Speed in the breed – It’s Crunch Time for this Cullen trained runner

Welcome into our Speed In The Breed article. A look into the successful families represented at the trials and workouts.

If you look into the sales catalogue or those that find fame out on the track in the features races you’re likely to find that many of the champions of today come from great families of the past. Here we touch on that habit of success- how the great families continue to leave the very best.

Ashburton trials and workouts are set to be run on 23^rd of July – and there’s plenty to comment on when it comes to some of the bloodlines to make an appearance

Shards Lyric (Sweet Lou – Priscilla Shard) Jumping off the page and set to go around in the first of the day at Ashburton, this juvenile, operating out of the White stables, is surely one to watch when considering the family history. Dam Priscilla Shard has fashioned a nice record as a mother with the impressive 4-time winner Romeo Shard (Bettor’s Delight) and Aye Aye Captain (Captaintreacherous) both being sons – there’s also the fact that this is the family of Likmesiah (13 wins) Mighty Cullen, a 1.50.4 pacer on American soil, and the 16-time winner and Gr1 winner in Mister Presley  (Rocknroll Hanover)It’s a family of great performers –  Shards Lyric could well extend the trend!

Shards Lyric in action in March behing General Jen

Sandy Shore (Sunshine Beach – Stradowan) An interesting entrant into the 2^nd heat of the day. Sandy Shore is out of the 5-time winner in Stradowan, a consistent mare who threatened in Listed features during her time on the track, her first foal Clachanburn (Mach Three) did achieve a maiden victory from limited starts. The wider family includes Bundoran (Sir Lincoln) an Inter Dominion Final contender and Gr1 placed animal.

Gnocchi (Pegasus Spur – Brylin Paige) A 7yr-old strides out to qualify! Gnocchi is an interesting prospect. Out of the Warren Stapleton barn, Gnoochi saw the Methven track as far back as 2021 when going around in a learners event behind With Purpose and Irish Sun – tomorrow it’s going around again. Dam Brylin Paige had a handy record of 4 wins and 8 minor placings from 26 starts and as a mother is currently represented by Jacks Mate, a horse with 2 placings from just the 3 raceday appearances.

Gnocchi – the 7yr-old will look to improve on this recent workout effort.

Crunch Time (Captain Crunch – Macy Delight ) Crunch time for Crunch Time. A workout heat at the end of the card is where you’ll find this son of Captain Crunch – and he’ll have the wheels to impress if the breeding is anything to go by. The Hayden Cullen trained runner is out of Macy Delight, herself a 2-time winner and mother to the impressive Major Express, a son of Art Major who has notched up 9 consecutive Western Australian victories. Her progeny also includes the rugged Chris Kyle, a 6-time victor by He’s Watching.

This damline harks back to the celebrated Black Watch – a quality bloodline that tends to know where the winning post is situated.

Crunch Time is a close relation to the 10-time winner Major Express – seen here winning at Cambridge.

By Harnesslink Media