Southern Skye - The one to watch

 

The relocation in 2005 of Danasinga from New Zealand to Baerami Thoroughbreds in the Hunter Valley realized its first black-type success when Southern Skye scored an impressive victory in the Listed Geelong Classic over 2200m.

One of 70-odd foals born as a result of Danasinga's first season at stud in Australia, Southern Skye battled-out the final stages of the Classic trial to score by a neck, prompting connections to declare the 3-year-old as a live VRC Victoria Derby (G1) chance come Saturday, October 31.

Southern Skye was bred by Baerami Thoroughbreds from the Southern Halo mare Aurora Australis (USA) and offered at the 2008 Sydney Classic Yearling Sale where he was passed-in for $37,500. Subsequent negotiations saw him claimed for clients of the Paul Perry stable.

The affordability of the Danasinga (pictured) breed has always seen the stallion's stock particularly popular with astute training establishments and the 2008 sales were no exception. In addition to Paul Perry acquiring Southern Skye, the likes of Chris Waller, Bevan Laming, Shaun Dwyer, Ken Sweeney, David Balfour and Stephen Schofield all bought a member of the proven sire's first Australian-bred crop, as did Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm outfit.

Significantly, representatives of this crop have already contested the AJC Reginald Allen Quality (LR-1400m), AJC Ming Dynasty Quality (LR-1800m), STC Gloaming Stakes (G3-1800m) and AJC Spring Champion Stakes (G1-2000m), and now taken the Geelong Classic (LR-2200m) --- with a full season of 3-year-old Classics still waiting ahead!

As Baerami Thoroughbreds principal Paul Higgins pointed out following the Geelong Classic success of Southern Skye: "The result perfectly illustrates the value of using proven stallions, both as racehorses under Australian conditions and then as sires of superior runners."

And there would seem much more is to follow. This year's domestic bloodstock sales witnessed members of the second Australian bred-crop of Danasinga purchased by the likes of Anthony Cummings, John Foote and Aquanita Racing Stables. In addition, among the more prominent breeding organizations that have sent mares to the stallion in recent time include Baramul, Invermein and Torryburn.

Danasinga is presently serving his fifth consecutive book of mares at Baerami Thoroughbreds and is available again this year at a fee of $11,000 (inc. 10% GST). For more information, contact Paul Higgins on 02 6547 5136 or 0429 475 136.