Godolphin’s Zebra Finch Baker-bound after Darby purchase

Last-start winner Zebra Finch topped the Magic Millions Digital Sale, selling for $165,000 to Darby Racing as the auction recorded a clearance rate of more than 77 per cent.

The four-year-old Exceed And Excel gelding, offered by Godolphin, attracted 54 bids from Australian and Hong Kong buyers after winning at Bendigo on August 26.

“I was very happy when he (Zebra Finch) was at $90,000 but that didn’t last long and we had to extend to secure him,” Scott Darby said.

“Zebra Finch will go to Bjorn Baker and Matima will go to Luke Pepper which will be the first horse we have syndicated with him.”

Godolphin also sold Steel Move for $40,000 to Pride Racing and Zensen for $30,000 to Luke Berger and Danny Bourke Bloodstock.

Arrowfield Stud’s broodmare draft was led by Rainbow Song (Lot 51) at $32,500, while Politeness (Lot 48) sold for $25,000 and Iskander (Lot 60) for $18,000.

“We have sold through Magic Millions Digital previously but this was the first time we have offered a significant draft,” Arrowfield’s bloodstock manager Jon Freyer said.

“Our team is very happy with the results and were impressed by Magic Millions marketing efforts over the last week.”