Tag: Authentic

$2.3M Into Mischief Filly Leads the Way at Keeneland September

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale opened with a packed pavilion and plenty of bidding from a diverse buying bench ultimately producing eight seven-figure sales led by a $2.3-million daughter of Into Mischief. At the end of the session, numbers were largely in line with the figures from the opening session of last year's record-breaking auction.

“We were all biting our nails a little bit thinking about being measured up to last year's sale which was so phenomenal,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “But the numbers were very similar to last year's numbers.”

In all, 110 yearlings sold Monday for $55,330,000. The average was $503,000–up just slightly from last year's figure of $500,833. The median dipped 11.11% to $400,000.

From 191 catalogued yearlings, 148 went through the ring and 38 failed to meet their reserves for a buy-back rate of 25.68%. It was 20.83% last year.

“It is really, really good,” said Reiley McDonald, whose Eaton Sales sold a $1-million son of Into Mischief during the session. “It is running about 50% outs to buy-backs, but the other 50% are selling at 30% above what they would have in the last couple of years. The upper end is really good. Where we are really going to be tested is the middle end and the lower end because that's where I think the economy has been hit. This upper stuff is very strong.”

Sheikha Hissa made the session-topping bid in the name of the Shadwell Farm founded by her late father Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, purchasing the $2.3-million daughter of Into Mischief from the Gainesway consignment. Shadwell had perennially been a leading buyer at the auction prior to Sheikh Hamdan's death in 2021.

“We are delighted to welcome her and her whole team back,” said Arvin. “Shadwell is about to embark on an exciting new stage and we love her passion for the sport and the horse. It was an honor to have her back with us.”

Monday's top 13-priced yearlings were purchased by 12 distinct buyers.

“I think that's very encouraging,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said of the diverse buying bench. “It's unhealthy if you have one or two entities coming in here and controlling the market. I think it's important that people come in here and feel they have a chance of getting something. Because they are spending quite a bit of money and they are able to gain some of the best bloodstock in the world.”

While the buying bench was deep, the stallion ranks were dominated by yearlings by Into Mischief and Uncle Mo, who combined to sire all eight of the session's seven-figure offerings and 11 of the top 13. The only other sires to make it into the top 13 was Into Mischief's GI Kentucky Derby-winning son Authentic and Constitution.

Keeneland has made an effort over the last two years to make its elite Book 1 section an event and officials were gratified by the large number of onlookers who created a buzz in the pavilion Monday.

“There was a lot of energy and it was so fun to see all of the people here,” Arvin said. “There were many buyers and people participating and then there were a lot of people who were just interested in seeing the sales process. Which was fun to see. We work really hard to make sure the community understands how important our sales are as well as our industry. So it was really fun to have so many people out here.”

Donato Lanni made the session's second-highest bid when going to $2 million to acquire a colt by Uncle Mo on behalf of Amr Zedan.

“The atmosphere has been amazing,” Lanni said. “Every year it gets better and better. There is a lot of quality and you see it improve every year. It's good to see people happy to get a horse sold and happy to buy one and doing what they love to do, which is buy horses. There is a lot of passion and a lot of love for the game. And people are fighting for the horses they love. It's great to see that.”

In an unintended consequence to the packed pavilion, last year's leading buyer Mike Repole and his team were briefly shut out of their preferred rows in the pavilion. After spending some of the session in the first row, the group, which included Repole, trainer Todd Pletcher, agent Jacob West and advisor Eddie Rosen, were able to move back to their traditional middle rows and ended the session with 11 purchases for $3.945 million. Leading the way was a colt by Quality Road colt (hip 144) purchased for $725,000. Repole was the session's leading buyer.

While Repole and Vinnie Viola partnered to be leading buyers in 2022, Repole partnered on just one of the 11 yearlings purchased Monday, spending $600,000 on a colt by Tapit (hip 96) acquired with Spendthrift Partners. Viola's St Elias Stables was not on the results sheet Monday.

Gainesway was the session's leading consignor with 12 yearlings sold for $9,610,000. In addition to the session topper, the farm also consigned two other million-dollar yearlings.

The second session of Keeneland September's Book 1 section begins Tuesday at 1 p.m. Book 2 sessions Wednesday and Thursday begin at 11 a.m. Following a dark day Friday, the 12-day auction continues Saturday at 10 a.m.

Into Mischief Filly Sparks 'Joy' for Aboughazale

In the horse racing business, the passing years often equate to a steady stream of blood, sweat and tears that, if one is among the fortunate, may culminate in dividends by virtue of the hard-earned experience. International Equities Holding's Oussama Aboughazale appears to have found the golden track, however, culminating with a filly (Hip 92) by Into Mischief that realized a session-topping $2.3 million from Shadwell on Day 1 at Keeneland September.

The filly was consigned by Gainesway, that sold 12 head Monday, including a trio over seven figures, leading all consignors with $9.6 million in gross receipts.

Gainesway's Brian Graves said, “I honestly thought she would bring every bit of $1.5 [million]. She's a top physical. She was one of the best-looking yearlings I saw this year. We thought that could happen. From the first time you looked at that filly, you thought that could happen. It's a pleasant surprise but not shocking.”

Only moments after the gavel fell, Aboughazale, situated out back, remained visibly moved by the recent events.

“That was satisfying but I have conflicting feelings,” he admitted. “I am happy we sold her at this price, but I am sad because she is a queen. She is the best thing we've ever bred in many years.”

He continued, “I put a good [reserve] on her, but I would have been sad if she actually sold for that price because I [would have] wanted to keep her.”

Of the buyers, he said, “I wish the best of luck to Sheikha Hissa. [Sheikh Hamdan], God bless his soul, he was a good customer of mine because he bought horses from us. So that makes me feel a little bit better [to let her go].”

In addition to Monday's session topper, Shadwell also purchased Hip 20, a filly by Uncle Mo out of Grade I winner Angela Renee (Bernardini) for $750,000. She was consigned by Taylor Made.

Shadwell Farm manager Jonny Smyth, added, “We have the sister [by War Front] so we are excited to have purchased this filly as well. Sheikha Hissa is happy to be here and we expect to be active again tomorrow.”

Fit for a Queen…

The Feb. 20 session-topping filly is out of Grade III-scorer Delightful Joy (Tapit), a $105,000 OBSAPR purchase by Bradley Thoroughbreds, who was later picked up for $700,000 by Aboughazale at Keeneland January in 2017.

As a broodmare, the mare realized a quick return with a filly by War Front that brought $1 million from Shadwell at Keeneland September in 2019. Only two years later, the operation sold Window Shopping (American Pharoah)–a $700,000 buy for agent Steve Young–that would go on to win the GII Summertime Oaks. Out of GSW and GISP Graeme Six (Graeme Hall), Delightful Joy is a half-sister to GSW Cali Star (Street Cry {Ire}) and stakes winner Seymourdini (Bernardini).

“The dam is a lovely mare that has a lot of class,” Aboughazale continued. “And she is producing very nice horses.

“Thank God for us, she is very straightforward and is producing very beautiful babies.”

The operation is selling a total of 16 yearlings at Keeneland this year, including seven head in Book 1.

Anatomy of Success…

Relatively speaking, Aboughazale has developed a most enviable broodmare band in a fraction of the time that many others have taken to assemble their own band stateside. The native of Jerusalem spent much of his youth surrounded by horses, albeit of a different color. While Arabians occupied much of his initial connection to the horse, Thoroughbreds became his primary passion following a visit to Kentucky a quarter of a century ago. Bitten by the bug, he purchased the former Belvedere Farm in 2016, and it didn't take long for him to realize two important milestones: selling his first $1-million yearling in 2019 and breeding his first Grade I winner, courtesy of 2020 Del Mar Debutante S. heroine Princess Noor (Not This Time).

Oussama Aboughazale and Frances Relihan at a past sale | Keeneland

Aboughazale also enjoyed some of his earliest successes with a horse he bred, Protonico (Giant's Causeway), a four-time graded stakes winner and dual Grade I-placed for Todd Pletcher in 2014-16.

“We are evolving all the time because [bloodstock manager] Frances [Relihan] is very strict,” he said. “She cuts from the bottom, and I don't look at the prices that we sell the mares for because it makes me upset. But we're always trying to improve [the broodmare band]. We're trying to develop next generations. That's important to us.” @CbossTDN

Lanni Signs for $2-Million Uncle Mo Colt

With three-quarters of Monday's yearlings having already gone through the ring, the temperature skyrocketed with a string of seven-figure yearlings going through the ring in rapid succession. Earning the distinction as the top-priced colt of the day, a yearling by Uncle Mo realized a $2-million final bid from agent Donato Lanni, bidding on behalf of Amr Zedan.

“He is beautiful Uncle Mo and the boss loved him,” explained Lanni. “Zedan [Racing] and Bob [Baffert] have been very lucky with that sire.”

Uncle Mo is the sire of Zedan's 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Knight, wire-to-wire winner of the GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic.

He added, “Bob loved him as soon as he saw him. He is a beautiful horse so we were happy to get him.”

Consigned by Runnymede Farm, Hip 154 is out of Helena Bay (GB) (Johannesburg), the dam of GI Pacific Classic winner Collected (City Zip), who was also trained by Baffert. Additionally, the mare produced Helena's Triomphe (Arch), herself responsible for SW Artilena (Artie Schiller).

The colt was bred by a partnership of Runnymede Farm, Peter Callahan and Three Chimneys Farm.

Clearly overjoyed with selling the day's second-highest priced yearling, Runnymede's Romain Malhouitre said, “Imagine selling your horse for $2 million, there's no words for that. The horse has been awesome since he arrived on Thursday. He showed very well. We knew we had plenty of interest, but you never know. So, we are delighted that everybody believed in the horse and the breeders and the land.

