Racing: Wallace resolute in bidding war

Cambridge agent Michael Wallace wasn't going to be denied another top-quality filly and he went the distance yesterday to secure a well-credentialed daughter of Tavistock.

He had been the under-bidder on a number of leading lots before he outlaid $975,000 for the elegant youngster from Cambridge Stud.

"Sir Patrick is putting up world-class pedigrees and when you get these opportunities you have to take them," said Wallace, who bought on behalf of the China Horse Club.

The filly, consigned as Lot 612, is out of the unraced Zabeel mare Special Diamond, who is a daughter of the Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Diamond Like and the family of the legendary Eight Carat.

"It's as good a pedigree as anything in the world, so long-term she's very valuable," Wallace said.

"She will most likely go to Australia, but a trainer has yet to be determined."

● The desire to secure the progeny of Waikato Stud sire, Savabeel, continued unabated as Lot 595, a filly out of O'Reilly mare Sitting Pretty from the stud's powerful draft, was knocked down to the bid of Victorian based group Yulong Investments for $625,000. Yulong's new chief operating officer, Sam Fairgray, was delighted to secure the filly for Yulong's founder Yuesheng Zhang.

"Mr Zhang wanted to buy a Savabeel filly and that was his number one pick," he said. "We're pleased to be able to secure her.

"I knew we would be getting up to that level or thereabouts but Mr Zhang really liked her. Quality is hard to get so you have to pay money like that."

Fairgray indicated that Yulong hadn't finished in their pursuit of quality bloodstock.

"Mr Zhang loved Zabeel and now he loves Savabeel," he said.

"Having Zabeel anywhere in your pedigree is a great asset and Mr Zhang has a great eye for a horse. We will continue to buy quality bloodstock, some well-bred fillies that are good types to join the racing team and ultimately our broodmare operation.

"It's great we have been able to secure a lovely filly from one of the best nurseries in New Zealand."

Fairgray confirmed the filly would be heading to Australia and possibly to Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher.

- NZ Racing Desk