After a quiet start with a number of pass-ins, the opening session of the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale livened up considerably when a filly by the outstanding I Am Invincible entered the ring.
Consigned by Little Avondale Stud, the daughter of the lightly raced More Than Ready (USA) mare Exposed was the subject of spirited biffing before Hubie de Burgh, on behalf of Shadwell Stud, had the final say at $500,000.
A half-sister to the Listed winner Walk With Attitude (Hussonet), Exposed is out of the stakes-winning Danehill mare Hillfa whose dam is a half-sister to French Oaks winner Rafha the dam of I Am Invincible's sire Invincible Spirit.
"That was my last bid," de Burgh told Racenet's, Darryl Sherer.
"I didn't think I'd have to pay that much but when you break it down to sterling then she's not expensive.
"The stallion is doing an amazing job and this filly looks fast, the type that could be back here next year for the race. She will be trained by Lindsay Park."