“A few people told us that he was one of the best colts of the sale for day one. And we thought we had a good horse and they told us. But, you know, they won't tell you what they are willing to spend.”–@CbossTDN

Winchell Comes Out Swinging for Into Mischief Colt

No stranger to the winner's circle these days, owner Ron Winchell parlayed some of those winnings into new blood, extending to $1.4 million for Hip 145, a colt by Into Mischief.

Consigned by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, who also bred the colt in partnership with Matt Dorman, the Feb. 10 foal is out of the Ghostzapper mare Guarana, who earned over $1 million, annexing a trio of Grade I stakes during two seasons on the track. Guarana is a half to SW Beatbox (Pioneerof the Nile) and Grade II-placed Magic Dance (More Than Ready). The colt's third dam is GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold), a sister to MGSW and GISP Country Hideaway.

“Obviously, he is the first foal out of an amazing racemare,” said Winchell. “We're the lucky or unlucky ones to be the last ones with our hand up. Dr. Lambert, with Equine Analysis, loved him and that's all I needed to hear.”

Regarding the obvious appeal of the pedigree, Winchell qipped, “Do I need to say anything about Into Mischief?”

According to Winchell, the colt will go to team Steve Asmussen.

Offered with this foal in utero at Fasig-Tipton November in 2021, Guarana was purchased by Hill 'n' Dale for $4.4 million.

“It's a great result for a great mare,” affirmed Sikura. “Into Mischiefs are obviously magical horses. No matter the sire, you have to meet the scrutiny of the buyers at the upper end. The horse moved very well. Has a lot of bone, looks sound. One of the astute guys in the business who has had great success bought him. I hope this is his next big horse. We're excited and happy.”–@CbossTDN

Sonson Continues Buying Spree

Chuck Sonson partnered with West Point Thoroughbreds to purchase his first yearlings last month at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale and got back into the action Monday at Keeneland, going to $1.35 million to acquire a colt by Uncle Mo (hip 94) in partnership with Woodford and West Point.

“We have a partnership that is killer,” Sonson said as West Point's Terry Finley signed the ticket on the youngster. “We think this colt is going to be a big winner. So we are very excited about him. We purchased six at Saratoga and we are looking to fill the barn up the rest of the way.”

Sonson's purchases at Saratoga were led by a colt by Twirling Candy (hip 140) acquired for $1 million.

Sonson, who owns an aviation company, was enjoying his first trip to Lexington.

“I love Lexington,” he said. “This is the first time I've been here. I am getting into the racing thing and enjoying it a lot.”

Hip 94 is out of Diva Delite (Repent), who is the dam of champion Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) and this year's GIII Indiana Derby and GI Toyota Blue Grass S. runner-up Verifying (Justify). The yearling was bred by Hunter Valley Farm and David Fennelly's Mountmellick Farm, which purchased the mare for $1.2 million while she was carrying Verifying at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November sale.

“I am absolutely delighted,” Fennelly said of the result. “He was a stunning individual. And of course, his family speaks for itself.”

Hunter Valley and Mountmellick sold Verifying for $775,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale.

In foal to Gun Runner, Diva Delite RNA'd for $775,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale.

“She has a Gun Runner by her side and we decided not to breed her this year and give her a break,” Fennelly said. “We will catch her early next year.” @JessMartiniTDN

Uncle Mo Colt a Score for Christophersons

When Neal and Pam Christopherson's Bar-C Racing Stables sold a filly by Uncle Mo for $700,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale, the Oregon-based operation quickly reinvested the proceeds to purchase the unraced Forever for Now (War Front) in foal to the Coolmore stallion for $210,000 at that year's Keeneland November sale. The Christophersons were rewarded again when the mare's Uncle Mo yearling (hip 130) sold to M.V. Magnier for $1.35 million at Keeneland Monday.

“He was a very pretty, beautiful-moving colt,” John Penn, whose Penn Sales consigned the yearling on behalf of Bar C Racing Stables, said. “If he can run, he will make a stallion. He was born a smaller version of what he is. All we did was not get in his way.”

While Penn wasn't involved in the purchase of Forever for Now, who is a half to group-placed Carlisle Bay (Galileo {Ire}), he explained of the Christophersons, “They sold an Uncle Mo previously for a lot of money and needed to buy a mare and they bought this mare in foal to him.”

He continued, “Right now [the Christophersons have] two mares at my place and I think they have several in Oregon.”

Penn Sales was making a rare Book 1 appearance Monday at Keeneland and was enjoying its first seven-figure sale.

“When you have a horse like this, it moves you up,” Penn said. “He would have moved anyone up. We are normally in the middle, but Keeneland was good enough to allow us to compete when we had the horse that would do it. And that's special.”

Magnier was making his first purchase of the Keeneland sale with hip 130.

“He is a very nice horse,” Magnier said. “[Longtime Coolmore adviser] Paul Shanahan really liked him when he saw him the other day. He is a nice athletic horse. He will stay here [in the U.S.] for the time being.” @JessMartiniTDN

A 'Grand' Day 1 at KEESEP

It didn't take long during the opening session of this year's Keeneland September Sale for things to hit full tilt with the sale of the first seven-figure yearling on the afternoon. A member of the Gainesway consignment, Hip 18, a colt by Into Mischief, realized $1.1 million from Robert Clay, bidding on behalf of Grandview Equine.

Gainesway's Brian Graves said, “That's a good way to get started. It was a little north of what we thought. There was a lot of drama leading up. There are always a lot of people with different opinions. It worked out on the pleasant side.”

He continued, “As an individual the horse, he was drop-dead gorgeous and by the right sire and out of a Grade I winner–a young mare who was precocious.”

The Mar. 31 foal is out of American Gal (Concord Point), a full-sister to SW and MGSP Americanize, who garnered just a tick under $1 million on the race track courtesy of five wins, headed by the GI Longines Test S. and GI Humana Distaff S. This represents the extended family of dual Grade I winner Seventh Street (Street Cry {Ire}) and G1 Golden Shaheen victor Reynaldothewizard (Speightstown).

The bay was bred by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, who secured dam American Gal from the Hill 'n' Dale draft for $3 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2018.

“There were a lot of top people on the horse and we thought something like that might happen,” said Graves. “It's good to see Mandy Pope selling million-dollar horses.”

The first foal to sell out of the 9-year-old mare was a colt by Curlin, who brought $500,000 at this venue last season. A family obviously replete with money, granddam GSP American Story (Ghostzapper) also made headlines in the sales ring, realizing $2.2 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2017. An Into Mischief filly out of American Story (Hip 19) brought $575,000 shortly after American Gal's colt exited the ring.

“He is a really nice colt out of a great family,” Clay said, explaining the decision to extend on the colt. “He went for plenty of money, but he really checked all the boxes for us.”

And the yearling is exactly the type of horse that fits the Grandview program.

“We're looking for balance and athletic horses,” Clay said. “He's a picture.”

During Monday's session, Grandview also purchased Hip 35, a colt by Nyquist who bought $400,000.

When asked about the overall market thus far, Clay added, “I think the energy here is great. And I think it'll get stronger as the sale goes on. There are a lot of people here and plenty of money around. And that's the result of a really good catalogue.”

In 2013, Clay sold Three Chimneys to Goncalo Borges-Torrealba before returning five years later under the Grandview banner, for which he is the general partner and manager. Included in the enterprise are partners Cheyenne Stable's Everett Dobson and the Roth family's LNJ Foxwoods.

Despite its relatively recent appearance on the scene, Grandview has enjoyed a banner year in 2023 with this season's Kentucky Derby champion Mage (Good Magic).–@CbossTDN

Stewart Stocking Up

John Stewart, who made his first racehorse purchase at the September sale last year, came back to the auction in a big way Monday, ultimately purchasing seven yearlings. Stewart, the founder and managing partner at MiddleGround Capital, made his biggest purchase when going to $1 million for a colt by Into Mischief (hip 147) consigned by Eaton Sales. Out of Halo Humor (Distorted Humor), the bay is a full-brother to Practical Joke.

“Practical Joke has come on massively this year,” agent Gavin O'Connor said. “He's just come out with so many good horses–Practical Move and Ways and Means was second in the GI Spinaway S. a couple of weeks ago. He's had some really impressive winners. Into Mischief is a sire of sires, we got one earlier, we loved him and we loved this horse physically as well. We have a superstar colt that if he goes on to the top level, it's a huge opportunity.”

Once O'Connor was done extolling the yearling's virtues, Stewart asked, “Now, do you want the true story?

“The true story was this horse wasn't on the list,” Stewart admitted. “And Gavin was shipping our other horses and I texted him and said, 'Gavin, I just bought Practical Joke's brother for $1 million.'”

Bred by SF Bloodstock and Tuscany Bloodstock, hip 147 was purchased by Clover Leaf Stables for $350,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale.

Stewart, alongside agent O'Connor and manager Chelsey Stone, had already acquired a son of Into Mischief earlier in the session when going to $800,000 to acquire hip 83.

“Just from the moment I saw him, I thought he was an amazing representation of the stallion,” O'Connor said of that yearling. “The one word I wrote down on the page was 'wow.' I have seen so many Into Mischiefs and there are one or two that really stand out like he did and you just know that they are a 'wow' horse. That price indicates the wow I felt at the time.”

The colt, consigned by Clearsky Farms, is out of graded winner Daisy (Blame) and is a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Botanical (Medaglia d'Oro).

