Instead, Churchill announced Monday that Baffert's ban had been extended through the calendar year 2024. The decision, Churchill said in a statement, was “based on continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing (Baffert) poses to CDI-owned racetracks.”

It was a stunning announcement, and not just because it was unexpected. To extend the ban, based on what are best described as flimsy accusations, is overkill. Baffert served his time, his punishment was up and it was time for him to prepare for his return to the Kentucky Derby next year. Justice was not served here.

Baffert's problems began before the 2021 Derby. He had accrued a number of positives over a short period, including one with Gamine (Into Mischief) in the 2020 GI Kentucky Oaks. When Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, Churchill Downs clearly had had enough.

“Failure to comply with the rules and medication protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate. Churchill Downs will not tolerate it,” read a statement issued by the track at the time.

A two-year suspension followed. Baffert's problems only mounted. He received a 90-day suspension from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and New York Racing Association banned him for what turned out to be a year.

Baffert vowed to fight the charges “tooth and nail,” and that's what he did. He and his legal team based their defense on the supposition that the betamethasone got into Medina Spirit's system, not through an injection. but through an ointment used to treat a skin rash. That, they contended, meant that the positive should have been excused. That never seemed like a winning argument. The betamethasone was in the horse's system. That's all that mattered, and not how it got there. But Baffert kept fighting and contested every one of the suspensions as what seemed like a never-ending series of appeals worked their way through the legal system. As late as this year's GI Belmont S., Baffert was still out there stating his case. In an interview with Fox he said that if he had to do things over again regarding the Medina Spirit matter he wouldn't have done anything differently and that he didn't break any rules.

That apparently didn't go over well in the Churchill Downs corporate suites.

“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations,” Monday's statement from Churchill read. “Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them. The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities. A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct.”

There's no doubt that Baffert could have been handled the situation better and that a more prudent strategy would have been to shut up, take his lumps and wait patiently on the sidelines for his suspension to run its course. Had he done so, it's likely that Churchill Downs would have reinstated him Monday rather than extending the ban.

Whether Baffert “peddled a false narrative” or not, no one deserves to be penalized–and penalized severely–for exercising their right to defend themselves. And that's what Churchill has done to Baffert. Put in the same situation, most anyone would have done the same. By no means does anything he did constitute a case of “continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety…”

Another troubling aspect to this latest twist in the Baffert-Medina Spirit saga is that there's no telling what Churchill will do next. In its statement, Churchill gave no assurances that it will drop the ban at the end of 2024. Rather, it said that it will re-evaluate Baffert's status at the time. Do we know that they will ever welcome Baffert back at their tracks? We don't.

Baffert is far from perfect and he never deserved to get a free pass for what he did. He should have been far more careful, not only with Medina Spirit, but with all the horses he had that tested positive. Instead, and at the very least, he was sloppy and took his eye off the ball. How did he and his veterinarian not know that treating Medina Spirit with the ointment Otomax could result in a positive? All of this would have been an issue with any trainer in any race, but when it comes to the biggest name in racing and the sport's marquee race, you definitely have a problem.

So maybe Baffert deserved some of the penalties, especially the one handed down by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. But at some point, the crime and the punishment need to fit. We no longer need to debate whether or not Churchill Downs was justified in banning Baffert for two years. That ship has sailed. The relevant issue now is the extension of the ban and for what reason. Since the original suspension was announced, Baffert has done nothing wrong and has not violated any rules or had any more positives. He should be on his way back and that he's not suggests that Churchill Downs has a vendetta against him. It's not right.

The post Op/Ed: In Extending Baffert Ban, Churchill Downs Has Gone Too Far appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“We advertise the Fasig-Tipton November Sale as the world's premier breeding stock event, and for good reason,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “It provides an atmosphere of electricity unlike any other Thoroughbred auction in the world, providing sellers with the strongest market for quality out there.”

The top-class sale is always held in the days following the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which are scheduled this year for Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita. As such, the sale will be held a bit later in the week than its usual spot in order to allow both humans and equines to travel. Browning addressed that, as well.

“The sale will be held on the Tuesday afternoon and evening following the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, just as it has for the last two Breeders' Cups held in California. This timing is beneficial for both horses and humans. It provides an appropriate amount of time for horses that are headed to the sale from the Breeders' Cup to ship to Kentucky. For people attending the races, a Tuesday sale allows them to enjoy the races before coming to Lexington to shop the sale.”

