Keane is well known for imbuing his gallopers with the "eagle" moniker and Pike
admitted this one was highly likely to carry that title in his race name."Colin is a great supporter of the stable and this is the second youngster we have bought for him this week so hopefully we will have another pair of eagles in the stable next season," he said.
"I thought this colt was a lovely horse and he was one of my standout picks of the select catalogue. We had to work hard to get him but I'm delighted we are the ones taking him home."
The colt (pictured Trish Dunnell) was consigned by Matamata's Kirkwall Thoroughbreds and is from the Zabeel mare Saheel who won four races and is the daughter of Gr. 3 Eclipse stakes winner Desert Ace.
The second yearling referred to by Pike was a Guillotine colt from the dam of Group Two winner Sacred Park who he secured for $80,000 on the second day of the sale's premier session.
Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta was another local amongst the strong morning action when she outlaid $120,000 for a son of first season sire Smart Missile.
The colt was from the Hallmark Stud draft who had consigned the record breaking Tartan Bearer colt the previous day.
"He looks an early runner and that was what we were keen on," noted Latta.
"The sale has been strong so far and we've had to battle hard for the ones we have been successful on but there has also been a number where we have missed due to the stiff competition."
Latta has been active throughout the sale with three lots purchased during the premier session and another six to date from the select sale. – NZ Racing Desk
