An Encosta De Lago filly out of Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha fetched top price of $700,000 on Day 2 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale on Thursday.  The filly was purchased by Mount Hallowell Stud in Western Australia which is headed by Seacorp principal Craig Thompson.

The session topper will be trained by Gai Waterhouse.  Ingham Racing was the under-bidder.  “She reminds me very much of Ha Ha,” Waterhouse commented.  “She has got a beautiful hindquarter and has development to go.”

Thompson was delighted to purchase what he described as the filly of the sale.  “I came here specifically to buy this filly,” Thompson said.  “Just have a look at her pedigree.  Hopefully she can win a few races as well – with her residual value outstanding.”

Thompson also purchased three other yearlings that will head back home to be prepared by David Harrison.

The Redoute’s Choice filly out of G1 winner La Baraka was knocked down for $590,000 to Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan.  Overseas buyers were active including the Hong Kong Jockey Club which paid $540,000 for a Dehere half-sister to stakeswinners Gaze On and Bhutane Dane.

A strong second session on the Gold Coast led to the clearance rate climbing to 78% and the average increasing to $131,179.

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester was pleased with the increases across the board during the session.  “I expect increases,” Chester noted.  “It was a healthy session with spirited bidding on many lots.”

“We still have plenty more quality lots for sale particularly over the next two sessions.  The spread of buyers is excellent.  We are delighted to have such a top buying bench on hand.”