Half-Brother to At the Heads at Karaka 2012

Half-Brother to At the Heads at Karaka 2012

Racing at Flemington on Saturday saw Karaka graduates take three races on the card, including At the Heads (NZ) who won his first race at black-type level when claiming the feature $150,000 Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m).

Trained by Danny O'Brien, At the Heads (Hussonet x The Quarewan) proved too tough for the field as he loomed up to leader Mr Make Believe (Commands) at the 200 metre mark and raced away to a one-and-a-quarter length victory, running the last 600 metres in 34.22 seconds.

A horse that has not been in the winners circle since 8 January 2011, when he won over 1400 metres at Caulfield, the victory was the son of Hussonet's fifth from 19 raceday appearances, and has taken his stakes earnings to over A$300,000.

Bred by Des Hawkins' Llanhennock Trust, At The Heads was purchased by Danny O'Brien Racing from Wentwood Grange at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Premier Sale for $130,000.

With a draft of 27 yearlings in the National Yearling Sales Series, Wentwood Grange will be offering a half-brother to At The Heads by High Chaparral at the Karaka Premier Sale at Lot 495 and a video of the colt can be viewed online.

Other highlights from the Wentwood Grange draft include:

* The O'Reilly filly at Lot 312 and the Henrythenavigator colt at Lot 317, both out of daughters of the Group 1 winner and producer Marquise (Gold and Ivory), a blueblooded daughter of Eight Carat (Pieces of Eight).

* Lot 500, the Volksraad filly from the Stravinsky mare Tipple, a half-sister to Melbourne Cup winner Brew (Sir Tristram) and a daughter of the outstanding Group 1 winner and producer Horlicks (Three Legs).

New Zealand Bloodstock's 2012 National Yearling Sales Series is set to commence on Monday 30 January at 10am. For news and sales information visit www.nzb.co.nz.

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