Last year's sale continued to live up to lofty expectations, with the one-night auction exceeding $100 million for the second year in a row. A remarkable 30 fillies or mares sold for $1 million or more, including five of the six most expensive fillies or mares sold in North America. The sale featured the $7-million hammer price on Gamine (Into Mischief), marking both the highest-priced Thoroughbred and highest-priced broodmare sold at public auction in the world in 2022. In addition, Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) and Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) each sold for $5 million apiece. The Fasig-Tipton November sale also featured an average of $589,899, the highest average of any breeding stock sale in the world for 2022, and weanlings sold for as much $1,350,000, with an average price of $184,932.

The post Fasig-Tipton Opens Nominations for ‘Night of the Stars’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton November Sale, which surpassed the $100-million mark in gross sales for the first time in its history last year, went past that milestone for the second time Sunday when 169 horses sold for $101,214,000.

“Another remarkable November sale just concluded here at Fasig-Tipton,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “Last year, we surpassed $100,000,000 in gross for the first time–that was kind of one of those goals that we dreamt about, but didn't think it was realistic–and we were fortunate enough to do it last year and we did it again this year. It's kind of a magical night. The excitement and the energy was palpalable and it's a great environment to transact business and to sell some really quality horses.”

The sale average of $598,899 dipped 13.9% from the 2021 figure of $695,966, while the median of $250,000 fell 16.7% from a year ago. With 71 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 29.6%. It was 23.2% last year.

When the final hip went through the ring, 31 horses had sold for seven figures, with champion Gamine (Into Mischief) leading the way when selling to Coolmore's M.V. Magnier for $7 million. The Coolmore team followed up on its big weekend of three Breeders' Cup winners purchasing four million-dollar mares for $17.9 million.

Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm nearly kept pace with the Irish operation, purchasing out partners to wholly acquire GI Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil), as well as the $2.9 million Wicked Whisper (Liam's Map) in foal to Curlin.

Despite facing a less-than-favorable exchange rate this year, Japanese buyers were out in force at Fasig-Tipton Sunday, with Emmanuel De Seroux making two six-figure acquisitions, including the $4-million purchase of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff runner-up Blue Stripe (Arg) (Equal Stripes {Arg}), on behalf of Grand Farm. Katsumi Yoshida purchased five mares for $8.05 million, led by the $2.1-million Kalypso (Brody's Cause).

“The thing that was encouraging tonight–just like last year–was the breadth of participation,” said Browning. “We had strong, strong participation from our friends from Japan. We had strong participation from our domestic buyers. We had strong international participation really throughout. The Europeans were active. And it was nice to see our friends from Australia being back and being active in the marketplace. Our industry has become more international in nature and that was reflected in the activity that took place on the sales grounds today.”

Gamine Offers Explosive Finale to Fasig Tipton November

Having done very little wrong throughout a near-perfect racing career, Gamine (Into Mischief) continued to exert her dominance over her contemporaries in the sales ring Sunday, headlining Fasig-Tipton's November Sale with a session-topping $7-million final bid from Coolmore's M V Magnier. Offered in foal to Quality Road, the 2020 champion female sprinter was consigned by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale on behalf of Michael Lund Peterson.

“She is just so unique,” said Sikura. “She has the right pedigree, she had freaky ability. If you look at her physically, she is a stud horse. A beautiful face and a big, long beautiful body. She is just a queen.”

He added, “High-end Buyers, like the Coolmore team, they want the very best. They have to feel moved, and that it is a unique opportunity and if they don't buy her, that they missed something.”

A $220,000 KEESEP yearling purchase, Gamine flourished into a $1.8 million juvenile purchase at Fasig-Tipton in Timonium in May. The winner of five of six starts at three, including the GI Acorn, GI Test S. and GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Gamine added four more wins in 2021–all at the graded level–highlighted by the GI Ballerina and GI Derby City Distaff S.

“That was a very good price for her, but at the end of the day, she was an absolute champion,” said Magnier, who had a busy night. Magnier was listed as the buyer on four mares–for gross expenditures of $17.9 million–Sunday.

“She was an absolute freak on the track,” he continued. “The guys were very keen to get her. She has been fantastic for Michael Lund Peterson and well done to him. In fairness, we don't see much better than her. Let's hope she has a nice foal.”

