Written By’s date with destiny in Coolmore Stud Stakes is about family, not money

THERE will be a genial 87-year-old watching the races who stands to reap a possible $25 million windfall for him and his partners if their horse can win the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

THERE will be a genial 87-year-old watching the races from the lounge room of his Sydney home who stands to reap a possible $25 million windfall for him and his partners if their horse can win the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

He’s not nervous; he’s excited.

It’s never been about the money for Neville Begg, even if the potential return for Written By — the horse he bred and owns — winning today’s Group 1 race would be a staggering one.

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For starters, there is $600,000 first prize, followed by what will almost certainly be an avalanche of mind-boggling multi-million offers from Australia’s leading studs to buy the horse — more money than most people could hope to earn in a lifetime.

For Begg, it’s always been about the horse.

“I’ve never been a good seller,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I’m heading toward 88, and to be truthful, the horses give you something to look forward to, and to keep you occupied.”

“There are a lot of chances in the race, and hopefully we are one of them.

When asked about the bonanza that could be on offer if the Blue Diamond winner can win one of the premier stallion-making races, he says: “We’re not thinking about it (the money).”

“I’m just delighted the horse goes into the race in good order. I’m pleased that (his son and Written By’s trainer) Grahame and the team have done such a great job with him.”

Neville Begg with jockey Jordan Childs after Written By’s Pago Pago Stakes win in Sydney in March. Picture: Getty Images

Last year’s winner, Merchant Navy, ended up being sold for almost $30 million, with one lucky owner conceding a narrow second might have made a $20 million difference.

Begg was one of Australia’s greatest trainers, winning 39 Group 1s in a career that elevated to the Hall of Fame.

Having long retired as a trainer, this astute octogenarian retains a deep passion for the thoroughbred industry that he follows from the anonymity of his couch.

His wife, Yvonne, is always by his side.

It’s very much a family story, with the Beggs, and Written By’s bloodlines, as well as the jockey Jordan Childs, whose father Greg once rode for Neville in Hong Kong.

“We’re a very close family,” he said.

If it hadn’t been for a few quirks of fate, and Neville’s beliefs, it might have been a different story for Written By.

In 2007, he spotted a yearling filly at the Scone Yearling Sales: “I followed her up to the ring and there were a couple of bids on her. I bid ($3000) and she was knocked down to me.”

Written By has won six of his seven starts. Picture: AAP

That filly turned out to be Yau Chin, who is Written By’s dam.

After her racing career ended, Begg sent the mare to stallion Written Tycoon — whom Grahame initially bought and trained.

Then twice he almost lost his future champion.

He sent Yau Chin to a broodmare sale in foal to Written Tycoon, but she was passed in.

“I thought she was worth a lot more than people were prepared to pay for her,” he said.

He also sent the unnamed Written By to the 2017 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales with a reserve of $200,000. Bids stopped at $180,000, and fortuitously, he took the colt home.

“I wasn’t very popular at home when that happened,” he laughed.

That decision might turn to be the best in a racing lifetime that stretches back to 1945, when as a teenager he started as a stablehand.

Whatever happens the mad charge down the Flemington straight, Begg will watch with pride in his horse, gratitude to his son and the team at Pinecliff, and with the dream to keep that thrill of racing coursing through his veins for as long as he can.

SAVVY OAK FATE TO BE CLEAR EARLY

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TRAINER Trent Busuttin says Savvy Oak is over the odds in today’s Victoria Derby, but his fate will be known when the barriersopen.

“He’ll need to jump well and be in the first half of the field. If that happens I can see him being in the finish. If not,he won’t be,” Busuttin said.

He said ear muffs would be placed on Savvy Oak pre-race to help him settle.

Busuttin trained Sangster, also by the same sire as Savvy Oak, Savabeel, to win the 2011 Victoria Derby.

“Sangster had a bit more class than this fellow and was a bit more furnished. He also had better lead-up form,” Busuttin said.
“Savvy Oak stays all day and he’s crept up on us a bit. Three months ago I couldn’t see him running in the Derby but he’sjust kept on improving.”

Busuttin was happy with Savvy Oak’s fourth last week in the Moonee Valley Vase.

“He finished off nicely. The run will have taken the edge off him which was our plan for the Derby. He’s a great each-waychance,” he said. Savvy Oak is a $19 chance with TAB.

Busuttin is also hoping Rising Red can gain a start in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup by winning The Lexus.

RATING THE DERY FIELD ON PEDIGREE

Breeding expert Mark Dodemaide runs the rule over the Derby contenders.

8 — THINKIN’ BIG (High Chaparral - Nothin’ Leica Cat by Tale Of The Cat)

Foaled: 17th August 2015

Cost: Not offered

By outstanding staying sire High Chaparral (Sire of So You Think, Ace High, Dundeel etc). Brother to Stampede (BRC ChairmansHandicap) Dam finished second QTC Oaks.

