19th October Update
No runners last week but plenty of excitement with the purchase of Surrey Bolt and plenty to look forward to in terms of runners over the next few weeks.
Before last years’ UK Yearling sales we made a few changes to our buying strategy. The fact we have managed to acquire a horse with the potential of Surrey Bolt, suggests it is working. The changes involved getting the trainers more involved in the buying process, to increase accountability, and focusing on younger stallions or dams who have the potential to be the very best. We also decided to pay less attention to minor physical imperfections that are unlikely to impact later performance (subject always to a full veterinary report). This approach has helped us buy a horse with the profile of Surrey Bolt, whose dam is unraced and hasn’t previously produced a foal (as with Surrey Etoile) but whose pedigree is of the highest quality. The reality is that an unproven dam in terms of form or foals, knocks tens of thousands of Pounds off the price, regardless of how well they are bred. Similarly, Surrey Moon who had small feet and wasn’t the biggest, is now over16 hands and has normal size feet. Finally, there is Surrey King who is by Palace Pier, a young sire who at the time of purchase was largely unproven but this year is very much in vogue. This is reflected in the fact that the average price of Palace Pier yearlings at the recent Book 1 sale increased by 100% from last year and were up 60% at Book 2. The key is trying to keep ahead of the curve.
Although there is always the risk that a younger sire or dam might not live up to expectations, we feel that by focusing on horses with the best possible pedigree and not being afraid to take a calculated risk, we are raising the ceiling in terms of potential for the type of horses we are now buying.
On Tuesday we will have Surrey Shadow back on the racetrack at Yarmouth. Just having him fit and well again is obviously a relief. There is light rain around and although we may have liked it a little softer, he goes into the race having worked well at home. A number of owners have asked about a possible reserve price at the sale. It is impossible to make a sensible judgement about this until after his run because his performance at Yarmouth will be a major factor in his value. We will be in touch with the owners later in the week to discuss options.
We may also have Surrey King making his racecourse debut at Newbury on Friday in a 1m Novice. Surrey King has been working well at home, although he is still very green. Should he not run this Friday, Nottingham on 29th October would be the next target.
Surrey Moon is progressing nicely and is now doing two canters regularly, including Warren Hill. He has enjoyed working on the grass and the focus is on building up his strength, although he already looks great physically. His work will continue to increase and the hope is that he will have his first quicker gallop in 2-3 weeks time.
No further news on Surrey Etoile but his legs remain good and his work continues to increase gradually.
The three NH horse are really well. Surrey Quest and Surrey Lord are ready to run and Sea Presenting is about 3 weeks behind and will be ready to go mid November. Both Quest and Lord had a day out at Lambourn on Friday and worked really well together, before having a proper schooling session. There are possible races for Quest next weekend at Cheltenham (Saturday 25th) or Aintree (Sunday 26th) but the more likely options are Aintree, Newbury and Lingfield between 6th and 11th November. Lord has plenty of options in early November and Toby will be looking at potential races at Stratford, Uttoxeter, Huntingdon, Warwick and Chepstow between 30th October and 5th November. Sea Presenting is most likely to reappear at Uttoxeter on 15th November but there are earlier options available should she be ready before then.
Possible races and events.
October
Tuesday 21st – Surrey Shadow - Yarmouth
Friday 24th – Surrey King – Newbury
Saturday 25th – Surrey Quest – Cheltenham
Surrey Shadow – Doncaster
Sunday 26th – Surrey Quest - Aintree
Monday 27th Tattersalls HIT Sale – Surrey Shadow Lot 267
Wednesday 29th Tattersalls HIT Sale – Surrey Fire Lot 901
Wednesday 29th – Surrey King – Nottingham
Thursday 30th – Surrey Lord – Stratford
Friday 31st – Surrey Lord – Uttoxeter
November
Sunday 2nd – Surrey Lord – Huntingdon
Tuesday 4th – Surrey Lord – Warwick
Wednesday 5th – Surrey Lord - Chepstow
Thursday 6th - Surrey Quest - Newbury
Saturday 8th – Surrey Quest – Aintree
Saturday 15th – Sea Presenting – Uttoxeter