According to Magnier, she will remain in the U.S. to be bred.

“The way Justify is going right now, there is a good chance she will go to him.”

Asked whether having such a strong showing during this weekend's Breeders' Cup, registering three victories over the course of the two-day championships, played a role in the strength of the operation's buying efforts at Fasig Sunday, Magnier said with a laugh, “Well, it definitely helped.”

“All of our guys are in it for the love of racing and they want to win Breeders' Cup races. Hopefully, she will breed one for them.”

And the weekend's activity both in the sale's ring and on the racetrack highlighted many Coolmore-based sires, both bourgeoning and established.

“American Pharoah has had four Grade I winners this year and Justify is doing things that no one would have expected him to do. Uncle Mo and Munnings have been strong and the young horses are doing very well too. It only happens because there are breeders that support us.” @CBossTDN

Pope Makes a Deal for the Devil

A year ago, Mandy Pope teamed with Staton Flurry and Sheikh Fahad's Qatar Racing to purchase GI Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) (hip 233) for $5 million. While her partners were hoping to race, Pope always had her eye on adding the mare to her broodmare band and the breeder paid the same price again to buy out her partners Sunday at Fasig-Tipton.

“I was buying the partners out and she is going to the breeding shed,” Pope said after signing the ticket on the 5-year-old. “That's why I bought her last year, but we decided to go racing for one more year.”

Shedaresthedevil is out of Starship Warpspeed (Congrats) and is half-sister to graded placed Mojovation (Quality Road). Before going through the Fasig-Tipton sales ring a year ago, she won the Oaks, as well as the GI Clement L. Hirsch S. and GI La Troienne S. for Staton Flurry's Flurry Racing Stables.

For the partnership, the bay mare added a win in the GII Fleur de Lis S., as well as third-place efforts in this year's Clement Hirsch and GII Azeri S. and a runner-up finish in the La Troienne S.

Shedaresthedevil was consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, which also advised Sheikh Fahad on the purchase of Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Caravel (Mizzen Mast), who was purchased for $500,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale and who is expected to go through the ring Monday at Keeneland.

“No, to be honest,” Hunter Valley's Adrian Regan admitted when asked about the result. “We thought she wouldn't make as much as last year. But it's just fantastic and we're delighted she's staying in the country. I have to thank Mandy for buying her. Both myself and Fergus [Galvin] say she is the classiest mare we've ever been around.”

Of the decision to continue racing the mare in 2022, Regan said, “[Trainer] Brad [Cox] still thought there was plenty left in her and there was. Her X-ray report after all her runs, what is it 21 starts, came back perfect. That will tell you what a tough and sound a mare she is. At the end of the day, Mandy got a lovely mare. We hate seeing her leave the farm, but we are grateful she is staying in the country.”

As for mating plans for Shedaresthedevil, Pope said, “We have a couple of stallions in mind, but we will have to see who else is going to retire. She'll probably going to Gun Runner or Flightline or one of the top stallions.”

By the end of Sunday's auction, Pope had signed for two mares, going to $2.9 million for Wicked Whisper (Liam's Map) (hip 253), and a $575,000 weanling half-brother by Authentic (hip 125) to Cyberknife. @JessMartiniTDN

Campanelle A Hot Commodity at Fasig

Group 1 winner Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) (Hip 272) was in high demand, as expected, at Fasig Sunday, summoning a whopping $5 million from Coolmore's M.V. Magnier.

“She was a very nice yearling,” said Magnier. “Her breeder has always liked her, even when she was a foal and a yearling. She is a nice filly. She is very fast. She has done great for Barbara Banke and we look forward to breeding her.”

As for what's next, Magnier said, “We might breed her here and then bring her home [to Ireland]. We have a couple of ideas in mind. We could breed her to Justify or bring her back to No Nay Never. There are plenty of options.”

Ben McElroy went across the pond to secure some European-bred fillies on behalf of Stonestreet's Barbara Banke with the goal of racing both here and in Europe with Wesley Ward. A 190,000gns TATOCT acquisition, the bay opened her account with a trio of victories, including the 2020 G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot and that year's G1 Prix Morny at Deauville.

