Searching through the July Inglis Gold Sale catalogue for quality bred stayers, one horse stood out to Terry Henderson – a chestnut colt by Jakkalberry out of Micro Explosive. Physically, the two-year-old was everything Terry and the OTI team look for in a young stayer – athletic, strong, and beautifully balanced. The colt’s pedigree and close relation to OTI’s New Zealand Derby winner Vin De Dance saw OTI jump at the chance to secure him.
He is a son of Irish-bred Jakkalberry, who won a Group 1, a Group 2, and placed 3rd in the 2012 Melbourne Cup behind Fiorente and Green Moon. On his dam’s side, the colt is the second foal of the unraced Micro Explosive – a full sister of the Listed winner Extra Explosive. She is also the half-sister to Explosive Dancer, the dam of OTI’s own Vin De Dance. The close bloodline to Vin De Dance, who spectacularly won the Group 1 New Zealand Derby in 2018, was an immediate drawcard.
Terry Henderson has always had a penchant for New Zealand bred horses and has seen much success with horses from across the Tasman sea. Notable New Zealand bred OTI horses include Group 1 Australian Derby winner Quick Thinker, Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner Aloisia, Group 1 Queensland Derby winner Brambles, and Group 1 VRC Derby winner Kibbutz.
“We’ve had enormous success with New Zealand bred horses. We really feel that this Jakkalberry colt could continue these successes,” Terry said.
Talented Victorian trainer Mitch Freedman will train the colt out of his Ballarat stable and is already impressed by his physical attributes. He’s a “good, strong, athletic colt that I’m looking forward to seeing complete his education and move into my Ballarat stable,” Mitch commented.
Opportunities in the Jakkalberry / Micro Explosive ’18 colt are still available. If you are interested in racing him with OTI or would like further information, please get in touch by emailing oti@oti.com.au or calling us on (03) 9670 0255.