Stakes Winners Front Run The Fed, Stilleto Boy Top Vibrant Renewal Of Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses Of Racing Age Sale

Fasig-Tipton held two sales Monday at Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Ky.: the inaugural July Breeding Stock sale, featuring the Far From Over/Fountain of Youth Dispersal, and a successful renewal of the July Selected Horses of Racing Age sale.

“I don't think there were any surprises today,” Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning said of the July Selected Horses of Racing Age sale. “It was a very active market with very competitive bidding throughout the day. [It had a] really vibrant feel to it.”

Front Run the Fed (Hip 647), a 5-year-old stakes winning son of Fed Biz, topped the sale when sold for $440,000 to George Sharp (video).

“I got tired of being outbid, and decided I was going to go to half a million on this one, because I want to go to the Breeders' Cup this year,” Sharp said. “I've got some nice 2-year-old fillies that I think I'll get there with, but this one is hopefully certainly going to get me there.

“We might race him once in Del Mar, almost certainly Kentucky Downs, and then the Breeders' Cup,” he continued.

ELiTE, agent consigned the five-year-old son of Fed Biz, who is a multiple graded stakes placed stakes winner with earnings of $392,150 to date. Front Run the Fed's current record stands at 4-4-2 in 13 career starts, including a win in the Better Talk Now Stakes at three and placings in the 2020 Grade 3 Runhappy Turf Sprint Stakes and 2021 G3 Poker Stakes behind Grade 1 winners Oleksandra (AUS) and Raging Bull (FR).

Recent Iowa Derby winner Stilleto Boy (Hip 557)  was the second-highest priced offering of the day, selling for $420,000 to Steve Moger (video).

Paramount Sales, agent consigned the 3-year-old Shackleford gelding, who has earned $249,675. Stilleto Boy has been in the money in all of his seven career starts, with a record of 2-2-2. Stilleto Boy is a half-brother to eight other winners out of 100-percent winner-producer Rosie's Ransom, including stakes winner Rosie My Rosie (Purge).

The top-priced filly was Josie (Hip 501) who got the sale off to a spectacular start when sold for $300,000 to KatieRich Farms as the first horse through the ring (video).

ELiTE, agent consigned the 4-year-old Race Day filly, who won the Iowa Distaff Stakes at Prairie Meadows on July 3 to increase earnings to $266,867. Josie has a record of 4-4-2 in 14 career starts, and is having a an excellent 2021, with three wins in four starts to date. Josie is one of seven winners out of the stakes winning Awesome Again mare Spirited Away, who has also produced Grade 2 winner/multiple graded stakes winner Prospective (Malibu Moon) and Malibu Cove (Malibu Moon), dam of Grade 2 winner/Grade 1 placed Kalypso.

In total, 79 horses of racing age sold for $5,905,500, up 16.4 percent from when 81 horses sold for $5,072,000 last year. The average rose 19.4 percent to $74,753 from $62,617 in 2020, while the median rose 66.7 percent to $50,000 from $30,000 last year. Fifteen horses sold for $100,000 or more, compared to 11 in 2020. The RNA rate fell to 24.8 percent. Full results are available online.

Jeweled Princess tops inaugural July Breeding Stock sale

Hip 448, Jeweled Princess, brought $225,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton July Breeding Stock Sale.

Jeweled Princess (Hip 448), a stakes winning daughter of Cairo Prince, topped the July Breeding Stock sale when sold for $225,000 to Stoneriggs Farm (video).

Gainesway consigned the 4-year-old filly, who was offered carrying her first foal, by Horse of the Year and current leading first-crop sire Gun Runner. Jeweled Princess is out of a Scat Daddy half-sister to current stakes winner Miss Brazil, from the immediate family of Horse of the Year Military Attack, two-time champion Gladiatorus, and Grade/Group 1 winners Al Bahathri, Haafhd, The Hangman.

Colonial Creed (Hip 434), a multiple graded stakes placed daughter of Jimmy Creed, took the top broodmare prospect spot when sold for $175,000 to Andre Lynch, agent. South Point Sales Agency consigned the 5-year-old mare, who is a twice graded stakes placed winner who earned $223,881. Colonial Creed is half-sister to multiple graded stakes placed stakes winner Mo d'Amour (Uncle Mo), from the immediate family of Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf victor Line of Duty (IRE).

The most expensive broodmare with a foal-at-foot was multiple stakes winner Too Much Prada (Hip 421), who sold for $150,000 to The Elkstone Group with her 2021 Violence filly. Stuart Morris, agent for Far From Over/Fountain of Youth Dispersal consigned the 8-year-old Too Much Bling mare, who is a full sister to stakes winner Prada's Bling. Too Much Prada has a 2-year-old filly by Violence, which has not started, and a yearling colt by Violence. Her 2021 Violence filly was bred in Kentucky by BTSK Breeding and Racing.

