Eleven-times Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) is likely to visit leading European sire Sea The Stars (Ire) in her first year at stud in 2023, Racing.com reports.
Co-owner Brae Sokolski told the website that the decision was not final, but that the ownership was leaning in the direction of breeding to the sire that has been represented by the world's top-rated turf horse Baaeed (GB) and the legendary stayer Stradivarius (Ire).
“She'll be served to northern hemisphere time and while no final decision has been made on the stallion, Sea The Stars is probably the most likely suitor,” Sokolski said of last year's Melbourne Cup hero.
“Then we will decide whether to keep her there (Europe) and do it again or bring her back. It's unresolved at the moment.”
Having taken races like the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup and G1 Caulfield while under the care of Chris Waller, Verry Elleegant was sent to the northern hemisphere this spring to be trained by Francis-Henri Graffard. In four European appearances, the 7-year-old was third in the G2 Qatar Prix Foy and closed her career with an unplaced effort in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares at Ascot Oct. 15.
Sea The Stars resides at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Ireland, where he served mares at an advertised fee of €150,000 in 2022.
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