Alan Bell has few regrets about Deep Field going to stud without a Group One win beside his name.
The four-year-old heads to Newgate Farm as the winner of five of his eight starts including the Group Two Tab.com.au Stakes.
Deep Field
In two Group One runs this autumn, the son of Northern Meteor finished third as favourite in the Lightning Stakes and was unplaced in the Galaxy.
Bell and fellow owner Ananda Krishnan had always intended to send Deep Field to stud this year.
“For whatever reason this preparation didn’t work out for him,” Bell said.
“His trial before the Lightning was sensational but on the day it just didn’t happen.
“He’s very fit and well but showed he just wasn’t there.
“We could have kept going to the Brisbane winter carnival but how much do you push?
“He is a pretty special horse and both myself and Ananda Krishnan of Kia Ora Stud have kept shares in him and we are looking forward to the breeding season.”
Newgate Farm proprietor Henry Field said he was thrilled to add Deep Field to the stud’s stallion roster.
“When a horse like Deep Field comes along and shows the highly desirable attributes of brilliant record-breaking speed, good temperament and physical type to match his impressive pedigree, he has to be a massive chance to follow in the footsteps of his sire Northern Meteor,” Field said.
Deep Field is a full brother to Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting To Win.
Northern Meteor, who died prematurely in July 2013, served two seasons with his first crop also producing Group One winner Zoustar who was bought jointly by Widden and Woodside Studs.
