A solid day of trade during the opening session of NZ Bloodstock’s Select Sale was highlighted by a $170,000 Pentire filly offered by Hallmark Stud.

The filly from Redoute’s Choice mare Eyes Light Up was secured by John White Bloodstock.  “She’s just a real smart filly and was purchased for Bevan Laming,” White said.  “Bev will think about it over the next few days whether he sends her to Brisbane or Melbourne.”

Next best on the leader board were the colts by Towkay and Any Suggestion that made $160,000.

The Towkay colt from Dance Floor mare Dancing Daze was knocked down to South African agency Worldwide Bloodstock.  His dam was a G2 winner in NZ and she hails from the family of Starcraft.

Any Suggestion (Lion Hunter) stands with Pentire at Rich Hill Stud and his colt from Arniston was purchased by Perth trainer Wally Mitchell.  “We bought him mainly for the Karaka Million,” Mitchell said.  “He will stay with Murray Baker in preparation for the big race.”

Mitchell trained 1987 Australian Horse of the Year Placid Ark and said the colt reminded him a lot of the champion sprinter with a similar build through the shoulder.  The Ascot conditioner also bought a High Chaparral three-quarter brother to Monaco Consul.

John Chalmers signed the sale sheets for Mitchell.  The Perth agent topped the Day 1 buyers’ list with four lots for $347,500.  Chalmers also secured 11 yearlings at the Premier Sale.

A total of 146 horses changed hands on Day 1 of the three-day sale.  They averaged $45,786 at a clearance rate of 76%.

New Zealand Bloodstock Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela is very pleased with how the session has started.  “It’s been a good strong start to the Select Sale with lots of Australian and Asian buyers still here from the Premier Sale.  Our clearance rate is holding up very well which is pleasing and our figures are in line with last year so if we could maintain that momentum for the next two days it will be a good result.”

Select Sale selling will resume on Thursday with Lots 726 to 930.  The final day of the Select Sale will continue on Friday with Lots 931 to 1136.