Lady Zafira filly (pictured) was the top-priced lot at New Zealand Bloodstock’s annual South Island Sale (Supplied)
New Zealand Bloodstock’s annual South Island Sale saw its first-ever online session conclude on Gavelhouse Plus on Sunday evening.
Prominent agent Phill Cataldo was busy throughout the Sale, investing in four yearlings including the top-priced lot early on in the session.
Purchased on behalf of an Australian buyer, the Reliable Man filly out of Lady Zafira (Lot 2) was secured for $58,000 from the draft of Canterbury-based Ripple Creek.
“She is a very well-grown, strong and athletic filly,” commented Cataldo.
“I like Reliable Man… I was involved with the purchase of Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man) at the 2018 Ready to Run Sale.
“He is a current Group Three winner in Australia and is going really well, so he definitely appeals to their market.”
While photos and videos are essential for buyers, it comes hand in hand with the inspection process, something Cataldo found worthwhile when purchasing from this Sale.
After pre-sale inspections of each yearling offered, he was pleased with the quality of yearlings he saw.
“It was really beneficial travelling to the South Island with Danny Rolston a couple of weeks ago.
“I was happy with my purchases and I thought the quality of the stock offered in the Sale was good.
“The vendors did a really good job with their line-up of horses,” said Cataldo.
