3 minute read

While not onsite at Karaka this week, Australian trainer Nigel Blackiston still made a significant mark on the opening day of the National Yearling Sale Book 2 session that started on Thursday.

Blackiston called the shots over the phone from his Flemington base during the lengthy battle for Lot 800, a Per Incanto filly from Falkirk mare Makkura, who won on nine occasions in Singapore.

When the dust settled it was Blackiston’s $100,000 bid that secured the filly who has an extended family that includes brilliant New Zealand sprinter, Westminster.

Blackiston, who purchased the filly for long-time stable client Ian Lewis, was succinct when summing up the appeal of the youngster who was offered through the draft of Little Avondale Stud, who stand Per Incanto at stud.

“She was a scopey filly who looks a real athlete and has a great walk,” he said.

“Both Ian and I had a good look at the Per Incantos that were offered during Book 1 and were very impressed and we loved this filly as well.

“In all honesty I’m not quite sure why she wasn’t in Book 1 as she certainly looked the type that would not have been out of place there.”

Both Lewis and Blackiston have a great affinity with New Zealand-bred horses, having sourced many from the Karaka sales complex over the years.

“Ian and I have bought a lot of horses out of New Zealand and have been strong supporters of the sale,” he said.

“Ian raced Group One-winning mare Suavito and it was fantastic to see her first foal make such an impact in this year’s sale.

“Circumstances meant I couldn’t get to Karaka for the sale this year, but we have paid close attention to what has been going on and we have managed to secure a filly that we hope will be able to make her mark racing here in Australia.”

Lot 445, the Savabeel ex Suavito colt from the Waikato Stud draft fetched $775,000 when offered on day three at Karaka.

Selling in Book 2 at Karaka continues through Friday before the Book 3 session concludes the 2019 Sale series on Sunday February 3.