Star Mare Kiku to Sell on Magic Millions Online Next Week

Media Release - Friday August 25

Brilliant racemare Kiku will be offered as an elite breeding prospect in a special standalone auction on the Magic Millions Online portal next week.

A Group Two winner and earner of over $1.2 million, Kiku will be offered at the special one day online auction on Thursday (August 31).

Bidding will open at 10am (AEST) and close from 4pm (AEST) and the star racemare will be offered unreserved.

The mare has been an incredible ambassador for Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds after her purchase for $300,000 at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Kiku

From 30 starts the daughter of Zoustar has notched six wins and 11 placings in a career that saw her contesting elite races around Australia.

City placed at both her juvenile runs, Kiku returned as a three-year-old to win the Group Three Carbine Stakes during a four win season.

At four she trained on to win a $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic at Eagle Farm during a season where she matched it with the best across the country.

She kicked off her final racing season at five with an electrifying win in the Group Two Theo Marks Stakes - when she stormed home from the tail of the field unleashing her customary sizzling turn of foot.

As well as possessing a first class racing record and stunning good looks, Kiku comes with a sensational pedigree. She is the full sister to the Group One Newmarket Handicap winner Zoutori and is a half sister to the juvenile stakes placegetter Kamitori.

Kiku's dam, the unraced Atotori, is a half sister to group winner Castlethorpe while her second dam is a half sister to the champion New Approach.

Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds purchased Kiku as a yearling in conjunction with Brett Howard and he is presenting the mare for sale under the Glenesk Thoroughbreds banner.

"I really liked her as a yearling," Howard said. "She's got a bit more leg than most Zoustars and there's plenty of scope about her."

"She was a high class racehorse who had Group One ability and was never beaten far in big races around the country. I always thought a mile was her best distance - 1400 to a mile."

"I'm disappointed for the owners that she's had to retire. I was hoping, after placing in it in the past two years, she could go and win the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares in January."

"She's such a wonderful prospect. She's by Zoustar and there's her form and great pedigree. It's a serious Group One family - not only is she a full sister to a Newmarket Handicap winner but it's the family of New Approach - a family proven globally."

"Kiku arrived at the farm this morning from Rosehill. She got off the truck, walked to her yard all cool and calm and just put her head down and started eating!"

"She was a $300,000 yearling and always a nice physical. She's a good 16.2hh - she stands over ground and has a really lovely temperament."

The one day sale on Thursday will provide Magic Millions Online with a fantastic opportunity to showcase a former star graduate as she begins on the next stage of her life.

"It will be an honour to present Kiku via Magic Millions Online on behalf of Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds on Thursday," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

"Being a graduate of our Gold Coast Yearling Sale, she is a horse our team has followed closely during her career and she has been an incredible flagbearer for Star and also Magic Millions."

"The opportunity with Kiku is well timed for buyers on the eve of the breeding season and also just a couple a days after the world class Strawberry Hill Stud Unreserved Dispersal Sale," Bowditch added.

Kiku is currently located at Glenesk Thoroughbreds (117 Mount Vincent Rd, Mount Vincent) and she is available for inspection by contacting Brett Howard on 0403 037 773.

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