Three Bridges Thoroughbreds decided to bring precocious speed to Victorian breeders in the shape of Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Unencumbered and the brilliant son of Testa Rossa has done all that could be asked of him to this point in time.
Covering books of 119 mares and then 125 last year, Unencumbered will move to around the 140 mark this year and that's a vote of confidence that has the Liston family of Three Bridges looking keenly to the future.
"We can't wait to launch them at the Magic Millions next year, he is the
perfect example of the Magic Millions Speed model and his progeny have
certainly taken after their old man's speed, strength and soundness," said Toby
Liston."They will be trainers horses, so we're pretty excited about meeting the market with them come January."
Magic Millions may get the first bite at the cherry, but Inglis Bloodstock Manager (Victoria) Simon Vivian is also keen to shower praise on Unencumbered, whose progeny will be a highlight at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale at Oaklands.
"I have seen a significant number of Unencumbered youngsters and, collectively, they look like ready-made racehorses," Vivian revealed.
"Unencumbered himself was a precocious juvenile, upholding his pedigree. Being by Testa Rossa, a champion 3YO sprinter who won 5 races at 2 years, his maternal-line sires include More Than Ready and Marscay…..a pretty sound recipe for success.
"We look forward to offering a quality draft of yearlings by him at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale."
Follow through numbers in successive crops is the key to ongoing success for a young stallion and in that regard Unencumbered has been well supported.
"He covered 40 stakes producers or stakes winners in his second season and looks like eclipsing that again this year, so he has another quality book for sure," Liston added.
Among the breeders supporting Unencumbered is Rick Jamieson of Gilgai Farm, which has become a premium boutique source of Group I winners with past success coming not only with Black Caviar and All Too Hard, but also current Group I stars such as Jameka and The Quarterback.
"He's a very good early fast horse with plenty of natural speed and has a wonderful physique with a breeding pattern that is appealing to breed to," said Jamieson.
"I fully expect him to have more than his fair share of success when his progeny hit the track. I have confidently sent mares to him each year and have no hesitation continuing to do so."
Below are some of the new season foals by Unencumbered, all three from stakes-winning mares.
Filly Unencumbered x Absolutelyfabulous, 5 wins and $830,325 inc. Group III
Newcastle Cameron Handicap and second Group I VRC Myer Classic.
Colt Unencumbered x Infinite Grace, 7 wins and $846,500 inc. Group II MRC
Tristarc Stakes and second Group I VRC Emirates Stakes.
Filly Unencumbered x Corsaire, two time Listed winner from just six starts.
Unencumbered stands at a fee of $13,200 and for more information contact Toby Liston on 0407 181 466 or Peter Liston on 0419 837 567and visit Three Bridges Thoroughbreds.
