MVL foaled half brother to BLACK CAVIAR makes his mark

Wonder mare Helsinge has already produced a World Champion - the 19-time and unbeaten winner BLACK CAVIAR - but last weekend her younger brother ALL TOO HARD was also in the limelight when he won the Listed Talindert Stakes in a decisive manner at just his first start.

The 2YO colt by Casino Prince was foaled at Middlebrook Valley Lodge in 2009 and was sold under the Makybe banner at the 2011 Inglis Easter Sale where we was knocked down to Nathan Tinkler for $1.05 million after John Hawkes bid on the billionaire's behalf in an epic duel with Peter Moody.

All Too Hard gave followers an early indicator of his talent with a solid trial win at Flemington on February 10 before living up to the hype surrounding his debut with an impressive performance in Saturday stakes race. 

All Too Hard covered the 1100 metres in 1.3.49 on the dead (4) surface, which was 1.29 seconds outside Don't Tell Tom's course record. 

“There is always a fair bit of pressure on the horse and everyone is looking at him,” said Hawkes, who trains All Too Hard in partnership with his father John and brother Michael. “It was to be expected. It's always easy to say that after the race. You are just trying to put a lid on these types of horses. Everyone is booming them without us adding an extra cog to it.

“It was a nice little race for him and it is onwards and upwards from here.”

Hawkes ruled out backing the juvenile up in next Saturday's Group 1 Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield but revealed the stable still held Group 1 ambitions for the outstanding sire prospect.

“We'll go back to Sydney now,” Hawkes said. There's a race like the (ATC) Sires' (Produce) or the Champagne (Stakes) and that sort of stuff but he's not the sort of horse to be backing up week to week.”

Middlebrook Valley Lodge also foaled the Redoute's Choice half sister to BLACK CAVIAR and ALL TO HARD who will be consigned (by Makybe) at the upcoming 2012 Inglis Easter Sale. 

[Pictured above: ALL TOO HARD as a foal at Middlebrook Valley Lodge].

MVL Graduate Salutes at Wyong 2YO Barrier Trial

2011 Scone Graduate CORNIGLIA (Not A Single Doubt x Scenic Sensation) won her barrier trial at Wyong on 20 February 2012.

The $35,000 graduate of the 2011 HTBA Inglis Scone Sale was always a farm favorite, with Verna ecstatic after the filly's 2YO performance on Monday.

We wish all connections the very best of success with this filly's career! 

[Cornigli pictured left prior to the 2011 Scone Sale].

Middlebrook Valley Lodges Secures Equal Top Price on Day 1 at 2012 Inglis Classic Sale

Topline Thoroughbreds paid equal-top price of $100,000 for a filly by former Australian Champion 2nd-Season Sire & multiple Gr1-winning stallion Fastnet Rock (the 1st foal out of 7YO US-bred Elusive Quality mare Polite) during the opening session of this year's Inglis Classic yearling Sale at Newmarket in Sydney.

The filly (who will head to the stables of Sydney trainer Grahame Begg) was consigned by Middlebrook Valley Lodge as agent & the filly’s dam Polite (a half-sister to US multiple Gr2-winner Conserve) is a grand-daughter of influential matron Fanfreluche, whose many well-known descendants include champion sires Encosta de Lago & Flying Spur.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge launches new video

Want a birds-eye view of Middlebrook Valley Lodge? You can, just by clicking on the following link.

Winners continue to flow for Middlebrook Valley Lodge grads

Progressive galloper Kaypers (Cape Cross x Miss Electra, by Zeditave) made it 4 wins in succession when defeating a field of 14 over 1600m at Tamworth on 3 June. A $50,000 purchase at the 2009 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Kaypers is out of a half sister to Gr 1 AJC Australian Oaks winner KENBELLE.

Scone trainer Greg Bennett (the man responsible for breaking in Champion Australian mare and 3-time Gr 1 VRC Melbourne Cup winner MAKYBE DIVA) said the talented 3YO will take his place in a 1550m metro start next week.

"He's got quite a bright future," Bennett said today. "He's just gone bang-bang-bang this prep and there's certainly a lot of upside to him. It's his next preparation where we will see the best of him so we're looking forward to a good Spring!"

