London-based Australian Stuart Stuckey topped the final session of Book 2 at the Tattersalls October yearling sale on Thursday with a Green Desert colt that cost 145,000 guineas.

Stuckey’s bloodstock manager Rachel Boffey outbid Darley’s John Ferguson and trainer Paul Cole to secure the colt out of the Unfuwain mare Strings.  Boffey also bought an Iffraaj colt for Stuckey earlier this week.

“Stuart is looking to building up his string and most are with Luca Cumani,” Boffey explained.  “He is also looking to develop a breeding enterprise.”

Stuckey flew out to Canada immediately after the sale to watch his Italian Oaks winner Contredanse run in the Group 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday night.  He purchased the Luca Cumani trained daughter of Danehill Dancer at the 2009 Tattersalls December Mare Sale for 135,000 guineas.

Cumani was also in action paying 100,000 guineas for a Dubawi filly out of the Warning mare Tarabaya.  “She’s a good mover vand we all know how well Dubawi has done this year,” Cumani said.  “I have been delighted with the horses that Rachel has bought for Stuart over the past two weeks.  He is an enthusiastic owner who is getting into racing in a bigger way.”

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said Book 2 had been very similar to Book 1 in strength and depth.  “The demand for places in Book 2 was unprecedented and reflects an enormous vote of confidence in the sale,” he reflected.  “Looking ahead to Book 3, we have some good solid commercial yearlings to come.  Buyers still have plenty of opportunities to find some quality individuals as well as value for money.”

1,000 guineas = AUD 1,688