TWO lots aimed at southern hemisphere buyers were expected to top this week’s Tattersalls Online February Sale, but after both were bought back for six-figure sums, top lot honours went to 80-rated four-year-old Northwest Passage.

Ivan Furtado gave 31,000gns for the Roger Teal-trained grey, who got off the mark in fine style in September, easing 15 lengths clear on heavy ground, before claiming runners-up honours over the same 10-furlong trip.

Unsuccessful on two starts over hurdles since, the Ulysses gelding was offered by Crimbourne Bloodstock, who sourced him as a foal for 6,000gns. Crimbourne Bloodstock previously sold blacktype mares Barbados Blue through Tattersalls Online for 90,000gns and 75,000gns respectively.

“We were very happy with today,” Crimbourne’s Charlie Parker commented. “We have been very lucky with Tattersalls Online, much luckier than we have been in the ring! I just thought he might stand out on there and he did.”

Dan Skelton’s Grade 2 winner Galia des Liteaux initially went unsold at 31,000gns, with Mountain View Stud later striking a private deal for 1,000gns less. The daughter of Saddler Maker was sold subject to a non-racing agreement, having suffered a tendon injury on her last start.

The now 10-year-old won two listed chases as well as the Grade 2, having previously gained listed blacktype over hurdles. The five-time winner hails from the family of French 2000 Guineas third Day Is Done, winner of the National Stakes and Norfolk Stakes.

Simon Cox paid the same price of 30,000gns for Arclight, twice a listed winner over fences for Nicky Henderson. The seven-year-old daughter of Champs Elysees pulled up last time out at Kempton, her second start this season.

Faustyna, who made a winning debut at Dundalk last Wednesday, was added as a wildcard entry but was bought back for 52,000gns.