Fellow 3YO's Tokyo Light (Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) x Morning Light, by Danehill (USA)) and Senior Marakesh (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) x Manistique, by Miswaki (USA)) added wins in the latter days of May with Big Bonanza (Stratum x Gold, by Phizam) rocketing into the month of June with a decisive victory in the ATC Alibi Bourbon Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill. The 3YO - a half brother to the multiple Group placegetter Danaurum - has now accrued 6 wins and $134,170.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge Graduate Makes Headlines at Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale

The Opening Day of the 2011 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale saw Middlebrook Valley Lodge graduate - the group winning General Nediym mare MILITARY ROSE - purchased by Baramul Stud for $800,000.

Offered by owners Hoss and Gillian Heinrich, Military Rose proved herself one of the star juveniles of the country and shot to prominence by winning last year's Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Two runs back the three-year-old filly beat the boys in the Gr 3 Gold Coast Guineas.

"She will race on until she heads to stud in September," Baramul Stud's Gerry Harvey reported.

"Gillian (Heinrich) will keep training her for me and hopefully she can win another feature race or two before she is retired."

Harvey said purchasing Military Rose made sense.

"I own Magic Millions and I haven't owned a Magic Millions (Classic) winner, so I thought I would change that!"

"She's a top class mare and she will visit Redoute's Choice in her first season at stud later in the year," Harvey summed up.

Military Rose was foaled, raised and consigned by Middlebrook Valley Lodge.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge Graduates Supply Scone Trainer with Winning Double

The combined talents of 2 Middlebrook Valley Lodge foaled and raised thoroughbreds gave Scone-based trainer Greg Bennett a race double at Tamworth today.

Talented 3YO Cape Cross gelding Kaypers (ex Miss Electra, by Zediatve) made it 3 wins in succession when defeating a field of 14 in the Atac Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

A $50,000 2009 Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase, Kaypers is out of a half sister to Gr 1 AJC Australian Oaks winner KENBELLE.

3YO stablemate Double Fun (Dubleo (USA) ex Corrofin, by Jade Hunter) made it 2 wins and 2 placings from 5 starts when securing the Bath Stewart Associates C1 Handicap over 1200m.

A withdrawal from the 2009 William Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the filly is raced by G Richards, Mrs R Bentley, Mrs P G Bentley & Miss J H Bentley.

On the same day in Sydney, Gaze in Awe (Intergaze ex Saginaw, by Snippets) - who was foaled and who spent his early life at MVL - won the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre Plate (1100m) - his win following 2 metro placings at Rosehill in late April and early May.

Speaking of metropolitan success stories, earlier this month the Middlebrook Valley Lodge raised Kimberley Kid (Johannesburg (USA) - Our Lady Lass, by Shovhog) notched an impressive win in the ATC Guineas Restaurant Handicap over 1250m. A veteran of 34 starts, Kimberley Kid has now accrued 3 wins, multiple metropolitan placings, and more than $265,000 in prizemoney for his connections.

A great month so far for the Middlebrook Valley Lodge squad!

Middlebrook Valley Lodge leads the way at 2011 Scone Sale

The 2011 HTBA Inglis Sale proved a runaway success for Middlebrook Valley Lodge with the farm consigning two of the top three lots in Thursday's Select Session as well as the top priced lot on Sunday.

On Thursday the early attention was on Lot 56 - the Iffraaj filly from the Gr 3 winning mare CORNWALL QUEEN. Knocked down to Vin Cox Bloodstock on behalf of client Garry Frazer, the $85,000 price tag (the sale's equal top priced lot) was a notable increase on last year’s $67,500 sale topper.

Later in the day Middlebrook Valley Lodge was also responsible for the session's third highest priced lot, with Phil Gunter going to $75,000 for the Choisir-Lyn’s Money colt - a half brother to 2010 Inglis Challenge winner OKANE.

“The results show there was good competition at the top of the market and the market was aided by interstate trainers and buyers who flew in on the Inglis/HTBA planes for the sale,” Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D’Arcy said.

"We knew even before we arrived at the sales complex that the Iffraaj filly would prove extremely popular," said Middlebrook Valley Lodge manager Verna Metcalfe. "We had received numerous enquiries about her at the farm and once she got to White Park she was hardly back in her box before someone else was wanting to inspect her.

"We had equivalent interest in Okane's half brother so we were pretty hopeful for a good sale."

