Prior to even hitting the track Valentia created his share of headlines – thanks to his sale topping feats at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Presented at the auction by Lomar Park Stud, Valentia had the cameras flashing when he sold to the team from Coolmore for $1.35 million.
After chasing home subsequent stakes performed youngsters Rubick and Twirl on debut, the colt has since won his next two starts including Saturday’s Group Two Skyline Stakes.
“You always want to see those horses come out and win black-type,” Coolmore’s Michael Kirwan told reporters after the win.
“We don’t know about the Slipper at the moment, but he’s in it and we know he’s going to be better as the races get further.”
Star jockey Tommy Berry thinks Valentia would be right in a Slipper if connections opt to go to the world’s richest juvenile event.
“He feels like he’ll be very impressive in a Slipper,” Berry said.
“He’s got the right attitude. He was a lot sharper today and travelled a lot better for me in the run. He’s a lot stronger.”
Valentia follows in the hoofsteps of Bull Point another regally bred sale topper purchased by Coolmore who has already shown his class on the track.
A Group One placed, group winner, Bull Point is another of the country’s most valuable stud prospects for connections.
“Congratulations to the Coolmore team for achieving great success with their sale toppers from the Gold Coast Yearling Sale,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said.
“Their large investments at the sale have reaped rewards and they have two of the more exciting young racehorses and stud prospects in the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, quality filly Eloping led her rivals a merry dance in Saturday’s $250,000 Gold Rush at Bendigo.
A $120,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase from Southern Cross Breeders, Eloping sent her earnings to $294,000 with the six length demolition of her rivals.
Raced by an all female group, Eloping won a Blue Diamond Preview earlier in the year and earned a break with her latest success.
