David Ellis has had a bit of luck buying progeny by I Am Invincible out of Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and he is hoping he has unearthed another star.
The Te Akau Racing principal went to A$360,000 to purchase Imperatriz out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ draft in 2020, with the glamour mare going on to win eight Group Ones and more than $5 million in prizemoney to date.
Now based at Te Akau’s Cranbourne barn, she is set to be joined by another exciting Magic Millions purchase, with Ellis going to A$1.3 million to secure lot 19, the I Am Invincible colt out of Yarraman Park Stud’s draft.
The full-brother to Group Two winner Shuffle Dancer and Group Three performer Forbidden City topped the opening day of the sale, and Ellis said he was delighted to secure him for Coolmore Stud’s Tom Magnier.
“We thought he was a beautiful colt and we bought him for Coolmore Stud,” Ellis said. “We are delighted that we can train these sorts of horses in Australia at out Cranbourne Stable for them.”
Imperatriz was undefeated in her two starts as a juvenile, including the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), and Ellis is expecting his latest purchase to emulate those early results.
“We thought he would make an autumn two-year-old and train on and be a very good three-year-old,” Ellis said.
Yarraman Park Yearling manager Lance Forbes was pleased with the result and also expects the colt to run early.
“He’s a strong, athletic colt that moves well and looks like he’ll get up and run early,” Forbes said. “He’s got a great head and girth, and fantastic attitude to match it all.
“He’s one of the most easy-going colts I’ve ever dealt with. He’s got a lovely nature and lovely kind eye. I think the owners will have a lot of fun with this horse, he’s a beautiful animal.”
Ellis purchased four other yearlings on the opening day of the sale, including lot 84, the Zoustar colt out of Segenhoe Stud’s draft for A$1.1 million.
“We rated him the best Zoustar colt in the sale,” Ellis said. “He’s got great physical presence, is beautifully balanced, very well-muscled, has a great neck and girth for a young colt, an amazing attitude, and from one of the best stakes producing farms in Australia.
“He looks every bit a racehorse and has the physique that would make for a great stallion.
“It was very spirited bidding and there was plenty of demand for him, but we were determined and got the winning bid.”
Ellis’ other purchases included lot 51, a Zoustar filly for A$450,000; lot 65, a Savabeel colt for $300,000; and lot 81, a Snitzel filly for A$440,000.