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 New Zealand bloodstock agent Rob McAnulty’s brilliant reputation for selecting top quality yearlings was reinforced today at Sandown Lakeside when the impeccably bred colt Danever put in a sterling performance to win the Thomas North Super Vobis Plate 1200m.
Purchased by McAnulty at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from Coolmore Stud as agent for a hefty $850,000, Danever was entrusted to master two-year-old conditioner David Hayes who turned the colt out in excellent shape and ready to fire for his debut. McAnulty was responsible for selecting 2002 Magic Millions sales topper Danbird for $1.1 million, which was the most expensive yearling in Magic Millions history until the sale of the Sadler's Wells x Ha Ha colt on the opening day of this year's sale for $1.3 million. Settling near the tail of the field for much of the journey, jockey John Didham gave the inexperienced Danever plenty of galloping room by pushing him to the outside in the straight where he pounced on the leaders to surge away with a powerful win. Hayes has enjoyed an amazing season with his two-year-olds thus far with 19 of his youngsters tasting victory on raceday. Flying filly I’ve Got Chills and classy colt Churchill Downs, who is among the fancied runners for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic later today, have lead the charge for Hayes but he maintains Danever, yet another son of Danehill, is a really exciting prospect and worthy of inclusion amongst his star brigade. “I think this horse has a huge future….he’s right up the top of the list,” said an effervescent Hayes. “He strikes me as a real Sires Produce, Champagne Stakes type of horse.” “He wasn’t quite sharp enough for the Magic Millions.” Danever is a lovely sort who looks every inch an equine aristocrat and Hayes believes he will furnish into a lovely three-year-old – much the same as Churchill Downs. “He is a very similar horse to Churchill Downs actually but I would say Churchill has a bit more speed at this stage,” he opined. The first foal from the Irish River mare Riveryev, Danever is bred on the very successful Danehill-Riverman cross which is responsible for producing the legendary Makybe Diva and more recently the G2 AJC Villiers Stakes winner Aqua D’Amore. Riveryev is out of the French stakes placed Nureyev mare Viva En Paix whose only other offspring Shana, by Darshaan, is the dam of the talented Queensland galloper Chasin’ Tail. Photo: Martin King Sportpix
© 2010 Published 14/01/06
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