Lovatsville Strike deal to stand G1 winning NZ colt

Group 1-winning colt Move To Strike will begin his stud career at Lovatsville in Victoria this spring after an agreement was reached between Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis, Lovatsville Stud, and Seymour Bloodstock.

The son of I Am Invincible is the first of his sire’s progeny to secure a Group 1 win at two, having captured the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in a dominant display over future elite-level winners Savaglee, Velocious, and Captured By Love.

After a brief six-start career that concluded with an unplaced run in the G3 Almanzor Trophy at Ellerslie, Move To Strike has now been retired to stud and will stand for an opening fee of $16,500.

Lovatsville’s Sam White said the colt ticks every box for commercial breeders.

“Move To Strike is one of only two Group 1-winning two-year-olds by Vinnie and has an outstanding pedigree and physique,” White said. “His dam was a top-class Shamardal mare who raced at Group 1 level. This horse has serious stallion potential.”

David Ellis, who bought the colt for $525,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, said the Victorian VOBIS incentives were a strong part of their decision.

“We’re thrilled to have Move To Strike in Victoria, where his foals can be VOBIS-qualified,” Ellis said. “That’s a real drawcard for our team at Cranbourne.”

Move To Strike joins a Lovatsville stallion lineup that includes Blue Diamond-winning sire Royal Meeting, triple Group 1 winner Fierce Impact, Melbourne Cup hero Gold Trip, and Snitzel’s son Generation.