Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale - Vendor In Focus
Who are your pick of the colts and why?
We are fortunate to have a wonderful bunch of colts and it is truly difficult to highlight a certain few.
The Kingman (Invincible Spirit) out of Florentina (Redoute’s Choice) (Lot 322) is a simply wonderful colt and obviously the sire needs no introduction and to date his three starters in Australia have all won. Florentina is a Group 3-winning daughter of Redoute’s Choice (Danehill), who has already thrown two black type horses from her first three foals and hails from the great Dancing Show (Njinksky) family. Not only the ultimate stallions pedigree but he has the looks to match and moves like a dream.
Lot 550 is an adonis by Zoustar (Northern Meteor) out of Group 3-placed Husson (Hussonet) mare Miss Husson. He exudes quality and balance and has an action to die for. He is quite unique for the breed and he looks fast and precocious - an ideal colt to race next year.
The So You Think (High Chaparral) out of Fragrance (Commands) (Lot 328) is as good a mover as you would see and has unbelievable substance for the breed. He hails from the Dextrous (Quest For Fame) family needs no introduction, especially with deeds of Sidestep (Exceed And Excel) as a young up and coming stallion.
Who are your pick of the fillies and why?
Lot 257 is an I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) out of multiple Group-winning Eloping and she is herself is by Choisir (Danehill Dancer) who is having a year as a broodmare sire. We have been fortunate to breed multiple group winners by I Am Invincible and she is right up there with the best of them.
Lot 200 is another filly by I Am Invincible out of Custard (Lonhro) and she will catch everyone’s eye and despite being a late foal she looks like she will fly early. The mares first four foals are all black type performers, which is a massive attraction.
Lastly, obviously the Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) filly out of Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) winner Mimi Lebrock (Show A Heart) (Lot 541) is bred to win the race and trust me on her looks there is no reason not to doubt that - she will run like the wind.
Who do you feel has improved most over the prep?
We are fortunate to have four yearlings by Shalaa (Invincible Spirit) who has started off magnificently and all of these have thrived in the prep. The colts out of Miss Foxwood (Lot 546) and Amelia’s Love (Blackfriars) (Lot 43) continue to do so and both have a low slung action with great balance
How do you feel the 2021 sale will measure compared to previous renewals?
Considering the on-farm inspections are through the roof I have every confidence the sale will be as strong as ever. It is the first sale of the year and as racing continued through COVID its exposure to a new audience has been an unseen benefit. Considering the prize-money in Australia continues to move on an upward spiral I have no doubt everyone will have a great sale, both vendor and buyer, though I hope the latter feel they paid too much!
How do you think the current COVID pandemic will affect the sale?
I think buyers feel a stronger need to view the horses on-farm in case borders change and this is invaluable for the animals as they are seen at home and thus show themselves so much better. Obviously the overseas contingent will be decimated but most of the leading buyers have representatives here and the Easter sale results in the midst of Covid accentuated this fact.
What do you think are the positives to the pandemic on the way that sales are conducted?
Vendors have learned that we needed to improve the horse's exposure with high quality videos , photos and marketing. We are blessed to have Vicky Leonard as our advisor and also David Rorison and our results this year at sales highlighted what their expertise can bring. I think we sold 73 / 75 horses presented this year for sale and having a combined team effort with maximum exposure has been the difference.
What is the thing you like most about the Gold Coast Sale?
Where else can you go for a dip before work and of an evening eat in wonderful restaurants with great people where everyone is in great form after a long Spring?
