Glowing reports on Prized Icon's progeny

Respected horseman Darrell Burnet is unwavering in his belief that Prized Icon’s progeny have all the qualities to star on the racing stage.

And Darrell should have a better idea than most after breaking in more than 20 youngsters by the dual Group 1-winning son of More Than Ready.

“I could not speak highly enough of the Prized Icons,” he said.

“They are all sensible and fundamentally have terrific attitudes and actions.”

Great anticipation surrounds Prized Icon’s first crop of two-year-olds who will be ready to hit the racetrack later in the year.

Darrell is based in Wagga and has up to 28 breakers in his care at any one time.

“I have broken in more horses by far by Prized Icon than any other individual stallion,” he said.

“From a breaker’s point of view they are straight forward, easy to deal with and ride. They’re also switched on.”

Prized Icon was a precocious juvenile, claiming the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick among seven starts in which he did not miss a placing at the elite level.

It proved to be the springboard to VRC Derby greatness at Flemington for the $2.1 million prizemoney earner.

Darrell said the Prized Icons are showing early signs of toughness.

“A lot of the ones I have broken in have not had a sales prep but they still didn’t miss a beat,” he said.

“It’s not uncommon for young horses to get tired but the Prized Icon progeny cop the work so well.

“I have heard really good reports from top trainers and other breakers as well.”

Prized Icon will stand at a fee of $11,000 (including GST) in 2022 alongside the well-credentialed young sires Sandbar ($8800) and Last Kingdom ($6600) as well as the superbly bred The Brothers War (price on application).