BUYERS could pick up potential stars at good prices when auctioneers Andrew Miller and Mike Killassy open the bidding at the two-day 2008 Sibaya Yearling Sale, starting today at noon, at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom near Umhlanga Rocks.

The progeny of top sires will be more accessible to smaller buyers at this venue than at the National Yearling Sale, where all sales records were smashed.

Veteran racing scribe David Mollett, writing in Racing Express, says buyers will have more chance of “picking up a cheapish horse than backing the July winner”.

His personal choice among the 292 consigned lots is True Spirit (Lot 108), a daughter of Silvano from the Model Man mare True Match, whose only racing progeny is already a progressive three-time winner.

Mollett predicted that Cigano (Lot 243) would be the 2008 sales topper. This Rathmor-bred half-brother to smart sprinter Surabi is the only representative of established stallion Jallad who will pass through the sales ring.

But the many supporters of the impressive Silvano have been quick to point out that Lot 220, a filly from an own sister to Yard Arm, is similarly well bred and just as worthy of early accolades.

This, however, is the kind of sale where the shrewd students of thoroughbred conformation will most certainly walk away with value buys. There are several lots with “hidden’’ clues in their damlines which, when matched to good looks, are likely to produce a few surprises among the top-priced lots.

An example is Lot 41, Reaction, a filly by Counter Action from Raise-A-Royal, a damline that doesn’t catch the eye at first glance, though at closer scrutiny shows that she is a half-sister to vastly improved sprinter Brother Bear and from the same family as Fiery Fred.

Cool Zone (Lot 79) is by Captain Al from a young mare Spumante, who threw Listed-placed Captain Spartha among her first three foals and will have more than a few buyers opening her stable door.

Mollett quite rightly sung the praises of Scott Bros’ stallion Mogok, whose bay colt Mo’Pepper (Lot 169), consigned by Hallmark Thoroughbreds, is bred along exceptionally speedy lines.

Other notable lots include Lot 95 (a half-brother to Tyson by freshman sire DuPont), Lot 101 (a half-sister to Sahara by Spaceship); Lot 104 (a half-brother to Buy and Sell by Announce); and Lot 283, a colt by Travel North from a half-sister to Pocket Power and River Jetez.

This year’s BSA Bonus Incentive comprises a R100 000 to be paid to the owner or owners of the first Sibaya graduate by a first or 2nd season sire to win a Grade 1 race during its two- or three-year-old career.

In addition a bonus of R100 000 will be paid to the owner or owners of the first Sibaya graduate by an established sire to win a Grade 1 race in its two- or three-year-old career.

The Yearling Sale will be followed on Tuesday, 8 July, by the Sibaya KZN Mare, Weanling and Horses-in-Training Sale.
(Source: SA Horseracing)