Testa Rossa looks a magnificent vehicle through ability and bloodlines to access future excellence. One studmaster who is taking advantage of this from two directions is Basil Nolan, a Queensland breeder who has been standing stallions at the Raheen stud in the Gladfield valley near Warwick for half a century.

Currently in the Raheen stallion complement are the promising young Redoute's Choice sire Stromberg Carlson, a near three-quarter brother to Testa Rossa, and 2009 newcomer Publishing, a talented Melbourne sprinter who appears the first son of Testa Rossa to go to a quality stud.

Stromberg Carlson, a horse who most likely got his name because he was raced by Arrowfield and icon radio personality Alan Jones, gets his relationship with Testa Rossa as both are by Danzig line sires and out of the same dam, the Sir Dapper mare Bo Dapper.

The Raheen sire did not reach Testa Rossa standard on the racetrack, but indicated a good dose of ability in his eight start career by winning at Rosehill Gardens in class record time, finishing third at Randwick and in the Doomben Slipper-LR and fourth in the T.J. Smith Stakes-Gr.1 and at Rosehill Gardens. He won a trial at Randwick by two lengths.

Stromberg Carlson has had seven progeny win or place from his 12 first crop runners and is expected to have much stronger representation in the new year. In his four seasons at stud he has had books of 129, 116 (95.4%), 84 (equine influenza year; 93.7%) and 147 (2008).

Newcomer Publishing is likely to be also well supported by breeders as he appeals as an ideal prospect through ability and bloodlines to supply fleetfooted quality performers. Raced on 21 occasions and earner of $385,300, he included in six wins - 1200 - 1400m - dashing displays in Melbourne in the VRC Standish Handicap-Gr.3, MRC T.S. Carlyon Cup-Gr.3 (won by 2 lengths), MRC Harbourside Finance Handicap (2 lengths), MRC Scobie Breasley Handicap (3.3 lengths) and MRC 3YO Open Handicap (2 lengths). He finished a short half head second in the VRC Chester Manifold Stakes-LR and a nose at Moonee Valley and fourth in the VRC Bobbie Lewis Quality-Gr.3 (0.6 lengths) and Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.

A half-brother to the stakes winning Redoute's Choice filly Miss Mooney Mooney, the 16.1 hands brown Publishing is from Sally Magic, a Sydney winner and runner up to Testa Rossa in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. She is by the Kenmare VRC Lightning Stakes winner Keltrice and from the Century SAJC Dequetteville Stakes winner Sleep Time Girl, produce of a three-quarter sister to the mercurial Rancher. In addition, Publishing has the benefit of a 4x4 inbreeding to one of the most brilliant Australians of all time, Vain.

Typical of Queensland breeding practice, both Publishing (fee $4,400) and Stromberg Carlson ($5,500) can be used at modest cost. They stand at Raheen with the Danehill Golden Slipper second Shovhog ($5,500) and the Canny Lad AJC Epsom Handicap and Queensland Derby winner Dodge and can be accessed through phones 0407 140 711 (Basil Nolan), 0407 162 296 (Basil Jnr) or (07) 4666 1172.