It was a buyers’ market at Belmont during Day 2 of the Perth Magic Millions yearling sale on Thursday evening.
The average price of $44,618 compares favourably with $41,547 at the same stage last year but the clearance rate of 68% is cause for some concern.
Magic Millions Acting Managing Director David Chester said the quality individuals of the session attracted good interest. “There was some strong competition on a number of lots and that is nice to see – hopefully there is more of that to come,” Chester said. “Obviously it would be nice to see the clearance rate higher. Hopefully that can climb during tomorrow’s third session.”
Top price for the Thursday session came when leading trainer David Harrison went to $180,000 to secure a colt by leading Mungrup Stud sire Oratorio. “He’s a nice, big and strong Oratorio colt,” Harrison said. “He was my pick of the sale and I’m delighted to have been able to buy him.”
Harrison’s stable star Waratah’s Secret is by Oratorio (Aus) and he is stakes winner of the G3 Scahill Stakes, G3 Prince of Wales Stakes, LR Belgravia Stakes and LR Fairetha Stakes.
The third session of the auction will commence at 3pm (WA time) on Friday. The Westspeed (non-select) Session of the auction will start at 11am (WA time) on Sunday.
2011 Perth Magic Millions – Day 2 leader-board
$180,000 – Oratorio-Rancherpara colt
Vendor: Toreby Park (As Agent for Mungrup Stud Clients) / Buyer: Bridge Patrol Lodge Pty Ltd (WA)
$140,000 – Lonhro-Tennessee West colt
Gervase Park Stud / Ascot Bloodstock (WA)
$120,000 – Blackfriars-Voltage Pak colt
Durham Lodge / Belmont Bloodstock Agency (Vic)
$110,000 – Haradasun-Woodala colt
Alwyn Park Stud / Bill Mitchell (Vic)
$105,000 – Oratorio-Petite Angel colt
Mungrup Stud (As Agent) / Paul Jordan (WA)
$105,000 – Oratorio-Secret Vault colt
Toreby Park (As Agent) / Gino Poletti (WA)
$105,000 – Choisir-Twilight Spy colt
Dawson Stud / JW Price (WA)
$100,000 – Street Sense-Silver Seam filly
Yarradale Stud / Dan Morton (WA)
$100,000 – Viscount-Siesta Park filly
Oakland Park Stud / Belmont Bloodstock Agency (Vic)