A full brother to Group 1-winning filly Headway (Charge Forward) brought a
final bid of A$500,000 to top the opening session of the Magic Millions Gold
Coast Yearling Sale in Queensland, Australia, on Wednesday. Consigned by
Turangga Farm, the bay was purchased by Headway’s trainer, Peter Moody, who was
bidding on behalf of a partnership made up of several of his clients.
“He’s a lovely colt,” Moody said. “He’s a bit bigger than his sister.”
The conditioner has been keeping an eye on the colt since soon after he was
foaled.
“I’ve seen him since he was small, and I’ve always liked him,” Moody
remarked. “I’m happy to have him coming to the stables to train. And he might
look pretty cheap if his sister comes out in a few weeks and wins the Lightning
(S. [Aus-G1]).”
Headway, first or second in eight of her 10 career starts, captured the Ascot
Vale S. (Aus-G1) by a nose at Flemington in her latest appearance October 31.
She is slated to return in the 1000-meter Lightning S. at Flemington January 30.
Moody was the leading buyer at the Magic Million opener, picking up six
yearlings for a total of A$1.1 million. The Hong Kong Jockey Club was next,
paying A$1,080,000 for four yearlings. The Ingham family laid out A$730,000 on
five yearlings, while Cups king Anthony Cummings spent A$720,000 on six lots.
“There was a great buying bench on hand today, and they competed for a great
line up of youngsters,” Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester remarked.
“There were buyers on hand from every state in the country, as well as many
overseas locations.”
Chester added that, while he was encouraged by the Gold Coast opener, he
expected the sale to get stronger.
“I’m hoping for the clearance rate to rise tomorrow during the second
session,” he said. “There are some lovely prospects to go under the hammer.”
Selling resumes Thursday.