New Zealand Bloodstock has assembled a 121-horse catalogue for its annual South Island sale in Christchurch.
Although the sale targets a different market than the Karaka yearling sales, it is hoped the momentum from those sales can continue in the sale ring tomorrow.
"Obviously, the appetite for New Zealand-breds is strong," NZB sales representative Regan Donnison said.
"Hence, Karaka is strong, and worldwide New Zealand-bred horses are going really, really well."
The South Island sale does not have the same international focus Karaka does but there will still be a select group of international buyers attending.
"It is not a sale that attracts enormous amounts of overseas markets, but I know we have got guys from Macau coming, from Asia and Singapore coming, and the Australians will be here," Donnison said.
Strong results in 3yr-old staying races, internationally — particularly Derbies and Oaks races — are set to drive demand for staying types at the sale.
Last weekend’s win of White Robe Lodge bred stayer Who Shot Thebarman came as a timely boost for the sale.
The 9yr-old’s victory highlighted how durable Southern bred horses are.
"It was really nice to see a southern-bred win the Sydney Cup with Who Shot Thebarman. That will definitely boost the sale," Donnison said.
White Robe Lodge is the only preparer from Otago to offer horses at the sale.
It will present nine yearlings by rookie sire Ghibellines, two by fellow resident sire Gallant Guru and one by Zacinto.
Ghibellines made a booming start to his siring career when his progeny averaged $80,000 in the book 1 sale at Karaka earlier this year.
Five Southland-bred yearlings, all from the Dennis brothers’ Ravelston Stud, will be offered at tomorrow’s sale. South Canterbury vendors will offer a bumper contingent of yearlings at the sale.
Waimate’s Pear Tree Farm will present seven yearlings and Willow Glen Stud, also of Waimate, will offer 12 yearlings. Clearview Park and Three Valleys studs, both of Timaru, have 22 horses entered in the sale.
