Waikato Stud shuttler Paco Boy was in demand when the Tattersalls December Foal Sale opened on Wednesday.

Agent Rob Speers purchased his first-crop colt from Dr Fong mare Tincture for 52,000 guineas.  “He is a nice colt and I’ve liked the Paco Boys that I’ve seen,” said Speers.  “They have good shape, move well and he seems to be stamping his stock.  They should be popular as yearlings and I am sure they will only get more expensive as the week goes on.”

Paco Boy (Ire) is a son of Desert Style and shuttles between Highclere Stud and Waikato Stud in Matamata.  He was a G1 winner of the 2008 Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp, 2009 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and 2010 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

Cheveley Park Stud sire Dutch Art was also in demand after a year that saw him sire seven individual stakes winners.  Top price among his six foals that changed hands on Day 1 was a colt out of Diktat mare Authoritative that made 46,000 guineas.

A colt by Patinack Farm shuttler Lope De Vega also made 46,000 guineas when knocked down to prominent pin-hooker Willie Browne.  His dam Awani is a half-sister to G1 winner Kooyonga.

A total of 221 lots were sold for 1.75 million guineas on Wednesday.  The average of 10,379 guineas was up 10% and the median of 6,500 guineas rose 4%.  Trade will build up as the Foal Sale progresses through to Saturday.

Currency converter:  1,000 guineas = AUD 1,609