Waller unearths another Ardrossan
On Wednesday at Sandown, Climb The Ladder announced himself as a rising star for Chris Waller and his team, storming to a dominant 4.75-length win second-up.
Racing in the navy blue and pale yellow spotted silks of prominent owner Ozzie Kheir, the three-year-old son of Ardrossan was expertly piloted by Damian Lane.
In a case of déjà vu, Stakes winner Saltcoats (Ardrossan) also carries these colours under Waller’s care, further highlighting the impact of his sire.
It has been a standout seven weeks for Ardrossan, with three Trans-Tasman Group winners and three additional Stakes performers:
Beau Dazzler – Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes winner (16 December), now targeting the Gr.1 Queensland Derby.
Yaldi – Gr.2 Auckland Guineas winner (26 December).
Ardalio – Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy winner on Karaka Millions night (25 January).
His Stakes performers over this period also include Saltcoats (Chris Waller) and the Group-placed fillies Renovations (three years old) and Almakeitgood (two years old).
From just 32 runners in this seven-week span, Ardrossan has sired seven winners, six Stakes horses, and is striking at an impressive 10.2% Stakes winners-to-runners and 5.1% Group winners-to-runners.
His results are even more remarkable considering his small crops – just 137 live foals, 59 runners, 25 winners, and nine Stakes horses.
Waikato Stud will offer a filly by Ardrossan at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale as Lot 244 – click to view.
Five winners in five days for Ocean Park
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Ardrossan’s Ardalio in the NZB Kiwi contention
All the King’s horses for all the King’s Men—Ardalio is set for another big stage, this time in the NZB Kiwi. The lightly raced filly has secured a slot in the $3.5 million feature on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day, bringing high hopes and strong connections to Ellerslie on March 8.
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