The ones to look out for at this week's NZB National Weanling Sales

By Brigette Solomon, Harness News Desk

This country's two biggest studs, Alabar and Woodlands, will be offering more than 100 of the 123 lots at the NZB Standardbred National Weanling Sales, which will be held at Karaka this Thursday (May 25).

Sales newcomers Macca Lodge and Tardina Stud are other key players, with 14 and six.

Of Alabar Stud's 52 weanlings General Manager Graeme Henley is excited to be offering 15 weanlings sired by 15-time Group One winner Lazarus.

Lot 112 – a Lazarus filly out of There’s A Dancer is one Henley is particularly keen on noting “she’s a lovely type, nice mover, with plenty of pedigree behind her.”

“We have a nice bunch of Always B Miki’s, Lot 37, a colt out of Helena Ideal is a standout with a great walk on him.”

Captain Crunch is represented by seven weanlings from Alabar including Lot 30, a filly out of Elsies Delight making her a half-sister to Mr Ibiza and who Henley says is a sharp filly.

Woodlands Stud Manager Tony Grayling and his team have prepared 49 weanlings for the sale, including lot 8 “a Bettor’s Delight filly out of Asabella – she’s the standout on breeding and type”.

Another Grayling was complimentary of was Lot 101, a Downbytheseaside colt out of Tigers Lady, herself a granddaughter of Tigerish.

A trotter that has caught the eye in the paddock is a colt out of Gogirl Bromac by What The Hill, Lot 38, Grayling says “when he trots across the paddock he flies!”

Alongside What The Hill, 23 weanling trotters are on offer by sires Majestic Son, Elite Stride, En Solitaire, and Speeding Spur.

Southland-based Macca Lodge brings 14 weanlings to Karaka sired by a range of stallions including Bettor’s Wish, Fear The Dragon, and Raging Bull amongst others.

Stud proprietor Brent McIntyre's pick of the draft is Lot 29, the Bettor’s Wish x Dudinka’s Angel filly - “she’s a nice type from a really good family.”

Of the Fear The Dragon weanlings McIntyre likes Lot 53, a colt from It’s Only My Excuse.

“He’s a second foal, a good size and a really nice type. Lot 116, the Victoria’s Cross filly is another to look out for that’s from a good Southland family.”

The Macca Lodge Draft will be based at Karaka all week. It's the first time they offered weanlings at the sale.

“I congratulate them for stepping into the weanling market," says NZB Standardbred manager Cam Bray, "with more end users sourcing stock from this sale it is a great opportunity for buyers to access quality bloodlines and types.”

“Having recently visited their farm and inspected the draft, there are some very nice, strong types among them.”

Previous graduates from the sales include Copy That, Betterzippit, Majestuoso, and Sinbad and all weanlings sold at Karaka on Thursday are eligible to be entered for the NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series.

To view the NZB National Weanling Sale catalogue click here

To view Tardina Stud's offerings click here

Important information :

From 12pm on Thursday 25 May the Sale will be broadcast live to viewers on the NZB Standardbred website and Facebook page.

There will also be a real-time stream available for online bidders who wish to use NZB’s robust online bidding platform on standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz.

Parades at Karaka Sales Centre - Wednesday 24 May

Alabar – 1pm
Woodlands Stud- 2.30pm
Tardina Stud – 4pm
Macca Lodge – 4.15pm

2023 National Weanling Sale at Karaka - Thursday 25 May
Selling commencing at 12pm

Auckland Cup Meeting at Alexandra Park - Friday 26 May
Racing commencing at 5.30pm