Tuesday, 9 March 2010: A filly by leading freshman sire Stratum topped the first session of the 2010 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville on Tuesday.
Consigned by Baramul Stud, the filly was purchased by young Morphettville trainer Lloyd Kennewell for $150,000.
It is the second successive year that a Baramul Stud filly has topped the Adelaide Sale with a daughter of Testa Rossa bringing the top price last year at $115,000.
Kennewell, flanked by his father and fellow trainer Gary, said the filly was his "must buy" lot of the sale.
"She was the best horse in the sale and she's got a good pedigree," Kennewell said.
"I knew she would be popular.
"She's a good mover. I thought she was a super athlete, she has plenty going for her."
The first session saw 131 yearlings change hands for a gross of over $3.6 million. The clearance rate was 73 per cent.
The average price of $27,500 was up over 36 per cent on last year's two day select sale.
Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said the day went well and selling was stronger late in the session.
"We had some lovely yearlings early in the session and they were well received by buyers," he said.
"But as a whole the selling got stronger and the clearance rate lifted as the sale got into the swing of things later in the afternoon."
"It was great to see the average rise so well and the clearance hold from last year's figures.
A colt by Bel Esprit and a filly by Choisir both sold for $100,000 as consecutive lots.
Locals Peter and Cheryl Sutcliffe purchased the Bel Esprit half sister to Moment In Time before Jamie Walter buying under Proven Thoroughbreds snapped up the Choisir half sister to Go Cart.
Locals buyers were particularly active on the day with Kennewell joined on the buyers list by the likes of Leon Macdonald, David Jolly, David Balfour, Jon O'Connor and Richard Jolly.
Interstate trainers including Rick Hore-Lacy, Tony Noonan, Mark Riley, John McArdle, Robbie Griffiths, Terry Kelly, Terry O'Sullivan and Joe Janiak were also among the successful buyers.
ADELAIDE MAGIC MILLIONS STATISTICS - DAY ONE
Lots Catalogued: 196 (2009 392)
Lots Sold: 131 (261)
Lots Withdrawn: 16 (38)
Lots Passed: 49 (92)
Sale Aggregate: $3,602,500 ($5,246,500)
Average Price: $27,500 ($20,102)
Top Price: $150,000 ($115,000)
Sold %: 73 (74)
TOP LOTS
$150,000 - Stratum-Show No Restraint filly Buyer: Lloyd Kennewell (SA)
$100,000 - Bel Esprit-Concluding colt Peter & Cheryl Sutcliffe (SA)
$100,000 - Choisir-Cubicle filly Proven Thoroughbreds (NSW)
$95,000 - Niello-Autumn Belle colt Leon Macdonald (SA)
$90,000 - Blevic-Lin o'Dee colt Lloyd Kennewell (SA)
