Study time as Tattersalls publish December Mares Sale catalogue

Blanc De Chine, the dam of Group 1-winning sprinter and sire Havana Grey, is among a long list of exciting entries for the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, for which the was published on Thursday.

A total of 1,020 fillies and mares are set to come under the hammer during the four-day auction, the second smallest catalogue assembled for Europe's premier breeding-stock sale since the turn of the millennium.

The regally bred Coplow, dam of outstanding 1,000 Guineas and recent Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes winner Billesdon Brook, and Group 1-winning sprinter Mabs Cross are among the other standout lots for the sale, which takes place December 2-5.

Always attracting a large, international group of buyers, this year's Mares Sale as ever combines the best of British and Irish breeding stock, including part one of the Waddesdon Stud dispersal, with significant consignments from throughout Europe as well as the return of top American outfit Taylor Made Sales Agency, which made its European sales debut last year.

Classic producer Coplow is one of 15 mares catalogued in foal to second-season sire Kingman, with others including the Group 1 winner Thistle Bird, who promises to be among the highlights of the Waddesdon Stud dispersal; the smart Group 3 winner Hunaina, who is carrying her first foal; and the stakes winners Birch Grove, Easter, Sivoliere and Snowy Winter.

Kingman's Banstead Manor studmate Frankel is also well represented with five mares in foal to him including Grade 1 winner Sophie P, the Group 2-placed La Berma, and the well-bred duo Coconut Creme and Stella Bellissima, both of whom are among the partial Normandie Stud dispersal.

The Mares Sale also features mares in foal to top sires Lope De Vega, Sea The Stars and Siyouni, as well as last year's US Triple Crown winner Justify and War Front.

Other possible highlights include Group 1 producers Anabasis, the dam of champion racemare A Raving Beauty; Dolma, Waddesdon Stud's dam of Thistle Bird; Granny Franny, the dam of Kitten's Dumplings; and the aforementioned Blanc De Chine, with the daughter of Dark Angel to be offered by Mickley Stud in foal to Showcasing.

Treve: her five-year-old sister Terre will be offered by Haras du QuesnayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Well-bred Group and Listed winners are always much sought after at the Mares Sale and in addition to Mabs Cross, the December catalogue features recent Group 2-winning two-year-old Shadn and Group 2 Norfolk Stakes winner Shang Shang Shang.

Dandhu, Etoile, Four White Socks, Hostess and Yulong Gold Fairy - all of whom struck in Pattern company this season - have also earned a place in the line-up.

Terre, a winning five-year-old offered in foal to Siyouni by Haras du Quesnay, also looks set to be among the headline acts as she is a full-sister to the legendary dual Arc winner Treve.

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: "The Tattersalls December Sale is Europe's premier breeding stock sale, and this year's catalogue, which features the first part of the Waddesdon Stud dispersal, is truly worthy of that accolade.

"The December Sale is the annual showcase for the very best breeding stock that Europe has to offer and this year's catalogue has all the ingredients to attract the uniquely international crowd of buyers who view the sale as an essential annual pilgrimage."

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