The first foals by Splintex are already making an impression with breeders like Forest View Farm’s Ben and Jo Duncan.
Splintex covered 118 mares in his initial crop at Darling View Thoroughbreds last year. That’s just one shy of the WA record for a first-season sire set by Flying Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus) at Touchstone Farm in 2007.
The Duncans are delighted with their filly from two-time Ascot winner Royal Strata (Startum) who was also Group-3 placed in the 2020 La Trice Classic (1800m). “Splintex is a striking son of Snitzel and has certainly added some substance to this filly. We are rapt with our first foal by him and we’re looking forward to the others arriving soon.
“Get in touch with Darling View to book your mare into Splintex. If this four-hour filly is anything to go on, you won’t be disappointed.”
Royal Strata is one 8 winners from 8 to race out of Clarecastle (Tribu). The Mogumber Park mare’s other winners to date are Chinetti (Bletchley Park), Castle Retreat (Oratorio), Castle Queen (Oratorio), Specialism (Safeguard), Mindarie (Safeguard), Harvey’s Angel (War Chant) and More Special (Safeguard).
Ebony Duncan with Royal Strata and her filly by Splintex
The first Splintex to arrive is the colt from NZ-bred mare Shimmer Lake (Savabeel). “He’s got a great depth of girth, good bone and strength,” said Gray Williamson of Mungrup P/L. His dam is half-sister to LR Dunedin Cup (2400m) winner Sureasyouwereborn (Lucky Unicorn).
Another early-comer is the colt from Scenic Lodge-bred mare Kensington Gem (Blackfriars). He’s a half-brother to last year’s G2 Karrakatta Plate placegetter Penny On The Queen (Universal Ruler)
Dawson Stud has a Splintex filly from Yamagen (Xtravagant). She’s the first foal from the mare who is a half-sister to six winners. Second-dam Saucy Nell (Marauding) is a half-sister to 11-time Stakes-winner Encounter (Tierce).
Splintex won 7 times in 24 starts for earnings over $1.18 million highlighted by Group 2 victories in the $500,000 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick and Bobby Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.
Darling View stands Splintex for a service fee of $11,000 (inc GST).