New Zealand bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo has enjoyed a productive weekend across Australia, with Miss Waititi (NZ) and De Armas (NZ) strengthening their Classic credentials ahead of major spring targets. Their performances have also added interest to next week’s Breeze Ups at Te Rapa Racecourse, where prospects entered for the NZB Ready to Run Sale will have the opportunity to showcase their ability.
Miss Waititi made a significant impression at Flemington, defeating male rivals in the Listed Super Impose Stakes over 1800 metres. The decisive performance propelled the Circus Maximus progeny to favouritism for the Group 1 VRC Oaks over 2500 metres, placing the filly firmly in the conversation for one of Australia’s major spring staying contests.
De Armas, meanwhile, came within a neck of victory in the Group 1 Flight Stakes over 1600 metres at Randwick. The Ardrossan progeny is now likely to be supplemented for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas over the same distance, adding another compelling prospect to the New Zealand contingent pursuing Australian Classic honours.
Miss Waititi and De Armas Highlight New Zealand Bloodstock Success
Cataldo has been encouraged by the progress of both horses and sees considerable promise in the stallions behind them. He expressed particular admiration for Circus Maximus, crediting Windsor Park Stud for introducing well-bred stallions capable of producing future Derby and Oaks winners.
Cataldo also played a role in arranging Miss Waititi’s purchase for Porter, whose racing interests have included Everest winner Bella Nipotina, a daughter of Pride Of Dubai. Miss Waititi subsequently joined the training partnership of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
The association carries a personal connection for Cataldo, who has known the Price family for many years.
“I had a lot to do with Michael’s father Mick senior, and Michael used to come to New Zealand a lot and stay with us,” Cataldo said.
Australian interest in New Zealand-bred horses has remained strong, supported by their performances across the Tasman and a favourable exchange rate. With the New Zealand dollar trading at approximately A$0.80, buyers in Australia continue to find opportunities among horses demonstrating form in New Zealand.
“The New Zealand dollar definitely helps without a doubt. The demand from Australia is high. The New Zealand horses are just doing so well over there. It’s a no-brainer for them to look into anything that shows form here,” Cataldo said.
Te Rapa Breeze Ups Set to Showcase NZB Ready to Run Sale Prospects
The attention will now turn to Te Rapa Racecourse, where the Breeze Ups for the NZB Ready to Run Sale are scheduled for Monday, 12 October, and Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
All two-year-olds entered in the sale will have the opportunity to breeze over the same turf track across the two days. Proceedings will begin at the earlier time of 9.30am on both mornings, with New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) recording performance and track information to help prospective buyers assess the horses.
The information will include each horse’s time over the final 200 metres of its gallop, regular penetrometer readings to assess track conditions, weather details and wind readings recorded using an anemometer. These measurements will provide additional context for comparing individual performances.
NZB plans to publish the information against each horse on its website, alongside Breeze Up video footage, by Friday, 16 October. Prospective buyers are welcome to attend, with the full schedule available online. Bloodstock enquiries and inspection arrangements can be made through NZB’s Bloodstock team or a BAFNZ agent.
Cataldo is looking forward to examining the next group of young prospects, confident that the sale’s record provides a strong reason for continued interest from international buyers.
“The record of the horses out of the sale speaks for itself. The pinhookers here are so good at what they do,” he said.
He also highlighted the appeal of the sale to buyers seeking horses suited to Hong Kong, alongside prospects for the Australian racing circuit. The achievements of previous graduates, he believes, remain an important part of the sale’s reputation.
“There are also plenty of horses suited to Australia and the record of the graduates is exceptionally strong,” Cataldo said.
Following the Breeze Ups, the on-farm parades for the NZB Ready to Run Sale are scheduled to begin during the week commencing 2 November, with the detailed schedule to be announced.
With Miss Waititi and De Armas strengthening their Australian Classic prospects, attention at Te Rapa will be on identifying the next generation of talent from New Zealand’s two-year-old ranks.
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