Lilydale breeder Shane Hawes, a long‑time and loyal supporter of the Tasmanian Yearling Sale since its revival, returns in 2026 with a well-credentialled trio that blends performance, type, and depth of pedigree.

Heading the draft is a striking colt by 2YO Colt of the Year Storm Inside, out of former high‑class race mare Karalta Crown ($128,351). A Group winner on the track, Karalta Crown has been equally impressive in the broodmare barn, producing eight winners from just ten foals of racing age, including Karalta Dazzler 2:00.6 ($226,346), Rockandhardplace ($188,369 to date), and Ideal Karalta (12 wins).

Hawes also presents two well-bred fillies.

Lot 4 is an athletic bay filly by champion sire Rock N Roll Heaven, from the Bettor’s Delight mare Bettor’s Beach Babe. Just her second foal, this filly hails from a family rich in black‑type performers, including top Perth pacer Can Return Fire (19 wins) and the outstanding mare Posh Jaccka, runner‑up in the Australian Oaks to Tailamade Lombo before capturing the Victoria Gold Chalice, Hamilton Cup, and 29 victories overall.

Rounding out the draft is Lot 8, a neat, compact filly by Follow The Stars, the Australian and New Zealand 2YO Colt of the Year and one of the leading colonial sires. She is the first foal from Cathartic, a 1:58 winner by Meadowlands Pace champion Roll With Joe.

This filly carries one of Tasmania’s most respected maternal lines, tracing directly to Irish Town, a standout racemare of the 1990s whose 19 wins included the Belmont, Princess of Pace, Tasmanian 3YO Championship, Victorian Goffin Memorial and Smile Mile. The family also features the NSW Pink Bonnet winner Gracie Wilkes, Ballychurch (Tasmanian 3YO Filly Championship), and dual Metropolitan Cup winner Good Town.

With the Tasbred $10,000 first‑win bonus, plus an additional $5,000 bonus available to any yearling from this sale that wins as a two‑year‑old, all roads lead to Quercus Park on Saturday. The sale starts at 2pm.

For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available via nutrienstandardbred.com.au  

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink