A colt by a star local stallion topped day one of the March Yearling Sale
A bid made from Los Angeles airport won the battle for the Better Than Ready colt who would be the top lot of Day 1 at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.
Will Hulbert called on training rival Tony Gollan to do the bidding on-site as he was in the US waiting to board a flight to return home.
The Lyndhurst Stud-prepared colt, who is out of the Press Statement mare News Release, which makes him a brother to promising two-year-old The Hammo – which Hulbert trains in partnership with his father Peter – got to $140,000 before the hammer came down.
"I loved the horse from when I first saw him," Hulbert said.
"He was a bit bigger than his brother at the same time and he's got an engine.
"Hopefully that means this guy will have a bigger engine."
The Better Than Ready colt was one of two six-figures on Day 1, the other being a colt by North Pacific from the Ferocity mare Saluting, who sold to Paul Shailer and Julian Blaxland for $110,000.
They were the headline lots on a day that saw $3,880,000 change hands at an average of $34,035, which was down slightly on last year's $35,370.
Of biggest concerns to Magic Millions going into Tuesday's second day is the opening day clearance rate, which was just 66.3 percent.
"It was a disappointing clearance rate, particularly early, but that built a bit as the day went on," Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said.
"Momentum toward the end of the day was pleasing and hopefully that can continue and the clearance rate can keep improving and get well into the 70s.
"A top price of $140,000 and an average of $34,000 - they are good numbers, but I think the clearance is our only concern at the moment."
SALE STATISTICS (2023 in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 195 (193)
Lots Sold: 114 (127)
Lots Passed In: 58 (46)
Lots Withdrawn: 22 (20)
Average Price: $34,035 ($35,370)
Sale Gross: $3,880,000 ($4,492,000)
Top Price: $140,000 ($140,000)
Median Price: $28,500 ($27,000)
Sold %: 66.3 (73)
DAY 1 TOP SELLERS
$140,000 - Better Than Ready-News Release colt (bought by Hulbert Racing)
$110,000 - North Pacific-Saluting colt (bought by Shailer Racing/Julian Blaxland Bloodstock)
$90,000 - Spirit of Boom-Weekend Saga colt (Jack Bruce Racing/Clarke Bloodstock)
$87,000 - Spirit of Boom-Stolen Love filly (Nick Walsh Racing/Brett Green)
$85,000 - Better Than Ready-Vis a Tergo filly (Gollan Racing/John Foote Bloodstock)
