FANCY Man is the latest big-money purchase at this week's Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale to be heading in Australia.

The four-year-old colt, who won a Group 3 race at two years and has been placed in two Group 3 races this season for Richard Hannon, was sold on Wednesday for 675,000gns and will be joining British-born trainer Annabel Neasham in Australia.

Underbidders included Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland.

Agent Stuart Boman, who was on the phone to Neasham during the sale, said: "We wanted a Melbourne Cup horse so we thought we'd come and buy the best horse here, and I genuinely think he is.

"He has been running at a very high level for a long time, he has been beautifully trained by Richard Hannon and I have followed him through the year. He vetted very cleanly.

"Annabel is extraordinarily brave and willing to go to that sort of figure – we always knew he'd be an expensive horse, although you never really know what they are going to make. But you either get on with it and buy them and make happen, or you don't.

"He is a highly rated horse, and you are really buying the number. He is a 119-rated horse, the highest-rated horse here, he runs to 110 every week, he is a good horse. The form is there to see – he was a Group-winning two-year-old, he has been high class all the way through and he is one of those horses who can perform over a mile and a half, yet we think he will get two miles in Australia."

Of his ownership plans, Boman said: "Annabel had 200 people sign up expressing and interest to get involved with whatever horse we bought; I am sure she will be able to sell him! She has been very patient and we think we have bought a Cup horse."

Two years ago Boman and Neasham purchased Zaaki for 150,000gns at this sale. The son of Leroidesanimaux has since gone on to enjoy Group 1 success in the MacKinnon Stakes and multiple Group and 2 placed results, including a fourth place in last weekend's Cox Plate and a third place in the Might And Power Stakes at the beginning of the month.

Fancy Man's outgoing trainer Richard Hannon said: "It is always sad with that much ability leave the yard, but makes the way for new horses. He has been a gentleman for us and Michael [Pescod], and he brought the money I think he deserved. I thought he'd make that – physically he is a gorgeous horse. Trade here is unbelievable."

Saudi Arabian buyers

While the top lot went to an Australian buyers, Saudi Arabia is the destination for the next five horses on Wednesday's top-priced list. Juddmonte's two-year-old One World fetched 525,000gns, John and Thady Gosden's 99-rated handicapper Magisterial made 425,000gns, Woodbine Mile third Finest Sound was sold for 350,000gns, Mallard Handicap winner Going Gone realised 330,000gns, and juvenile sales race specialist Amichi changed hands for 325,000gns.

There was an interesting Irish buyer slightly further down the pecking order in the shape of trainer Andrew McNamara who paid 160,000gns for German-trained juvenile filly Enjoy The Dream. Trained by Markus Klug, the daughter of Mastercraftsman finished second in a listed race at Mulheim earlier this month.

The sale concludes on Thursday.