Playing God is the big drawcard at the Perth Magic Millions on Thursday and Friday with 43 yearlings dominating a 352-lot catalogue in the Swan Valley.
That represents 60% of his foal crop conceived in 2021 and www.breednet.com.au reports they are poised to play a big role in Playing God’s unimpeded rise up the local and national charts.
He was a Group 1 winner of back-to-back G1 Kingston Town Classics (1800m) in 2010 & 2011 and his own sire Blackfriars (Danehill) had parlayed a G1 Victorian Derby (2500m) victory into 12 WA sires’ premierships in a row until 2021-22.
Playing God (pictured) assumed the mantle of Champion WA sire in 2022-23 just five seasons after siring five Stake-winners in his first crop of just 35 foals (Lordhelpmerun, Playing Marika, Nerodio, Platoon, Bruce Almighty). In recent years his service fee has been on an upward spiral rising from $13,200 in 2020 up to $33,000 at Darling View Thoroughbreds in 2023.
His Stakes list this season is headed by Group 1 Railway Stakes winner Bustler and Group 2 WA Guineas winner Zipaway and they’ve provided a platform for an overall winners-to-runners strike-rate of 69%.
His current 3yo crop is the beginning of better numbers and better quality mares, so should pave the way for further success in the future for a sire that runs at 9.6% Stakes-winners to runners.
Playing God is also garnering respect in the sale ring with 21 selling at the Perth Magic Millions last year for up to $280,000 with an average price of $119,286.
While the direct Danehill sireline is losing its dominance in the rest of Australia, Playing God will keep it front and centre in Western Australia for a good while to come.
Swan Valley vendors with Playing God yearlings this week include Western Breeders’ Alliance (11), Yarradale Stud (7), J Farms (5), Gervase Park (3) and Willaview Park (3).