“He looks like he has a stallion's pedigree,” O'Connor said. “He's a great big physical. We will be looking for an exciting future for him going into racing. He will most likely go to Michael McCarthy. We will keep him here in Kentucky with options to go west. We will keep open our channels to the Northeast and Florida, so we will have plenty of options.”

In addition to his two sons of Into Mischief, Stewart also purchased a colt by Constitution (hip 135) for $850,000; a colt by Curlin (hip 49) for $650,000; a filly by Uncle Mo (hip 45) for $350,000; a filly by American Pharoah (hip 129) for $350,000; and a colt by Omaha Beach (hip 177) for $350,000.

“We are starting our own farm,” he said. “We have a few more on the agenda. I have the easy part. Gavin and Chelsey do all the research. And I just buy them. We knew exactly what we were coming here for and what we would be leaving here with.”

Of his involvement in racing, Stewart said, “We bought our first filly here last year. I've been in Lexington for a long time and I've always wanted to get involved in the sport. I was married and my ex wouldn't let me get involved. We got divorced, so I got into horse racing.”

Last year, Stewart purchased Shiloh's Mistress (Vino Rosso) for $235,000.

Of his determined bidding style, Stewart said, “I'm not a bidder. I'm a buyer. Once I decide I'm going to buy a horse, I'm buying it. We are just trying to put bullets in the chamber because you got to have a lot of reps to potentially to get a horse in the Derby and that's what we are going to try to do.”

He added, “I do this everywhere I go. I was in Pebble Beach to buy a car and I bought 12. I don't do anything halfway.” @JessMartiniTDN

Curlin Colt a Sharp Purchase

George Sharp admitted he thought it was a bargain when he purchased a full-brother to GI Florida Derby winner Known Agenda (Curlin) for $280,000 at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale earlier this year. He was proven right when the yearling returned to the Keeneland sales ring Monday as hip 49 and sold for $650,000 to Gavin O'Connor, agent for John Stewart.

“The plan was to resell if I got the right amount of money,” Sharp said. “And I got the right amount of money. I can't complain about 120% in eight months.”

The yearling, who was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, is out of Byrama (GB) (Byron).

Of the colt's appeal in January, Sharp said, “Obviously, the pedigree was outstanding. Curlins are probably the hottest things out there. He looks exactly like his brother–a 95% twin. At $280,000, I thought it was a steal. I was prepared to go to $400,000.”

Since January, the yearling, “has matured a ton and he still has some maturing to do,” Sharp said. “But he's grown. In the last six weeks, he's really come into himself. He is still a little immature. He has to get his mind a little straighter, but I would have no problem holding on to him.”

Sharp campaigns the likes of multiple stakes winner Front Run the Fed (Fed Biz), but admitted he had no problem letting the yearling sell Monday.

“No regrets,” he said. “I never regret making money.” @JessMartiniTDN

The post $2.3M Into Mischief Filly Leads the Way at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Brisk Trade As Fasig-Tipton New York Sale Concludes With $380k Practical Joke Colt On Top

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The two-day Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale concluded with a day of brisk trade Monday in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion which produced–from a significantly larger catalogue–the auction's highest-ever gross.

“We concluded another successful New York-bred Yearling sale today,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr.

“It continued the strength and momentum that we have witnessed at this sale in recent years, and also the strength that we saw at the selected sale last week. There was very good activity and lots of outstanding horses on the sales grounds.”

With 217 head sold–compared to 188 a year ago–the New York-bred sale grossed a record $20,806,000, surpassing the record of $20,175,000 set last year. The average dipped 10.7% to $95,800, while the median increased 1.4% to $75,000. With 83 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 27.7%. It was 19.3% a year ago.

“The average declined slightly, probably as a result of some additional horses entered in the sale,” Browning said. “And being realistic, there is probably a slight decline in the middle market. The pinhookers last year had a relatively tough year and they are being more selective this year. And there is increased selectivity throughout the marketplace. But I think, all in all, it was a healthy market, a fair marketplace. The buyers are complaining they couldn't buy the horses they wanted and the sellers are saying they wished they could have a little bit more marketplace, particularly in that $30-60,000 price range, which I think is just indicative of the world we live in today. But overall, it was a very successful sale.”

The auction concluded with a pair of yearlings sharing top price of $380,000. Bloodstock agent Chris Baccari paid that price for a son of Violence during Sunday's first session of the auction and pinhooker Tom McCrocklin matched that price for a colt by Practical Joke Monday. A total of 26 yearlings sold for $200,000 or over during the two days, matching the figure from a year ago.

“The New York-bred program continues to be the leader in the United States, certainly, and probably in the world of a state-bred type program,” Browning said. “There are great incentives for people to both breed and race in New York and that was reflected in the results over the last two days.”

McCrocklin Gets the Joke

Tom McCrocklin, who made the record-setting sale-topping bid at last year's New York sale, shared the top bid this year when going to $380,000 to acquire a colt by Practical Joke (hip 628) from the Nardelli Sales consignment.

“We loved everything about the Practical Joke colt,” McCrocklin said. “I thought he was the best horse in the sale and just when Practical Joke was getting a little sleepy, he's come back to life. The filly of Chad's, Ways and Means, is a legitimate horse.”

Klaravich Stables' homebred Ways and Means (Practical Joke) was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' with her debut victory Aug. 6.

Hip 628 is out of graded winner Golden Mystery (Awesome Again) and is a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Apalachee Bay. The yearling was bred by Donald McCormick, who purchased the mare with the colt in utero for $60,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale.

McCrocklin, who was active throughout both Saratoga sales, jumped back into action with the very next horse through the ring, going to $200,000 to acquire a filly by red-hot freshman sire Flameaway (hip 629) from the Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Servies consignment on behalf of Michael Sucher's Champion Equine.

“He's so hot,” McCrocklin said of Flameway, whose daughter Dreamfyre romped to victory in the GIII Sorrento S. at Del Mar Saturday. “I thought she looked lightning fast, I thought she looked like a very fast filly. Speed kills at the 2-year-old sales.”

During the New York-bred sale, McCrocklin signed for nine yearlings. Among the purchases was a colt by Catalina Cruiser (hip 388) acquired for $150,000 and a son of Honest Mischief (hip 340) for $120,000.

“I bought a really nice Honest Mischief colt yesterday,” McCrocklin said. “I've been very impressed with those horses. It's his first crop, he stands at Sequel. He was a very good Juddmonte horse. Chad Brown trained him. I think he has a big shot because he puts a really good foal on the ground. I'd like to see him make it.”

At the select sale last week, McCrocklin made three purchases. Leading the way was a filly by Munnings (hip 57) who was purchased for $775,000.

“The Munnings filly was a phenomenal physical horse with a big pedigree,” McCrocklin said. “It was a lot of money, but I got more commentary post-sale about that filly than any horse I've ever bought. She was very well-respected by good horse people. So I'm very happy to have her.”

McCrocklin purchased a full-brother to Grade I winner Cave Rock (Arrogate) for $700,000 at last year's New York sale and resold the colt this year for $1.05 million at the OBS March sale.

“It's a little bit of trying to look into the future,” McCrocklin said of the pinhooking game. “That's what we do. It's a lot of risk and it's a lot of money, but it worked out last year on a few horses. It's extreme risk mitigated by expertise. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes you get punished. I think we are all adrenaline junkies a little bit, so we will play the game.”

MyRacehorse Gets More Authentic

Authentic took MyRaceHorse Stable on the ride of a lifetime when he won the 2020 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Classic and now the micro-share partnership is reinvesting in the  champion's first crop of yearlings. Roderick Wachman purchased a son of the Derby winner (hip 407) for $360,000 early in Monday's session of the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale.

“We liked this horse because he was a nice big, scopey, athletic two-turn looking colt,” Wachman said. “I think he's going to develop significantly more and I am really looking forward to seeing him get under tack. Obviously, Authentic is a big draw card because MyRacehorse were partners in him.”

MyRacehorse also purchased a colt by Authentic (hip 9) during last week's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale.

“We bought one last week that was more of a sharper model than this one,” Wachman said. “Again, both very correct, well-made horses. He really does seem to put down a nice horse. When I look at the Authentics, I think Into Mischief. So hopefully he can go on that trajectory.”

Wachman signed for the colt in partnership with Dr. Ramon Tallaj's R T Racing Stable.

Hip 407, who was consigned by Winter Quarter Farm, is out of Savvy Sassy (Street Sense) and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Brattle House (Malibu Moon) and Bourbon Bay (Bayern).

The yearling was bred by Richard Leahy's Oak Bluff Stables and trainer Christophe Clement. The mare was purchased for $80,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November sale. The partners sold Brattle House for $775,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Sale.

The 12-year-old Savvy Sassy produced a colt by Medaglia d'Oro this year and was bred back to Not This Time.

Hip 407 | Fasig-Tipton

Munnings Filly to Ward

“Hopefully we will be back here next summer to win one of these New York-bred stakes,” trainer Wesley Ward said after signing the ticket at $340,000 to acquire a filly by Munnings (hip 463). Ward signed for the yearling in the name of David Reid's Preferred Equine.

“She was a standout individual in the sale,” Ward said of the filly. “She made Ben McElroy's short list, so I came over to look at her. She is the sale topper so far for fillies, so there were a lot of people interested in her. Ben is a great judge of a horse and we were happy he tipped us off and we got her. She looked like the best filly that we saw in the sale.”

The dark bay filly is out of To the Moon Alice (Malibu Moon), a half-sister to graded winner Unchained Melody (Smart Strike). She was bred by Walt Borisenok's Old Tavern Farm and was consigned by Denali Stud.

Ward is based at Keeneland, but said a trip back to her home state would be in the plans for the newly acquired filly.

