The Heir Apparent

Widden Stud have enjoyed great results mining the Encosta de Lago sireline through his influential son Northern Meteor and current champion sire Zoustar, but you can always add more strings to your bow and securing the best son of Deep Field is a strategy that fits with an established pattern of success at this world renowned farm.

Zoustar might be the undisputed best son of Northern Meteor, but Deep Field was not far behind and as the reigning Champion Hong Kong Sire for 2021/2022 was riding the wave of every increasing success before his premature retirement from stud duty this year due to infertility.

This season Deep Field has racked up eight Australian stakes-winners with progeny earnings topping $11million and in the sale ring he had 41 yearlings sell at Magic Millions at an average $228,293, while at Inglis Easter his 11 youngsters averaged $428,182 highlighted by a colt from Granny Red Shoes that sold for $1,050,000.

The popularity of Deep Field has led to a growing number of his sons heading to stud and the very best of them and his obvious heir apparent is Group I winning sprinter Portland Sky.

“Portland Sky retired to stud lightly raced as was his sire Deep Field and grand-sire Northern Meteor and has that career defining Group I win on his resume in the Oakleigh Plate as a three year-old, a race also won at three by champion sires Fastnet Rock and Snitzel as well as dual hemisphere G1 sire Starspangledbanner,” said Antony Thompson.

Portland Sky stands at a fee of $22,000 and looks magnificent heading into the breeding season this year off the back of covering 105 mares last spring.

“We’re offering an exclusive discount for any mares that have visited Deep Field in the past, so Portland Sky represents a great gamble for anyone that has had a good result previously from that mating and is seeking a similar outcome,” Thompson added.