Having a close association with Yulong, Dunn has been quite taken by the progeny of Alabama Express, whose first progeny will hit the tracks this season.
The son of Redoute’s Choice claimed the G1 CF Orr S. against the older gallopers before retiring Yulong, serving a debut book of 141 mares.
Among the mares served was the Group 1 victress Foxplay (Foxwedge). The resultant filly has been named Alabama Fox and is in training with Annabel Neasham, with Yulong keeping a stake in the ownership.
“Mr Zhang has sent me quite some progeny by Alabama Express. I quite liked them. They are very athletic horses.”
Dunn is also a big fan of Pierata and was thrilled when Yulong announced they had acquired the Group 1-winning son of Pierro for stud duties from Aquis.
“I’m a big fan of Pierata and his progeny. He throws horses with quite substantial bone and muscle,” Dunn shared with TTR AusNZ.
“They are very athletic horses as well. I would be surprised if Pierata doesn’t make it as a sire.
“I’m a big fan of Pierata and his progeny. I would be surprised if Pierata doesn’t make it as a sire.” – Nathan Dunn
“He was an outstanding racehorse with an iron constitution. I really liked a few of his yearlings at the Magic Millions.
“Mr Zhang took quite a bit of notice of his progeny on the ground as well and managed to secure the stallion, which has been a huge coup for Victoria.”
Grunt (NZ) was another Yulong stallion that impressed Dunn in the early days with the progeny he was sent.
“If you asked me about a first-season sire last year, Grunt would have been in the conversation. I was a big fan of the progeny that Mr Zhang sent me last season.
“If you asked me about a first-season sire last year, Grunt would have been in the conversation. I was a big fan of the progeny that Mr Zhang sent me last season.” – Nathan Dunn
“I’m pleased they are starting to hit their straps now, and he’s getting the runs on the board. He’s had several impressive winners, and, of course, he has a great chance in the Caulfield Guineas with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Veight.”
This is an edited version of the TTR Aus NZ article written by Keely Mckitterick.