“We train out of Keeneland, so it's convenient to go back and forth to New York,” he said. And we've been very successful doing that.”

Spoor Back in the Game

Richard Spoor took a 15-year break from the sport, but he's getting back in the game with the help of bloodstock agent Niall Brennan who signed for three fillies on behalf of the owner during the New York-bred sale. Spoor's JR International Holdings went to $325,000 to acquire a filly by Munnings (hip 619) from the Hunter Valley Farm consignment. The yearling is out of multiple stakes winner Freudie Anne (Freud).

“She's a very, very good Munnings,” Brennan said. “He's a great stallion–doesn't matter if it's fillies, colts, turf or dirt. The mare was excellent. They do a great job at Hunter Valley, they raced the mare and they raised this filly. I thought she would be expensive, obviously this is what people are stepping up to do now.”

Spoor, who was anxious to go back to the Hunter Valley barn to see his newest acquisition, said, “My opinion is that she is the nicest filly in the sale. And I'm very, very pleased to be the new owner.”

In addition to hip 619, Spoor purchased another filly by Munnings (hip 416) for $160,000 and a daughter of Maclean's Music (hip 415) for $150,000.

Spoor currently has 2-year-olds in training with Tony Dutrow.

“I've been in racing for 40 years,” Spoor said. “I got out in 2008. I used to train 80 horses a year and I had a broodmare band. Now I am retired and I don't do anything other than own the horses.”

Jayne Johnson purchased Freudie Anne for $9,000 at the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Racing for Johnson, Marc Detampel, Fergus Galvin and Adrian Wallace, the filly was a two-time stakes winner in New York and earned over $260,000. She continues to reward the partners in the breeding shed.

“This is the mare's fourth Munnings and she just throws incredible physical specimens,” said Galvin. “It's the same group–most of the partnership is here, but Mark lives in Chicago, so he couldn't make it unfortunately. But she's given us lots of thrills, both on the racetrack and as a broodmare.”

Each of the mare's previous foals has brought six figures in the sales ring, but despite her success with Munnings, she had a filly by Tiz the Law this year and was bred back to that stallion.

“Unfortunately, we were doing the Munnings at the lower price and he took a hike, but we might have to go back next year,” Galvin said.

The mare's 2-year-old Lamorna (Munnings) closed to be fourth after a troubled trip in her July 20 debut going 5 1/2 furlongs on the grass at Saratoga.

“We are excited about her 2-year-old,” Galvin said. “I know Bill Mott likes her a lot. I think that she ran so well a few weeks ago, helped this filly along, too.”

Hip 410 | Fasig-Tipton

Deutsch Goes it Alone

Peter Deutsch has enjoyed success as co-owner of horses in the Mark Casse barn, but he sent the trainer to the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred sale with orders to stock his own racing stable. Casse made his first purchase for Deutsch Monday when going to $300,000 to acquire a filly by Ghostzapper (hip 410) from the Hidden Lake Farm consignment.

“I've trained for him and he owns parts of a few horses,” Casse said. “I've trained some good horses for him. But this is the first time he's buying on his own.”

Deutsch is co-owner of Ice Chocolat (Brz) (Goldikovic {Ire}), third in Saturday's GI Fourstardave S. He also campaigned 2018 GIII Forward Gal S. winner Take Charge Paula (Take Charge Indy).

Hip 410 is out of Scene Maker (Unbridled's Song) and is a half-sister to stakes winner and graded placed Big Screen (Speightstown). She was bred by Hidden Lake Farm and 3C Stables.

“We are just looking for good fillies,” Casse said. “So I am excited about it. It's a new venture.”

Also Monday, Deutsch purchased a filly by Disco Partner (hip 422) for $75,000.

Asked if there was target number of fillies to purchase, Casse said, “Not really. He will tell me when.”

Hager Stays Busy for Carem Stables

Bloodstock agent Phil Hager was busy over both days of the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred sale, buying three yearlings on behalf of Lisa Moser's Carem Stables. During Sunday's first session of the auction, Hager went back-to-back late in the day to acquire a colt by Street Boss (hip 395) for $200,000 and a filly by Frosted (hip 396) for $250,000. He returned Monday to acquire a filly by Bernardini (hip 473) for $220,000.

“We were just looking for really good physicals with some pedigree and by proven stallions,” Hager said. “Bill and Riley Mott train for them, so I took Bill through the list and he liked all three that we bought and those were the ones we wanted.”

Based in Greenfield Center, New York, Carem Stables was in the winner's circle across the street when 2-year-old Get Spooled (Hard Spun) debuted with a victory Aug. 3. The colt was purchased at last year's New York-bred sale for $230,000.

The very next day, Carem enjoyed a maiden winner at Ellis Park when Raining Sugar (Twirling Candy) won his first start Aug. 4. Hager's Taproot Bloodstock had purchased the filly on behalf of the operation for $150,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale.

“They are local and they like New York-breds,” said Hager. “They have one in Kentucky with Riley, so they are doing some of that as well. But they do like supporting the New York program.”

Of the prices at the two-day auction, Hager said, “It's always more than you want to pay. We don't want to buy cheap horses, but Saratoga probably adds a little to it.”

Also at the New York-bred sale, Hager purchased a filly by Instagrand (hip 325) for $100,000.

Pinhooker Tom McCrocklin, who went to a sale-record $700,000 to top last year's New York-Bred sale, shared the top bid this year when going to $380,000 for a son of Practical Joke Monday. Chris Baccari made that same bid to acquire a colt by Violence during Sunday's first session of the auction.

Hip 463 | Fasig-Tipton

Tallaj Buys and Sells

Dr. Ramon Tallaj, who made it to his first GI Kentucky Derby with Sun Thunder (Into Mischief) this year, purchased four colts and successfully pinhooked a filly with Carlos and Sarah Estrada's C & S Thoroughbreds during a busy day in Saratoga Monday.

Tallaj teamed with MyRacehorse to acquire a colt by Authentic (hip 407) for $360,000 and partnered with Cypress Creek, with whom he campaigns Sun Thunder, to acquire a colt by McKinzie (hip 530) for $210,000. Under the name of his R T Racing, he purchased a colt by Improbable (hip 405) for $100,000 and he completed his Saratoga grab with a colt by Vino Rosso (hip 578) acquired for $25,000.

Tallaj admitted his experience this spring with Sun Thunder, who was second in the GII Risen Star S., has impacted his purchases at Saratoga this week.

“I loved that,” Tallaj said of his trip to the Derby. “So now I want to try to figure out how to find the next one–I am looking for two-turn horses.”

Tallaj said all of his horses are owned in partnerships.

“It's the way to go,” he explained. “We need to keep encouraging people to get involved in racing. [These partners] are involved already, but hopefully we can bring in more people.”

Tallaj stressed the importance of the sport to those earning a living on the country's farms and backstretches and advocated for tax laws which would help encourage more people to own racehorses.

“People don't understand how many farmers make their living in the country,” he said. “Especially when they change the law and now the people who invest in horses can only deduct 80% for this year, it doesn't help. People who do that are really harming the people who work every day on the farms raising horses and on the racetracks.”

Tallaj has fully committed to the New York program, moving his stable from its previous Florida base to the Empire state, where his Just Katherine (Justify) was recently second in the Wilton S. at Saratoga July 14.

On the other side of the ledger, Tallaj sold a filly by Nyquist (hip 537) for $210,000 to Legion Bloodstock. The Estradas had purchased the filly for $100,000 at this year's Fasig-Tipton February sale.

“I loved the horse,” Tallaj said of the yearling. “I wanted to keep her. I've been working with Sarah and Carlos for two years. They are good people, honest people.”

Also with C & S Thoroughbreds this year, Tallaj pinhooked a colt by Munnings for $200,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July sale. The yearling had been purchased for $100,000 at this year's Keeneland January sale.

At last year's New York sale, the group sold a filly by Practical Joke for $175,000. She had been purchased for $50,000 at the Fasig February sale.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Tallaj is founder and chairman of Somos Community Care and was part of New York City Mayor Eric Adams's COVID response team.

Asked how long he has been involved in racing, the 67-year-old Tallaj said with a laugh, “Since I was able to say 'hola' as a little child–a long time.”

Sun Thunder has not started since his 11th-place finish in the Derby, but Tallaj is hopeful the colt will return to the races soon.

“Hopefully, we will see him next month,” he said. “The idea is to bring him the [GI] Clark [at Churchill Downs in November].”

The post Brisk Trade As Fasig-Tipton New York Sale Concludes With $380k Practical Joke Colt On Top appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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$4-Million Curlin–Beholder Colt Leads ‘Magical Night’ In Saratoga

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale of Selected Yearlings, which looked to have a tough task to live up to its record-smashing 2022 renewal, proved more than equal to that task and, when a fast and frenetic session concluded Tuesday night, the auction had once again set high-water marks for gross and average and tied its record median.

“We have experienced some magical nights in Saratoga in the past and you've heard me talk about the Saratoga magic, but we ain't seen nothing like tonight,” a jubilant Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. said Tuesday night. “It was spectacular from the very first horse in the ring–or maybe the very first share in the ring–to the very conclusion of the sale. It just goes to show you what happens when you have the opportunity to sell exceptional physical horses that have outstanding pedigrees to an unbelievable group of buyers that love Saratoga.”

A total of 153 yearlings sold during the two-day auction for a record gross of $74,780,000. The average was $488,758–an increase of the record of $468,217 set last year–and the median was unchanged at $375,000.

With 50 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 24.6%. It was 20.11% last year.

