$650,000 Zoustar Colt a Premier Star

The highest priced colt fetching $650,000 at Inglis Premier Book 1 this week was by Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar from stakes-winner Swiss Rose.

Consigned by Segenhoe Stud, the half-brother to Group III winner Bella Rosa was bought by Ollie Koolman on behalf of Hong Kong client Philip Liu.

The colt was the last horse offered on Monday, but Koolman was unfazed to wait for the horse he wanted believing it was neither an advantage or disadvantage for buyers and sellers.

“(Being sold last) It’s no help at all for a buyer. We’re not surrounded by idiots. These guys are pretty smart. I’ve often been asked ‘should we buy early? Should we buy late? It’s a myth, it really doesn’t matter, vendors don’t choose the lot number and nor should we,” Koolman said.

“He’s a lovely, big, strong, athletic colt, it’s a bit of a rare combination size and athleticism but he seems to have it.

“Philip is certainly prepared to back our judgment and I just hope we don’t let him down.’’

Segenhoe’s Peter O’Brien added: “He’d had 18 vets and he’s a beautiful animal, all the right people were on him and we certainly didn’t expect to get that much, being the last lot of the day, so we’re absolutely delighted.

Zoustar also had colts from Grasslands and Bidii Babe sell for $500,000 to TFI / Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / Kestrel Thoroughbreds and $460,000 to the Hong Kong Jockey Club respectively with nine yearlings averaging $338,889.