Proven Pacers Promised at Weanling Sale

Bloodstock investors will be spoilt for choice with the array of siring genetics on offer at the 2025 NZB Standardbred Weanling Sale at Karaka on June 26, highlighted by pacing sensations and stallions on the rise.

Champion producers Bettor’s Delight and Art Major are set to add to their incredible legacies in the Karaka sales ring, while Always B Miki, American Ideal, Captain Crunch, Downbytheseaside, Lazarus, and Sweet Lou are also strongly represented.
 

Bettor’s Delight

Bettor’s Delight has made an impact on the standardbred breeding world like no other sire before. In his 23rd season at stud in New Zealand, the legendary sire has shown no signs of slowing down with NZB Standardbred graduates Marketplace (NZ), Allamericanplayer (NZ) and Republican Party (NZ) among his latest wave of stars.

There will be three opportunities to purchase the sire’s progeny at the upcoming Sale. Lot 1039, from the Group One producing mare Running on Faith (NZ) (Soky’s Atom), Lot 1049 from Tania Tandias (Falcon Seelster), while Lot 1079 is a filly from the regally-bred Christian Cullen mare, Georgia Brooke (NZ).
 

Always B Miki

From Group One Nullabar winner Mister Smartee (NZ) to Derby winner Cold Chisel (NZ), Always B Miki has been a proven source of talent on Australasian tracks. His yearlings recently fetched a top price of $190,000 at this year’s National Yearling Sale.

Buyers will have the opportunity to purchase between six weanlings in this year’s catalogue.

A highlight being Lot 1050, a filly from the Mach Three mare Alchemist (NZ), who has produced Group One performer Alta Meteor (NZ) and Group winners Justcallmemiki (NZ). Both weanling Sale graduates, alongside rising talent Always B Misty (NZ) who was a $115,000 purchase by Stonewall Stud at the 2023 National Yearling Sale.


Downbytheseaside

After a stellar year for his progeny on the racetrack, highlighted by Group One winners Fugitive (NZ) and Jumal (NZ), Downbytheseaside’s progeny are once again set to be popular in the Karaka sales ring.

With his yearlings selling up to $150,000 in February, pinhookers and end-users could find great value at the upcoming weanling sale, with ten weanlings set to go under the NZB hammer.                                       

Lot 1015, a colt from the Bettor’s Delight mare Maddison’s Delight, is a sibling to Group One winner American Dealer (NZ) (American Ideal) and Group Three winner Sugar Apple (Sweet Lou), while Lot 1029 is a daughter of Group One producer Panforte (NZ) (Christan Cullen).
 

Art Major

After notching up two decades in the breeding barn, Art Major continues to produce stars. Merlin (NZ) has dominated elite-level racing in New Zealand while fellow NZB Standardbred graduate Cyclone Jordy (NZ) is the next rising star at Group One level by the stallion.

Art Major has six weanlings on offer in this year’s catalogue including one for pinhookers and end-users alike in Lot 1070, a filly from winning mare and Group One producer Flying Mrs Williams (NZ) (Falcon Seelster).
 

Sweet Lou

Sweet Lou is coming off another outstanding year, with his remarkable results in New Zealand headed by Group One Northern Oaks winner Arafura (NZ), and Australasian rising stars Penny Black (NZ), Duchess Megxit (NZ), Mantra Blue (NZ) and Jolimont (NZ).

A total of nine weanlings by Sweet Lou will be offered in the Karaka sales ring this coming June including:

Lot 1051, a filly from the winning Bettor’s Delight mare Victors Delight (NZ), while immediately following, Dancingonmoonlight’s Lot 1052, a filly from young mare Wiggleit Jigglet (Arstplace), who in turn is from Group One producer Sirus Flight (The Big Dog). She has produced a talented race family, including Group One winner Rakero Rebel (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven).
 

All weanlings purchased at the 2025 National Weanling Sale at Karaka are eligible to be entered for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one-million-dollar prize pool. 

For those attending the Sale and requiring assistance with travel and accommodation, contact travel@nzb.co.nz, or book directly with special rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel here.

View the full 2025 National Standardbred Weanling Sale catalogue including supplementary lots online here.

For more information about the Sale contact NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or email Cam.Bray@nzb.co.nz.