Daughter of Churchill Tops Karaka Book 2 Opener

Prominent trainer Roger James' admiration for champion European racehorse Churchill combined with South Island breeders' foresight to buy a mare from Australia in foal to the Coolmore shuttle sire has paid a big dividend, with the resulting youngster topping the first Book 2 session at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale Jan. 27.

Robert Wellwood, James' co-trainer, identified the filly during on-complex inspections, and his senior partner gave the tick of approval to go to the session-high NZ$200,000 (US$144,263) for the Berkley Stud-bred and -consigned filly.

She was one of nine lots to make NZ$100,000 or more on a day in which the quality yearlings stood out and drew domestic and international competition, leading to an average of NZ$43,240 ($31,190), up 25% on the same session last year.

James described his latest acquisition as "a star filly.

"I haven't got an owner for her yet, but that is the next job, trying to find one," he said.

"She has got everything. She is by a great racehorse, and she has got the ability to be a Karaka Million horse.

"I only saw her this morning. Robert stayed up last night, and he did the shortlist.

"I didn't think I would have to pay that money for her, but I had the bit between my teeth and fillies like that are quite rare."

James, who was underbidder on NZ$1.85 million worth of yearlings in Book 1, is well aware of the racetrack credentials of Churchill, a European champion 2-year-old and dual Guineas (G1)-winning miler.

"I followed his whole career," the trainer said. 

"He was a very fast horse for a Galileo. People normally associate Galileos with a bit of time, but he was a great 2- and 3-year-old, and he held a world ranking at some stage.

"They don't get that without being pretty special."

Cataloged as Lot 725, the filly is the first foal out of five-time winner Astrid, herself a half sister to talented Australian-raced, listed-winning filly Astronomia. The filly's second dam, Astralita, was also a group 2 winner in Adelaide. 

The session-topper's price tag was a big result for Berkley Stud's Edwina Morris and Alan Jones, who bought Astrid in foal to the sire from Willow Park Stud at the 2019 Inglis Great Southern Sale.

"We bought the mare, one of two we got in Melbourne. We have always liked Pins mares, and she has a lot of quality, a big eye, and is very tidy," Morris said.

"She was in foal to Churchill, and we liked his chances too, being a fast son of Galileo. I think we got her for AU$50,000 ($34,260).

"There was huge interest in the filly. She is going to be bigger than her mother, and her X-rays and scope were excellent.

"We thought she'd make $50,000 to $60,000 and she has gone to a great stable, so we are delighted."