Songline - dam of the legendary Sunline, an all-time great of the Australian turf.

The amazing Sunline

Makybe Diva - triple Melbourne Cup-Gr.1 winner, an all-time great of theAustralian turf.

The Mighty Diva

The link between them? Danehill's outstanding sire son Desert King.

The sire of Makybe Diva - and 24 other stakes winners - and the stallion who has been chosen as the 2008 season mate for Songline.

"This mating brings together two horses," said John Starr of Bracken Stud (owner of Songline) - "Desert King and Songline, who between them, have produced two of Australia's great champion racehorses and highest prize
money earners. Sunline and Makybe Diva."

Sunline - winner of over $11.3 million and Makybe Diva over $14.5 million. 20 Group One races - history makers!

"I have had a good feeling over the past year about this mating," he continued. "it just makes sense when you look at a stallion with Desert King 's proven credentials and his impeccable record of producing top class
gallopers."

"This mating on pedigree I believe will produce a great result and the foal will carry very similar bloodlines to Sunline."

Very similar in fact - Sunline being line-bred to the influential mare Red Sunset as will this foal be - and as is Desert King's best son Desert War.

Songline is in great condition having had a season off. "she looks exceptionally well and we are all looking forward to her mating this season with Desert King," said Starr.

The King looking forward to his visit with Songline!

Songline in the covering barn

Lynden Park Stallion's Julie Nairn is also excited and all the more so for having visited Desert King upon his arrival at Bombora Downs last week.

"He covered 125 mares in Ireland and he looks amazing," she enthused - "just awesome!"

"He has settled in well and is very much enjoying his new surroundings."

"He has attracted a great book this year including three amazing mares - Songline as well as High Heels, dam of Desert War - and Passefleur - dam of Jezabeel."

Also optimistic about Desert King is Bombora Downs' Christoph Bruechert.

"Securing Desert King has been a major coup for Bombora Downs and the response from breeders both local and interstate has clearly vindicated the decision to stand him."

 "When you consider that mares of the calibre of Passefleur, High Heels and Songline could go to any leading stallion in Australia, the fact that their owners have chosen to go to Desert King this season is a great vote of
confidence."

Desert King enjoying a romp in his paddock!