THE Catalogue for the CTS March Yearling Sale has been released and a glance through it shows a good number of interesting “first foals” scheduled to pass through the auction ring at Durbanville on 19 and 20 March.

As with many other aspects of thoroughbred breeding there are different theories about buying, or not buying, first foals. It normally depends on how susceptible prospective buyers at any given sale are to rumours, myths and folklore – some buyers and indeed bloodstock agents either ignore first foals altogether or consider foal conformation only with no reflection on whether a first foal’s size or relative immaturity might make a difference to its eventual racetrack ability.

Various studies have been done on stakes winners and foal order.  One of these was compiled by the Australian Bloodhorse Review of all Gr1 winners in the 1997-98 season.  They found that 74% of Gr1 winners in that season were one of the first four foals of their dam.  Another study looked at 124 horses who had earnt over $200,000 in the US in 2001.  It found that 86 were in the first four foals of their dam (69%).  While in each of these studies the sample size is too small to draw definite conclusions, it does tie in well with anecdotal theories about young mares and their first few foals.

Black Caviar, famous first foal. (heraldsun.com.au)

One 1985 Study (Finocchio), found that in mares over 10 years of age first foals turn out better than later foals. In nearly all mares, one of her first three foals will indicate her potentialities as a broodmare. This outstanding foal will be the guideline.

The best recent example of an exceptional first foal is Black Caviar (from the mare Helsinge x Desert Sun) considered in some quarters Australia’s greatest ever racehorse – she was unbeaten in 25 runs before retiring in 2013.

Could there be generous helpings of rich caviar somewhere in the future of a lucky buyer or buyers of a first foal at the CTS Sale? Among more good lots, here are a number that catch the eye:

Lot 20: An unnamed filly by Rebel King from the Jet Master mare Sherulestheskies, this Hemel ’n Aarde graduate hails from the family of Joshua’s Princess and Grand Jete.

Lot 26: Raised at Highlands Farm, this unnamed bay filly is by Horse Chestnut from a Listed-placed mare by Strike Smartly.

Lot 31: Here’s an Antonius Pius colt from Space Odyssey, by Jet Master – herself a half-sister to Graded performer Joshua’s Mistress.

Lot 33: From The Alchemy, this filly by Gitano Hernando is from a young mare by National Assembly, from a family laden with black type.

Lot 34: A Judpot colt from Sue for Peace, by Western Winter – herself a five-time winning half-sister to Split Decision from a successful, extended family of winners.

Lot 50: Headline-grabbing Grey’s Inn sired this bay filly from Two Cities, a three-quarter sister to the likes of Horse Chestnut, Iron Curtain and Monyela.

Lot 53: A What A Winter colt from Up Front, by Count Du Bois – she won four times and was multiple Graded-placed.

Sandown Stud’s Burning Mist (Lot 64), is a daughter of Trippi and Winter Mist, a two-time winning half-sister to Yard-Arm and Drift Ice.

Normandy Stud raised a filly by Sail From Seattle’s mating with Alaya, by Jallad. There is classic speed and staying power from the second dam down.

London Spirit (Lot 165), comes from Sorrento Stud. She’s a filly by Horse Chestnut from the eight-time winning, Listed-placed Inca’s Spirit.

Lot 187: From Nadeson Stud, this colt is by Rock Of Rochelle from a mare by Al Mufti who comes from the family of Ingleside.

Lot 206: Missy J is a daughter of Jay Peg and Mile High (x Captain Al) and hails from Ten Einde Stud. There is plenty of pace in her female line.

Lot 236: A colt by Sail From Seattle from Pintari, by Dehere. She was a decent handicapper and comes from line of American-bred winners.

The Sale starts at 18:00 on Saturday, 19 March. The catalogue is available for online viewing on www.capethoroughbredsales.com