The pair will stand at $7000 (+GST) this breeding season.
Alflaila heads into his second season at White Robe Lodge after a strong debut year in which the multiple group 2 winner proved popular with breeders, covering 110 mares.
A striking individual, he represents the first influence of the outstanding Dark Angel sire line to stand in New Zealand, offering breeders access to one of Europe’s most in-demand bloodlines.
“We were overwhelmed by the first-year support of Alflaila,’’ White Robe Lodge’s Jack Stewart said.
‘‘It’s the biggest book we’ve had for a stallion in 15 years.
“Breeders from all around the country have sent mares and a lot of those mares have been booked in again this year.
‘‘We encourage anyone who’s in the area to come out and have a look at him as he’s a stunning type and if the foals look anything like he does then breeders won’t be disappointed.”
Stewart said the Dark Angel sire line was flying in Australia at present through his son, Harry Angel, and the addition of Dark Angel’s triple group 1-winning son, Charyn ($35,000 +GST), to the Cambridge Stud roster was a coup for New Zealand.
“Obviously, Alflaila stands at a different price point, and at White Robe Lodge we are very cognisant of the cost of breeding and raising a horse,” he said.
“It’s important we play our part to keep breeders engaged and give them every opportunity to succeed, so in addition to realistic service fees, we also offer $10 a day grazing fees for anyone who supports our stallions with a mare.”
While the first foals of Alflaila are keenly anticipated this spring, associate sire Ancient Spirit has made a promising start to his stud career. His eldest progeny are 3-year-olds.
Stakes winner Bobby McGee headlines his early runners, while Golden Spirit has also gained black-type, and the young stallion was represented by impressive debut winner Arwen.
The well-bred son of Invincible Spirit was also represented by emerging staying filly Fly Zenno, who has shown her quality in strong company, including a solid fourth in a group 2 race at Te Rapa behind subsequent dual group 1 winner Ohope Wins.
“We always thought they’d be horses that would get better with time and they’re certainly showing a bit now,” Stewart said.
“The word from the trainers is positive that they will continue to progress into strong staying types.
“We’ve got plenty of them here ourselves, both on the farm and in the racing stable [Brian and Shane Anderton].
‘He’s on the right trajectory and there is plenty of interest in them as trade horses to Australia, given their ability to get out over a bit of ground.” — NZ Racing Desk
