The G1 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the US Triple Crown, has been won in the past by some outstanding gallopers; Medaglia d'Oro's history-making daughter Rachel Alexandra, dual Horse of the Year Curlin and Elusive Quality's Champion three-year-old colt Smarty Jones. Darley stallion Bernardini (pictured) won this coveted race by an outstanding five and a quarter lengths, confirming him as one of the best of his generation.
Bernardini was crowned the Eclipse Champion three-year-old following a six-race winning streak which started at just his second racetrack appearance. At his third start, Bernardini was successful in the G3 Withers Stakes, before his scintillating win in the G1 Preakness Stakes, setting the wheels in motion for a history-breaking G1 treble comprising the Preakness Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Between his victories in the Preakness and the Travers Stakes, Bernardini also won the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes and his nine-length winning margin indicated that the A P Indy colt, like previous winner Medaglia d'Oro, had the talent to prove his worth at stud upon his retirement.
With his first southern hemisphere crop of weanlings going through the ring now, his representation at the upcoming Magic Millions National Weanling sale is well worth taking note of. Bernardini has already been a sales hit in his native homeland with his weanlings averaging a staggering US$324,000. His first crop here include no fewer than 35 from Stakes-winning mares, plus siblings to a further 28 G1 winners, meaning hopes are high that his success at the sales will continue in the southern hemisphere.
The first weanling by Bernardini to be offered at the upcoming Gold Coast based sale will be the Glastonbury Farm-presented lot 64, a bay colt out of the Sir Tristram mare Queen Isolt. From the family of five-time G1 winner Theseo, this colt has the potential to open his sire's sales account in positive fashion.
Rothwell Park as agent will consign lot 414, a half-sister to the G2-winning Good Journey filly Sound Journey and from the family of multiple G1-winning Champion three-year-old Redoute's Choice filly Samantha Miss.
One of the last of the of the ten Bernardini weanlings on offer is also a member of the Rothwell Park draft. Entering the ring as lot 463, the bay colt is a half-brother to the multiple Stakes-performed Commands mare Moulin Rouge. From the family of Stakes-winning two-year-old Hips Don't Lie, this colt is sure to be highly regarded.
With his first two books of mares comprising the who's who of Australia's top-class mares including G1 winners Dizelle, Bulla Borghese, Danni Martine, Grand Journey, Merlene, Polar Success, One Under, Wild Iris, Zirna; plus Calais Royale, dam of G1 Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal; Ladies Day, dam of G1 Rosehill Guineas winner He's No Pie Eater; My Madonna, dam of multiple G1 winner Divine Madonna; Leone Chiara, dam of G1-winning two-year-old Star Witness; Marrego, dam of multiple G1 winner Eremein; and Gussy Godiva, dam of AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor, it will be no surprise to see his northern hemisphere results mirrored in the southern hemisphere over the coming months.
