Cam Bray doesn’t know where to look when it comes to potential sales toppers at the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales that start today.

Around 300 yearlings will go under the hammer, starting at Karaka from 1pm before the sale moves to Christchurch on Wednesday.

Bray, NZB’s Standardbred Manager, has never been one to publicly disclose potential sales toppers before a sale but is adamant 2026 is even more tricky than usual.

“There are so many beautifully-pedigreed yearlings in the sale that are bred to be top end.”

“And such a spread of sires too.”

For instance, how do you compare the best New Zealand-bred stock compared to  the progeny of top European and North American stallions?

“I never imagined that some of those yearlings would ever be sold here,” says Bray, “so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

In 2025 the sales toppers were two Captaintreacherous colts out of champion mares Adore Me and Bettor Twist that went for a record-breaking $360,000 each.

This year Lot 46, a full brother to the Captaintreacherous – Adore Me colt, is being offered by Woodlands Stud and is sure to attract some serious money.

Then there’s (Lot 107)a full brother to legendary trotter Just Believe, (Lot 213) a full-brother to the unbeaten Millwood Nike, and (Lot 289) a half brother to Merlin and full brother to Captains Mistress.

Adding to the mix is a number of first season sires. There are eight in all  including Bulldog Hanover, the world’s fastest ever pacer (1:45.8) who has three colts in the sale (Lots 215, 275 and 276).

Another sire expected to prompt a lot of interest is the former world champion and son of Chapter Seven, Walner. He is already the sire of six millionaires from his three crops including $3m earner Jiggy Jog S.

He stands for around $50,000 in North America and will be represented by two fillies and one colt in the sales – (Lots 81, 113 and 258), all being offered by Australian breeding powerhouse Pat Driscoll and Yabby Dam Farms.

At last year’s NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales 245 yearlings sold for over $13m, up six per cent on the previous year. That was from a catalogue of 320 yearlings.

This year numbers are down to around 295.

“It is a real good catalogue and it’s top end stuff,” says Bray.

“It will come down to who wants what and what are they prepared to pay for it.”

THE 2026 NZB STANDARDBRED NATIONAL YEARLING SALES :

Lots 1 – 133 will be sold at Karaka on Monday, February 16 from 1 pm
Lots 134 – 320 will be sold at Christchurch, Wednesday February 18 from 11am

To see more on the Karaka and Christchurch sales click here

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk