Highlands Stud part of Ridgemont’s resident sire Antonius Pius has enjoyed a tremendous season with his 2yos this year.
The son of Danzig had yet another juvenile double this past weekened, when Battle Creek and Sassy Lady both winning for their sire.

Battle Creek was rewarded for consistency when getting off the mark over 1200m at Fairview on Friday. The Dorrie Sham bred, owned and trained gelding romped clear to make a winning polytrack debut by 2.75 lengths.

Just two days later, another 2yo by Antonius Pius was back in the winners box, when Sassy Lady won a good race in open company at Kenilworth on Sunday. Bred by Highlands, Sassy Lady came with a late rattle to down older rivals over 1000m and win going away.

Antonius Pius has now been represented by nine two-year-old winners this season, with his top juvenile performers including G3 Strelitzia Stakes winner Neptune’s Rain and G3 Protea Stakes runner up Laurent Du Var. The G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile runner up is currently above such top sires as Judpot, Redoute’s Choice and Dynasty on the current leading 2yo sires list, with Antonius Pius sired juveniles having earned in excess of R1 million this season.

A former leading first crop sire, whose other notable performers included graded winners Antonius Du Bois, Belong To Me and My Sanctuary, Antonius Pius has one lot on offer at next week’s KZN Yearling Sale –a three parts brother to G3 Langerman/Champion Juvenile Cup winner Antonius Du Bois, whose second dam is a ½ sister to US G1 winner Fowda (Lot 163).