New Group 1 performer for Starcraft

Starcraft (NZ) added a new individual Group 1 performer to his record yesterday in Germany when Baschar (ex Belle Et Deluree by The Minstrel) finished a commendable third in the Grosser Preis von Berlin G1 over 1m 4f (2400m) on the Hoppegarten course.

Baschar sat in second place for most of the race, until the home straight when Meandre, last-start winner of the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud G1, burst clear for an impressive victory. Earl of Tinsdal was second, a half-length in front of Baschar who fought gamely to hold third place.

Pictured: World champion miler and Group 1 sire Starcraft with Arrowfield’s Stallion Manager Joe Hickey, in April 2012. (PHOTO: Bronwen Healy)

A 5YO from Starcraft’s only northern hemisphere crop, Baschar became Starcraft’s 12th stakeswinner when successful in a Listed Race over 2000 metres at the same course in April.

Baschar was bred by Cheveley Park Stud which stood Starcraft in 2006, and was purchased as a foal for 20,000 guineas by Irish bloodstock agent, the late Brian Grassick.

Starcraft is also the sire of dual Group 1 winners Star Witness & We Can Say It Now, and three-time Group 1 placegetter Hallowell Belle among his 12 stakeswinners.

Starcraft is ending the 2011/12 season comfortably inside the top 10 3rd crop Australian sires, despite his small 2009 crop, conceived in a season limited by an injury to the handsome son of Soviet Star.

Following the excellent results achieved by his first two Australian crops, Starcraft’s three subsequent books (producing rising 2YOs, rising yearlings and 2012 foals) averaged 124 mares, which makes him an attractive option for breeders keen to sell into a yearling market primed by quality progeny performance.

Starcraft stands in 2012 at a fee of $27,500 inc. GST.