She crossed the line a head short in her next trip to the royal meeting for the G1 Commonwealth Cup, but was promoted to first via DQ. Campanelle won twice in 2022, taking the Giant's Causeway S. in April and the GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint S. Sept. 10. The 4-year-old closed her career with a troubled seventh in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Saturday in Lexington and retires with a record of 11-6-0-2 and earnings over $1.05 million.

Campanelle is out of SW Janina (Namid) and her second dam is GSW Lady Dominatrix (Danehill Dancer). —@CDeBernardisTDN

Uncle Mo Filly Tops Weanlings at Fasig-Tipton November

Well into Sunday's session of the Fasig-Tipton November sale, a weanling by Uncle Mo provided fireworks when bringing a $1.35 million final bid. Following a rapid fire volleys, which was precipitated by the eventual underbidder Legion Bloodstock, Paramount Sale's Gabriel Duignan signed for Hip 128, a filly out of multiple Grade I winner Bellafina (Quality Road). The Feb. 11 foal was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent.

“She is just a beautiful filly,” said Duignan, who said he was signing on behalf of a partnership. “She is by Uncle Mo and out of a hell of a mare. She is just drop dead gorgeous. It's as good as it gets. She also seems to be like the good Uncle Mos. You get them really pretty.”

Regarding the final price, he added, “I thought she'd bring about a million. It's just where it is now for the good ones.”

He continued, “I think the market is strong here. It's been strong all year, especially for quality.”

Equally high on the filly was Eaton Sales' Reiley McDonald.     “Any time you get a million or more for a weanling, you're doing well.”

Outlining her allure, he said, “In this case, the filly was exquisite. She looked exactly like her mother. With the long neck and the huge shoulder-depth and length and big hip. So I wasn't surprised at the price. It's a lot of money, but I would say she was worth every penny of that and maybe more.”

He added, “She was a good size, but not too big. And she had all the same traits that her mother had. She had a massive shoulder with great angle. Great, huge depth and a long back. She looks like she's equipped to carry the speed and the long back to carry the distance. Those don't come along too often.”

Bellafina, an $800,000 Fasig-Tipton Florida juvenile purchase by Kaleem Shah, showed her ability early, graduating in her second career start in the GII Sorrento S. before adding victories in the GI Del Mar Debutante S. and GI Chandelier S. Fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, she returned at three to annex the GII Santa Ynez S., GII Las Virgenes S. and the GI Santa Anita Oaks. Coolmore bought a stake in the filly following a runner-up finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint that season, and she filled the same position again in the GI La Brea S. She added a win in the GIII Desert Stormer S. at four before retiring with seven wins from 18 starts and earnings in excess of $1.6 million.

“She is a gorgeous filly and obviously she is very well bred,” said Shah. “I'm in partnership on these horses, so it's a practical decision to sell them. But I'll admit, I do have seller's remorse on this filly. She is a gorgeous filly and I wish I had kept her. I hope she'll do well for herself and for the new owners.”

Later in the session, Bellafina sold to Coolmore for $4 million.

–@CBossTDN

Coolmore Comes Back for Bellafina

After going to $1.35 million to buy out partner Kaleem Shah for the first foal out of Bellafina (Quality Road) earlier in the session, the Coolmore team was back in action to acquire the mare herself (hip 264) for $4 million from the Eaton Sales consignment. The 6-year-old mare, who was purchased by Shah for $800,000 at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale, won the won the 2018 GI Chandelier S. and GI Del Mar Debutante S. and came back in 2019 to win the GI Santa Anita Oaks. She sold Sunday in foal to 2020 GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. winner Tiz the Law.

“We raced in her partnership with Kaleem,” said Coolmore's M.V. Magnier. “She's a lovely filly. She's very well bred and she's in foal to Tiz the Law, who was an exceptional racehorse. It was just unfortunate that it was the COVID year because he probably would have won the GI Kentucky Derby if it was run in May.”

Buying out the same partnership, the Coolmore team went to $1.9 million to acquire multiple Grade I-placed Donna Veloce (Uncle Mo), also in foal to Tiz the Law. Shah, who acquired Donna Veloce for $800,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale, purchased the mare's first foal, a weanling filly by Justify (hip 159), for $400,000 earlier in the session. @JessMartiniTDN

Grand Farm Secures Distaff Runner-Up

Just one day after almost pulling off a major upset across town in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, Blue Stripe (Arg) (Equal Stripes) (Hip 316) was in the spotlight once again, bringing $4 million from Japan's Grand Farm with Emmanuel de Seroux acting as agent.

