'I just hope he has the same sort of heart and will to win as his brother'

Off the back of a fine few months for Overbury Stud, manager Simon Sweeting tells us about the stock the Gloucestershire operation will be offering at the Goffs UK August Sale at Doncaster this Wednesday and Thursday in our Q&A, as well as the reaction to resident sire Jack Hobbs' first two-year-olds.

Tell us about some of the horses Overbury Stud are offering at Goffs UK...

We’re taking six up and there is plenty to like about them all. I’m looking forward to seeing what people make of the Passing Glance gelding out of Cyd Charisse (lot 341). I love him but you never know if the market will agree.

You're offering Thyme Hill's half-brother by Jack Hobbs; is he similar at all to his illustrious sibling? Also, how is the dam, Rosita Bay?

Thyme Hill's sibling is a straightforward horse with a great stride. He’d be half a size bigger than his brother and I just hope he has the same sort of heart and will to win.

Rosita Bay is really well and has a stunning Frontiersman filly at foot. I hadn’t planned to cover her again but she looked so well a month after foaling that we covered her with Frontiersman again. I’d be quite happy if she produces another filly.

What has the reaction been to Jack Hobbs' first two-year-olds? Was it a surprise to see him already have a juvenile runner on the Flat?

Jack Hobbs has covered over 160 mares this year - an increase from the last two years - so I’m taking that as an endorsement from breeders.

Jack Hobbs: covered over 160 mares this year at Overbury StudCredit: Sarah Farnsworth / Goffs UK

I can tell everyone until I’m blue in the face how much I like them, but the test now will be on the racecourse.

I was a bit surprised to see him have a two-year-old runner, yes, particularly over six furlongs! She ran very respectably over seven and a half second time out though, so maybe she can win this year.

How do you see demand at the upcoming August Sale?

Everything I can see points to a strong sale, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Has this been a sale that has been successful for you in the past?

We have been lucky when selling in January and I hope this week will go well for us too.

What are you most looking forward to ahead of the store sales?

Picking up the Horse & Hound Cup, which Schiaparelli has won this year [for most chase winners for an active UK sire]. He’s a wonderful horse and I’m sure his best days are still to come.

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