7.9 — STARS OF CARRUM (Fiorente - Signoret by Anabaa)

Foaled: 28th September 2015

Cost: $75,000 Melbourne Premier.

By Melbourne Cup winner. Dam won to 1900m. Grand-dam Jameela an 1800m stakes winner. Grand-dam by Jeune, third dam by At Talaq- both Melbourne Cup winners

7.90 — ALESSANDRO (Fiorente - Gallivant by Galileo)

Foaled: 18th August 2015

Cost: Not offered

Sire won the Melbourne Cup. Dam won to 2450m and is a three-quarter sister to Sydney Cup winner The Offer.

7.7 — SAVVY OAK (Savabeel - Fairy Oak by High Chaparral)

Foaled: 30th November 2015

Cost: $95,000 NZ National Yearling Sales.

Sire has produced VRC Derby winner Sangster and Brambles. Dam was a stakes winner over 1800m and grand-dam is by Sir Tristram

7.6 — HOME GROUND (High Chaparral - First Look by Danehill Dancer)

Foaled: 8th October 2015

Cost: $420,000 Inglis Easter Sales

Sire has produced So You Think, Dundeel, Ace Ace. Dam won over 1500m and female family at best to around that distance.

Home Ground. Picture: AAP

7.5 — GRINZINGER STAR (Reliable Man - Artistic by Darci Brahma)

Foaled: 1st October 2015

Cost: $90,000 NZ National Yearling.

Sire won French Derby and ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Dam won NZ Oaks and half sister to Epsom Handicap winner Excellerator

7.4 — TOLEMAC (Camelot - Zermatt by Shaft)

Foaled: 7th September 2015

Cost: $44,000 Inglis Classic

By English Derby winner and promising sire. Grand-dam Zanna was a group winner over 2500m and is by staying influence Pentire

7.2 — MICKEY BLUE EYES (Medaglia d’Oro - Carolina Bella by Zabeel)

Foaled: 5th October 2015

Cost: $350,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast

Mare won up to 2100m and by outstanding staying influence Zabeel who is the broodmare sire of Dundeel, Samantha Miss etc.

7.1 — VISAO (High Chaparral - Villa Moura by Encosta De Lago)

Foaled: 27th October 2015

Cost: $50,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast

6.9 — FAROOQ (Frankel - Rostova by Testa Rossa)

Foaled: 29th September 2015

Cost: Not offered

Sire has produced some outstanding middle distance horses in Cracksman, Soul Stirring etc. She hails from a family of sprinters.

6.8 — SIKORSKY (Pierro - Musidora by Rock of Gibraltar)

Foaled: 17th October 2015

Cost: $500,000 Inglis Easter

Sire has sired Classic staying winners Pinot and Levendi. Brother to Group winner Tulip and half brother to 2000m stakes winner Sacred Eye

6.8 — EXTRA BRUT (Domesday - Dom Perion by Redoute’s Choice)

Foaled: 10th September 2015

Cost: $100,000 Inglis Classic

Sire has produced good middle distance horses Ruthven, Doctor Doom etc. Third dam Group winner over 2200m in France.

Extra Brut. Picture: Getty Images

6.7 — ARAMAYO (Poet’s Voice - Peruvian by Diktat)

Foaled: 29th November 2015

Cost: Not offered

Half brother to ATC Derby runner-up Tupac Amaru. Dam a half sister to outstanding stayers Coronation Cup winner In The Wingsand Morozov.

6.6 — VOW AND DECLARE (Declaration Of War - Geblizt by Testa Rossa)

Foaled: 17th October 2015

Cost: Passed in $45,000 Inglis Classic

Half brother to Galilee Series Final winner Lycurgus. Grand-dam a half sister to Iron Gail, a 1800m stakes winner.

6.5 — SEBERATE (Sebring - Recooperate by General Nediym)

Foaled: 17th September 2015

Cost: Not offered

Sire has produced outstanding Derby winner Criterion. From a half sister to Niconero (Australian Cup)

6.4 — CHAPADA (Bullet Train - Diamantina Dior by Oasis Dream)

Foaled: 12th September 2015

Cost: $32,500 Inglis Classic

Sire won the Lingfield Derby Trial (2300m). Third dam Diamond Seal was a 2000m winner in Ireland.

6.3 — SAVOIE (Ilovethiscity - Larissar by Street Cry)

Foaled: 19th October 2015

Cost: Not offered

Dam by Street Cry the sire of wonder mares Winx and Zenyatta and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking. Family traces back to ATCDerby winner Battle Heights.

6.0 — LOUIE THE LEGEND (Masterprint - Rustic Bugles by Toy Pindarri)

Foaled: 19th September 2015

Cost: Not offered

Sire has produced Hero Master who was an 1800m winner. Female family is better suited to sprint distances.