Hallmark
Stud boss Mark Baker continued a great sale for the progeny of Haunui Farm
stallion Showcasing (GB) when he set the day's benchmark figure during the final
session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka.
Acting on behalf of a Hong Kong based client, Baker outlasted a number of
serious contenders to secure the athletic youngster for a final bid of $68,000
from Matamata trainer Andrew Scott, who was the underbidder.
"There wasn't much petrol in the tank as I definitely had the staggers," said
Baker when asked if he had been prepared to bid higher.
"He is a lovely colt, just a wonderful mover with a great temperament.
"We saw him yesterday and he made a real first impression."
The colt will now head back to Hallmark Stud for further development before any
decisions on his racing future will be made.
Out of a race winning Keeper mare, the colt was consigned by Whanganui based
Grangewilliam Stud, who had earlier sold a Zacinto filly, Lot 1219, for $32,000
along with a Zed colt, Lot 1094, for $24,000.
The colt headed off Lot 1236, an Ocean Park colt from the Haunui Farm draft
that sold for $65,000 to Te Awamutu trainer Joe Waldron, for the honour of the
day's top price.
Waldron, who prepares another Ocean Park galloper in Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand
Derby contender, Flying Feet, admitted he had been desperate to buy the colt.
"He's just a quality horse who looks like a real three-year-old that might even
run at two," he said.
"I've got a really nice Ocean Park in the stable in Flying Feet so I'm hoping
he can follow in his footsteps.
"I've bought him on spec, so I've got to get him out there on social media to
get him sold. If we could win the Derby with Flying Feet then he will look a
very cheap horse." – NZ Racing Desk