In a means to maximise exposure, Rockhampton’s Capricornia Yearling Sale which is Australia’s first dedicated online sale of its kind, has had its tenure extended by a week.
Originally and historically a “live” auction sale (April 5) canned as an early victim of COVID-19, its unique online counterpart was substituted to commence on bloodstockauction.com from this morning.
This was done so to capitalise on the hype around its flagship, the exclusive graduate’s only race, the $125,000 (now $75K) CYS 2YO Classic (1200m) which will be run at Callaghan Park today.
However, it became apparent to Rockhampton Jockey Club promoters that the hastily convened format and timespan of the online sale would be better served for all stakeholders with a timeframe extension.
This will allow greater perusal time for potential buyers to access online material submitted by vendors of the 101 yearling’s which will be auctioned.
Accordingly, the bloodstockauction.com website listing all relevant material and catalogue of the CYS will commence from tomorrow.
It will then run until the final countdown commences at 7pm on Tuesday, April 14 when yearling lots will enter a virtual sales ring and bidding will be finalised.
Announcing the revised schedule late yesterday afternoon, the RJC’s CEO Tony Fenlon said he believed the time extension would be widely accepted.
“The general feeling was that buyers simply did not have sufficient time to make proper assessments analysing all the online date available about the yearlings. It probably just wasn’t suitable to have commencing on the night of the big sale’s race and then just over a day to finalise buying for next year’s big race in mind”, Fenlon said.
Anthony Gafa, Director of bloodstock.auction.com agreed.
“This will now allow potential purchasers just under a week to analyse the online catalogue, view photos and videos, place bids and contact vendors to arrange an inspection of yearlings’’, Gafa said.
Neville Stewart, the proprietor of Oaklands Stud, the biggest vendor at the CYS over the past decade threw his support behind the extended schedule.
“It’s a very good idea all-round as it particularly gives the trainers more time to source clients and put together ownership partnerships,” Stewart said.
“The RJC is trying under difficult circumstances to get the best result out of the sales for everyone involved be it vendors or buyers. I must say Tony Fenlon the CEO is very enthusiastic and has done a very good job with his committee putting all this (revamped online sale) together.
"No, it certainly has my support as you can only say the RJC is trying to help us all out.”
Oaklands Stud has the largest representation in today’s CYS 2YO Classic (1200m) which is arguably the most open of its kind since first run in 1988.
Unquestionably there is no standout runner in the 16-horse field which may be reduced to 14 through jockey unavailability.
The Tom Button trained Miss Lot Won (Mark Barnham, barrier 17) had the best early season juvenile form for certain but her last start failure at Callaghan Park has thrown a shroud over her chances.
Furthermore, the race has become even more complex with the majority of the main chances being drawn extremely wide meaning their usual racing pattern may be compromised.
It’s an entirely different scenario in the $50K CYS 3& 4YO Classic (1300m) where topweight Marway (61.5kg) is a standout on form.
However, “weight stops trains” and Marway (Brad Pengelly) has to concede his nine rivals 6.5 Kg (a stone) and if he is to be beaten that will be the logical reason.
Adrian Coome’s recent addition, courtesy of COVID-19 boundary restrictions in Hezhome (Tasha Chambers) looks capable of steamrolling Marway under the weights.
Wide Load (Race 9 – TAB 2) looms as the best bet on the Rockhampton nine race marathon card.