Explosive Oakleigh Plate winner Marabi has topped the Magic Millions August Virtual Sale when selling for A$2.4 million on Tuesday.
Offered by Vinery Stud, as agent for her breeder and owner Greg Perry of Greenwich Stud, the mare was the clear highlight of a select catalogue of offerings.
Bidding for the daughter of I Am Invincible kicked away with a bid of A$1 million before crossing the A$2 million-mark moments later.
When the gavel fell at $2.4 million it was Arrowfield Stud who proved to be the successful buyer, bidding through the phone to Barry Bowditch.
Marabi made a huge impression on the racetrack winning her first seven starts culminating in a dashing win in the Group One Oakleigh Plate.
She is a half-sister to Gr1 Victoria Oaks winner Aristia – a mare whose first foal sold for A$725 000 earlier this year.
Marabi is in foal to star Widden Stud based sire Zoustar and will present her new buyer with her first foal in the next couple of weeks.
Victoria Oaks placegetter Queen Air was another lot to attract good interest with the daughter of Toronado selling for A$350,000.
A Moonee Valley winner and earner of over A$276,000, Queen Air was offered by Swettenham Stud and was snapped up by Queensland’s leading trainer Tony Gollan.
During the afternoon some A$4.677 million was traded on 27 lots sold at an average price of A$173,222. More sales are close to being finalised and the clearance rate will rise overnight.
“As a concept we thought the engagement for the sale was very strong,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “However, the proof is in the pudding and we had hoped participation across the board would be stronger.”
“It is something we will tinker with going forward and continue to work on – getting the best out of the virtual sale concept,” Bowditch added.
The Magic Millions attention now switches to the Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale to be held on October 22. The catalogue will be online in the coming days.