The team at Bloodstock Auction has continued their stellar start to the New Year with their latest catalogue, headlined by the sale of elite staying prospect KALUAKOI to the Chris Munce Racing team.
Offered on behalf of Sutton Park Racing, the four-year-old Zoustar gelding was knocked down for $137,500, nearly 40% above reserve. Strong competition from seven bidders drove the price, with KALUAKOI ultimately being retained by his trainers, Chris and Corey Munce.
A high-calibre stayer, KALUAKOI has compiled an impressive record of four wins and five minor placings from 20 starts with an impressive $226,715 earned. KALUAKOI’s victories range from 1400m to 2200m. Versatile in both racing pattern and conditions, he is a proven performer on wet and dry ground and has rarely finished outside the first half of the field.
Among his standout performances was a dominant, all-the-way victory in the 2024 Hertz Robin Daley Classic at Cranbourne. A typical graduate of the Danny O’Brien stable, KALUAKOI has continued to progress with racing and recorded a 2200m Sunshine Coast Saturday metropolitan win just three starts ago. He is currently assessed as a BM75 and last raced on January 3 at Eagle Farm, finishing a brave fourth in the Shoot Out Classic behind Sun Worshipper, holding off a fast-finishing field that included VRC Derby winner Manzoice.
Speaking on the quality of the gelding, Munce said he was eager to keep KALUAKOI in his stable and pleased with the sale result.
“I’m looking forward to having KALUAKOI up and ready for the winter carnival.”
KALUAKOI is by champion sire Zoustar, a multiple Group 1 winner and the sire of 74 stakes winners, including Zougotcha, Sunlight, Zoutori and Joliestar. He is out of the stakes-placed In Excessive Bull mare Fantasy Gal, a 100% producer, making him a half-brother to stakes-placed stayers Ala Moana and Palani, and a full brother to Queen Kay, a debutant Aquis Gold Pearl winner.
Reflecting on the result, Bloodstock Auction CEO and founder Anthony Gafa said the sale typified what was a highly successful catalogue.
“Right from day one, I’ve always put my vendors first; I simply work for my vendors. I make sure I maximise the result for their investments.”
Other notable results included an unraced three-year-old Magnus filly, sold on behalf of Ballarat-based vendor Joe Vella for $8,500.
With the next catalogue set to go live on Friday (06/02) at 6PM, Bloodstock Auction is eager to build on this momentum and carry it into another strong week of offerings. The team at Sutton Park Racing were extremely grateful for the result.
If you’re looking to sell, you can list your thoroughbred at Bloodstockauction.com here!
