We hear all about the million dollar purchases at the yearling sales, but the greatest thing about racing is that the purchase price does not always guarantee the horse’s ability.

The racing public loved the story of knockabout trainer Joe Janiak and his $1400 purchase Takeover Target who became a star of not only the Australian Turf but the international racing stage.

Alex and Lee Van Den Bos are hoping their $600 purchase Abstract Lady, from the Great Southern Mixed Sale from Inglis in Melbourne, is maybe the latest racing fairytale.

Abstract Lady is well named, being by Marmottan out of Senorita, with Marmottan an impressionist museum in France, hence the name.

Abstract Lady was purchased as a foal at foot together with her dam Senorita for $600, which given her breeding seems an absolute bargain. 

Senorita had only a four-start career on the track but managed two second placings at Canterbury Park in Sydney. 

Since being retired as a broodmare Senorita has produced horses such as Osvaldo who raced in Hong Kong and won eight races and over $900,000 in stakes and the well-performed Puff the Magic who won four races in Brisbane.

Abstract Lady started her career on Sunday at Mudgee in the Radio 2MG and Real FM three-year-old maiden plate over 1200m with Newcastle based jockey Serg Lisny, who rode the mare when she trialled impressively last Sunday at Dubbo, helping the young mare to fourth.

Trainer Lee Van den Boss has high hopes for the mare’s chances into the future. 

In the back of the trainer’s mind are races such as the Country Championships on March 23 at Wellington and three-year-old fillies races such as the Surround Stakes, such is the trainers’ opinion of her filly.