Breeding and Bloodstock

Australia’s foal crop could hit a five-decade low next year, but the possible outcome is far better than some studmasters were predicting leading into the breeding season.

Australia’s key bloodstock agents representative group has backed sales companies and pedigree providers in not recognising the black type afforded to a host of stakes races in New South Wales over the spring.

Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me has sold for almost $10 million during a European-record trading day at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

After dominating the Australian spring, Yulong’s Zhang Yuesheng has turned his attention to the northern hemisphere in his quest for another potential Cox Plate winner to follow in Via Sistina’s footsteps.

Five-time winner Golden Mile will be gelded and return to the racetrack after an injury-interrupted season at stud.

In this week’s column, Tim Rowe examines the future of Kia Ora and Vinery after the death of Ananda Krishnan, hones in on Justify’s latest stakes winner and looks west to Darby Racing’s impact in Perth.

Bravo Centurion will carry the hopes of a state - and his retired breeder Alan Bansemer - when the emerging sprinter takes his most important step so far in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.