At the conclusion of Magic Millions Book 1 last night we have a set of figures for first season sires that will prove eye opening for several reasons as I doubt anybody was expecting Almanzor (Fr), the 2016 European Champion 3YO to be at the top of the list.
When we think about Magic Millions, we tend to think of fast early maturing horses geared towards speed and yet this stallion Almanzor, who never won at a distance less than 1400m and was dominant at 2000m, has come out on top as the leading first season sire by average.
His three yearlings averaged an astonishing $506,667 putting him third on the overall leading sires by average list (three or more sold) behind only Not a Single Doubt and I Am Invincible.
Admittedly he had a small hand picked selection at this sale offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds, but they hit the mark with buyers in a way that would suggest plenty of optimism for the upcoming Karaka Book 1 Sale in New Zealand where there are more than 40 catalogued by the Cambridge Stud shuttler.
Inglis Classic also features half a dozen of his stock including a colt that had a big pedigree update on Saturday when his half-sister Bonham won the Group I Levin Classic. He will be offered as Lot 617.
Aquis Farm’s Invader moved sharply up the list in the latter stages of the sale to average $257,143 after his two colts from Swan River and Tarragon sold for $550,000 and $500,000 to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and Annabel Neasham Racing.
Coolmore’s big gun Merchant Navy performed well with 19 yearlings averaging $205,263 and his best result a $500,000 colt from Burgal Reward bought by Belmont Bloodstock.
Yarraman Park’s Hellbent was the most represented first season sire at this sale and did a great job to have the highest aggregate with 29 yearlings averaging $186,552 and his best result a $500,000 filly from Jalan Jalan bought by Heinrich Bloodstock.
Newgate Farm’s Russian Revolution was not far behind him with 25 yearlings averaging $168,200 and his top sellers were two filles from French Fern and My Conquestadory (USA) that made $425,000 each.
Coolmore’s champion Galileo son Churchill (IRE) made his mark with eight yearlings averaging $141,875 and his top seller was a colt from Heavens Touch selling for $250,000.
Arrowfield Stud’s young Redoute’s Choice son Pariah had 15 yearlings average $136,667 with his top seller a colt from Amerindia (GB) fetching $250,000.
Coolmore’s Caravaggio (USA) came out for just one season, but the dashing grey Group I winning son of Scat Daddy has left some good types and had 13 yearlings average $105,769 with top honours shared at $170,000 for two colts from Girluphigh and Kimblewick.
