Steve Jostlear started the bidding for the
Jostlear opened the bidding at $200,000 for the More Than Ready colt, consigned by Swettenham Stud as agent for Stratheden Stud, and had the last nod at $310,000, a record for a weanling at auction in Victoria.
The dark brown September foal is the first offspring of the Flemington and Randwick winner Calming Influence (Commands), who also finished runner-up in the Group III Dark Jewel Stakes at Scone and third in the Group III Darley Crown.
The
Jostlear, who trades with his wife Ceri under the Ampulla Lodge banner, said the colt was the best weanling had seen at all the sales this year.
"He ticks all the boxes, he's probably the best colt we've seen all season, a magnificent colt." Jostlear said.
"There was a very nice Brazen Beau we were underbidder on in Queensland at $300,000 and I thought this bloke just tips him as he's by a proven sire - More Than Ready is a proven international stallion and he can also get a stallion son as well.
"This colt hasn't been pumped, he has perfect x-rays and a pedigree."
Jostlear said the colt possessed another vital ingredient.
"He's got a fantastic temperament. I watched him again all this afternoon and with everyone pulling him out he didn't bat an eyelid," Jostlear said.
"The temperament is impeccable and it just tops him off."
The opening bid of $200,000 was a deliberate gambit.
"I think it just stops a lot of mucking around - we knew we weren't going to buy him for that but you can dream sometimes," Jostlear said.
"It makes it a bit cleaner when you haven't got a lot of people bidding early on the same horse.
"He could be an Easter (sale) type of horse or maybe even early enough for the Magic Millions sale but we'll wait and see."
