Hoping For The Best!

Just as the hopes for Clan Classique took a knock this week so, inevitably, is a fresh dream born. It's the nature of the game.........

Some of you may have read an earlier post of mine where we provided background to the colt Bluemambo - who ran a creditable second in the recent Investec Derby on Met Day. ( See 'That Was My Met & Other Related Topics ).

Being ever gluttons for punishment Robert Bloomberg and I turned up at the Grandwest Yearling Sale last Sunday hoping to acquire the half brother Victor Sylvester ( Silvano x Blue Acres ). Robert was pretty determined whilst I was very willing to 'go along for the ride'.

Unfortunately for us the colt had not gone unnoticed by old hands with a good eye for a racehorse. What ensued was a pretty tense slugging match which Robert eventually won; but not before having to bid him up to fully R 450,000. And 'sales topper' to boot.

Ownership has now been finalised and reads as follows : Robert Bloomberg/ Garrick Bergh / Sharon Holland - each with a one third share. In the meanwhile the colt has reurned to his breeder where he will remain until he is deemed ready for pre-training. Being by Silvano we are all somewhat uncertain as to when that might be but don't expect him to turn out in the early season 800m scurry!

I have to admit that this is something of an about face for me as I have never before been involved in a thoroughbred as flashy/fashionable or as handsome as this one. My 30+ efforts prior to this one have usually elicited howls of mirth or reminders that fully four legs are required to make a racehorse. Yet amongst that group have been some fair performers at prices as low as R18,000. As well as, to be fair, some utter dogs.

So once again I find myself dreaming.............

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He's a lovely colt, Garrick. Certainly not a likely candidate for an early 800m scurry or the juvenile Feature on Met day 2010, but the Derby on Met day 2011...who knows? He's got the pedigree for it, certainly!

Wishing you all the best with your "plunge"...and you do have lucky RJB as a partner.

Thanks Garrick looks superb,all the best to you and Robert.

Goodlooking horse,had a good look and the only question ,"what would the price have been if Bluemambo had not run 2nd"
Nevertheless hope he does you proud,as I said he is very nice.

Looks a 'beaut'!

All the best guys, have fun with him - Jim.

Great Name

all the best with your new horse garrick, maybe another pocket power in the making