Predators Loom, But Price Is Not Right

Illawarra Mercury

Monday September 22, 2008

By CHRIS ROOTS

KEMBLA Grange has a new multi-millionaire in Predatory Pricer after his win in the Group Three Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday and his value will further skyrocket if he can take out next month's Group One Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).

The half brother to Takeover Target has already been the subject of an offer before his win in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on September 13.

However, Meringo Stud Syndicate manager Tony Hartnell has told trainer Paul Murray, on behalf of all the owners, that he wants to see the star three-year-old's career develop.

"All I know is that Tony said he wants to race him and I'm the trainer and I'm getting on with my job," Murray said.

"The horse pulled up very well and it's all systems go for the Spring Champion.

"He is going to be a (top) stallion (prospect) because he doesn't have any Danehill blood in him, and is closely related to Takeover Target.

"But I wouldn't know what he is worth; that's for someone else to decide."

Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation stands Street Cry, who is unlikely to shuttle back to Australia after success in the United States, and Darley seems well-placed to have the most interest in the chestnut colt.

Predatory Pricer's pedigree has worldwide appeal after the international deeds of Takeover Target, making him a strong shuttle stallion candidate.

The stumbling block for his future as a stallion is the lack of a Group One success, but this could be remedied at his next start.

Bloodstock agent James Bester warned Predatory Pricer would have to show he was up to Group One level before attracting international interest.

"He would need a couple of Group Ones to become a real stallion prospect," Bester said.

"If he had (those Group Ones) he would be a marketer's dream being a half brother to an international superstar and free of Danehill blood."

Meanwhile, Murray is getting on with the job of winning the Spring Champion Stakes after Saturday's Gloaming win.

"He still has a bit to learn because when he got to those horses so quickly on the weekend, he didn't know what to do," he said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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