Don't Snooze On These Colts

2 April, 2025

These two exciting colts are currently in the stable, progressing beautifully through their first preparations, following faultless breaking-in experiences. They’ve ticked every box so far, and it’s hard to believe final shares are still available in them - by powerhouse sires Exceed And Excel and our very own Sword Of State.

It was a great morning spent with these two boys and these colts have serious X factor. Catch up below with trainer Sam Bergerson as he shares his thoughts on both colts and gives an update on their early education.

Known as 'Luigi' this colt boasts an outstanding international pedigree and is by champion sire Exceed And Excel (Danehill) - who retired from stud duties in 2024 as one of the greatest stallions to stand in Australia. A prolific sire of speed, Exceed And Excel is one of only seven stallions to have produced more than 200 stakes' winners, earning his place among the most influential sires of the modern era.

His dam Eleusa brings further depth to this pedigree. By Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado) - a world-renowned sire and the producer of Golden Slipper winner Vancouver - Eleusa adds class, versatility and stamina to the mix. The resulting colt is a striking individual with the looks, bloodlines, and attitude to match.

From the outset of his education, this boy has impressed. During his time being broken in, he showed himself to be a naturally athletic and well-balanced horse, with an easy, fluent action under saddle and a temperament well beyond his years.

"This colt was an absolute standout during his time here," said the head breaker. "He has a beautiful, natural way of going, and gave his rider a fantastic feel from day one. He’s smart, switched on, and handled everything we asked of him with real class.”

Since arriving at our Matamata stable, he’s continued to thrive. He’s a strong, forward-going type with a great attitude - keen to learn, eager to please, and showing all the right signs in his early work. His action on the training tracks has been particularly pleasing, with riders commenting on his fluent movement and professionalism - he looks like he will get up and run.

He has already completed light barrier practice at home and handled the environment with ease - nothing has fazed him so far. With his combination of physicality, intelligence, and work ethic, he looks every bit the type to run early, but also has the scope to develop and train on through his classic years.

Sam Bergerson added, “He arrived with a very strong report, and he’s lived up to every part of it. He’s a forward, willing colt who looks like he’ll run early, but has the strength and scope to continue improving. He’s handled the whole process really well - we’re excited to see what he does next.”

This exciting colt, who is known as 'Steel', has Karaka Million Dreams - he is from the first crop of Sword Of State (Snitzel), a stallion whose early progeny turned heads at January yearling sales, selling for up to $540,000 - an impressive return off his $15,000+gst service fee.

Sword Of State was himself selected and purchased by David Ellis CNZM, and trained by Te Akau to be a Group 1 winning juvenile, being named Champion 2YO of his year. He won four of his five starts including the Gr. 1 Sistema Stakes (won this year by Return To Conquer) and now stands at Cambridge Stud, where his first crop has drawn widespread praise.

From the outset, this colt has stood out as a strong, athletic type with a real presence - much like his father. In fact, after inspecting all of Sword Of State’s progeny both in Australia and at Karaka, David noted that this colt was “as much like his sire as any we’ve seen”.

His dam Miss Remington adds further depth to his impressive credentials. By Savoire Vivre, a Group 2 winning son of breed-shaping sire Sadler’s Wells, she has already produced the tough and talented Strathtay, a five-time winner and dual stakes' placegetter in Australia. With black type success on both sides of the pedigree, this colt combines precocity with the scope to develop and improve with time.

From the moment he began his breaking-in process, this colt has impressed with his athleticism, intelligence, and calm temperament. He’s handled every step of his early education with maturity, including trips to the training tracks, where he worked around the circuit like a seasoned professional.

“This colt has been a pleasure to break in,” our head breaker reported. “He’s got great balance under saddle, and his strength and mindset have stood out from day one. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him - barrier work, travelling, track work - with a relaxed and willing attitude. He’s shaping up as an exciting young horse.”

Having joined the Matamata stable for a short educational preparation, this colt has continued to impress the training team.

“He’s broken in really well and slotted into our system with ease,” said trainer Sam Bergerson. “He’s got an unbelievably calm and laid-back nature, which will stand him in good stead. He reminds us a lot of his sire - very forward, strong, and athletic. He’s worked on all the different training tracks, handled the treadmill, gone through the swimming pool, and will finish up this prep with a quiet canter from the race day stalls.”

“The riders love his action and how effortlessly he moves. He’s ticking every box and we’re really excited to see how he comes back after a well-earned break. He really looks a Karaka Millions' type.”