For the first time in history, next year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will span seven consecutive days, running from 12-18 January, 2021.
Prospective buyers will be spoilt for choice, with more than 1,200 quality yearlings set to go through the ring at the Magic Millions sales complex.
As ever, the Super VOBIS-nominated lots will be in high demand, with more than $13 million in lucrative Super VOBIS bonuses currently on offer across the racing season in Victoria. Significantly, there will be 160 lots carrying a Super VOBIS nomination at the 2021 sale – up from 149 in 2020.
The first Super VOBIS-nominated lot set to go through the ring on the opening day (12 January) was produced by Victoria’s sire of the year, Woodside Park’s Written Tycoon.
Written Tycoon is enjoying another standout season in 2020/21, with his progeny having already registered 103 wins (at the time of publication) including 11 at Stakes level, headlined by Ole Kirk’s back-to-back Group 1 victories in the Golden Rose and the Neds Caulfield Guineas.
Having commanded the third highest price at the 2020 sale – a chestnut filly out of Karuta Queen which was snapped up by Shamus Mills Bloodstock for a cool $1.5 million – Written Tycoon yearlings are again expected to sell well in 2021, with lot eight – a bay filly out of Zrinski – likely to prove popular with buyers.
The filly is also VOBIS Sires Eligible, giving her prospective connections the option of aiming her towards the $1 million Showdown for two-year-olds and the $500,000 VOBIS Sires Guineas for three-year-olds.
The next Super VOBIS yearling to go through the ring, a chestnut colt out of Adonia Queen, could also command a significant fee from admirers of his sire, Exceed and Excel.
The colt was bred by Gnarwarre-based Rosemount Stud, who enjoyed huge success at the 2020 Magic Millions sale, selling a bay colt by I Am Invincible to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for $1 million.
Charmein Bukovec, Executive Officer of Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), said: “It is pleasing to see that Super VOBIS nominations have significantly increased compared to the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale. It is obvious that breeders see great value in the scheme, and it means that owners and trainers are able to reap the lucrative bonuses which are on offer on Victorian racetracks.
“With more than $22 million in bonuses on offer through the VOBIS program, it makes sense to look for the VOBIS logo in your catalogue and purchase Victorian-bred lots. The additional prizemoney is a great incentive for purchasers.”