Londonderry (NSW) couple Neal and Michelle Wardle, who have been strong supporters of APG for many years, have entered six superbly bred weanlings – three colts and three fillies – for the Winter Mix Sale

The draft comprises two colts by the world champion and USA 3YO Colt of the Year Confederate, two fillies by the siring sensation Bettor’s Delight, a colt by last year’s leading sire Sweet Lou and a filly by champion juvenile sire Art Major.

The two Confederate youngsters are both very nice types and good doers, according to Neal.

“I really like the Confederate breed. They are very intelligent individuals and easy to handle,” he said.

Lot 2 is a leggy colt out of the Rock N Roll Heaven mare Heaven Helpus NZ, a half-sister to Sooner The Bettor ($752,265), who finished runner-up to Leap To Fame in the 2024 Miracle Mile, and the NZ 2YO of the Year and Derby winner The More The Better 1:49 ($856,440).

Furthermore, the weanling belongs to the immediate family of the standout NZ pacers Christian Cullen, Kate’s First and Got The Chocolates.

A late foal, Lot 5 ranks as a half-brother to the APG Gold Bullion winner and 2021 NSW 2YO Colt of the Year My Ultimate Byron ($543,793), now racing successfully in America.

The grand-dam Bishop’s Dream is a half to the Breeders Crown champion Devil Dodger ($724,666) and the NZ Sales Classic and Winter Cup victor The Devil’s Own 1:48 ($646,315).

The first of the two Bettor’s Delight fillies is Lot 13, out of the SA Southern Cross winner Punch Line, whose first foal He’s Ideal won the Vicbred Platinum Series and Hobart Pacing Cup.

She’s from the same branch of the noted Larrakeyah Lady tribe as top pacers the calibre of Petracca, Treachery, Major Secret, Beauty Secret, Perfect Class and Perfect Major.

“She’s a typical Bettor’s Delight, easy to handle and has good conformation. She ticks all the boxes,” Wardle stated.

Lot 14, the other Bettor’s Delight filly, appeals as a fine dual purpose prospect, being a half-sister to the NSW Breeders Challenge winner Tay Tay ($390,891) and the Reg Withers Classic winner Struve.

Her first two dams have a 100 percent strike rate – 19 foals for 19 winners.

“She’s a lovely, big filly with good length,” Neal said.

Lot 16 is a strongly built chestnut colt by the great Sweet Lou from the 1:56.5 mare Miss Brazilian, a half-sister to nine winners including Benicio ($319,169), Mister Brazil ($247,821) and the NSW Breeders Challenge Blue winner Let’s Go To Brazil ($218,376).

He’s a close relative of the APG winners Louvre, Miss Hazel, the Derby winner Renaissance Man, Promiseland (NSW Pink Bonnet), Oliver Dan, My General Lee and many others.

The Art Major filly (Lot 9) is an all-American bred youngster, being out of Smyrna Duruisseau, the dam of 12 foals for nine winners – seven in 2:00 – highlighted by the NZ and Australian 2YO Colt of the Year and successful sire Follow The Stars and the Group 1 winner First Responder.

“I’ve bred five foals out of the mother and she’s the nicest one she’s left. She’s got good size and length,” Neal said.

The weanlings are all eligible for the NSW Breeders Challenge.

Bidding is currently open with closing set to begin at 5pm AEST today! Don’t miss your chance to step in and place a bid on these top-quality weanlings before the price jumps up at next years yearling sales. For more information on these and other Lots, check the catalogue and register as a bidder today!

From APG Media