Over Looked Jump Sires – Saddler Maker
Saddler Maker may be recognised by a few because of siring multiple Grade 1 winner Bristol De Mai and mare Apple’s Jade, but still unrecognised by the majority. He himself had a lovely pedigree, his Dad you may have guessed was Saddlers Wells who sired many greats, his dam was out of Alleged and was half-sister to Poliglote who we’ve touched upon before. As a racehorse SM flopped, he was reported backward and took a long time to come onto the scene, eventually he made his debut at the age of 5, another 7 races later and a record showing 0/8 with not much ability shown he was retired. Because of breeding he was given a chance to stand, which at a measly €1.7-2k a pop, he’s proven to be an absolute bargain, he didn’t stand until 2010 and sadly passed 2 years ago, but his legacy not only has over performed already, but looks likely to get stronger as he’s never crops have been getting more attention from stronger mare sources.
Chef des Obeaux is a Grade 2 winning Prestige Novices Hurdle over a near 3 miles before disappointing at both the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals, he returned this year as a chaser when again disappointing favourite backers when back in 3rd on debut, but he put in a eye pleasing performance considering it was his first time in public jumping fences, beaten by race fit horses and what looks too sharp of a trip (2m4f). He certainly looks like winning a Grade 2 or more when upped back up to 3miles.
Janika is a very exciting new acquisition for Nicky Henderson’s yard, he already has 3 chase wins to his name at the age of 5 and has been recording impressive figures while racking them up, he’s been gelded since the switch of lands and will surely be seen soon now the wintery ground is upon, he’s certainly one to look forward to and a possible star.
Defi Bleu a big €255k purchase has been coming along nicely as hurdler and won his latest race for Gordon Elliott, he has a very exciting chase future and that’s when we’ll see the half brother to Upsilon Bleu at his finest, which may not be until next season.
Eglantine Du Seuil still a baby at 4, she won her maiden on her first run for Willie Mullins over 2 miles with looking to need further, the form of the race is already looking decent, she then came 3rd in a much hotter race with the 2 in front franking the form, with Aramon winning a Novice Grade 3 and the winner Triplicate coming 2nd in a Grade 1 Novice, this again over 2 miles and again wanted further, expect big things from this filly over 2m4f+.
Looking further into the future, Henry De Bromhead has delved into Saddler Maker’s stock when purchasing 2 (Fissa, Fantasio D’alene) at a combined total of €400k in the sales in the summer, they are both only 3 and have fantastic pedigrees and are to be looked out for.