A colt with a sparkling pedigree–a son of champion Curlin out of champion Beholder–had been the most- discussed yearling on the grounds leading up to the sale and, during a dramatic star turn in the ring, the yearling became the highest-priced horse to sell at Saratoga since 2000 when Amr Zedan made his $4-million bid.

The Saratoga record for a yearling is a $4.6-million colt by Northern Dancer sold in 1984, the same year a son of Roberto sold for $4 million. In 2000, a son of Seattle Slew brought a final bid of $4.2 million.

Zedan, who has habitually made the top purchases at the 2-year-olds in training sales in the last three years, returned later in the session to purchase a colt by Into Mischief for $3.2 million.

“Obviously, I hope Mr. Zedan returns to Saratoga,” Browning said. “His first trip to Saratoga had quite an impact on the sale overall, but it wasn't a one-man show.”

In all, 10 yearlings sold for seven figures this year. There were 14 to hit that mark last year. Fifty-two yearlings sold for $500,000 or above this year, compared to 39 a year ago.

“The consistency of bidding throughout the night, particularly on the top-end lots–anything over $300,000–at times the auctioneers and the bid spotters had trouble keeping up with the bidding,” Browning said. “Not because they weren't doing their job, but because there were so many bids coming it was hard to keep up. It was an unbelievable energy, an unbelievable atmosphere and unbelievable results tonight.”

 

Fireworks for Beholder's Colt by Curlin

Amr Zedan, who has made a habit of buying high-priced juveniles at auctions in the last few years, was an ominiously quiet presence around the sales grounds during Monday's first session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, but the Saudi businessman made plenty of noise during the auction's second session, going to $4 million to acquire a colt by Curlin out of champion Beholder (hip 165) and following up with a $3.2-million son of Into Mischief (hip 228). Zedan stood alongside trainer Bob Baffert and bloodstock agent Donato Lanni on the balcony overlooking the ring during the bidding on the colt, who was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency on behalf of his breeder, Spendthrift Farm.

“It is very difficult to find these kind of bloodlines,” Zedan said. “It's a rarity to find them at auction. Coming in here and seeing that quality–it took some time to actually take a look at him and really appreciate who he is as an individual. We hope he makes us proud when he becomes a stallion. He could actually be as impactful as his predecssors–as his mother and his father. We are so blessed and privileged to have him and can't thank the boss [Baffert] right here enough.”

Baffert had a front-row seat to Beholder (Henny Hughes)'s historic racing career, which included four Eclipse championships and 11 Grade I victories for Spendthrift Farm and trainer Richard Mandella. When the mare's yearling son began rearing in the ring Tuesday night, Baffert saw some similarities.

“I was stabled next to Richard Mandella and I watched Beholder go by my barn every day and she was a handful,” Baffert said. “He is a handful, too, but with a pedigree like that you have to take a swing at it if you want to play at that top level, which is where Mr. Zedan wants to be. It's a lot of money for a horse who hasn't run, but he looks like an athlete and hopefully everything goes well. He's an outstanding individual. We loved him at the barn and we are excited to get him. He's headed to California.”

Zedan purchased the top two offerings at this year's OBS April sale, going to $2.2 million for a son of Gun Runner and $1.45 million for a colt by Arrogate. He had the top lot at the OBS March sale with Muth, a $2-million son of Good Magic, who became a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut in June.

“Spending that kind of money–it's a lot,” Zedan said of his latest sale-topping bid. “But from an operational standpoint, for the portfolio we've got, it's a well-hedged, well-calculated venture. It's not like we are shooting from the hip.”

On the racetrack, Zedan has been represented by Grade I winners Taiba, Arabian Lion and Princess Noor, as well as graded winner Arabian Knight, all 'TDN Rising Stars'.

“We have been blessed with successes–that's all Mr. Baffert,” Zedan said. “We do the easy part, he does the heavy lifting. We are so glad to have him on board.”

Spendthrift's Ned Toffey admitted the colt's final price tag, was no great surprise.

“We thought he would be in the $3-million to $4-million range,” Toffey said. “When we got to three, I was a little relieved and when we got to four, I was pretty happy. But that's a nice colt and that kind doesn't come along very often. A colt that looks the part with that kind of pedigree, he's a special horse. We are really happy that Amr Zedan got him.”

Toffey watched the yearling's antics in the sales ring from just a few rows back in the pavilion.

“I was very calm and relaxed,” he deadpanned when asked what he was thinking. “You saw the way the threw himself up there–he doesn't do anything casually. I am glad we had a good man on him in the ring. He did a great job handling him and keeping him in one piece. That was a little nerve-wracking, but the guy did a great job with him.”

Just minutes after purchasing the colt, Zedan joined Toffey by his seat in the pavilion. Asked what was discussed, the Spendthrift manager said, “We've done a number of deals with him now. They have been great to deal with. So hopefully it will not be the last.”

Pressed if there was a possible partnership afoot on the colt between Zedan and Spendthrift, Toffey said, “Well, there might be.”

Taylor Made's Duncan Taylor put the colt's yearling price tag in context of his potential value down the road.

“I remember when we sold Mariah's Storm to Mr. Magnier for $2.6 million, I thought, 'Man, I can't believe he paid that much.' And [her son] Giant's Causeway probably produced $200 million worth of stud fees.

“That's the kind of horse this colt was. Taylor Made has never sold a yearling that had so much stallion power. Into Mischief, Beholder's half-brother, has been the leading sire in America four years in a row. So when you have that sire power and the father of the yearling is Curlin, who has had Cody's Wish, Elite Power, Malathaat, Clairiere and Nest all running in the same year and he still can't get ahead of Into Mischief, you know you have one yearling with a lot of stallion potential. If he wins a Grade I, it's a $75-million syndication. So it was a lot of money, but there can be a lot of return.”

Taylor concluded, “Hopefully, he will do great for Bob Baffert and Amr Zedan. And he's another picture up on the Taylor Made wall of another success story.” @JessMartiniTDN

Into Mischief Colt to Eclipse Thoroughbreds

A colt by Into Mischief out of Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini), a 'TDN Rising Star' Grade I-winning daughter of champion Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) (hip 135) brought a final bid of $1.5 million from Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Aron Wellman.

“He was an absolute standout all week long,” Wellman said of the colt. “He is by arguably the greatest sire of our generation in Into Mischief, he is out of a Grade I-winning mare, who is by Bernardini, one of the best broodmare sires of our generation. And she is out of Rachel Alexandra, who is arguably one of the best race mares of our generation. As far as his pedigree, it speaks for itself, but he has to match up physically. And he did that every which way.”

The bay colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency on behalf of his breeder, Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.

“He is bred, not just the right way, but by the right people,” Wellman said. “They raise them incredibly well at Stonestreet. Every year they are turning out champions. It's an incredible operation.”

Banke sat a few rows behind Wellman during the bidding and walked up to congratulate him after the purchase.

“I just spoke to Barbara and she was certainly intrigued by the opportunity to stay in,” Wellman said. “We will discuss the details at some point. There are no other partners at this point, but Barbara will definitely stay in. We have partnered previously and there is no one better in the game than her from top to bottom. We are really honored to be associated with Stonestreet.”

The only question for Wellman came as he examined the ticket before signing for the yearling. It came in with the wrong price.

“I was astonished,” he said with a laugh. “It hung up there at $1.5 million for a while, the hammer dropped at $1.5 and she brought the ticket down at $1.6 million. Of course, Fasig-Tipton was very gracious in expeditiously correcting it.”

Eclipse also bought a Denali Stud-consigned colt by Curlin–Mopotism (Uncle Mo) for $825,000 during Monday's round of bidding. Eclipse has campaigned Curlin's Grade I-winning fillies Curalina and champion Nest.

Tapit Colts Head Early Action at Day 2 at Fasig-Tipton

In contrast to Monday's opening session, it didn't take very long for the fireworks to light things up on the second day of Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale. A pair of Tapit colts reeled in seven-figure final bids, led by hip 129, who brought a cool $1.2 million. A son Plenty O'Toole (Tiznow), the Feb. 24 foal was purchased by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm. A $275,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase by Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo's AAA Thoroughbreds, the colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.

“I liked everything about him. He has a stallion-making pedigree. This was my pick of the sale,” said Pope.

Dam of MGSW and GISP Mr. Money (Goldencents) and SP Tizplenty (Speightstown), the 13-year-old Plenty O'Toole is from the family of UAE highweight Well Armed (Tiznow), victorious in the G1 Dubai World Cup in addition to the GI Goodwood S. stateside, as well as MGISW Cyberknife (Gun Runner).

“For what we were looking at, he fit the bill,” added advisor Todd Quast.

Whisper Hill has already tasted success courtesy of Tapit, led by Tapit Trice, winner of this year's GI Toyota Blue Grass S., and Charge It, who won the GII Suburban last month. Both colts are trained by Todd Pletcher.

Pope explained, “We're working on getting colts, and with the success of [Tapit colts] Charge It and Tapit Trice, we are trying to hit on that horse that is going to become the big stallion. That is what seems to make this business work. You have to find one of those and [develop] them. That's what you have to do.”

Only moments before, hip 123, another colt by Tapit, lit up the board to the tune of $1.1 million from the Gainesway draft. Holding the winning bid for the son of GISW Paola Queen (Flatter) was agent Mike Ryan.

“We put a syndicate together to buy him, and we'd like to keep that anonymous for the moment,” said Ryan. “He's a horse that we hope will be showing up on the big days. He has a great demeanor which is wonderful for a Tapit. He is an unbelievable stallion and a sire of sires, but you have to make sure you get the ones with the right character, personality and demeanor. He seemed to have all of that. Time will tell.”

