BUYING YEARLINGS

NZ Truth, Issue 1105, 3 February 1927, Page 9

BUYING YEARLINGS

Is Risk Over-estimated? (From 'JN.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Rep.) • It is generally agreed <-that "buying yearling thoroughbreds is more or less of a gamble — that is, so far as the rrisk of them turnina - ( out unprofitable is concerned. YET, as matters stand to-day, the risk may not be quite so great as most people are eager to imagine. No one ' can be found contending that the prices realised at the recent Trentham sale were exorbitant when a deep study of the position is made regarding the possibilities of an early return of purchase money by way of stakes. • . ... * To prove this contention, "N.Z. Truth" points out that m the aggregate the 20 leading two-year-olds m New Zealand this season have already won more between them m stakes than it cost to purchase the 20 top-priced . ■ thoroughbreds at Trentham. This statement may be surprising, but nevertheless it is a fact, for "N.Z. Truth" has gone into figures and found that so far as the present season has advanced the 20 leading two-year-olds m. the Dominion alone (excluding Eulalie's earnings at Randwick) have already won £13,680. . The 20 top-priced yearlings sold at Trentham hardly reached those figures all told. '. Again, no fewer than five two-year-olds m this country have won upwards of £1100 a-piece, while only two yearlings> sold last month reached four figures, and both under £1100. It is questionable whether the ten.cl.ency to cater so largely for two-year-old racing, is improving the stamina of our thoroughbreds. Nevertheless,. . it cannot be . denied that m placing so many valuable stakes within grasp of the .juveniles those responsible are affording the opportunity to buyers /of yearlings to show an early return on their investments. . . That is, of course, provided the yearling does not turn out a real "dud," and unfortunately a percentage of them do-. '/? . . That is the greatest risk m. buying a yearling.