A filly by Testa Rossa topped Tuesday’s second session of the Magic Millions
Adelaide Yearling Sale, bringing a final bid of A$115,000 from Victorian agent
Kevin Dagg. Lot No. 309 was consigned by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud. The
yearling is the first foal of Scone (Zabeel), a half-sister to stakes winner
Sunrise Silence (Squill).
“She’s a great-looking Testa Rossa filly,” Dagg said. “She reminded me a lot
of (Group 3 winner) Rostova (Testa Rossa) as a yearling. I’ve had a bit of luck
buying fillies by Testa Rossa in the past with (Group 2 winner) Vormista. This
filly has been purchased for the same syndicate who race her.”
Through two sessions, Magic Millions has sold 261 yearlings for a total of
A$5,246,500 and an average of A$20,102. The average is down 23.5 percent from a
year ago, when 200 horses sold for A$5,258,000 and an average of A$26,290. The
auction was gaining strength during Tuesday’s session, according to Magic
Millions Managing Director David Chester.
“There was plenty of great buying to be had,” Chester said. “Those who bought
yearlings over the past couple of days will certainly be back next year. The
value this year was the best I’ve seen and, even before this year, the Adelaide
Sale has been regarded as one of the best value sales in the Southern
Hemisphere.
“Today’s second session was much stronger as a whole than last night’s
opening session. To end up with the gross of the sale just A$11,500 lower
than last year is a particularly pleasing figure considering the current
economic climate.”
The third and final session of the sale is scheduled for Thursday.