Fastnet Filly Tops Yearling Opener

FASTNET FILLY TOPS YEARLING OPENER 
A daughter of Fastnet Rock (Aus) stole the show during the opening session of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale yesterday when hammered down to the New Zealand-based David Ellis and Jamie Richards for A$300,000. With 20 fewer horses offered as compared to 12 months ago, figures dipped across the board. The first session saw 132 head sold for A$4,991,000, compared with A$6,565,500 for 165 sold last year. The average dropped 5% to A$37,811, while the buyback rate climbed nine points to 35%. 
“Good quality lots attracted plenty of competition at all levels,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said. “The high pass in rate is a reflection of being an end of season yearling sale. We expect tomorrow to be very similar with some good quality lots that will sell well. Any lots passed in today are now available for private sale, and offers can be made via the results page on the [Magic Millions] website.” 
David Ellis of Te Akau Stud has had success buying at this sale in the past, having secured Group 1 winners Princess Coup (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) and Tell A Tale (Aus) (Tale of the Cat) in the Gold Coast ring. Princess Coup returned to the National ring to set a Magic Millions record price for a broodmare of A$3 million, and her yearling filly by Redoute’s Choice (Aus) goes under the hammer today. Ellis will surely be hoping for the same success for his new Fastnet filly, who went through the ring as Lot 1559 from the Coolmore Stud draft. The September-foaled bay is out of the unraced Dragon’s Tail (Aus) (Galileo {Ire}), from the family of G1 Lockinge S. winner Fly to the Stars (GB) (Bluebird) and British champion filly Fallen For You (GB) (Dansili {GB}). 
New Zealand buyers continued to make their presence felt throughout the session, as trainer Graeme Rogerson signed for seven yearlings for A$663,000, including the second and joint third highest-priced lots. First through the ring was Lot 1668, a son of Redoute’s Choice (Aus) picked up by Rogerson for A$250,000. Consigned by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud, the colt is out of the multiple Group 1-placed Kylikwong (Aus) (Red Ransom), a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner Tracy’s Element (Aus) (Last Tycoon {Ire}) and a full sister to Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy (Aus). Lot 1668 is also a full-brother to listed winner Cantonese (Aus) and multiple group-placed Chateau Margaux (Aus). 
Rogerson was in action again later in the session when extending to A$180,000 for Lot 1694, a colt by leading first season sire I Am Invincible (Aus). Consigned by Yarraman Park Stud, where his sire stands, the bay is out of Love in Spring (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}), and from the immediate family of leading sire Snitzel (Aus) as well as Yarraman Park’s promising first crop sire Hinchinbrook (Aus). 
Lot 1694 marked the second time the A$180,000 mark had been hit during the session, after agent John Foote went that far for Lot 1662. Consigned by Oakwood Farm, the colt is the first foal out of the winning Kiss ‘N Chase (Aus) (Red Ransom). 
A pair of yearlings made A$150,000. The first through the ring was Lot 1613, a son of the red-hot Sebring (Aus) consigned by Robyn Wise and purchased by Blue Sky Bloodstock and trainer Mick Price. The December foal is out of Gods Order (Aus) (Commands {Aus}), a half-sister to Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Ambitious General (Aus) (General Nediym {Aus}). 
Denman (Aus) currently sits second to I Am Invincible on the first season sires’ table, and his progeny have also proven popular at this year’s yearling sales. Lot 1657, a son of Denman, is New Zealand-bound after being picked up by Jamieson Park for A$150,000. The bay is out of Kate of Clonmel (Aus) (Bianconi), a half-sister to Group 2 winner and Group 1 producer Khaptivaan (Aus) (Adraan {GB}). 
The sale continues today at 10 a.m. local time.