The Select and General sessions were split by Scone's inagural 2-day Racing Carnival and when the auction hammer was raised on Sunday morning Middlebrook Valley Lodge again secured top vendor honours with Luke Griffiths paying a healthy $35,000 for the Olympus - Sephora filly.

“There was a good crowd in attendance and there was good money for the good types in the catalogue,” Jonathan D’Arcy commented. “The Sunday session is proving itself to be a real value sale. Half of the field in this year’s Inglis Challenge were purchased out of the Sunday session, underlining how good horses can be bought at bargain prices out of the final day.”

Other notable results for MVL included the $35,000 secured for the Not A Single Doubt - Scenic Sensation filly (purchased by D Robb).  

Rose Blooms for Sale

Star filly MILITARY ROSE emphasised her status as one of the star lots of the upcoming Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale with a classy all the way win in today's Gr 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).

Back racing at her home track for the first time since her win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic last year, Military Rose replicated that performance with a strong on speed victory.

The daughter of General Nediym appreciated the improving slow track and under the urgings of leading local rider Daniel Griffin she still held a half length margin on the line over runner-up Celtic Dancer.

Trainer Gillian Heinrich was all smiles after notching another feature race victory on her home track.

"I'm absolutely rapt," Heinrich beamed.

"Everything works out better for her (when she leads) and obviously Dan rode her like that today and she's back!"

Heinrich had Military Rose in Sydney for some of their Carnival Features but returned home frustrated after continual rain left Sydney's tracks drenched.

"We stayed in Sydney ticking her over for about six weeks and it just rained and rained. We put her in everything and just kept scratching and scratching."

"Eventually we brought her home for this race. This morning they said (the track was) a slow 6 and I just hoped it would pick up by this afternoon."

Heinrich is unsure whether the filly will race again prior to go under the hammer at the National Broodmare Sale in June.

"We'll just have to see after today and have a think about what we're going to do with her," Heinrich summed up.

The filly has been an extraordinary money spinner for connections following her purchase by the Heinrich team for $155,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Middlebrook Valley Lodge.

Source: Breednet 6 May 2011  

HTBA Scone Yearling Draft Now Online

The MVL Scone yearling draft is now online. We have a new feature this year - our HTBA Sale Mail. Find out all the information you need by clicking on the following link.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge Mare/Foal Feature

The annual Scone Horse Festival has evolved from a simple street parade celebrating the 'Horse Capital of Australia' to a 17-day program of events; all with the necessary equine theme.

The 2011 Scone Horse Festival will run from April 28-May 15.

The first foal to arrive at Middlebrook Valley Lodge during the 2010 breeding season was the exquisite Lohnro filly out of Daleela. A photo of the mare and foal (taken by Katrina Partridge) has been selected for the front cover of this year's Horse Festival programme - the first time in many years that a single image of a horse has been adopted for the cover. Programme designers said they selected the image as it so closely resembles (albeit a living version!) Scone's mare/foal statue.

Magic Millions Sale Wrap-Up

The devastating Queensland floods combined with constant rain in the lead up to the 2011 sale ensured that conditions were far from ideal for potential buyers wishing to inspect yearlings.

Magic Millions in consultation with the Queensland Government, Events QLD, Aushorse and the Gold Coast Turf Club decided to go ahead with the sale due to the economic benefits that flow to the local economy; so all commenced as planned on Wednesday 12 January.

3 of our 4-strong MVL draft sold - 2 knocked down for $110,000 - including the half brother to 2010 Magic Millions winner MILITARY ROSE.

It was pleasing to see the horses depart to Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland respectively.

We look forward to following their future racing careers and wish their new owners every success.

Inglis Classic Sale

Our Classic Sale draft have their own dedicated website page (see main menu bar). We very much look forward to seeing you all in Sydney later this month.

Magic Millions Approaches

A new year greets us (2011 already ?!) and in traditional fashion Magic Millions kicks off the annual Thoroughbred Sales Calendar with their Premier Sale on the Gold Coast. 

Middlebrooks's draft can be viewed by clicking on the link on our main menu. Dave is up at the Coast and looks forward to your inspection of our horses. Significant attention has focused on the half brother to last year's Magic Millions winner MILITARY ROSE who forms part of our draft - he won't disappoint you.