Out of MSW and GSP Kadira (Kafwain), Paola Queen recorded her biggest career win on the track in the GI Test S. at Saratoga.

“He's a beautifully made horse with a great mind,” offered Ryan. “I'm familiar with the family. I bought the second dam, Kadira, for Carl Pollard and he bred Paola Queen. She was very brilliant the day she won the Test here. It was a fantastic performance. She was very, very impressive.”

A $180,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Paola Queen returned to the sales ring to bring $1.7 million from SF Bloodstock at Keeneland November in 2016 before realizing the same price from Don Alberto at that venue the following year.

“He's a beautifully made horse. He'll run at two, but he will get 1 1/8 miles,” Ryan continued. “Who knows if he will get 1 1/4 miles, but he gave us a good feel.”

He continued, “It's going to be a very strong sale, there are a lot of good horses here tonight and we knew we were going to have to stretch on this horse. That's what it takes for horses who have a chance of stallion potential after they run.”

The mare has proven to be nothing but a money-making machine, foaling an Into Mischief colt in 2020 who would go on to bring $2.6 million in Saratoga in 2021 and was duly followed by a filly, also by Spendthrift's premier sire, who brought $1.2 million at this venue last year. The latter, now named Mugen and trained by Steve Asmussen for Japanese owner Koji Maeda, was third to the promising Alys Beach (Omaha Beach) on Saratoga debut July 30 —@CBossTDN

Gainesway Hits With Another Seven-Figure Yearling on Day 2

Gainesway enjoyed a profitable run at Fasig-Tipton this week, headed by hip 77, a Quality Road colt who brought $1.1 million on Day 1 and hit the same mark Tuesday with Hip 123, a colt by Tapit out of Grade I winner Paola Queen.

Opting to bring only their highest-tier stock to Saratoga each summer, the operation's latest million dollar baby represents a family that has already proven profitable in seasons past. Over the past two seasons, Gainesway has consigned both of Paola Queen's seven-figure yearlings that have gone through the ring.

“We were thrilled with [the price],” said Gainesway's Brian Graves of Tuesday's Tapit colt. “[Paola Queen] throws beautiful foals with athleticism. That is the third million-dollar yearling out of that mare. This horse really fits in line as the third foal.”

He continued, “The price wasn't a surprise. The first time we saw him, we thought he could be a very high-profile sale horse. He was leggy, beautiful neck and just a beautiful mover. He was worth every penny. He can be another Constitution or Flightline. He can be anything.”

At the conclusion of the first day of selling, Gainesway sold all five members of its consignment, which also included an $850,000 Gun Runner filly (hip 33) secured by Lauren Carlisle.

On Day 2, Gainesway sold five of seven head offered, including a pair of colts by Not This Time (hip 122) who brought $900,000 and $725,000, respectively. Gross revenue for two days was $4.7 million, with an average of $671,429.

“We've always aim to bring as high caliber as we can here,” explained Graves. “We sift through them three, four or five different times throughout the year to determine what we will sell here. Every time we look, we keep clipping the bottom 20% of the group and we usually end up with a really select group here.”–@CbossTDN

Hartley/De Renzo Busy Buying and Selling

Ocala horsemen Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo stood alongside partner Rich Mendez under the auction stand out back to buy a colt by Not This Time (hip 122) for $900,000 from the Gainesway consignment.

The team came back to the same spot just a few hips later, but this time it was to sell, not buy. Through the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment, they sold a colt by Tapit (hip 129) for $1.2 million to Mandy Pope. The yearling had been purchased for $275,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale.

“He had a lot of bone and he has a hip,” DeRenzo said of the colt's appeal as a weanling. “Tapits are amazing. And when they have a hip, they are extra amazing. And he comes from a great family. It's a young family and it keeps getting better and better. So when we bought him as a weanling, he looked very immature, but we just knew he would develop.”

Hip is 129 is out of Plenty O'Toole (Tiznow) and is a half-brother to multiple graded winner Mr. Money (Goldencents) and to stakes-placed Tizplenty (Speightstown).

A few hips later, Hartley/DeRenzo enjoyed another pinhooking success with a filly by Authentic (hip 139), who was purchased for $260,000 at Keeneland November, and sold Tuesday for $800,000 to BC Stables. As the session drew to a close, the operation was represented by another seven-figure yearling when a filly by Gun Runner (hip 194), originally led out unsold, sold for $1 million to Randy Gullatt, as agent for Jackpot Farm, Whispering Oaks and Rick Ortyl. The filly had been purchased for $675,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale.

“It's part of our program,” De Renzo said. “We buy weanlings to go to the yearling sales and yearlings to go to the 2-year-old sales. We have several selling here and we have several selling in Kentucky, as well. Hopefully we will keep our pace up.”

As for the operation's lone purchase of the auction, hip 122 is out of Pammy Whammy (War Front). He was consigned by Gainesway and was bred by Rockingham Ranch.

“We know we have to stay in the upper end of the market,” De Renzo said of the colt who is expected to return to the sales next spring. “For us, it's easier because great horses do great things. And so, we will go to a 2-year-old sale and hope to do better.”

Asked if there was potential for profit with a $900,000 purchase, De Renzo said, “We have before. And we've always been known to get the upper-end horses to pinhook to the 2-year-old sales and they always work out well for us. I think I've got this secret ingredient, which is my partner Randy. He trains amazing, he is light on them, and keeps them sound and we get them to the 2-year-old sales without any issues. And our horses run. That's the great part–162 graded stakes winners, 20 Grade I individual winners. We've been blessed, let's put it that way.” @JessMartiniTDN

Sonson Gets in on the Action at Saratoga

Chuck Sonson has enjoyed success in racing partnerships, but decided to up his participation when, standing alongside West Point Thoroughbreds' Terry Finley, he made a pair of purchases at the Saratoga sale Tuesday. He made his first acquisition when going to $1 million for a colt by Twirling Candy (hip 140). Out of Rehearsed (Tapit) and a full-brother to stakes-placed Chasing Fireflies, the yearling was consigned by Lane's End and was bred by W.S. Farish. Sonson signed for the youngster, along with West Point.

“I actually think this horse is going to be big player in this business,” Sonson said, echoing Finley's assessment of the new owner himself. “He's by Twirling Candy and is from the best consignor in Lane's End. We are really, really excited about this.”

Sonson, who divides his time between Aspen, Colorado, and Virginia, returned later to acquire a colt by Authentic (hip 169) for $525,000. Out of multiple graded winner Southern Ring (Speightstown), the yearling was consigned by Scott Mallory on behalf of Determined Stud.

Sonson was part of the West Point partnership which saw Giant Game (Giant's Causeway) go postward in last Saturday's GI Whitney S. just across the street.

“We had some interests in other horses and we kind of got more into it,” Sonson said. “We just had a horse in the Whitney, so we are just continuing on. We hope [hip 140] is going to be a big winner. We have every confidence that he will.”

Sonson indicated Steve Asmussen had been tabbed to train the seven-figure yearling. @JessMartiniTDN

Explosive End to a Robust Day at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga

The crowd in the Humphrey S. Finney pavilion had noticeably thinned out by the time hip 228, a colt by Into Mischief, strode into the ring. Despite the mass exodus, those who remained in play for the final showdown of the evening gave spectators an epic show of determination. With Amr Zedan, flanked by trainer Bob Baffert and Donato Lanni, stationed upstairs outside Fasig-Tipton's VIP suite, a prolonged battled ensued. Directing the bid spotter of his intent, Lanni never wavered, signaling his intention with an unwavering nod. In the end, the team upstairs celebrated after haltering the yearling for $3.2 million.

“If you play the game and want to buy on the top end, you have to stretch. And we stretched,” said Lanni.

“The team wanted the horse. Bob wanted this horse. He was very adamant that we weren't going home without him. The first time he saw him, he was just blown away.”

He continued, “He had that look about him. Let's hope we are all right and we can all talk again a year from now.”

Consigned by Indian Creek and bred by Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, the Feb. 12 foal is the first foal out of All American Dream, a daughter of American Pharoah.

“This was a pretty exceptional horse,” affirmed Lanni. “He had the Into Mischief and American Pharoah look. Every time I walked by that barn, he was out for somebody. But he did everything right every time. He just never seemed to have a bad moment. It is really rare to find a horse that is that cool. We couldn't go home without him.”

All American Dream, a half-sister to MSW & MGSP Wind Fire (Distorted Humor), is a granddaughter of GI Test S. winner Dream Supreme (Seeking the Gold), herself the dam of GI Hopeful winner Majestic Warrior (A.P. Indy).

Zedan Racing also secured the sale's topper, hip 165, a colt by Curlin out of Beholder for $4 million. That colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales.

“It was a beautiful day and a beautiful night, very electric,” said Lanni. “Fasig-Tipton did a very good job bringing a lot of good horses here. Everybody is here and there are plenty of good horses. It's good to see the market be as strong as it is.

“I think that horse people are probably the most resilient people in the world. After everything we've all been through and for the market to be as strong as it is, it's unbelievable.”–@CbossTDN

Fasig-Tipton Still Jumping Late with $1-Million Into Mischief Colt

Just when it seemed that things might begin to cool down following a rocking first half of Tuesday's session, Hip 208–a colt by Into Mischief–secured a $1-million final bid from WinStar's Elliott Walden. Bidding from the back of the pavilion, Walden signed on behalf a partnership including China Horse Club, Siena Farm and Maverick Racing.

“He was a really nice colt,” said Walden. “We've had a lot of good luck with Into Mischief. So I thought he was one of those we wanted to take a shot on.

