A colt by Little Avondale Stud's Per Incanto topped what was a solid day of trade June 26 at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Weanling Sale at Karaka, with James Mitchell signing for the youngster on behalf of Jim Carey for NZ$190,000 (US$115,900, NZ$1=US$0.61).
Offered by Seaton Park as Lot 13, the colt is the second foal out of 2018 Castletown Stakes winner London Express, who was also placed at the group 3 level.
"The colt was born on the farm and was bred by some long-term clients," Seaton Park's Scott Eagleton told ANZ News.
"He just oozes quality. If he didn't make his money today we were happy to bring him back in January but we gave him a chance and he has delivered, so we couldn't be happier with the result and we wish the purchasers good luck. They have bought a really nice individual."
Mitchell, who was present at the Karaka complex, said the colt would likely head back through the ring as a yearling in Australia.
"He is the nicest colt here and is a good running sort," Mitchell said.
"My pick of the sale. Love the Per Incantos, who just keep going. The colt would be accepted in any yearling sale and we just need to decide which one, whether it is Easter or Melbourne. We definitely bought him to trade."
Per Incanto, a son of Street Cry, is carving a high-class reputation for himself in Hong Kong, siring 47 winners from 70 starters in the jurisdiction. Mitchell said he thought the top seller would present an opportunity for Hong Kong buyers when he is ultimately offered at the yearling sales.
"We've put together a syndicate to buy a few colts to be traded at yearling sales next season, and I thought this was the nicest colt here and my pick of the sale," said Mitchell.
"I see him as a real Hong Kong type of horse. He'll have a lot of appeal with that market. Per Incanto has sired a lot of winners there, and being out of a Shamexpress mare, he's a reverse of the cross that produced Ka Ying Rising."
Late in the day, Lot 139, a colt from the Waikato Stud draft by their resident sire on the rise Super Seth fetched NZ$130,000, bought by Nicky and Toby White of Kaha Nui Farm.
The colt is out of three-time winner Queen Leonora, and hails from the family of dual group 1 winner Legs.
The Whites, who were the top buyer at the sale securing three lots for a combined NZ$300,000, plan to take the youngster back through the ring in January at the NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale.
The aggregate for the sale was NZ$2,410,000 (US$1,463,222), down 3% from last year's NZ$2,485,000. The average price was NZ$28,690 (US$17,419), an 11% drop from last year's NZ$32,273, with the median also down, to NZ$15,000 (US$9,107) from NZ$18,000 in 2024.
