In a classic case of poacher turned gamekeeper, Upper Hunter Valley operation Kitchwin Hills was involved with the top-priced lot at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale on Wednesday, writes Darryl Sherer. Yesterday however, Kitchwin Hills was the vendor, whereas on Tuesday they were acting as purchasers at $1.875 million, ironically enough on another colt by Redoutes Choice.

The third seven-figure transaction of the sale went the way of agent James Bester for the much-admired Redoutes Choice half-brother to Group 1 winning sprinter Bon Hoffa (Belong To Me) for $1.2 million.

The October 17 colt is the ninth foal of Asian Reef (GB), who has thrown three stakeswinners - the Rupert Clarke Stakes (Gr1) winner Bon Hoffa, the MVRC Champagne Stakes (Gr2) winner Before Too Long and the Triscay Stakes winner Okanui (Barathea).

Before Too Long had her first foal, a filly by Lonhro, sell yesterday for $240,000 to the bid of Michael Wallace Bloodstock.

Perhaps understandably, Bester was swooning over his latest acquisition afterwards. He is as fine a colt as Ive ever seen, Bester began. Hes the image of his sire, a clone of Redoutes Choice.

For Kitchwin Hills, it is the first million dollar yearling as a vendor, improving on the mark of $900,000 for a Redoutes Choice filly last year.

This horse has an incredible hind leg action with thrust and a huge overstep. He has a beautiful floating action in front - I dont buy them if they dont have that. He is as complete a colt as I have seen; I could not have made him better myself. Aside from his physique he is the best moving horse I have seen.

Bester confirmed that the colt was purchased for existing clients and that he would be remaining in Australian ownership with a trainer yet to be decided.

Apart from enthusing about the colts physique and his sire, Bester was also quick to point out the female strength. He is out of an outstanding producer who produced a Group 1 winner and a course record breaking Group 2 winner by a bread and butter sire. What can she do with Redoutes Choice?

Kitchwin Hills are fabulous operators. Hes had a great start in life and ticked every single box.

Story courtesy of ANZ Bloodstock News