Start out with Ouija Board, one of the best race mares in modern history with a sterling pedigree to match. Breed her to the widely recognized premier sire in the world, Galileo, a son of the sensational sire Sadler’s Wells and grandson of the great sire Northern Dancer, who 50 years ago won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but came up short in the Belmont.
The result of this mating is Australia, the favorite for the June 7th Epsom Derby.
Australia’s trainer, Aidan O’Brien, has won the Epsom Derby four times, including with Galileo. This year he has four entries in the race, but says of Australia:
“He’s a Derby horse we’ve not had the like of before. I thought Camelot was the best horse we had for the Derby, but this horse is another step up. I’ve never had a horse like this. I’m not trying to blow him up, I’m just saying how it is.”
That’s quite a statement coming from the circumspect O’Brien, who trained Giants’ Causeway and many other champions, especially the part about “I’ve never had a horse like this.”
Australia’s dam, Ouija Board, won, among other races, the English Oaks, the Irish Oaks, the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (twice), and the Hong Kong Vase. She was European Horse of the Year in 2004 and 2006. Her earnings were equivalent to $6.4 million (US dollars)
Galileo won the Epsom Derby and the Irish Derby and was the European champion 3-year-old. His earnings were $2.21 million (US). Galileo is the five-times leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland.
Australia comes into the Epsom Derby off four lifetime starts, with two wins. He finished third in the 2000 Guineas in early May, a result that O’Brien attributes to the colt missing training from illness and a cough. O’Brien says Australia is ready for the 1 ½ mile route in the Epsom Derby.
Australia’s impeccable breeding will ensure him a place in the illustrious stallion roster at Coolmore in Ireland. Should he win the Epsom Derby, the demand from mare owners to breed to this genetic masterpiece will be buoyant. Expect a steep stud fee and high expectations for his offspring.
Copyright ©2014 Horse Racing Business
Australia may turn out to be a better sire than Frankel. Frankel was undefeated but never won at the classic 1 1/2 mile distance that we Europeans prefer in our studs. Australia IMO is better bred as well.