Tareena Bloodstock sire Manton was represented by his first winner on Tuesday when Darley filly Graskop powered home in the Premier Signs Plate at Sandown.

Graskop (2f Manton – Rondavel by Snippets) will keep improving on the back of her debut win over Song Of The Bell (Artie Schiller) and Joyeux (Lonhro) on the Hillside circuit.  

Her sire Manton (Danehill) was a G2 winner of the 2006 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill before retiring to Woodlands for the 2007 season.  His first crop are two year-olds, however, he was surplus to requirements after Sheikh Mohammed bought Bob Ingham’s bloodstock interests.

Manton is a brother to top West Australian sire Blackfriars, however, he struggled to attract mares and only sired 40 live foals in his first two crops. 

Darley sold him to Tareena and he has just finished a second season at Ian McRobert’s property which is situated on the Manning River.

“His first two year olds are very athletic and are in the top stables with Peter Snowden and Lee Freedman,” McRobert said.  “Although he does not have the numbers to match most of the first season sires, I’m sure the quality of his offspring will have people sit up and take notice.”

Manton is also the sire of brilliant filly Darley filly Disputes who was placed in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes at Randwick in October.  Jockey Craig Newitt believes she has untapped potential.  “I would be happy to ride Disputes in anything she goes around in,” Newitt said.  “She will develop into a very handy horse and will be better as a three year old over ground.”

Graskop will also appreciate longer trips than Tuesday’s 1000 metres scamper.  She is a half-sister to the Woodlands homebred winners Ankaret (Desert Prince), Beehives (Octagonal), Catch The Magic (Strategic) and Mokhoro (Desert Prince).

Darley sold their dam Rondavel in foal to Exceed And Excel for $40,000 at the 2010 Inglis Broodmare Sale.  Second dam Lusso (Prego) was a G3 winner of the VATC Debutante Stakes.

Manton stands for a $5,000 fee at Tareena Bloodstock alongside Killy (Redoute’s Choice) and Floral Dynamite (Danehill).