New Zealand-based agent Bruce Perry went back to the source when paying $1 million for the three-quarter sister to Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting To Win at Newmarket on Wednesday.
Perry paid $3.4 million for the filly's dam Listen Here, an Adelaide Listed winner, on behalf of the China Horse Club at a broodmare sale last year before returning a year later to buy the filly, who is a three-quarter sister to Group II winner Deep Field and closely related to New Zealand Group I winner Luna Rossa.
Perry said he was surprised to have been able to purchase Listen Here's Zoustar yearling on behalf of prominent New Zealand owner and breeder Lib Petagna.
"To be honest I didn't think we'd buy her the way this market is," Perry said. "We didn't have any intention to buy her but when I saw her I said to Lib that at that sort of money if you keep her for 20 years you can build an empire from her.
"She's a slightly different type to her dam but on this market I truly believe she is value. I know the mare well and I thought she was a standout on type and (pedigree) page.
"We've bought her to be a racehorse but she's going to make a beautiful broodmare."
Perry said she would go to New Zealand to commence her career but could race in Australia if she lives up to her price tag.
"She'll start off there. If she's good enough then she might end up with Kris (Lees), but we'll see - she's got to be fast first," Perry said.
