Pleasant surprise for Trelawney filly Tue, 31 Jan 2012

Examples of the lift in the National Yearling Sale market at today’s Premier second session were numerous, none better than the $550,000 realised by Trelawney Stud’s O’Reilly-Petit Verdot filly.

In a welcome turnaround from a mixed day of business in yesterday’s opening session, withdrawals were the exception and bids came readily for what admittedly was described as a superior overall offering.

All that considered, Brent and Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud couldn’t disguise their delight after the half-sister to smart three-year-old Antonio Lombardo was knocked down to Auckland agent Guy Mulcaster.

“We knew she was a lovely filly and we expected her to sell well, but nothing like that!” said Cherry Taylor, who last Saturday was at Trentham to cheer home the Trelawney-bred Quintessential in the Gr. 3 Desert Gold Stakes.

Antonio Lombardo was sold through the same ring two years ago for $120,000 and has since been a Group Two winner and Group One placed. His half-sister bore a strong resemblance with her dark coat and well muscled quarters, qualities that helped inspire keen competition from the bench.

Former New Zealand Bloodstock employee Mulcaster, acting on behalf of unnamed Australian clients, felt well justified in signing for his most expensive Karaka purchase.

“She’s a gorgeous filly and she has a current pedigree,” said Mulcaster, who has formed a close association with leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller in his buying of proven stayers at auction in Europe. “That’s the sort of money you have to pay for nice fillies.”