ARMORY BUILDING MOMENTUM

Armory, the champion son of Galileo is quickly building momentum as his eldest have just started their two year-old season. His first runner to the race track Silhouette couldn't have impressed any further when winning on debut by 4 1/4 lengths for trainer Cody Cole.

She was so impressive on debut, the bookmakers have shortened her into one of the early favourites for the $1 million Karaka 2YO race in January. 

"Silhouette looked like an absolute professional on debut, full credit to Cody Cole, he had her primed and ready to go for her first assignment. She looks to have so much natural ability, her future is bright and we look forward to her stepping out again shortly" said Stud Master Simms Davison  

Armory having such a dominant debut winner so early into the 2 year-old season was a timely boost for the 4th season sire and reminded everyone of his strong two year-old form in Europe where he won a Gr.2 & Gr.3 to go with 3 Gr.1 placings at the elite level.

The spotlight then moved onto the New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Ready To Run Sale at Karaka earlier this week where the exciting young sire had 5 lots being offered.

A standout colt by Armory caught everyone's attention during early parades and the anticipation quickly grew as sale day approached. When Lot 285, a colt ex Cora Lynn entered the auditorium, a spirited bidding duel ignited between two of Australia's elite trainers Trent Busuttin and Ciaron Maher. The bids went back and forth until Trent Busuttin, who teamed up with Bloodstock Agent Cameron Cook landed the winning blow with a $625,000 bid to take the stunning colt back to their Cranbourne Stables.

"As an individual he was one of the picks of the sale. He was always going to be expensive but you obviously have to buy the ones you want' said Trent Busuttin

"He's a cracking horse. we knew we were going to pay plenty, we went over budget a bit"

"Armory has already had a winner, it's good to buy off New Zealand farms and support the New Zealand stallions" added Busuttin 

In the draft of Ohukia Lodge, the strong and attractive colt breezed up in a slick time of 10.52 seconds. Owned by our valued partner in Armory - Windsor Park Stud, the colt succeeded all expectations selling for more than 60 times his $10,000 advertised service fee.

"He was a great colt, ran excellent time in the breeze up and it was fantastic to see both Trent and Ciaron go after him so strongly. It's really encouraging to see Arrmory off to such a strong start and it's very exciting for us going forward" said Rodney Schick.

"When the opportunity came up to buy Armory with Mapperley Stud, it was the perfect time to reignite the partnership and hopefully we can have similiar success to what we had with Volksraad" 

Busuttin's faith in Armory didn't stop there, when he came out on top again securing Lot 421, a filly ex Lady Grace for $65,000 from the Curraghmore Stud draft.

"It's wonderful to see Trent come to New Zealand and really back our young stallion Armory. For him to buy a colt and a filly out of this sale is really encouraging and it's great to get them into a top Australian stable" added Davison

Armory has been supported strongly by New Zealand breeders since retiring to stud covering 350 mares over his first 3 seasons. Armory stands at Mapperley Stud this season for $10,000+gst