Almanzor heads another quality Karaka draft from Cambridge Stud

The quality that for decades has underpinned Cambridge Stud’s National Yearling Sale draft is again evident in the countdown to Karaka 2023.
Since picking up the baton five years ago from founders Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, new owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay have continued a policy of investment in prime international bloodlines.
That involves both essential elements in any horse’s pedigree – the sire and dam – and is reflected in the emergence of the Lindsays’ first major stallion investment, champion European three-year-old Almanzor, complemented by the addition of broodmares that bring some of the world’s best bloodlines to the Cambridge Stud pool.
Almanzor has been something of an instant success in the few short years he has shuttled to Cambridge. His debut crop last season included Karaka Million 2YO winner Dynastic, while this season he took another massive step as the sire of VRC Derby winner Manzoice.
“Almanzor has played a huge role for us from the time he first stood here, we really couldn’t have scripted it better,” Cambridge Stud spokesman Scott Calder said. “A first-crop Karaka Million winner and then to get a Victoria Derby win, both massive results.
“He’s already had nine stakes horses from around 50 runners, and those are young horses with the best yet to come, the exciting thing is it’s still early days for him.
“Almanzor has never had a lull in his broodmare numbers, and the quality has remained consistent as well.”
Almanzor’s popularity with broodmare owners is illustrated with the largest individual content – more than 50 lots – in Book 1 at the upcoming National Yearling Sale, and a dozen of those can be found in the Cambridge Stud draft.
“The recognition that Almanzor now has is very exciting for us and all those breeders who have supported him,” Calder added. “I can’t believe that any serious buyer wouldn’t have him on their short list of stallions.”
Calder points to a number of Almanzor progeny in the Cambridge draft as typical examples, while also offering others with a definite precocious side to their make-up.
“The colt out of Fearless Choice is that strong, deep-girthed type that we’ve all become familiar with. He’s balanced and pretty readymade with that temperament all trainers appreciate.
“Then there’s the Mink Fashion colt who is also a lovely type and a good example of the investment Brendan and Jo have made in quality international bloodlines.”
The showy Almanzor-My My Maree filly has the look of an early runner, which is not surprising given she’s a half-sister to Group One-winning two-year-old Marky Mark.
“One of the features of this year’s draft is the number of fillies with exceptional pedigrees that we’re offering,” Calder said. “People might wonder why they’re included, but the simple explanation is that we’re in the fortunate position to already have a number of fillies from the same families.
“That opens the opportunity for buyers to invest in some of the very best families, fillies like the My My Maree and the Almanzor from Special Diamond and the Dundeel from Ardeche, which are both the Eight Carat family.
“We saw again at the Magic Millions Sale how the market is looking more and more at the value of well-bred fillies, not just as racehorses but also for their broodmare potential. There’s any amount of examples in what we’re taking to market.
“Another hallmark of the draft is the range of quality stallions represented, which highlights the investment in offshore stallions like Fastnet Rock, Written Tycoon, So You Think, Lonhro and so on. We’ve also got several by the stallion who has been such a big part of Karaka over the years, Savabeel.”
Calder also makes mention of the impact made by this season’s first crop by Cambridge Stud’s classic-winning Savabeel stallion Embellish, who is represented by two yearlings in Book 1.
“Embellish has been very well supported both by the stud and broodmare owners, so to see the early success he’s had has been especially pleasing.
“Our own filly Luberon is already a winner as well as being stakes placed, and then there’s Talisker who was such a good second in the Eclipse Stakes and is one of the Te Akau contingent for the Karaka Million 2YO.
“It’s a great start for Embellish and it underlines the faith we’ve placed in him. Both of our Book 1 colts are very typical of the stock he leaves – really well-grown, strong colts.
“We kept Luberon with the intention of racing her, so that’s been great what she’s achieved. The full-brother we’re offering this year is just as good a type and along with the colt from the Fastnet Rock mare Stylish Achiever, we’re confident they’ll have appeal along with the rest of our draft.”