We wish all vendors and buyers a successful sale.

December Newsletter now available

The Middlebrook Valley Lodge December 2010 newsletter is now available and can be downloaded at the following link.  

Black Caviar Romps Home in Group 1 Highlight

Unbeaten boom 4YO mare Black Caviar (Bel Esprit-Helsinge, by Desert Sun) added a Group 1 triumph and made it 3 successive group victories in a month (since returning from an 8.5-months spell) when she blitzed her rivals by 4-lengths in the $750,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington last weekend.

Favourite Black Caviar (ridden by Ben Melham for trainer Peter Moody) defeated 3YO colt and Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness (Starcraft-Leone Chiara, by Lion Hunter) & 5YO mare Ortensia (Testa Rossa-Aerate's Pick, by Picnicker).

Lightly-raced Black Caviar (a $210,000 yearling at the 2008 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne) now has 7 wins (also including both October's Gr2 Schweppes Stakes over 1200m at Mooney Valley & Gr2 Schillaci Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield, plus January's Gr2 Australia Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley & each of 2009's Gr2 Danehill Stakes over 1200m at Flemington, Listed Arrow Training Services Plate over 1200m at Moonee Valley & Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield) from 7 starts for $1,241,750 earnings.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge are rearing Black Caviar's half sister (by Redoute's Choice).

(8 November , 2010)

The most valuable foal in Australia?

In late October 2010 unbeaten filly Black Caviar was ranked the world's best sprinter in ratings compiled by an influential British thoroughbred publication.

In the latest Racing Post international ratings released after Black Caviar's Moir Stakes win on Saturday, the mare holds a narrow call over another Australian sprinter, the impressive Hay List.

Trained by Peter Moody, Black Caviar was given a 129 rating by Racing Post analysts when she defeated Hot Danish on the Cox Plate undercard.

The victory was the seventh of its career and third of the year.

It has put the four-year-old one rating point clear of Hay List ahead of their much-anticipated clash at weight-for-age in the Patinack Classic at Flemington on November 6.

The ratings are based on results of races run between 1,000 and 1,200 metres this year.

Hong Kong star Sacred Kingdom is third with a 127 rating, two points clear of ex-Australian sprinter Starspangledbanner.

Hay List had topped the ratings after winning the Manikato Stakes and Gilgai Stakes.

"The ease with which Black Caviar dispatched her rivals was unmistakable and the huge winning margin tells much of the story," the Racing Post said.

Hay List missed the Moir because of an elevated temperature but broke the clock in an 800-metre Flemington jumpout on Tuesday to confirm its fitness for the Patinack.

"Whoever wins (the Patinack), the Ascot management would do well to get either of them to turn up to the Royal meeting next year, as these two will be the hot tickets in the 2011 sprint division," the Racing Post said.

"Even by Australian standards they look special."  

So You Think, meanwhile, has been rated at 126 to be fourth on the publication's worldwide rankings from 2,000 to 2,200 metres.

The half-sister to BLACK CAVIAR - a filly by Champion Australian sire Redoute's Choice - was foaled down at Middlebrook Valley Lodge this season. 

Middlebrook Valley Lodge Victor in $102,000 Feature

MVL Graduate OKANE looks destined for bigger and better things after he demolished his opposition to win the $102,100 Inglis Insurance 2yo Challenge (1300m) at Scone on Friday 14 May.

Ridden by Jimmy Cassidy, Okane settled in the first half dozen of the field before angling off the heels of the leaders in the early part of the straight. Okane cruised up to the leaders and hit the front whilst under a throttlehold from Cassidy before being asked to quicken over the last 100 metres to win convincingly.

Okane defeated Zedi Warrior by four lengths to win in a time of 1.17.64 with Jidaroce a further one and a quarter lengths away in third.

When asked if he expected Okane to win by such an emphatic margin, trainer Rodney Northam replied, “I did,” before describing the gelding as “a really good horse.”

“He worked with a horse that won a Class 3 at Newcastle and blew it away so I thought if it can’t win today I’ll give up,” Northam told Sky Racing.

“He (Cassidy) rode him beautiful and the horse let down, it was just great.”

Northam will now head to the city with the son of Fusaichi Pegasus, but what state is a matter of conjecture.

