Thephantomtollbooth is a strapping yearling colt I’ve bred, by Real Desire out of Zenterfold. So he is a half brother to Tintin In America, Destination Moon and The Blue Lotus.
He’s headed for the yearling sales in February (Lot 39, Australasian Classic at Karaka).
I can look out my window now and see him in the paddock.
Time flies, it was just over a year ago when he was a wee foal born out at Breckon Farms – see my blog and photo from November 2012.
Thephantomtollbooth aka Milo at Isa Lodge in early November – a half brother to Tintin In America
I liked what I saw then, as I was wanting to add a bit more height and reach to my mare’s progeny this time, so his legginess was a good sign. I had noticed how Real Desire’s progeny often have that, which is something that gives the best of his stock that uncanny speed once they get going. It’s not quick sprinty speed, like Tintin had. It’s more reach and length of stride which takes a little while to get going, but creates high speed when it does.
We are full into preparation now, and hoping to take photos soon. He is being prepared by Kym Kearns and will be one of two in the Isa Lodge draft.
But in the meantime, here’s one taken in early November – he’s not “glammed up” at all for the photo, but it shows what a nice tall, strong type he’s turning into.
It seems only yesterday he was an innocent little foal.
What’s the name all about? The Phantom Tollbooth is a brilliant book by Norton Juster, written in the 1960s and sensationally illustrated by Jules Feiffer. It is a “children’s book” but has a devoted following around the world of adults and children. It was one of my favourites as a ten year old, and still is. It’s the story of Milo, a young boy who is bored with life. One day he receives a mysterious large parcel, which turns out to be a small toy car, a tollbooth, a map – and one coin. Which he duly uses…. and finds the tollbooth is the portal to a world of adventure, friendship and the formidable task of rescuing the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
It’s my hope that “Milo”, as my colt is nicknamed, will become a doorway to adventure and success for whoever buys him.
b4breeding 
Hi Beryl. He is a nice colt..looks tall and good build, i have seen a few Real Desire yearlings, they present very well. good luck with him in the sale. Kind Regards. Standardbred Breeding For All.
*Kind Regards.* *StandardBred And Breeding For All.*
Ditto the above comment. Just remember Caduceus, Manaroa, Courage under Fire and Tin Tin in America all had something in common. A head, four legs and a tail (I think Manaroa had a tail of sorts!!!). They race in all shapes, sizes and colours. No matter how long their legs, they can’t out run their genetic structure. The cemeteries are full of beautiful looking duds and high price yearling sale failures that had no affinity between sire and dam. You’ve wisely given yours an affinity to your old favourite US stallion so relax B, keep faith that affinity hits and enjoy the ride! Have a beaut 2014!