Arden Lodge might only have a small quantity of yearlings consigned to the 2023 NZB Standardbred Sale in Christchurch on 20-22 February but the standard of their draft is very high.
The trotting section of the sale is on Day One and the Stivens have an early-born En Solitaire colt out of Sundon mare Surfin Sunsation on offer. Arden Solitaire is Lot 189. This mature colt is closely related to Allegro Agitato and Skyvalley, as well as current performers Con Grazia Love, Midnight Dash and Everybody Knows.
Arden Solitaire Catalogue page:
Early in the afternoon on Day Two Lot 203 is Arden Seascape, a Downbytheseaside filly out of Artsplace mare Ardenart. In 2022 Downbytheseaside was the leading sire of three year olds in the US.
Arden Seascape Catalogue page:
A colt by Captaintreacherous out of Group 1 winning mare Arden's Choice (Panspacificflight x Winter Rose) is likely to find many admirers and he sells soon after the the first hour of Day 2. CC Arden is Lot 212. Captaintreacherous was the leading sire of two year-olds in the US in 2022.
CC Arden Catalogue page:
On Day Three of the Sale Lot 359 is the last of Arden Lodge's draft to go through the ring. Worldly Arden is a Captaintreacherous filly out of Badlands Hanover mare Real Wings.
Worldly Arden Catalogue Page:
Arden Lodge yearlings are raised on the rich pastures of West Otago, locally grown lucerne, hay and oats, and Prydes Easifeed. The Stivens ensure that their mares are in the best possible health to nourish their foals before and after birth.
"When we feed them from the time they arrive home from the stud we are really feeding three animals; the mare, her foal at foot as well as next year's foals," says John. "It's amazing how quickly the foals learn to eat hard feed and Judy soon has them eating out of the bucket."
The Stivens prepare their horses for the sales by ensuring that they are in great condition inside and out. "We like to present our horses as honestly and naturally as possible," says John.
The pick of this year's draft for John is the Captaintreacherous colt out of Arden's Choice. "Choicey has always been a bit special to us as we had so much enjoyment from racing her with our friends the Roseveares. Her first foal First Choice Arden is a Bettor's Delight filly who finished third in her first start and looked like she had a bit of zip but she isn't very big and we are giving her more time to develop. This guy has a lot going for him and looked like he would mature into a lovely yearling from the time he was born. With Captaintreacherous doing so well as a sire we think he has a great chance to be something special himself."
Here are some photos of CC Arden as a foal.