Lather Up colt leads Nutrien graduates in Dandy Patch trifecta

The Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale continues to deliver on its promise of race-track success, with Solo Safari (Lather Up) claiming the prestigious Dandy Patch Final for Tasbred two-year-old colts and geldings on Saturday night in Hobart.

Purchased for $35,000 from Richard Hall’s draft, the Lather Up harness racing colt is raced by Stephen Wyles’ Solotrek Racing and is out of the former smart NSW mare Weona Badgirl. Hall acquired the mare in foal to Woodlands Stud’s emerging sire Lather Up — a move that’s paid off handsomely with Solo Safari now a three-time winner and earner of $68,879.

The Dandy Patch, named after one of Tasmania’s legendary early pacers and a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee, remains a coveted target for local breeders. This year’s edition saw Nutrien graduates sweep the trifecta, with Barber Shop and Always Better — a $18,000 purchase — filling the placings behind Solo Safari.

“It’s great to see any of your sales graduates win a feature two-year-old race,” said Nutrien’s Mark Barton. “We’ve had five individual winners from this crop already, which is a terrific result for what’s still a boutique sale.”

Barton also confirmed strong momentum heading into 2026: “There are around 30 nominated for next year — it’ll be our largest catalogue yet, and our third year running.”

Tasmanian breeding is clearly on the rise, with vendors investing in upgraded broodmare stock. One standout example is Brooke Hammond, who purchased Wicked Nights in foal to Downbytheseaside via the 2023 Winter Woolies online sale. The resulting filly sold for $65,000 — a savvy move by Hammond, one of Tasmania’s leading breeders. At the time of purchase, Wicked Nights’ offspring Walk By Faith had yet to race; now he is a live chance in next Tuesday’s New Zealand Cup.

Barton also praised Tasracing’s support for local breeders: “They don’t charge vendors commission or entry fees — it’s all about improving breeding opportunities.”

With strong sale results and feature race performances to match, the message is clear: Tasmania’s yearling sale is delivering exceptional value and genuine racetrack talent. The next chance to secure your own Tasbred star comes at the 2026 Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale, set for Saturday, February 14 at Quercus Park, Carrick

by Gary Newton