Cambridge
agent Michael Wallace wasn't going to be denied another top-quality filly and
he went the distance on Wednesday to secure a well-credentialed daughter of
Tavistock.
He had been the under-bidder on a number of leading lots before he outlaid
$975,000 for the elegant youngster from Cambridge Stud.
"Sir Patrick is putting up world-class pedigrees and when you get these
opportunities you have to take them," said Wallace, who bought on behalf of the
China Horse Club.
The filly, consigned as Lot 612, is out of the unraced Zabeel mare Special
Diamond, who is a daughter of the Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Diamond
Like and the family of the legendary Eight Carat.
"It's as good a pedigree as anything in the world, so long-term she's very
valuable," Wallace said.
"She will most likely go to Australia, but a trainer has yet to be determined."
The desire to secure the progeny of Waikato Stud sire, Savabeel, continued
unabated as Lot 595, a filly out of O'Reilly mare Sitting Pretty from the
stud's powerful draft was knocked down to the bid of Victorian based group
Yulong Investments for $625,000.
Yulong's new Chief Operating Officer, Sam Fairgray, was delighted to secure the
filly for Yulong's founder Mr Yuesheng Zhang.
"Mr Zhang wanted to buy a Savabeel filly and that was his number one pick," he
said.
"We're pleased to be able to secure her.
"I knew we would be getting up to that level or thereabouts but Mr Zhang really
liked her. Quality is hard to get so you have to pay money like that."
Fairgray indicated that Yulong hadn't finished in their pursuit of quality
bloodstock.
"Mr Zhang loved Zabeel and now he loves Savabeel," he said.
"Having Zabeel anywhere in your pedigree is a great asset and Mr Zhang has a
great eye for a horse.
"We will continue to buy quality bloodstock, some well-bred fillies that are
good types to join the racing team and ultimately our broodmare operation.
"It's great we have been able to secure a lovely filly from one of the best
nurseries in New Zealand."
Fairgray confirmed the filly would be heading to Australia and possibly to
Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher. – NZ Racing Desk