Among the top offspring by Into Mischief that have been campaigned by WinStar: GI Florida Derby winner Audible and four-time Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Life Is Good. Both stallions stand at the Versailles nursery.

“He is a big and strong Into Mischief and he looked like he could go two turns. He is well balanced and looked athletic. We've had really good luck with those kinds. And he being out of a Distorted Humor mare doesn't hurt.”

Consigned by St George Sales, the Feb. 24 foal is the second foal out of GSP Virginia Key (Distorted Humor). Produced by GSW Our Khrysty (Newfoundland), the 8-year-old mare us a half-sister to GI Del Mar Debutante winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Grace Adler (Curlin).

“Any time you sell a million-dollar horse it's special,” said Archie St George. “I am delighted for the breeders. I just played a small part.”

The colt was bred by Bonnie Baskin's Blue Heaven Farm, who offered homebred Virginia Key at Keeneland September in 2016 but found no takers at $90,000. That result proved fortuitous, however. Her first foal, a filly by Medaglia d'Oro named Distorted d'Oro, sold for $235,000 at Keeneland September last season and subsequently sold for $325,000 at OBS April. Virginia Key produced a colt by Curlin this season.

“He is a horse that has improved and showed immaculately up here,” added St. George. “He got better every day. He's just a nice horse and he's by an exceptional stallion, arguably one of the best in the world. Into Mischief just speaks for himself.”

Over the course of two days, St George Sales sold all five yearlings that were offered for an average of $529,000 and $2,645,000 in gross revenue.

“It's been really good for us. We sold every horse through the ring. It's been a really good market. We hope to see him down the road.”–@CbossTDN

Not This Time Share Opens Tuesday Session

Before bidding commenced for the second and final session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, a share in leading Taylor Made stallion Not This Time (Giant's Causeway–Miss Macy Sue, by Trippi) was hammered down for an even $2 million. The share was purchased by D. J. Stable, BlackRidge Stables, Barry Fowler and John Cummins, according to Taylor Made's Mark Taylor. The sale of the share was coordinated by Taylor Made Sales and is subject to a 10-day match from the syndicate. Not This Time stands at Taylor Made Stallions in Nicholasville, KY.

It has been another banner season for Not This Time, the sire of five Grade I winners from his first three crops, including this year's Resorts World Casino Manhattan S. hero Up To the Mark. His Grade I winners on the dirt include sales-topping 'TDN Rising Star' Princess Noor, G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Sibelius and GI Madison S. victress Just One Time. The leading fourth-crop sire of 2023, he is also responsible for Cogburn, who won the GIII Troy S. sprinting over the turf at Saratoga Aug. 5.

The share in Not This Time includes all the projected income from the just-concluded breeding season. Shareholders are entitled to one nomination annually plus the proportionate share of the excess book.

“It was a syndicate that we put together,” Taylor said. “Jon Green was the one who did the bidding, but we had three or four others partners that are going in with the Greens. Bill Daugherty and Barry Fowler and a few other people are going in with us.”

Of Not This Time's rise in the stallion ranks, Taylor said, “It's been a real blessing for the Taylor family. When we bought Not This Time, somebody came in with more money right after Mr. Albaugh had agreed to sell to us and he stayed with his. So to see one share bring almost half of what we paid is just fulfilling. All of the credit goes to my brother Ben, who is the syndicate manager. He is not in the public eye like the rest of the brothers, but he's always there working. He does a great job.”

Of the investment in the share, Taylor said, “Not This Time started at stud when he was a 3-year-old and he's an improving stallion when he's nine, so I think the sky is the limit on what he can do. And, knock on wood, he has a good long life and it should be a good investment for everybody.”

Not This Time is governed by a 50-share syndicate. @JessMartiniTDN

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$1.1-Million Quality Road Colt Paces Competitive Fasig Saratoga Opener

by Jessica Martini and Christina Bossinakis

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – With bids ricocheting from all directions both inside and outside the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion, the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale of Selected Yearlings opened with a strong session topped by a pair of million-dollar babies Monday night in upstate New York.

“I thought it was a tremendous start to the 2023 Saratoga Yearling Sale,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. said at the close of business Monday. “The numbers are essentially on par with last year's opening session, which was a remarkable, even historic, evening.”

During Monday's session, 74 yearlings sold for $30,785,000. The average was $416,014 and the median was $350,000.

Those figures were largely equal to the auction's 2022 opening session, which set the table for a record-smashing renewal. During last year's first session, 69 horses grossed $28,930,000 for an average of $419,275 and a median of $350,000.

“We saw a very fair marketplace,” Browning said. “It wasn't insanity, but there was a great diversity of buyers. There was a very, very good mix of buyers tonight and a very good mix of bidders. The love was kind of spread around. We did almost $30 million tonight and that money was spread really across the board amongst a whole lot of horses, which is really good long-term for this marketplace.”

The top 10 lots of Monday's session were purchased by 10 distinct buying entities. Leading the way was a colt by Quality Road who was purchased for $1.1 million by Alex Elliott and Ben McElroy on behalf of Amo Racing. The yearling was consigned by Gainesway on behalf of Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.

Also bringing seven figures during the session was a filly by Curlin who sold for $1.05 million to David Lanigan as agent for Heider Family Stables. The filly was consigned by Denali Stud.

During last year's first session, four yearlings brought seven figures. The following evening, during a lights-out second session, a further 10 yearlings reached that milestone.

“Any time you start at Saratoga, you always have a little trepidation and a little bit of anxiety,” Browning admitted. “Are we going to be able to sustain the market? Are we going to be able to improve? We came off an unbelievable year in 2022 and had massive increases over 2021. I will sleep better tonight than I did last night knowing there is a viable marketplace. It was a great start, a fantastic start. I'm ecstatic with the first night and I can't wait to start selling tomorrow.”

Amo Aims for Quality

Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing, which has been expanding its foothold in the U.S. sales ring and on its racetracks, topped Monday's session of the Saratoga sale when purchasing a colt by Quality Road (hip 77) for $1.1 million. The yearling was consigned by Gainesway on behalf of his breeder, Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.

“I think Kia is looking for Derby horses in the States and he has size and scope and he's by the right sire,” bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, who did his bidding inside the pavilion alongside Ben McElroy, said. “He's got a great pedigree. Obviously, a lot of people wanted him for him to bring what he brought.”

The bay colt is out of graded winner I'm a Looker (Henny Hughes) and from the family of Grade I winner Dortmund (Big Brown). Stonestreet purchased the mare as a 5-year-old for $475,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale. Her colt by Curlin sold for $525,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

This year in the U.S., Amo Racing was represented by recent GII Amsterdam S. winner New York Thunder (Nyquist), and the operation went to this year's GI Kentucky Oaks with GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Affirmative Lady (Arrogate).

In Europe, Amo Racing's 2-year-old Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) won the G2 Norfolk S. at 150-1 and King of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was second in the G1 Betfred Derby before winning the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot. He was most recently third in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond S.

All four were purchased by Amo Racing at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

“Amo Racing has been really lucky buying horses out of America recently,” Elliott said. “I think this horse will go back to Ireland to be broken and then he will come back to America. That's the program for Amo. We have to cross our fingers now.” @JessMartiniTDN

 

 

 

Dilworths Find Homebred Success

Scott and Evan Dilworth have enjoyed plenty of success over the years as pinhookers, but the couple had their first million-dollar sale as breeders Monday in Saratoga when David Lanigan purchased a filly by Curlin (hip 87) for $1.05 million on behalf of Heider Family Stables.

The seven-figure yearling is the first foal out of Lady T N T (Justin Phillip). Purchased for $335,000 at the 2018 OBS March sale, the mare won the 2019 GIII Charles Town Oaks in the Dilworths' colors.

“She's classy, classy,” Scott Dilworth said of the yearling. “Her momma is a beautiful mare and had a super amount of speed. Hopefully this filly will carry that speed on, being by Curlin. When I bred her for the first time, I said, 'Well, we are going to the best.' And there is nothing better than a Curlin filly.”

Among the Dilworths' home runs in the pinhooking arena was subsequent graded winner and recent GI Haskell S. third-place finisher Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo). The couple purchased the colt for $250,000 at the Keeneland September sale before topping the 2022 OBS April sale when selling him for $2.3 million to Amr Zedan.

“Yes, this is definitely my top sale from a breeding standpoint,” Dilworth said. “I've only got about five or six mares. And we primarily sell [the foals].”

The yearling was consigned by the Bandoroff family's Denali Stud and after watching him sell out back, Conrad Bandoroff came over to congratulate Dilworth and to remind the breeder he owed him a dinner.

“We had an over/under bet,” Dilworth said with a big smile. “I lost the bet. But with pleasure.”

Lady T N T was bred to Munnings this year. @JessMartiniTDN

 

 

 

Back to the Well

It's a good bet when an attractive yearling by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin steps into the ring, that fireworks are likely to ensue. And that is just what happened Monday evening in Fasig-Tipton's Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs moments after hip 87 entered the ring. When the dust had finally settled, it was David Lanigan, bidding from the back ring on behalf of Scott and Cindy Heider, that stood atop the chestnut's list of admirers with a $1.05 million final bid.

Consigned by Denali Stud, the Jan. 12 filly is the first foal out of Grade III winner Lady T N T (Justin Phillip), a half-sister to GSW and GISP Sweet Hope (Lemon Drop Kid).

“We had a top with her–It is good to have her,” said Lanigan. “The [Heiders] have some horses [in Ireland] with Joseph O'Brien and they have some other fillies here, too. So we just wanted to have some more horses to race on the dirt.

“Hopefully, this one can do something special. Most of the stable is grass horses, so we're trying to get some more dirt fillies in it.”

