Barney Boy, the first crop son of Excelebration, bred by emerging global force, Sun Stud, is among the main contenders for the 2000 Guineas, to be run at Newmarket in the U K.

Hong Kong owned, Australian based, Sun Stud sprang to international prominence last year as the owner of Noble Defence, a prominent winner of the Prix Jean – Luc Lagardere, and a big purchasing power at sales in both hemispheres.

The run of success has continued into 2017, as the breeder of the impressive winner of the Greenham Stakes, now a leading fancy for the 2000 Guineas.

Sun Stud purchased Eliza Park International in 2013, and at the end of the year it purchased Alina ,an unplaced daughter of Galileo, and Group 3 winner, Cheyenne Star, for $65,000 at the Tattersalls December Breeding Stock Sale

Barney Roy is a first crop son of Excelebration and is the mare’s first foal, he was sold as a foal at Tattersalls for 30,000 guineas, and resold to Peter and Ross Doyle for 70,000 pounds sterling, as a yearling at Doncaster.

“It was exciting to see his return to racing,” said Sun Stud’s bloodstock advisor David O’Callaghan, He showed on his first start that he was above average, you hope they will come again at three, and he couldn’t have been more impressive. It looks as though the mile will be perfect for him in the Guineas.”

Saturday’s success means that a cross Channel Guineas double looks a real possibility for the stud, with National Defense, who finished second to the impressive Al Wukair on his reappearance, due to contest the French equivalent in mid – May.

“Criquette was delighted with his run first time out, “said O’Callaghan, of the son of Invincible Spirit, a 280,000 pounds Arqana yearling purchase by the stud.

“He’s taken plenty of benefit from the race and will appreciate stepping up to the mile, he has developed into a lovely horse and we’re looking forward to the French 2,000 Guineas.”

Sun Stud has retained the two year old Dark Angel, a half sister to Barney Roy, named Wisdom Mind, and in training at Chantilly with Criquette Head-Maarek.

“Wisdom Mind is in work at the moment and is going along nicely, “said O’Callaghan, “Criquette is very happy with her progress and feels she will more than likely be a back end two year old, but next month will tell us more.”

O’Callaghan said that Alina had not been covered this year and that a decision would be made on who she will be visiting ultimately, she does have a yearling filly by Kodiac, and a very good looking colt foal, Free Eagle, at foot.  

Sun Stud is also the owner of the dam of another blue chip northern hemisphere three year old, having bought Inventive, a daughter of Dixie Union, who is the dam of last year’s wide margin Del Mar Futurity winner Klimt, for $80,000 at Keeneland.

Inventive produced a filly by Tapit to southern hemisphere time last year, and returned to Kentucky this year to be mated with Medaglia D’Oro to northern hemisphere time, and is safely in foal.

Sun Stud is enjoying success at home as well as away too, with exciting young stallions as Magnus, he is proving a consistent sire, plus Fighting Sun and Fiorente, each will have progeny racing in the new season, and Palentino, a triple Group success, who will cover his first book of mares come September.

Barney Roy Guineas aspirant