Day 3 of NZ Bloodstock’s Select Sale was highlighted by a $250,000 colt sired by Coolmore Stud freshman Excellent Art.

Offered by Pencarrow Stud, the colt from Sadler’s Wells mare Magical Moment was secured by Coolmore Stud’s Tom Magnier.  The strapping youngster is a half-brother to recent G1 Rich Hill Mile winner Fears Nothing (Faltaat).

“He’s a fantastic yearling that has all the makings of a super racehorse and we are delighted to have bought him,” Magnier said.  “He is certainly a credit to the team at Pencarrow.  This sale has served as a great endorsement of Excellent Art – the market loves his yearlings.”

Excellent Art finished at the top of the Select session sires table with three of his four entries selling for an average of $155,000.

Heading the table by aggregate was another first season sire in Iffraaj with 34 of 42 entries sold for $2.62 million at an average of $77,074.  His yearlings topped both Day 1 and Day 2 of the Select Sale.

Trade for the Select Sale was $19.10 million at an average of $45,711.  NZB Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela said the Select Sale results have been pleasing.  “To be within striking distance of the 2010 figures is a good result.  The median held up well against last year but the clearance rate is a bit disappointing,” Vela explained.

“The clearance rate (73%) reflected the lack of confidence from our domestic market but, hopefully, they will be back in action at the Festival Sale.”