According to Lanigan, the filly will be sent to Keith Asmussen's Texas-based training center for pre-training before joining trainer Steve Asmussen.

“Steve and I both really liked this filly,” added Lanigan. “Both of us agreed we should give her a good go. Hopefully, we will buy one or two more in September.”

It would seem that the Heiders have a very good chance to develop a productive team of dirt runners with Asmussen at the fore of their U.S. contingent. Asmussen, who stood nearby during the bidding for the filly, was understandably pleased with the purchase.

“She's an absolutely beautiful daughter of Curlin,” said Asmussen. “You couldn't ask for any more than that. I am extremely fortunate to get the opportunity with her.”

The Hall of Famer had reason to be excited about getting another high-class daughter of Curlin, whom he led to victories in the GI Preakness S. and GI Breeders' Cup Classic en route to Horse of the Year honors. Highlighting his roster of fillies by the standout stallion is Clairiere, a four-time Grade I winner, including wins in this season's Ogden Phipps S. and Apple Blossom H.

“We've had some exceptional fillies by Curlin, and she looks like one of the really good ones.”

The Hill 'n' Dale stallion was also represented by Hip 110, also consigned by Denali Stud, who realized $825,000 from Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners during the initial session.

“Of all of our accomplishments, that is as special as it gets,” explained Asmussen when asked about all the success at stud that former trainees Curlin and fellow Horse of the Year Gun Runner have been enjoying. “Because growing up in it, I realize when we're far gone they are still going to leave their mark in horse racing. Curlin and Gun Runner will be at the top of the breed for generations.”–@CBossTDN

 

 

 

Constitution Filly Proves Worth the Wait

The first session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale was winding down and the rain was picking up outside the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion when bloodstock agent Mick Wallace, bidding through the raindrops out back, acquired a filly by Constitution (hip 118) for $900,000 on behalf of Brook Smith's Rocket Ship Racing and Kuldeep Singh Rajput's Gandharvi Racing.

Smith and Rajput were all smiles after celebrating their first partnership together on the filly, who was consigned by Hunter Valley Farm.

“You have to find the right partners and we are fast partners,” Brook said while nodding at Rajput. “When you see a beautifully bred filly–and granted this is the sale where the prices are going to go up–but if you pay a 10 or 20% premium because it's the first major sale of the season, but you get the right filly or colt, then it's the right thing to do.”

Rajput, who made his first trip to the Saratoga sale just two years ago, added, “Gandharvi is all about bringing partners together and having fun racing. And I think it's a match made in heaven. We agreed on the same filly. It's all about partnerships and we are looking forward to it.”

Hip 118 is out of stakes-placed Nina Fever (Borrego) and is a half-sister to Grade I winner Nickname (Scat Daddy). She was bred by Newstead Corp. The mare was purchased by Blandford Bloodstock, with the filly in utero, for $500,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November sale.

Courtlandt Farm purchased the yearling's half-sister by Into Mischief for $1.35 million at last year's Keeneland September sale.

Smith admitted he was already looking ahead to breeding the filly once her days at the track are over.

“If you're going to be in this industry for a long time, you have to decide whether or not you are going to have broodmares,” he said. “It's a tough trigger to pull, but you have to do it. And this is the type of filly that would obviously be an incredible broodmare even if she runs mediocre. But we think she is going to run good. She's beautiful. And we thank all the connections and our partners who helped us make the selection. They know a lot more than we do.”

Asked if the partners expected to make any more purchases at the boutique sale, Smith said, “There is another night, so we will find out.” @JessMartiniTDN

 

 

 

SF/Starlight/Madaket Back in Action

The stallion-making partnership of SF Racing/Starlight Racing and Madaket, which has helped reshape the yearling sales market with major purchases of two-turn colts in recent years, was back in action Monday in Saratoga, purchasing a pair of yearlings.

Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni and SF's Tom Ryan, bidding at the top of the stairs inside the pavilion, went to $875,000 to acquire a colt from the first crop of champion Authentic (hip 56). The yearling was consigned by Four Star Sales, as agent for his breeder, Spendthrift Farm, which stands his Kentucky Derby-winning sire.

“His yearlings are going to be very good to Spendthrift Farm,” Ryan said of Authentic. “He's a horse that is after bringing a lot of joy to a lot of people, considering the MyRacehorse connection, and Into Mischief being such a good-looking sire. I think Authentic has a good chance to step into big shoes. The quality of stock that he is putting on the ground is a good example of what can happen with a horse of his quality.”

Spendthrift had already enjoyed success in the sales ring with Authentic's first crop of yearlings. The farm topped the Fasig-Tipton July sale with a filly by the sire who sold for $475,000 to Alex and Joann Lieblong.

The Saratoga colt is out of graded-placed Golden Domer (Quality Road), a mare Spendthrift purchased for $340,000 at the 2019 Keeneland November sale. Her Bolt d'Oro colt sold for $275,000 at last year's Saratoga sale.

Earlier in Monday's session, the SF/Starlight/Madaket partnership purchased a colt by Quality Road (hip 49) for $650,000 from the Bedouin Bloodstock consignment. Out of Frolic's Dream (Smoke Glacken), the yearling was bred by SF Bloodstock.

Two years ago, SF/Starlight/Madaket purchased another son of Quality Road for $500,000 at the Saratoga sale. Named National Treasure, the bay colt went on to win this year's GI Preakness S. The group purchased a son of Speightstown for $950,000 last year in Saratoga. Prince of Monaco was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his eight-length debut victory at Los Alamitos in July and is expected to make his graded stakes debut in the Aug. 13 GIII Best Pal S. at Del Mar.

“The sale has been very good to us,” Ryan said. “We walked away from here with a Classic winner [in 2021]. We are excited about Prince of Monaco–he was the only horse that we bought here last year. We bought two horses here tonight. So we are very happy. If this is all we can buy, we are happy. If we can get some more, we will be happy. If they can jump through the hoops, we will try our best.”

 

 

 

Heading into the yearling sales this fall, Ryan said the team's approach would remain the same.

“We are just trying to buy very fast horses for as little as possible,” he said. “We have a great team. I can't thank Donato Lanni and Bob Baffert, all our team, from our veterinarians to the people who break these horses. It's an amazing team. These things don't happen without a great team.”

As for a targeted number of yearlings to buy this year, Ryan said, “Not particularly, the number has fluctuated over the years. We are definitely up into the double digits.” @JessMartiniTDN

Lukas Firing at Fasig-Tipton on Day 1

It just wouldn't feel like Saratoga in the summer without D. Wayne Lukas haltering one of the top-priced yearlings during Fasig-Tipton's Select Yearling sale. Late in the session, the Hall of Fame trainer, sitting beside BC Stables' Brian Coehlo at the back of the pavilion, broke out the big guns to land hip 106, a colt by Into Mischief for $850,000.

“We bought [a horse with] a lot of conformation,” said Lukas. “Not only do we have a hot sire with Into Mischief, but he also has very good balance.”

Consigned by Mulholland Springs, the Apr. 12 foal is out of the Malibu Moon mare Meal Ticket.

When asked if the price was expected, he added, “He is the first foal out of a young mare so we thought he might bring a little less than that, but people find them.”

 

 

 

Earlier in the session, Lukas extended to $650,000 for hip 47, a colt by City of Light. Also secured for BC Stables, the colt is the first foal out of Fly Time (Mr Speaker), a half-sister to Preakness winner Rombauer (Twirling Candy).

Lukas, who made famous his 10-point rating system when selecting yearlings at the sales, didn't miss a beat when asked what he thought of his pair of day 1 purchases.

“Both were rated 8s,” he affirmed. “They were both right up there.

“The horses that are attractive and have a little bit of pedigree are selling very well. People are getting much more sophisticated on what they buy and reject. The days are gone when you could just bring one, that if it doesn't look good, it would still sell well. Now you have to have both conformation and pedigree. People are definitely getting better at that they're doing.”

BC Stables came into this year's Saratoga sale buoyed by a timely score when Just Steel (Justify) out-dueled favored Be You (Curlin) on the Whitney Day undercard last Saturday. The colt was purchased for $500,000 at Keeneland last September.

“When we bought him, we thought he was just a beautiful colt,” he recalled. “And Justify probably wasn't as hot as he is right now. We got a little ahead of the curve there.”

Never one to shirk away from facing the big kids on the field, he added, “We're looking at the [Sept. 4 GI] Hopeful S. with him.” Lukas would be looking for his ninth win in Saratoga's closing weekend feature for juvenile colts should the horse make it into the starting gate. “I think he fits very well and would have a good shot to win.”–@CBossTDN

Lows Justify the Trip

Robert and Lawana Low, sitting alongside bloodstock advisor Jacob West in the front row of the pavilion, acquired a colt by Justify (hip 103) for $850,000 from the Bluewater Sales consignment Monday night in Saratoga. The colt, out of Marketplace (Stormy Atlantic), is a half-brother to stakes winner Dreamer's Disease (Laoban).

“We looked at 35 on Jacob's short list and he was our pick,” Robert Low said after signing the ticket on the youngster. “So we got the one we wanted. We will send him to J. J. Pletcher in Ocala and find out if he can run. We hope he can.”

The couple has long targeted two-turn colts at the auctions and Robert Low admitted competition was fierce in that part of the market.

“I think there is a lot of competition here,” he said. “I think the sale has been strong. Maybe there have been some disappointments and some RNA's, but overall, I think it's really good.” He added with a smile, “I mean. Good for the sellers.”

The yearling was bred by Cypress Creek Equine. Bluewater Sales purchased the dam for $87,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November sale. @JessMartiniTDN

 

 

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