Well Bred Trio Represent Highland Reel At Arqana

A close relation to Grade 1 performer Elektrum (High Chaparral) is among a well-bred trio representing Highland Reel at this week’s Arqana Select Yearling Sale.

Normandie Breeding consigns the chesnut colt (Lot 41) out of the multiple Stakes-placed mare Carolines Secret, also known as the dam of dual Graded scorer Elektrum and the highly-rated Maudlin Magdalen (Dylan Thomas). Her three-year-old son Monopoly (Australia) finished third on both his starts this season, and, so, her mating to Highland Reel (Galileo) follows a proven cross.

Lot 341 from Haras de la Haie Neuve boasts a similarly attractive page, with the grey filly being a half-sister to Listed runner-up Dandy d’Arcis and Qatar Derby fourth Al Adaid (Zoffany). Galileo has enjoyed success with the family, with St Leger and Irish Derby victor Capri (Galileo) appearing under the second dam.

Lot 435 from Haras du Cadran completes the quality first crop offering by Highland Reel. The strong bay filly is the first foal out of Piroska; a Pivotal half-sister to Stakes performer Finding Neverland, and receives an update from Telecaster’s impressive Group 2 success last month.

Breeders and yearling buyers alike shall be hoping Highland Reel’s progeny inherit the son of Galileo’s class and longevity, having won ten races from two to five years. His seven Group 1 victories covered three continents, his final being his second success in the Hong Kong Vase. He was certainly bred to be special, being by a multiple champion sire and out of Australian Group 1 performer Hveger (Danehill), herself a full-sister to champions Elvstroem and Haradasun.

So strong was Highland Reel’s appeal that he covered 167 mares in his first season, 18 of them black-type winners.