A filly by Satono Aladdin, one of the last lots through the ring on the first day of Book 2 Jan. 29 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale, provided fireworks late when Marcus Corban, who was acting on behalf of Te Akau's David Ellis, snapped up the youngster for a session-topping NZ$260,000 (US$147,121, NZ$1=US$0.57).
The filly is out of the unraced Bernardini mare Sparkling Rose, and the page was subject to a huge pedigree update after the catalog went to print, with the filly's full sister, Too Sweet, having landed the Eclipse Stakes (G2) Jan. 1 for Roydon Bergerson. Too Sweet was herself purchased by her owner, Chris Rutten, for NZ$50,000 out of Book 2 last year.
Too Sweet was offered by Phoenix Park 12 months ago, but consigning her sister was left to Nick King of Brighthill Farm and he rated her good enough to be offered earlier in the week at Book 1.
"I am delighted for the owner. We knew she would sell but we set a very realistic reserve based on the interest we had. She flew past the NZ$120,000 reserve and even if she sold at NZ$180,000 it would have been a great result," he said.
Ellis finished Book 1 as the leading buyer having spent NZ$4,497,500 (US$2,544,907) on 26 yearlings and that group also included another filly by Satono Aladdin, who he bought from Curraghmore for NZ$320,000 (US$181,072).
"I was delighted to buy this filly today, and the demand that we've already had for shares in her just shows what a quality filly she is," Ellis said.
"She wouldn't have been out of place in Book 1. We've already sold 80% of the shares in her."
Given her precocious relation, Ellis is confident the filly will be a good candidate for the 2026 edition of the Karaka Millions 2-Year-Olds, a race Te Akau has won eight times, including Jan. 25 with El Dorada.
"Having a classy 2-year-old like Too Sweet as a full sister is a tremendous advertisement for her, but I also thought she was just an outstanding individual in her own right. She stood out to me as a filly that would have every chance of making it to the Karaka Millions 2-Year-Olds this time next year.
Aggregate for the session was NZ$4,936,500 (US$2,793,315), with an average of NZ$40,463 (US$22,896), and a median of NZ$30,000 (US$16,975). NZB's bloodstock sales manager Kane Jones was satisfied following the first day of Book 2.
"It was pleasing to see such spirited bidding on the quality horses, from local trainers, local agents as well as some of the internationals that have stayed on the grounds," Jones said.
"It was great to see an astute judge in John Foote give Book 2 the respect it deserves. He's put in the work and purchased some lovely horses.
"The clearance rate finishing on 73% is very satisfying and it will continue to rise overnight."
The second and final day of Book 2 gets underway Jan. 30, with the first lot set to go through the ring at 10 a.m. (NZT).
