Darley shuttler Exceed And Excel has stolen the show for the second time this week at the Tattersalls October yearling sale.

Exceed And Excel topped Day 1 of Book 2 with a 150,000gns colt and he stepped up again on Day 3 with a 200,000gns colt bound for Hong Kong.

Wednesday’s session-topper is a half-brother to Prime Defender who defeated NZ shuttler Showcasing and Starspangledbanner in the 2010 Duke of York Stakes.  He initially changed hands as a foal for 62,000gns.

“This is a horse we wanted,” HKJC spokesman Mark Richards said.  “The sire works well in Hong Kong as he does around the world.  I liked the horse’s deep girth and his good front.  He may need a little time but that’s not a problem.”

A Dubawi colt out of a half-sister to Prix Niel winner Housamix was next best at 170,000gns.  He was purchased by Darley agent John Ferguson and was a profitable mark-up for Corduff Stud who paid just 47,000gns for him as a foal in same ring last December.

“He’s a lovely athletic horse,” said Ferguson.  “He comes from a great farm and he’s one to look forward to for the early part of next summer.”  Ferguson also paid 130,000gns for a Shamardal colt out of Dahlia Stakes winner Beneventa.

Trade on Day 3 reached 7.62 million guineas.  The average rose 5% to 40,134gns and the median was up 24% to 33,500gns.  The fourth and final session of Book 2 continues on Thursday.

Cash converter:  1,000 guineas = AUD 1,647