially expected and was forward enough to make it to the first two-year-old trials. We’re really pleased with what we’ve seen so far and we’re looking forward to getting her back in.”
$200,000 was also the purchase price for Sechura (ex Al Jasrah by Shirocco), whose half-sister After Summer (by The Autumn Sun) was Group 1-placed three times last season). Robbie Griffiths is delighted with her progress.
“She’s a beauty – she has a terrific attitude towards work and continues to thrive the more she is given, she just wants to eat, sleep and work. She’s shown good speed in the work she’s done. We love what we have seen of the Hitotsus and we’ll be buying more of them.”
The three-quarter brother to Group winner Genzano, Tochigi (ex Infiorata by Dream Ahead) shows promise in the stable of Kris Lees who reports, “He’s a very nice colt with a terrific temperament and a good mover. He’s shown us a bit first prep and he’s one we’re excited about going forward.”
Gary Portelli is enjoying great success with Group 2 winner Verona Rose and is very happy to have her Hitotsu half-brother Southern Rise (ex Minamya (by Makfi) in the stable too.
“We’re excited about him, he has certainly shown a high degree of athleticism. I love how he moves and his attitude is fantastic. He’s always shown that he’s pretty forward.”