“In the grand scheme of things, it was encouraging,” Browning said of the inaugural July Breeding Stock sale, which was a late addition to the sales calendar. “People (sellers) that tried it with an open mind were pretty well rewarded.”

During the breeding stock session, 44 fillies and mares changed hands for $2,012,000, good for an average of $45,727 and a median of $31,000. The RNA rate was 13.7 percent. Full results are available online.

Selling resumes tomorrow at 10 a.m. with the return of The July Sale.

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Essential Quality Gives Tapit Fourth Belmont Win

ELMONT, NY – After suffering his first career defeat as the 5-2 favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby, 'TDN Rising Star' Essential Quality (Tapit) ran to his championship form at two and wore down a super game Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) by 1 1/4 lengths to capture Saturday's GI Belmont S. It was a long way back to GI Preakness S. winner Rombauer (Twirling Candy) in third. The Godolphin homebred becomes a record fourth Belmont winner for his all-conquering sire Tapit.

With the late money pouring in on a steamy and sun-splashed afternoon on Long Island with a spaced out and COVID-19 reduced crowd of 11,238 on hand, the 6-5 favorite was a bit further back than expected in a ridden fifth as Hot Rod Charlie and Rock Your World (Candy Ride {Arg}) secured a ridiculous early pace through fractions of :22.78 and :46.49 in the 1 1/2-mile Classic.

Luis Saez kept Essential Quality, drawn in post two, in the clear on the outside and under a busy ride. He crept closer down the backstretch and began to rev up four wide entering the far turn.  Now three deep and looking every bit the winner, he set his sights on the top two midway around the final bend.

Rock Your World was the first to blink and Essential Quality narrowly hit the front approaching the quarter pole. But Hot Rod Charlie wasn't giving up without a fight. Saez kept Essential Quality's mind on business in the stretch and his class showed up in spades from there, shaking clear late to bring home the white carnations.

This is the first win in the Triple Crown series-at least for now-for last year's Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox. The 41-year-old also saddled this year's Kentucky Derby second-place finisher Mandaloun (Into Mischief), who could be elevated to first after a split sample confirmed the prohibited corticosteroid betamethasone in the race's winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) earlier this week. Cox began training for Sheikh Mohammed's global operation just two years ago.

“It was a long way around there for a mile and a half, but it was exciting,” Cox said. “Turning for home, we were pretty much on even terms with the leader. Hot Rod Charlie ran a tremendous race to hang around that late after doing most of the dirty work. Our horse really showed his talent and stamina.”

Cox continued, “With Tapit on top, we really thought he would get the mile and a half when given the opportunity. We always thought he had the ability. After the Derby, you just have to see what it takes out of them. It's a demanding race as well as the Belmont. I really didn't think I could keep his feet on the ground the next couple of months without keeping him on some type of breeze schedule. He's a very smart horse. He has a lot of energy, but he lets you know when he's ready to run.”

Essential Quality put an exclamation point on the day for Godolphin, which also annexed the G1 Epsom Derby with Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and recorded a one-two finish on the Belmont undercard in the GI Longines Just a Game S. with Althiqa (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Summer Romance (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). Godolphin's Frosted was second in American Pharoah's Triple Crown finale in 2015.

“We were so fortunate to have another opportunity [after the Derby],” Jimmy Bell, President of Godolphin USA, said. “He has never run a bad race in his life, and I think he showed today he met the test of a champion. To do what he did as a 2-year-old and come through these races as a 3-year-old with the mile-and-a-half Classic, it's a great tribute to him.”

Essential Quality kicked off his career with a five-for-five record, led by wins in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile with Hot Rod Charlie in second and the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. The versatile gray kicked off his sophomore campaign with a visually impressive performance in the slop in Oaklawn's GIII Southwest S. and punched his ticket to Louisville with a hard-fought decision in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S. at Keeneland Apr. 3. He covered all the ground in the Derby and held his own with a good fourth, beaten only a length.

“This is the race I wanted to win. We made history,” said Saez, famously disqualified from first aboard Maximum Security in the 2019 Derby, after getting his first Classic win. “I'm so proud to be here and come out with a victory. The [2019 Kentucky] Derby was a little [tough], but you know stuff happens so I'm OK.”

He continued, “I had a lot of horse and the good thing about Essential [Quality] is that he always fights. He doesn't care who it is, he's going to want to beat them, so I knew he was going to show up at the top of the stretch.”

Hot Rod Charlie, one slot ahead of Essential Quality by a head in the Derby, lost little in defeat in the Belmont.

