The Rocket Man connection is optimistic lightning will strike twice on the Gold Coast after topping the Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale on Wednesday.

South African agent Andy Williams and Singapore based trainer Patrick Shaw paid top price of $260,000 for a colt by Eureka Stud sire Red Dazzler on Day 1 at the HIT Sale.

The duo bought Singapore champion Rocket Man for $60,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions National Sale.  “He’s a lovely colt,” Shaw said after outbidding Macau trainer Gary Moore.  “He breezed well and he comes from a lovely family and looks a very good prospect.

Shaw and Williams also purchased the 2010 HIT sale topper when paying $180,000 for a Gonski colt.  Named Tzar, he is already a multiple winner at Kranji.

The Day 1 average of $41,449 was slightly down on last year’s sale opener.  The clearance rate was up two points to 69%.

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said the opening session was solid.  “There was strong demand at the top end through to the middle of the market,” Cox said.  “We had a good line up of buyers from around the country as well as overseas.

Day 2 of the HIT Sale will continue on Thursday and it will be followed by a Racehorse Sale comprising 48 lots.

DAY 1 TOP SELLERS

$260,000   Red Dazzler – Boganvillia colt – World Wide B’stock
$180,000   All Bar One – Croft colt – N & J Moore B’stock
$120,000   Shinzig – Chlorophyll colt – At the Wire T’breds
$110,000   Mossman – Dane Promise colt – Ricky Yiu
$95,000     Shinzig – Time is Hope colt – Steven Burridge

$90,000     Bradbury’s Luck – Tessa Bianca – Kranji T’breds
$80,000     Magnus – De Lago Lass filly – Ontrack T’breds
$80,000     Written Tycoon – Always Vain colt – Gino Poletti
$80,000     Jet Spur – Zabori gelding – Cameron Cooke
$80,000     Freeze – Velvet Vibe colt – Barry James