Selecting the ideal yearling at the 2025 Ladbrokes Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale, set down for the 23rd of February (the biggest and best option in the north in 2025) requires thorough preparation and a keen eye for detail. Here are key steps to guide your selection process:
- Study the Catalogue: Begin by reviewing the sale catalogue, which provides essential information on each yearling's pedigree, conformation, and other pertinent details. The 2025 Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale Catalogue is available online through the Nutrien Equine Portal https://portal.nutrienequine.com.au/catalogues/93
- Assess Pedigree: A yearling's pedigree offers insights into its potential performance. Examine the successful patterns of high achieving ancestors, focusing on traits such as speed, stamina, and temperament. Understanding bloodlines can help predict racing capabilities. The best percentage play is to stick to the yearlings sired by renowned stallions such as American Ideal, Art Major, Bettors Delight, Bettors Wish, Captaintreacherous, Downbytheseaside, Stay Hungry, and Sweet Lou.
- Evaluate Conformation: Physical conformation is crucial in determining a horse's suitability for racing. Look for a balanced build, straight legs, and a strong back. Observing the yearling's movement can also provide clues about its athletic potential.
- Observe Temperament: A calm and cooperative demeanour is beneficial in racehorses. Spend time watching the yearling's behaviour in various settings to assess its temperament and how it handles stress.
- Rank the stud farms based on race track performance: Before finalising your selections, make sure the stud farm has a track record of producing horses that have the ability to win major races; ie. Has that stud produced Group 1 & sale race champions ? This examination of the studs can reveal where the next major winners will come from. Great example Baring Bloodstock, the farm that totally dominated the $156,000 sale race in 2024, with the winner and first 6 of 7 horse across the line, will be a great starting point.
- Set a Budget: Determine your budget in advance and be mindful of it during the auction. Keep in mind that yearlings with exceptional pedigrees or conformation may command higher prices and its always prudent to “Buy the one you want – not the one you're left with!
- Take Action : As Roy T Benett said “You need to have faith in yourself. Be brave and take risks. You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward. Lucrative Race Series Eligibility: All Qbred horses presented at the sale are eligible for multiple high-stakes race series, including:
A well-bred yearling is like a blank canvas of possibility, to think this crop of Qbred yearlings will be able to compete for Group 1 Triad Series for 2YOs for each sex $150,000 and $153,000 for each sex 3Y0s.
Plus the exclusive Sunshine Stars $125,000 each sex 2YOs and $100,000 each sex 3YOs and the each sex $50,000 4YOs finals.
Additionally all the Sunshine Stars Yearlings get to double dip and they can also compete for the National Series, estimate based on 2024 series.
( 2 x $175,000 each sex 2YO final )
( 2 x $100,000 each sex 3YO final )
Don’t forget the $52,000 Wayne Wilson Memorial which is held at Albion Park each June. The prestigious each sex Group 1 Triad Series for 2YOs & 3Y0s,
By meticulously following these steps, you can enhance your chances of selecting a yearling with promising racing potential at the upcoming sale. If the above sounds a little challenging, best to contact Dean Baring on 0459 215 333 for further information.
If sales information or assistance is needed.
Please contact one of the Brisbane 2025 Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale team at any time.
Mark Barton 0419 488 256
Gemma Smallmon 0447 356 549
