Benstud Standardbreds has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most astute Standardbred breeders — consistently selecting elite stallions, strong maternal families, and proven crosses.
That philosophy will be on full display in Queensland this year, where Benstud will offer three quality yearlings.
🔹 Lot 51 – 2026 Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale | February 22
A colt by Captaintreacherous from the Perfect Art mare Art Start, and he is a half-brother to seven winners, with six earning over $100,000.
Those winners are headed by Expensive Ego, a four-time Group One winner whose 25-win career included a Chariots Of Fire victory and a second placing behind King Of Swing in the 2021 Miracle Mile.
Expensive Ego retired with earnings of $992,307.
Art Start herself was no slouch, winning 14 races before embarking on her broodmare career.
📊 The numbers back the cross:
Only three foals (4yo or older) have been bred from Captaintreacherous × Perfect Art mares — two are winners, and both have earned over $100,000:
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Alby Two Chains p,1:50.6 – $166,763
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Master Charles p,1:50.6 – $126,491
And there’s more…
Perfect Art’s full brother, Art Major, has also proven a superb match with Captaintreacherous. Since 2017:
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58 Australian-bred foals
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41 raced (71%)
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32 winners (55%)
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14 earners over $100,000 (24%)
Standouts include:
🏆 Tough Tilly p,1:51.1 – $618,333
🏆 Jewel Melody p,1:51.2 – $534,423
🏆 Chart Topper p,1:51.4 – $379,831
🏆 Captain Hammerhead p,1:51.4 – $339,112
🔹 Lot 44 – Albion Park
A filly by Captaintreacherous, this is the first foal from the winning Art Major mare Vena May.
🔹 Lot 46 – Albion Park
A colt bred on another proven cross — by Downbytheseaside from the Bettors Delight mare War Dan Bad Girl, a three-time winner including the Group Two 2YO Australian Pacing Gold Consolation.
Downbytheseaside has already produced 22 Australian-bred winners from Bettors Delight mares, including WA Oaks runner-up Atlantic Gem.
📞 Inspections
Inspections of Benstud’s Queensland draft can be arranged by contacting Benstud NSW on 0458 658 273.
Image – Expensive Ego