Exceptional pedigrees and striking types stand out among the top foals of 2024. Kristen Manning from ttrausnz.com.au caught up with breeders and stud staff to hear their top picks from this year's exciting arrivals.
Which foals will go to which sales, which will be retained, who will train them, what will a good name be, all the fun things breeders do as they dream of their next big winner.
Trelawney's Brent Taylor is one example of a breeder who has his thinking cap on right from the start of a young horse's life.
“During their first few months I've pretty much made up my mind which fillies I want to keep for our future racing/breeding team,” he said.
“Sometimes it's because we don't have a filly from a particular mare, or I just really like the mating and am taken by the resulting foal.”
“During their first few months I've pretty much made up my mind which fillies I want to keep... Sometimes it's because we don't have a filly from a particular mare, or I just really like the mating and am taken by the resulting foal.” - Brent Taylor
He has been happy with the 2024 crop, noting that “we have been fortunate to produce some very good foals again this year.”
With the planning and care that goes into breeding thoroughbreds, it is usual for a stud to be pleased by the overall quality of their foals; of course, there will always be the disappointments but against that there are those moments of delight; the standout foals.
And first impressions can be so important, Taylor already knowing which foal is the Trelawney favourite.
“As soon as I saw the Savabeel filly from Vamos Bebe I knew she was a keeper for the race team,” he said.
“She is a beautiful, quality filly; bold in her attitude and a standout on type from a fast mare who has produced a standout colt (also by Savabeel) for Karaka 2025.”
“As soon as I saw the Savabeel filly from Vamos Bebe I knew she was a keeper for the race team. She is a beautiful, quality filly; bold in her attitude and a standout on type...” - Brent Taylor
A stakes-placed three-time winner, Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) (a $200,000 yearling) is a daughter of the G1 Myer Classic winner Hurtle Myrtle (Dane Shadow) who has done a good job at stud with her five winners including the dual Group 3-winning sprinter Holyfield (I Am Invincible).
