Half-Sister to More Bountiful at Karaka

A filly in the Festival Sale has seen a huge rise in her residual value thanks to the performance of her half-brother, More Bountiful, in the Group 1 HKJC Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m).

More Bountiful (Van Nistelrooy - Centaine Gu Li, by Centaine) ran an inch away from victory in the Group 1 event won by fellow Kiwi-bred Thumbs-Up (Shinko King - Regelle, by Exploding Prospect). In doing so he demonstrated his grit and determination that won him five straight in Hong Kong this season before the narrow defeat in the mile feature.

More Bountiful, trained by John Size, has shown all the attributes of a quality stayer that should bring him very close to first place in the prestigious Group 1 Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby (2000m), set for 22 March.

Bred by Helen Phinney of Masterton, More Bountiful was sold at the 2006 NZB South Island Sale by Little Avondale Stud where he was purchased by John Foote Bloodstock for $38,000. He is now raced in Hong Kong by the Lucky Lord syndicate.

Newmarket Lodge Stud will offer Lot 1610, a half sister to More Bountiful, at the Festival session of Karaka 2009 on account of her breeder. The filly by Towkay descends from the great Sheralee (Sovereign Edition), winner of twelve races from 800m to 2000m including the Group 1 ARC Ellerslie Championship Stakes and five other Group races.

John O'Brien of Newmarket Lodge Stud is very happy with their Towkay filly.

"She is a lovely big strong filly that we are really looking forward to putting before buyers".

John also informed us that Centaine Gu Li has a Keeper filly at foot and she is safely in-foal to Newmarket Lodge's young sire Gold Centre, a full brother to Elvstroem.

Racing throughout Asia and South Africa on the weekend also produced significant updates to yearlings offered at Karaka 2009.

Lot 77 - Filly by Viking Ruler x Lady Dehere: half-brother Oracy (Zabeel) won the Turffontein Computaform Express Graduation Plate (1600m).

Lot 199 - Filly by Pins x Rivertaine: half-brother Regency Horse (Stravinsky) won the HKJC Baker Handicap (1200m).

Lot 322 - Colt by Thorn Park x Westside Story: half-brother It's My Magic (Magic of Sydney) won the Singapore TC Canadian High Commission Trophy (2000m).

Lot 355 - Colt by Pins x Astrology: half-brother Rewarding Star (O'Reilly) won the HKJC Dyer Handicap (1600).

Lot 746 - Filly by High Chaparral x Quarry: half-brother The Real Thing (Traditionally) won the Singapore TC Canadian International School Trophy (2200m).