 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale takes centre stage this week as the cream of juvenile talent goes under the hammer at Newmarket on April 15-16, with expectations running high following a strong showing during Monday's inspections.
Buying racehorses at yearling sales compares to tackling a 1,000-piece jigsaw blindfolded, whereas the breeze-ups offer considerably more information to prospective purchasers. Not that finding top talent becomes simple – it's more akin to solving a Rubik's Cube wearing oven gloves, with clearer moves to make but execution remaining challenging.
The presence of Kia Joorabchian and his Amo Racing team during Monday's inspections at Park Paddocks brought reassurance to vendors, following their significant impact on last year's yearling market. They were joined by representatives from Coolmore, Godolphin and the emerging Wathnan Racing operation, creating what one observer described as "as busy as I've ever seen it" footfall on the Rowley Mile during the breeze sessions.
Optimism surrounding the Craven sale is well-founded, with the previous four editions producing five Group One -winning graduates. These include exceptional juveniles Native Trail and Vandeek, alongside last year's Futurity Trophy winner Hotazhell.
The other two top-level winners – Believing and Cachet – were both secured by Highclere Agency for below-average prices at their respective renewals. Believing cost 115,000 guineas in 2022, while Cachet was acquired for just 60,000gns a year earlier. Although Believing didn't carry Highclere's silks when claiming this year's Al Quoz Sprint, her subsequent US$3.75 million sale to Coolmore provided ample compensation.
Jake Warren of Highclere was spotted assessing prospects on Monday afternoon and explained his methodology that combines traditional horsemanship with modern data analysis.
"We look at the times, but we by no means have it as our central mechanism for buying," he said. "I was brought up on physicals, so we consider the overall make and shape compared to the pedigree, then factor in the times to a degree. Sometimes the times and the data can lead you down the wrong path, so we try to keep all the variables open and not be too dependent on any one thing."
He added: "I really like to see what I call a progressive time; a horse that is getting faster as it's going, relative to the distance. I like to see them finishing strongly and watch the gallop out beyond the timing gates, that's something we keep an eye on visually."
When vendors present what buyers consider the right article, substantial profits can be realised. Purchasers understandably value the additional layers of information available, reducing guesswork and increasing their chances of securing genuinely fast horses.
Despite potential differences regarding data-driven purchasing approaches, both buyers and sellers typically share a common optimism as the prestigious Newmarket sale prepares to open its doors.