NEWS (July 2010)

Breeders consider the opportunity you might lose

There is a secret emerging in Queensland that thoroughbred breeders should be let in on. The new shareholders of imported stallion Nothing To Lose want to put broodmare owners on notice that right now an unbelievable opportunity exists, to access this incredible racehorse at a fraction of his true value. But breeders must be swift with his first crop of outstandingly conformed youngsters preparing to begin their 2 year old racing season in 2010/11.

There is a plethora of examples of unfamiliar bred stallions that were supreme athletes, and because of their racetrack ability, they went on to become outstanding stallions. Examples of such horses include Encosta De Lago, General Nediym and Falvelon. All of these now bluebloods on our breeding scene had relatively modest beginnings to their stud careers on the back of a pedigree page that was not considered mainstream. The secret is that Nothing To Lose has the credentials to do the same.

The present trend is for the Australian broodmare owner to baulk at American bred and raced stallions. The commonly held theory for the lack of success of these horses on our shores relates to differences in race conditions, with the bulk of US racing being conducted on dirt tracks. Nothing To Lose is different – he only raced on turf. In fact he was brilliant on that surface. So much so that he won the 2004 Keenland Turf Mile GR1 running away by 4.5 lengths, exploding in the straight with a turn of foot that has to be seen to be believed. In that field was Honor In War, now resident stallion in Australia, who ran our own immortal Takeover Target to a half head in the Group 2 Villiers Stakes. While Nothing To Lose did not race in Australia, he was brought here by Walter Alteri with that in mind. He did start a preparation and showed the potential to be extremely competitive under Australian conditions, winning a barrier trial at Cranbourne by 6 lengths unextended but unfortunately he was injured.

So yes this horse is a “fair dinkum” racehorse further acknowledged by the fact that he started second favourite in arguably the greatest turf mile race in the world, the Breeders Cup Mile of 2004. Nothing To Lose was a two year-old winner twice and raced consistently at the highest level with wins in Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 races with a record that stands at 15 starts for 6 wins, 3 seconds and 1 third.

While a cursory glance at his pedigree page would suggest Nothing To Lose’s breeding is unfamiliar, we put it to you this is just because it is somewhat unknown in our region. His sire, Sky Classic, when it comes to racing and breeding, is a champion in both Canada and the US again on turf. Earnings of US$3 million and sire of 51 stakes winners, says it all. Along with this, Nothing To Lose has the magnificent influences of breed-shapers Nijinsky, Roberto and Nodouble (Star Kingdom) close up in just the first 3 generations of his pedigree.

So there it is. Remember General Nediym, Encosta De Lago and Falvelon, and don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Nothing To Lose stands at Willowbend Stud for $7700 incl GST. Please contact David Lucas for more information or complementary DVD.

City form strong for Rock Of Cashel

Friday 16 July, 2010: Value for money stallion Rock of Cashel has enjoyed a solid week of City form thanks to progeny Meet George and River Perfume.

The John Wallace prepared Meet George made it 6 career wins when he scored at Eagle Farm this week in Class 5 grade over 1400m.

A stablemate of Shoot Out, Meet George now looks set to graduate to Open company grade for in form Eagle Farm trainer Brian Smith.

On the same Eagle Farm program, River Perfume was narrowly defeated when a fast finishing second behind the promising Brian Smith prepared Moncalieri the the Class 3 Hcp (1200m).

River Perfume was first up off a 22 week spell for Beaudesert trainer Charlie Weston.

A good fresh performer, River Perfume was a second up winner last preparation and looks a sure fire winner in weeks to come.

A full brother to top sire Rock Of Gibraltar, Rock of Cashel stands at Willowbend Stud at just $4,400 inc GST