Lot 159, the Tavistock filly from Danehill mare Diamond Like, had been touted
as one of the leading individuals at the sale and she did her blueblood family
proud as she fetched $750,000 from regular Karaka visitor Peter Moody. Littered throughout the filly's extended pedigree are a host of stakes performers including siblings Forever Loved, Zephyron and Zenella. The filly also has the redoubtable Tristalove as her grand-dam with her Group One performers including Viking Ruler, Lovetrista and Kempinsky.
In keeping with his laconic style, Moody was typically understated when questioned after signing for the filly.
"She's a lovely filly from a family that speaks for itself," he said.
"She's one of those magical filly's that has a page to match. We're looking to put a few nice fillies together, my wife and a few clients, that we can race back in Australia.
"She'll stay here and get broken in, which is what we do with our New Zealand fillies, then she'll head over in October or November.
"We've always had good success doing that."
Moody had good reason to take an interest in the filly having trained her Zabeel half-sister, Zenella amongst others.
"I trained Zenella," he said. "She was unlucky, she ran second to a handy mare in the Queensland Oaks called Winx.
"I've had a few others that don't feature in her pedigree that I've trained for Sir Patrick, so we have confidence in the family."
Moody has taken an active role during the early stages of the sale having picked up two lots during the opening session and indicated he had more on his hit list over the next few days. – NZ Racing Desk
