Fremantle businessman Craig Thompson took the early running at the Perth Magic Millions on Tuesday with $180,000 for a stunning Oratorio colt from Mungrup Stud.

The Oratorio – Scuffs colt was catalogued as Lot 25 and will be trained by Trevor Andrews.  “It’s Valentine’s Day and I’ve bought him for my wife Rose,” Thompson said.  “Trevor picked out his best colt here two years ago and it turned out to be King Saul.”

King Saul (Flying Pegasus) was a G2 winner of the WA Guineas earlier this season.  Thompson is managing director of leading ship brokerage Seacorp and has invested millions in Mt Hallowell Stud.  He also races G1 filly Hallowell Belle (Starcraft).

“I think the Oratorio colt is the best sprinting prospect in the sale,” Thompson added.  “I really admired Scuffs as a racehorse and Oratorio is doing everything right as a sire.”

Ascot trainer Dan Morton broke the $200,000 barrier later in the day with the Oratorio – Zenda colt from Namerik Thoroughbreds.  Parading as Lot 55, he is a half-brother to King Saul and made $205,000.