Blue Sky Bloodstock’s Julian Blaxland led a combined spend of $4.58 million for FBAA members at this week’s Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
Blaxland headed the overall figures bidding $1.59 million for 11 lots on Thursday and Friday. The FBAA brand also featured in the Top 3 on the leader-board with Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (7 lots – $1.18 million).
Other active members of Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia at the Gold Coast Foal Sale were; Sheamus Mills (14 – $893,000), Randwick B/s (7 – $317,500), Belmont B/s (8 – $244,000), Hancock Quality B/s (5 – $234,000) and Pinhook B/s (3 – $119,000).
Blaxland (pictured) topped the Gold Coast Sale for colts with a $460,000 bid for the Snitzel – Cariad youngster presented by Arawata Bloodstock. “That was over what I thought we would have to pay,” he admitted. “I thought he was the colt of the sale. He’s a lovely horse out of a stakes winning mare and looks an early type for the Magic Millions Classic.”
Blue Sky Bloodstock struck later with $320,000 for the only Exceed And Excel in the catalogue. The colt’s dam Doctrine (Artie Schiller) is an unraced half-sister to top-tier sprinter Rain Affair.
“I love Exceed And Excel…he’s one of the world’s great sprinting sires,” Blaxland said. “This one is typical of the sire. It’s a speed-on-speed pedigree and he will be a lovely colt to bring back here in January or to race on.”
Blaxland also targeted a So You Think – Miss Shamardal filly for $250,000. “I’ve been taken by the way So You Think has been progressing. He’s build momentum right through with his two and three-year-olds.
Miss Shamardal’s 2yo filly Miss Demi (Commands) was retained by breeder Mark Geraghty and is reported to be showing a lot of ability for Warwick Farm trainer Marc Conners. “I bought a lovely So You Think – Dorf Command yearling here in January for Clarry Connors,” Blaxland continued. “She’s been named Venom and has broken in super – we’re glad to get this one as well.”
Peter Ford teamed up with Seymour-based Hilldene Farm to buy its first foals in partnership on the Gold Coast. Topping the shopping list were two colts by G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Brazen Beau from Flute of Bubbly ($300,000) and Calvados ($270,000).
Flute Of Bubbly (Encosta De Lago) is from the family of G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner Amber Sky (Exceed And Excel) and has already foaled LR Woodlands Stakes winner Shigeru Sendan (Denman).
“He’s an outstanding walker and really well put together,” Ford said. “He is a 2yo type and the freshman sire seems to be what everyone wants to buy at the Gold Coast in January. That’s our strategy in targeting Brazen Beau.
Ford and Hilldene Farm owner Nick Wakim are developing a property near Seymour from where a dozen yearlings will be prepared for the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions and Inglis Melbourne Premier.
“This is our opening statement to the industry,” Ford declared. “We have 180 acres of rolling pasture and intend to be long-term players, especially in Victoria which is a great place to breed horses.”
Magic Millions reported a 13% rise in turnover to over $19.69 million. “The continued sophistication of the weanling market is great to see,” Magic Millions CEO Vin Cox said. “The market will judge the horses and then step in when they find the horse they really like.”
Magic Millions will now focus on the National Broodmare Sale which commences at 10am on Tuesday.
Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) was formed in 1988 to maintain, improve and develop the standards, status and services of bloodstock agents throughout Australia. Its members operate with the utmost integrity and professionalism and are bound by the strict Industry Code of Conduct.
The list of FBAA members can be viewed at: www.bloodstockagents.com.au