Premier Group I trainer Chris Waller came out on top overnight in an Australian battle for a talented French three-year-old at the Arqana Autumn horses in training sale at Deauville.
Agent Guy Mulcaster, acting on behalf of Waller, and Avo Damirdjian from Tried and True Bloodstock engaged in a bidding duel to secure lot 143 – Carzoff, a colt by Zoffany.
Mulcaster landed the former Alain Couetil-trained galloper for €225,000 which was the second highest amount paid for a lot on the opening day's trade at the two day sale.
Carzoff has won one of his six starts but was also placed at Listed level in the Grand Prix Du Lion D'angers (2000m) in July before a fifth placing in the Group II Prix Niel (2400m).
Arqana described Carzoff as being a horse that has "the ideal profile for Australian racing".
While Damirdjian lost out on Carzoff, he'll return to Australia with a three-year-old filly named La Courbette, that he secured for €65,000.
The daughter of La Hevre won two of her 10 starts under the training of Fabrice Chappet with another two placings.
"It's been an amazing experience," Damirdjian said. "The team at Arqana haven't been able to do enough for me especially Ludovic Cornuel and Alix Choppin.
"I came here hoping to buy three horses. One was withdrawn the day before the sale, I secured the filly and was underbidder to another Australian buyer on the other horse.
"I've had a great time and will definitely be back."
Damirdjian said he was unable to divulge who'd be training La Courbette.
