Ahead of the NZB National Yearling Sales at Karaka at the end of the month, Cambridge Stud were hoping to whet the appetite of Australian buyers with a quality small selection of yearlings by their first season sire Sword of State offered at the Gold Coast this week and they were well received with three selling for upwards of $300,000.
The Champion NZ 2YO of his generation, Sword of State started life in Australia.
Bred by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock, Sword of State was foaled and raised at leading Hunter Valley nursery Newgate Farm and was their second highest priced yearling among 46 that they sold at the Gold Coast in 2020.
The good looks, easy temperament and natural athleticism that were apparent to renowned judge David Ellis when he purchased the son of Snitzel at that sale quickly translated into race track success with four wins and a placing behind Imperatriz from five starts at two stamping him as the best juvenile in New Zealand.
G1 ability and precocity proved attractive in the Magic Millions marketplace and Sword of State had six yearlings sell at an average $240,833.
$380,000 Sword of State colt from Needle and Thread.
Kia Ora Stud sold his top priced youngster with the colt from Needle and Thread selling for $380,000 to Ridgmont/Bjorn Baker Racing/S & J Gosling /Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd, while Cambridge Stud were delighted to sell the colt from Pazienza to Matt Laurie Racing for $375,000.
$375,000 Sword of State colt from Pazienza
Laurie spoke to Maree McEwan shortly after the sale.
Also providing a great result was a colt from Alloro that was sold by Wentwood Grange for $340,000 to KPW Bloodstock.
$340,000 Sword of State colt from Alloro
For buyers keen to see more from Sword of State there is not long to wait with 23 catalogued for K1 and 13 for K2.
