Defensemen Leads Inglis Digital Australia October Sale

The Everest (G1) contender Ninja (AUS) has been valued at AU$5.5 million after a 1% share in the Michael Freedman-trained 4-year-old sold for AU$55,000 through the Inglis Digital Australia October (Early) Online Sale Oct. 7. Glenugie-based owner David Blumberg secured the share after increasing his budget following Ninja's Randwick Racecourse barrier trial Oct. 6, when he defeated defending Everest champion and world-rated star Ka Ying Rising (NZ). "I've been following Ninja for a while and was interested in this share before the barrier trial win," Blumberg said. "When he came out and beat Ka Ying Rising hard held, I knew I was going to have to increase my budget because I really wanted him. It's unbelievable to think I've now got a runner in The Everest and it's all from a few clicks of a button." Ninja has been secured to represent the Fairway Thoroughbreds slot in the AU$20 million The Everest Oct. 17 at Randwick and could subsequently target the AU$10 million Golden Eagle (G1). While Ninja attracted considerable attention, the sale's top lot was Coolmore-offered Defensemen, trained by Chris Waller, who sold to first-time Inglis Digital buyer We Bloodstock for AU$200,000 (US$139,515, AU$1=US$0.70). The gelding will spell in Australia before connections decide whether he will continue his career in Hong Kong. The sale grossed AU$2,178,050 (US$1,519,355). Entries are now open for the October (Late) Sale, which runs from Oct. 16-21, with the Waller-trained and twice group-placed Confederation (AUS) among the early confirmed entries.