Anyone who has been around the New Zealand yearling sale scene over the last 30 years will know who Brian West is.
Since the mid 1980s, Brian has been preparing and selling yearlings for the Christcurch based sale and during that time he has lead the way in introducing things such as specialized feeding and exercise programmes which have revolutionized how yearlings are prepared in 2016 compared to just a few years ago.
The yearlings presented at New Zealand sales in 2016 are up there with anything in the world and Brian has been a big part of that development over the years.
There wouldn't be a major yearling vendor in North America who hasn't had a visit from Brian trying to pick their brains for any knowledge that would help his boutique breeding operation Studholme Park produce a better yearling.
The results would say that Brian is as good as it gets when it comes to producing elite level age group performers and this years draft once again looks full of quality individuals.
I recently sat down with Brian to discuss this years draft and to ask for his opinion on which lots had really impressed him but he wanted his staff involved in the discussion as well .
" I have outstanding staff lead by Jan Payne and I respect their opinion enormously so I will nominate the yearlings that have impressed me but I would like their views to be known as well as they have been with the yearlings since day one," Brian told Harnesslink this week
Brians Selections
Top Colt – Lot 334 – A chestnut colt by Love You from Paramount Star
Just an outstanding colt in every way. He has a lovely attitude, he is with you the whole time. Very quick learner and just a pleasure to work with.
I have bred some elite level trotters in the past but this colt is the next generation up in my opinion.
He just ticks every box for me
Top Filly – Lot 260 – A brown filly by Bettor's Delight from Lancome
This filly reminds me so much of her mother and she has all those little habits that her dam had.
There is a bit of class about her when you work with her and she has a superb temperament which is so critical today.
I have had a lot of high class fillies through Studholme Park over the years and you pick up all the little traits that the elite performers have and this filly has them all in spades.
Sleeper in the draft – Lot 398 – A bay colt by Art Official from Simply Devine
This was an easy selection. Being by Art Official means he is behind the eight ball from the start but the buyers should put their catalogue down and just have a look at the colt.
He is one very well put together colt and a very attractive type in the flesh. A very quick learner who is just a pleasure to do anything with.
Everyone at Studholme Park likes him which is a rare achievement for a yearling here I can tell you.
He is there to be sold so someone is going to get a cheap horse whatever he sells for.
Staffs Selection (Jan Payne)
Top Colt – Lot 312 – A brown colt by Bettor's Delight from My Style
A lovely colt who has all the attributes you look for in those elite colts..
He is a correct attractive colt, who is always cooperative when you are working with him.
He is a very alert colt who is a very quick learner but not one to get stressed.
Just ticks every box and does it easily.
Top Filly – Lot 493 – A bay filly by Bettor's Delight from A Legend
Just a lovely filly to do anything with right from day one.
She picks things up quickly and is a very mature filly for her age.
Nothing worries her which is a big plus and she has all the attributes of a filly that will run early.
Sleeper in the draft – Lot 398 – A bay colt by Art Official from Simply Devine
I have to agree with Brian here in that the Art Official colt has impressed everyone at Studholme during the yearling preparation.
He is such a lovely individual to do anything with and is a great looking horse as well.
He has shown all the attributes you look for in an elite colt but being by Art Official will see him make a fraction of what we think he is worth.
Brian and Studholme Park are offering twenty yearlings over the two days of the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale at Christchurch and one thing you can be sure of is those yearlings have lacked for nothing in the lead up to next week.
Harnesslink Media