“We might just give him a week to ten day break, he has been up a while and then I think we might keep him going,” he said.

“There are some nice races for two-year-olds in Queensland and even some weaker races in Sydney first.

“He has got a huge future,” Northam said before adding “He’s just learning every start and just getting better all the time.”

The win ensured Okane broke his maiden status from his fourth attempt. He finished second at his two previous starts at Muswellbrook and Scone.

Okane is out of the dam Lyn’s Money who was also trained by Scone-based Northam.

Failing to secure any black type from 11 starts in stakes company, Lyn’s Money best attempt was when she finished fifth in the 2005 Listed Dark Jewel Classic (1100m) at Scone beaten 0.6 lengths from the winner Kosta Nothin’.

Source Carl Di Iorio, Racing & Sports (May, 2010)

Middlebrook Valley Graduate Update (May 2010)

The 2010 Magic Millions/Reisling Stakes/Calaway Gal and B J McLachlan Stakes heroine MILITARY ROSE(prizemoney to date $1.527 million) well and truly placed Scone’s Middlebrook Valley Lodge on the map. The boutique thoroughbred farm foaled, raised and consigned the Gillian Heinrich trained 2YO; a factor well savoured by farm managers Dave and Verna Metcalfe whose 2.5 years at Middlebrook has seen an expanding results table attest to the quality of the horses they foal and rear amidst the Upper Hunter Valley’s picturesque Middlebrook Valley.

Other recent results inclue:

• Tokyo Light (Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) x Morning Light, by Danehill (USA) - a winner and placegetter from just 3

starts

• Okane (Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) x Lyn’s Money, by Humam (IRE)) - 4 starts for a feature win, 2 placings and

$85,700 in prize money

• Kimberley Kid (Johannesburg (USA) x Our Lady Lass, by Shovhog) - 14 starts for a win, 4 placings and $86,920

in prize money

• Apache Crown (Beautiful Crown (USA) x Genoese, by Luskin Star) - 12 starts for 3 wins, 5 placings and $43,590

in prize money

• The Western Australian winner (and twice metro placed) Sound Barrier (Hawk Wing (USA) x Questonette, by

Quest for Fame (GB)) - 7 starts for a win and 5 placings.

• Jose Eduardo (Grandera (IRE) x Questonette, by Quest for Fame (GB)) - 3-time winner from 11 starts

Middlebrook was also responsible for the foaling down, weaning, and sale preparation of 2 yearlings consigned under the Llanilo Park banner at the Scone Sale in 2008. Both 3YO’s have now won - Pretty Useful (Youthful Legs (USA) x Pretty Mover, by Danzero) the winner of 5 races & $64,150 whilst Rockbuster (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) x Poetique, by Our Poetic Prince) won his provincial maiden on 9 May 2010

Scone graduates take centre stage as HTBA Sale extends to 2-day format

The Scone Select Yearling Sale saw its first 2-day format in 2010 and the opening day’s trade saw a gross of $2.737 million – up $680,000 on the 2009 figures. The average climbed by 34% to $17,433 with a clearance rate of 81%.

“This sale goes from strength to strength and we were forced into going to two days for the first time this year owing to the great response from vendors,” Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D’Arcy said.

“Racetrack results from the sale have been outstanding in recent times and I think that success has filtered through to the sale ring, with a number of new buyers keen to secure a Scone yearling.

“The usual contingent of New South Wales buyers were complemented by a number of interstate trainers, including Tony Noonan, Robert Smerdon and Nigel Blackiston, who all secured horses.”

Day 2 saw another $832,000 in sales with Sunday’s average closing on $5,778.

Fittingly, Friday’s huge Scone Cup meeting saw 2 Scone graduate take centre stage when Star Of Octagonal romped away with the $770,000 Inglis Guineas and Okane securing the 2YO Feature.

Racing NSW has recognised what an important weekend this is for the Hunter Valley, granting the district a two-day meeting in 2011. The landmark stand alone Saturday meeting will become Inglis Guineas day.

“The Scone Sale has traditionally proven a good value sale for buyers which guarantees good numbers on the day,” commented Verna Metcalfe. “We were pleased to see some solid results for the better horses this year. Inglis are to be commended for their increased marketing of this sale which, in conjunction with the 2-day Scone Cup Carnival in 2011 will, I expect, see this sale continue to grow."