Widden Stud kicked off the second day of the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in sensational fashion, banking huge results with two Zoustar yearlings tied to proven Group 1 performers.

Just over 30 minutes into Monday’s action, a full brother to Schwarz went under the hammer for $1.4 million. Not long after, a filly closely related to Zougotcha became the highest-priced female of the sale at a staggering $2.6 million.

The filly is by Zoustar and out of The Actuary, a half-sister to Zougotcha, and had generated significant interest leading up to the sale. Widden boss Antony Thompson said she was among the most popular yearlings on site.

“She has been a star from Day 1, she’s been a much-admired filly, and this week she’s hardly seen her box,” Thompson said.

“She’s had 260 parades, the vets have been all over her from all parts of the world and, I guess, had that X-factor and had that international appeal as well.”

The successful buyer was Resolute Racing, the high-profile racing outfit run by American John Stewart, who was also active in last year’s sale.

“Obviously he (Stewart) made a big play here last year, he’s been a major investor globally in his model to try and pick the finest bloodstock in the world, so to buy this filly off us is a real thrill and something we’re proud of,” Thompson said.

The $1.4 million colt was snapped up by James Harron and TFI, coming with recent Group 1 form thanks to Schwarz’s win in the William Reid Stakes. He is out of Summer Sham, a daughter of Not A Single Doubt.

“The Summer Sham colt was a ripper, a stunning Zoustar colt (who’s a) full brother to a Group 1 winner,” Thompson said.

“For him to make $1.4 million just really vindicates everything Zoustar’s doing and what we’re doing.”

Widden wasn’t alone in celebrating Zoustar success. Little Avondale Stud from New Zealand also sold a Zoustar colt for $1.7 million. The colt is out of a mare closely related to Evaporate and was purchased by Sam Wright and Douglas Whyte.