Blackwood Equestrian seemed to be on the up during the Y20 season, with the Golden Valley Racing name starting to become big news. We saw them campaign horses such as Natural Defiance, Executioner and Winged Warrior, so it is a shock to hear that the stable will be starting the season with NO grade one horses on the roster! What is Chris Tipton thinking as he waves goodbye to his top performers? Well, we can tell you that he is looking to the future. We caught up with him today.

"Chris, how does it feel going into the new year with no grade ones?"
"We had a great season last year, and while the polls aren't closed yet, we hope to see at least a few of our horses feature in the awards. Those horses owe us nothing, and as many of them head to Alexia in the breeding shed I am focusing on ensuring we get the best out of our current racers. Just because they aren't grade one now, doesn't mean they won't be in a few months."

"That's true. Is there anyone we should really be keeping an eye out for?"
"Well, there's a few, but I would be foolish not to mention Orinthia here. She's a daughter of Paradise Island and as we have seen with Tortuga (who ran at King Of The Hill Stables), they really seem to bloom a little later. Orinthia has tonnes of back-class from last season which we are hoping will help her get that leg up and she's only one win away from grade one so who knows?
But she isn't our only hopeful. Winter's Act didn't shine as much last year but he is still a tough competitor who will hopefully pull back. Butterfly Kisses, who went from lackluster juvenile to a high-performing three year old certainly has a good chance at four. French Revival, again, can't be overlooked. But the truth with racing is we can't predict the future. We just have to go with the flow."

"What about your three-year-olds, how are they shaping up? It's a big year for them."
"Well, we obviously have high hopes. Any of them could do anything at this point. Butterfly Kisses served as a reminder that a failing juvenile has every chance to catch up and surpass those who were performing better at two. I mean, I won't deny I'll be disappointed if Winged Warrior doesn't maintain his momentum this season but it would be great to see others step up to the plate as well. I guess we'll just have to see."

"Keeping it close to your chest, I see. Well, will you at least tell us about your new juveniles?"
"Sure thing. We've got nine juveniles on our books this season, ranging from imports to well-established lines. Who do you want to hear about?"

"All of them, obviously."
"Well, okay then.
Astrology is a big, black colt who signifies a union between tested lines and fresher ones - in fact, he is the final foal of Indigo Morning's Silent Wings so are hoping he can live up to that. He's a miler, but he could reach the classic distance, and given his size I wouldn't be surprised if he did. He's a loner though, he doesn't seem to like anyone, and there's just something about him I can't quite put my finger on. I'm hoping that whatever that is will be clear once he's on the track.

Next up we have Beretta. A purchase from Battle Brook Stables, she's another really exciting miler type. She's got some of that Touch Up aggression and can be difficult to work with at times. Even so, we've found that if you give her space and respect she's usually happy enough to go along with training. As for racing? Well, again, I can't predict the future but we have our fingers crossed.

Boundless is a pure turf horse, a female warrior who will run against the boys. A daughter of Simply A Flyer, by Indigo Morning's Infinite Warcry, she should have no problems once she gets onto the track. She's a real handful - full of life, energy, and always ready to challenge us. My main concern with her this season is to get her a decent foundation as she is likely to bloom later than others.

Next we have It Takes Two; a daughter of Tears of Blood out of a maiden mare. She is a skittish thing, and she never seems to stop fidgeting. Predictably, she's a sprinter and she can run on both surfaces, although we expect to see a preference develop over the season. We're excited to see what potential lays dormant under the nerves and hope she will settle as she matures.

Outcast is a colt we are really excited for - a turf sprinter with every chance of succeeding. He's by Arlequinn, who as we all know is a top sprinting sire, and out of French Connection who is the dam of French Revival. Outcast is bright, intelligent, and just loves the outdoors. Honestly, we considered sending him to a circus rather than the racetrack - he'd make a great acrobat with some of the stunts he pulls when he's turned out. But he's one to watch on the track as well, all that energy could point to more.

Queen Mab is an import from Southern California, so we can't really say anything about her in that aspect. But what I can say is that her calm confidence is unlike anything I've seen in juveniles. She can handle pretty much any new situation like she's done it a thousand times before and she'll do it with pizzazz. I really hope that she can bring her assertion into a race, but I guess we'll just have to see how she goes when she makes her debut. Aren't new imports exciting? You just never know what to expect.

Sardonyx is the final foal of Indigo Morning's stud, Passionate Class, and Lumiera so there is a lot of hope resting on his young shoulders. Still, he has all the makings of a potential contender - he's tough and ready to take on the world. We are certainly hoping to see some good results from him and it really is a question of when, rather than if, he will shine. We are fairly confident that once he finds his stride he will thrive on the racetrack.

Secret Sin is a horse bred for us by Intrepid Racing before they closed their doors - an imposing presence which just cannot be ignored. He's not only tall, but he's fairly well filled out for a colt his age. It took us a long time to get him to accept us, but now he has he works hard to please us and nothing is going to please us more than seeing him in the winner's circle. Does that mean he's going to be the best of the best? Certainly not. But we are going to do our best.

Last, but certainly not least, we have The Long Night. Her dam, Greater Avalanche, came to us in foal and her sire is none other than Dark Charmer. Alexia got really excited about this, I'll tell you, having worked with the sire during his racing days. Because of this, Alexia spoiled her rotten - she claims she doesn't have favorites but that woman was all over the filly. The Long Night loves people, loves showing off, and loves pleasing her people. Whatever happens, she won't be leaving us any time soon.

So, that's it. Any more questions?" His enthusiasm was barely contained as he talked about these horses, something which seems to be a trend with this man. Whatever the case might be, we can't deny that Chris Tipton seems well-prepared as the season approaches.

I love how my lines are particularly in your juveniles this year <3 That's a successful infiltration operation ^__^ Can't wait to see how they all run!