THE Magic Millions National Sale series began on Monday with two days of weanling sales edging past the record figures posted in 2015. With a superior clearance rate of 86%, surpassing last year’s 79%, the gross rocketed to just under A$17.1 million from 284 weanlings sold at an average of $60,138.

At the top end, 22 weanlings sold for $200,000 or greater, as five sold in the $300,000’s. Beyond that was the top lot, a Fastnet Rock colt out of the Japanese mare, Temple Of Peace who sold for $400,000. “He’s extremely well bred,” said winning bidder James Harron of the half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Whobegotyou (Street Cry).