“It was such a great stretch duel and he ran against the 2-year-old champ,” trainer Doug O'Neill said. “This may sound cocky, but I wasn't that surprised when they went as fast as they did early and he kept fighting on the inside. We just got beat by a better horse today.”

The Belmont returned to its traditional spot on the calendar, and distance, after behind held spectator-free and around a one-turn 1 1/8 miles on the third Saturday in June to kick of last year's Triple Crown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pedigree Notes:

Essential Quality becomes a record fourth Belmont Stakes winner for his leading Gainesway sire following Tonalist (2014), Creator (2016) and Tapwrit (2017). Essential Quality's graded stakes-placed dam Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality) is a daughter of the unraced Contrive (Storm Cat). The latter produced champion and 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Folklore (Tiznow). Contrive was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed's operation for $3 million in foal to Pleasantly Perfect at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Delightful Quality's most recent produce is the 2-year-old filly Famed (Uncle Mo). Barren for 2020-21, she was covered again by Tapit this spring. As a broodmare sire, the late Elusive Quality has 10 Grade/Group 1 winners worldwide. This is also the family of recent Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

Saturday, Belmont
BELMONT S. PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS-GI, $1,500,000, Belmont, 6-5, 3yo, 1 1/2m, 2:27.11, ft.
1–ESSENTIAL QUALITY, 126, c, 3, by Tapit
1st Dam: Delightful Quality (GSP, $253,900), by Elusive Quality
2nd Dam: Contrive, by Storm Cat
3rd Dam: Jeano, by Fappiano
O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Luis Saez. $800,000.
Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo Colt, 7-6-0-0, $3,215,144. Werk Nick
   Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Hot Rod Charlie, 126, c, 3, Oxbow–Indian Miss, by Indian
Charlie. ($17,000 Ylg '19 FTKFEB; $110,000 Ylg '19 FTKOCT).
O-Boat Racing, LLC, Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck),
Roadrunner Racing and Strauss, William; B-Edward A. Cox (KY);
T-Doug F. O'Neill. $280,000.
3–Rombauer, 126, c, 3, Twirling Candy–Cashmere, by Cowboy
Cal. O/B-John & Diane Fradkin (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy.
$150,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, 11 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 1.30, 4.80, 5.70.
Also Ran: Known Agenda, Bourbonic, Rock Your World, Overtook, France Go de Ina. Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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Lexington Mayor Gorton Proclaims “Tapit Day”

Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed April 15, 2021 as “Tapit Day” in Lexington, Ky.

Her official proclamation recognized Tapit as one of the most influential and breed-shaping stallions of the past half century, as well as one of the most valuable horses in America.

The mayor also recognized Gainesway Farm as the well-renowned and historic home of Tapit, founded by John Gaines, and currently owned and operated by Antony Beck, who has made “significant contributions to Thoroughbred breeding and racing, as well as to the city of Lexington.”

“This is a special day for us at Gainesway,” said general manager Brian Graves. “Tapit has obviously been a tremendous asset and part of the Gainesway family. The mayor said she has never known of another horse receiving such a proclamation. It is a great honor and Tapit is very deserving of this recognition.”

Tapit has earned champion sire honors three times during his illustrious stud career. He is the leading active sire in North America by lifetime stakes winners, graded stakes winners, Grade 1 winners, and progeny earnings, which currently are approaching $170 million. In addition to his 27 Grade 1 winners, Tapit has sired seven champions and six Breeders' Cup winners.

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It’s A Girl! Champion Songbird Delivers Tapit Filly

Two-time Eclipse Award winner Songbird has delivered a Tapit filly at Timber Town Stable in Lexington, Ky., the farm's social media account announced Sunday.

This is the third foal for Songbird, who had an Arrogate filly in 2019 and a Tapit filly in 2020. All three were bred by the Whisper Hill Farm operation of Mandy Pope, who bought Songbird as a broodmare prospect for $9.5 million at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

Songbird, an 8-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, won 13 of 15 starts over the course of her racing career for earnings of $4,692,000. She was named champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 and champion 3-year-old filly of 2016, with nine Grade 1 victories including the 2015 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland.

Tapit, a 20-year-old son of Pulpit, is a perennial leading sire on the racetrack and in the sales ring. He stands at Ganiesway in Lexington, Ky. for an advertised fee of $185,000.

Among Tapit's runners of note are Belmont Stakes winners Tapwrit, Creator, and Tonalist, champions Untapable, Hansen, Stardom Bound and Unique Bella, and Grade 1 winner Constitution, who is himself rising quickly up the sire ranks. Tapit is led in this year's Triple Crown trail by champion Essential Quality and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes winner Greatest Honour.

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