The top price on the opening day of the premier yearling sale in Christchurch yesterday was $85,000 for a Christian Cullen-San Sophia colt.
The colt offered by Platinum Breeding Ltd, of Christchurch, was bought by Cran Dalgety, the West Melton trainer.
San Sophia is an Artsplace mare with a mile record of 1.52.6 in a time trial as a 2yr-old.
It is her third foal.
Her first foal, San Rafaella, has qualified.
The average price was about $22,000 yesterday, down $3500 on last year.
The clearance rate was 73%.
"There was a lack of outstanding types and this was indicated by the few purchases by leading buyers," Rachel Deegan, a spokeswoman for the auctioneers, PGG Wrightson, said.
The Barry Purdon-Scott Phelan stable paid $75,000 for a colt by Live Or Die from Silksngems, the dam of Motu Crusader and Motu Treasure.
Mark Purdon paid $70,000 for a Bettor's Delight-Tosca Hanover colt.
