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| Staff Writer |
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The inaugural offspring of Equinox, rated the world's finest racehorse in 2023, headline an exceptional Japan Racing Horse Association Select Sale catalogue announced recently. The Northern Horse Park venue in Hokkaido will witness unprecedented interest when 25 foals from Japan's dual Horse of the Year enter the ring during the July auction.
These meticulously bred youngsters represent ten per cent of the entire foal section, reflecting enormous anticipation surrounding the six-time Group One winner's first crop. Notable among the entries are colts from North American champions Caledonia Road, triumphant in the 2017 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, and multiple grade one winner Midnight Bisou.
The Gr.1 Japan Cup and Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic hero's progeny extend to daughters of American grade one winners Bella Sofia, successful in the 2021 Gr.1 Test Stakes, and Spanish Queen, victorious in the 2015 Gr.1 American Oaks. Additional lots include offspring from grade one winners Mucho Unusual, Grace Adler, and Going to Vegas, alongside a son of Gr.1 Gran Premio del Plata winner Global Beauty.
Flightline, Equinox's predecessor as world champion, contributes a colt from his second crop through Chilean champion Vita De Mamma. The Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic victor's representation adds considerable depth to proceedings.
Kingman, sire of Gr.1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas winner Field Of Gold, features prominently through Lezoo's first foal. The Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner, acquired by Narvick International for approximately US$3,128,664 at Tattersalls December Mare Sale, also captured the Gr.3 Princess Margaret Stakes and listed Hopeful Stakes. From Zoustar's inaugural Tweenhills crop, she represents exceptional Australian bloodlines.
Following Lake Victoria's Irish One Thousand Guineas Gr.1 triumph, Frankel maintains his outstanding record through a colt from Saturne. The Gr.1 Prix du Moulin winner, sold to Narvick International and Grand Stud for US$4.2 million at Fasig-Tipton's November Sale, produces her first foal through the champion sire. This multiple Group One-placed mare's offspring represents significant investment potential.
Preceding the foal auction, 233 yearlings enter the ring with offspring from Group and grade one winners spanning America, France, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Chile, and Argentina. The sire roster features Bricks And Mortar, Candy Ride, Contrail, Efforia, Epiphaneia, Kitasan Black, Lord Kanaloa, and Maurice, ensuring exceptional genetic diversity throughout the catalogue.