Telemon Thorougbreds, the birthplace of ZOUSTAR, have secured the champion young sire’s most precocious and sharpest son SUN CITY as an exciting new prospect for Queensland.

SUN CITY was a $525,000 yearling for Qatar Bloodstock’s David Redvers and McEvoy-Mitchell Racing at the 2018 Magic Millions, ZOUSTAR’s most expensive colt that whole year.

The striking chestnut wasted no time living up to his price tag starting favourite in the opening 2yo stakes race of the season in October, the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes at Flemington.

After rearing at the start SUN CITY faced an impossible task, but racegoers were left with a lasting impression when he reeled off the 2nd fastest 400m sectional of the meeting (behind only the immortal WINX) to be runner up on debut.

“He was quite clearly our sharpest and best 2yo and whilst we were disappointed he bungled the start we weren’t surprised with the splits he ran,” said trainer Tony McEvoy.

“He could sprint at Sunlight sectionals. That’s the level of ability we were seeing at home.”

Following an identical path to that blazed by another of ZOUSTAR’s progeny SUNLIGHT, SUN CITY was a brilliant winner of the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes 1200m, propelling him towards the top of the market for the $2M Magic Millions 2yo Classic.

His winning time was clocked over half a second quicker than what subsequent dual Group One winning 2yo KING’S LEGACY ran to win the race in 2019.

Post-race, champion jockey James McDonald couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.

“Sharp colt, relaxed beautifully, sprinted like a very good horse off a strong tempo. He gave me a great feel and will be mighty hard to beat in the Magic Millions…bring it on,” said McDonald.

SUN CITY, a dominant winner of the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes.

Unfortunately, a leg infection the week leading into the Classic ruled him out with McEvoy rueing what could have been.

“He had a sense of timing going into the Millions and we were supremely confident as I know James (McDonald) was also,” said McEvoy.

“It was cruel timing really as it also ruined his Golden Slipper chances which was the ultimate aim.”

What was lost to racing through injury may turn out to be Queensland breeding’s gain.

Telemon Principal Dan Fletcher commented:

“We feel a certain type of horse suits Queensland and the incentive scheme we have here. They need to be early maturing and fast. SUN CITY has those qualities. To go with it, he’s a genuine head turner with a great temperament. The issue that curtailed his career was not congenital which, for me as a breeder, is important.”

Renowned bloodstock agent David Redvers described SUN CITY as a flawless physical who was a must have for the Qatar Bloodstock operation he manages and who also bought and raced world champion 3yo ROARING LION in 2018.

“As a yearling, SUN CITY took the eye immediately,” said Redvers.

“He is a simply stunning individual with a great blend of Golden Slipper winning speed throughout his pedigree.

“As a major shareholder in the sire, Sheikh Fahad’s commitment to supporting ZOUSTAR in the sales ring is unquestionable and he was particularly excited to secure this colt given his combination of type and pedigree.

“We know he had blistering speed and untapped potential so we’re excited to partner with an emerging operation such as Telemon for the next chapter in this brilliant colt.”

Fletcher said Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Bloodstock remain a major shareholder of SUN CITY.

“They haven’t ‘cut and run’ when SUN CITY hurt himself, they’re doubling down and that is a great endorsement in itself,” he said.

“That has to get your attention as a breeder to firstly consider the underlying quality of the colt and, beyond that, the opportunity that can stem from securing a share or lifetime breeding right.”

SUN CITY has an exceptional pedigree that will capture the attention of astute breeders. He is from a Flying Spur ex Canny Lad mare, two Golden Slipper winning colts and incredible influences as broodmare sires of the likes of REDOUTE’S CHOICE, I AM INVINCIBLE & SEBRING.

Telemon’s pedigree analyst reported as part of their due diligence on the colt that he is an ‘A++ genetic masterpiece’ and believe his ‘beautifully balanced, duplication of superior female ROLLS provide an intriguing amount of options for breeders’.

Part Owner Matt Rudolph was delighted to secure an agreement with Telemon for SUN CITY.

“The farm’s record of producing exceptional stallions combined with Dan’s own success assures Sun City every opportunity,” said Rudolph.

“More than a third of Australia’s early season two-year-old races are run in Queensland so this is an ideal location for him.”

SUN CITY completes a circle for Telemon insofar as it is the birthplace of his illustrious sire ZOUSTAR not to mention a launching pad for champion 2yo sires WRITTEN TYCOON and MOSSMAN.

“It will be a special moment for us to welcome the first son of ZOUSTAR home to Queensland,” said Fletcher.

“ZOUSTAR is an important horse for us personally given we bred and race SUNLIGHT and her siblings with our partners. He was born and raised in our paddocks and we’ve always treasured the connection.

“It was interesting to see his first colt to stud last year covered over 170 mares in Victoria.

“SUN CITY is the most precocious colt by ZOUSTAR and, considering all of his good 2yos improved into standout 3yos that just franks what might have been for SUN CITY.

“We believe he’s the most exciting new prospect to retire to QLD this year.”

SUN CITY will stand at $7,700 including GST with Telemon offering select breeders equity in the horse via limited shares. In addition, a small number of lifetime breeding rights will be available.