Sequalo filly tops fifth Magic Millions session

The Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2006 Yearling Sale concluded four select

sessions Sunday with spectacular results, and action during the first of three

open sessions Monday continued to be strong. Leading the way was Hip No. 893, a

filly by Sequalo who was knocked down to local trainer Alan Bailey for

A$210,000. Bailey, who signed the ticket under Magic Bloodstock, came out on top

after a prolonged duel with Ron Maund, who was representing Lauriston

Thoroughbred Farm.

Bailey is familiar with the family of Hip 893; he trains the filly's

half-brother Willy Leica (Latarmiss), a stakes winner who has twice placed at

the graded level. Bailey said he was instructed to buy the chestnut at any cost,

but admitted he didn't think he'd have to go that far.

"The buyer really liked the breeding and he was going to buy her no matter

what," said Bailey. "He didn't expect it would be that much for her, but anyhow,

that's what happens. The breeding was just what we wanted and she's the complete

filly."

The sale was easily the best ever for Terry Catip's Misty Downs Stud. "Our

previous best was around A$100,000," said Catip, who added that, although he

expected plenty of action on his offering, he hadn't predicted the final price

tag. "The amount of interest since she's hit the deck here has been enormous,"

he said. "Everyone's looked at her. She was out of her box so often that she's

now footsore. I thought she might have pulled A$100,000 or so, and I was hoping

for a good result. It made up for some of the bad ones." 

Topping the colts Monday was Hip 812, a son of crack sprinter and young sire

Falvelon who was purchased by the Greg Grant Saddlery Trading Co. for A$200,000.

The colt is out of the Success Express mare Fantessa, a half-sister to a pair of

stakes winners. Craigow Stud, agent, consigned the day's second-highest-priced

yearling.

The sale continues Wednesday and Thursday.