Rondinella Relation a NZB Weanling Standout

Group 1 stars Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) and Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) have vividly illustrated the calibre of weanlings that can be found at Karaka, and the catalogue for New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 National Weanling Sale on 14 May contains plenty of well-credentialled candidates to follow in those footsteps. The catalogue’s 114 pedigrees feature Group 1 form as recently as last weekend. Haunui Farm will offer Lot 61, a close relative to their quality staying mare Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park). Previously a placegetter in the New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Tancred Stakes (2400m), Rondinella added an outstanding second placing (see below) in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) on the second day of The Championships at Randwick on April 17. Rondinella is out of prolific broodmare Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom), who is also the dam of stakes winners Vavasour (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), Vilanova (NZ) (Commands) and Celebrity Dream (NZ) (Thorn Park). Herself a winner at Group 3 and Listed level, Valpolicella is a half-sister to the dam of the filly going through the ring as Lot 61. She is one of nine weanlings in the catalogue by Cambridge Stud’s young shuttle stallion sensation Almanzor (Wooton Bassett), who has quickly made a massive impression in this part of the world. His books of mares have been fully subscribed, and he averaged $193,571 with his first crop of yearlings at Karaka 2021 earlier this year.