Now Radcliffe shares top billing at Saratoga as Phoenix spree goes on

After buying six yearlings for a total of $3.95 million on behalf of Phoenix Thoroughbreds at the Fasig-Tipon Saratoga selected sale, agent Kerri Radcliffe vowed that there will be much more to come
from the new powerhouse in bloodstock - including investments in stallions and broodmares.

"It's so exciting to come here and buy the elite horses in the market," Radcliffe said. "We're doing it in the USA and we're going to be doing it in Europe, and not just on the racing side of things. We're going to be buying stallions, mares and everything on the breeding side. This is a long-term investment."

Sitting alongside her husband, Newmarket trainer Jeremy Noseda, Radcliffe signed tickets for four yearlings in the final Saratoga session on Tuesday, including a co-sale topping $1 million colt by freshman sire and Kentucky Derby winner Orb. She had already secured a pair of yearlings on the first evening.

"This was actually my favourite colt of the sale, I'm really delighted to get him," Radcliffe said of the Orb colt, admitting herself to have anticipated some such price in what has proved a highly competitive Saratoga market. "I'd like to say this horse is going to Bob [Baffert], if he'll have him."

A powerfully made chestnut, Hip 186 is the first foal out of Flashy American, a graded winner and Grade 1-placed performer by Flashy Bull. He was offered among the Gainesway consignment.

This Orb colt, Hip 186, became Radcliffe's latest big buy at $1 millionCredit: Fasig-Tipton Photos

Radcliffe's other purchases in the closing session included an $800,000 Scat Daddy filly out of the Irish-bred Mr. Greeley mare Auction, who finished second in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot in 2013. The filly is from the family of Zafonic and was bred in Kentucky by Samac, an entity affiliated with the family of Timmy Hyde of Camas Park Stud in Ireland.

Radcliffe said the Scat Daddy filly, sold as Hip 132 by Hunter Valley Farm, agent, will be trained by Noseda. "We love Scat Daddy and this is his last crop. I loved her the minute I saw her," she said of the dark bay filly.

Two other fillies Radcliffe purchased in the closing Saratoga session will stay in the United States: Hip 165, a $675,000 Tapit filly bred by Alpha Delta Stables, the first foal of stakes winner Colonial Flag, a half-sister to Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Shared Account; and Hip 172, a $500,000 Malibu Moon filly out of the Unbridled's Song mare Dawn Chorus, bred by Gabriel Duignan and Crosshaven Bloodstock.

Clearly euphoric after her latest spree, Radcliffe exclaimed to reporters who surrounded her: "This is my first time in Saratoga — I love it! I bought the horses I really wanted, which was the main thing. Hopefully they will fit on the racetrack."

Phoenix currently has eight horses in training following Radcliffe purchases at breeze-up sales either side of the Atlantic this spring, and hopes to field runners at the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar in November. Additionally, Radcliffe noted, Phoenix has "been buying lots of mares and foals and yearlings in Australia - so, we're worldwide."