Nicoll, who has been coming to horse sales in New Zealand for over 35 years, outlaid $750,000 for Lot 173, the Fastnet Rock colt from Stravinsky mare Frustrating, who entered the auction ring through the powerful Curraghmore Stud draft.
Frustrating is a daughter of prolific producer Parfore, the dam of Group One
performers Tiger Tees, Terravista and Singapore Horse of the Year Super Easy,
which makes her progeny well sought after by breeding buffs around the world.Nicoll was acutely aware of the fact as he triumphed over a host of assorted buyers to secure the colt with a potential stallion's pedigree.
"I think it's fairly obvious that if he can perform with distinction on the track his future would lie in the breeding barn," he said.
"His dam produces high class racetrack performers and he is by a champion sire so he has a lot going for him. He is a very athletic type who looks like he will be able to run so I'm pleased to be taking him home.
"I've bought him for a group of existing clients and he will head to Australia for his immediate future."
Nicoll has experienced plenty of success with his frequent forays to New Zealand including a purchase from the 2016 edition of the sale that is currently making her mark in the competitive Australian scene.
Pierro filly Tulip, a $400,000 purchase from the Curraghmore draft, won on debut at Moonee Valley before finishing a narrow second at Group Three level, which has cemented her as a leading fancy for the $1.5m Gr. 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on 25 February. – NZ Racing Desk