“She almost won the race,” de Seroux said. “She is a super filly and she is beautiful. On top of that, we love Argentine mares. They do very well in Japan.”

When asked if she will race or retire to the breeding shed, he said, “We will see. There is a good chance she will be bred.”

A four-time winner in her native land including a Group 1, Blue Stripe made her first American appearance in last year's Distaff, finishing a well-beaten seventh. Capturing the GII Santa Margarita S. in her seasonal bow, the bay was a close second in the GII Santa Maria S. in June and won the GI Clement L. Hirsch S. at Del Mar Aug. 6. Given a breather, Blue Stripe came within a nose of soon-to-be two-time champion Malathaat (Curlin) at odds of 24-1 in Saturday's Distaff, earning a 102 Beyer Speed Figure.

Out of Argentinian MGSW Blues For Sale (Arg) (Not for Sale), Blue Stripes is a half to 2019 Distaff winner Blue Prize (Arg) (Pure Prize), who topped that year's renewal of this auction at $5 million. Taylor Made sold the mare for Pozo de Luna.

—@CDeBernardisTDN

Pope Strikes For Mare With Fitting Name

After buying out her partners at $5 million on MGISW Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) earlier in the session, Whisper Hill Farm's Mandy Pope was back in action, going to $2.9 million for GISW Wicked Whisper (Liam's Map) (Hip 253). The mare sold in foal to super sire Curlin, who was represented by three Breeders' Cup winners Saturday across town at Keeneland.

“It was the perfect name,” joked Pope's advisor Todd Quast. “She is a lovely mare. She has done everything right, great physical, bred to Curlin. We are very, very happy.”

A $500,000 KEESEP purchase by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, Wicked Whisper won three of eight starts for trainer Steve Asmussen, topped by the GI Frizette S. She failed to get in foal to Uncle Mo last year, so the Curlin she is carrying will be her first foal.

Wicked Whisper is a half-sister to GSW & MGISP Point of Honor (Curlin) and SW Velvet Mood (Lohnro {Aus}). Her dam Zayanna (Bernardini) is a half to MGSW & GISP millionaire Mr Freeze (To Honor and Serve) and GSW Dilemma (Grand Slam).

“She has an amazing physical,” said Conrad Bandoroff of Denali Stud, which consigned the mare. “Alex and JoAnn Lieblong buy very good-looking fillies and she certainly fits that mold. She was fast. She was a good 2-year-old. Not only did she have the physical and the pedigree, but she had the racetrack performance. We wish them the best of luck.”

It's been a great weekend for Denali, who sold Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner as a yearling for $1.05 million at KEESEP.

“I've been beaming with pride,” said Bandoroff. “Just to have the smallest little fingerprint on Malathaat gives us tremendous pride. We are eternally grateful to Shadwell and Stonestreet for letting us ride the coat tails on a champion. The fangirl in me, I just love her.” —@CDeBernardisTDN

Kalypso to Japan

Japanese buyers made up a major part of the market at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November sale and, despite a less favorable exchange rate in 2022, bidders from the Far East were quick to get on the board Sunday in Lexington when Katsumi Yoshida purchased Grade I winner Kalypso (Brody's Cause) (hip 192) for $2.1 million.

“We know that she was racing well and she had an outstanding racing career,” said Shingo Hashimoto, who signed the ticket on behalf of Yoshida. “We thought she was a very good candidate to bring to Japan. We're very excited to have bought her. We will breed her, but we haven't decided to keep her in the U.S. or send her to Japan yet.”

Kalypso, out of a full-sister to graded winner Prospective (Malibu Moon), was purchased for $240,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale. Racing for David A. Bernsen, Gainesway Stable, Rockingham Ranch and Chad Littlefield, she won last year's GI La Brea S. and GII Santa Ynez S. and was second in the 2020 GI Starlet S.

Hashimoto agreed the exchange rate would make buying more difficult in Kentucky this year.

“We have a big list, but it's going to be tough to buy,” he said. “It's like 30% that the exchange rate has been depreciated for the Japanese yen. So it's tough, but we've got to deal with it.”

Despite the unfavorable exchange rate, Yoshida was plenty busy Sunday. In addition to Kalypso, his team signed for Beautiful Gift (Medaglia d'Oro) (hip 262) for $2 million; Bella Sofia (Awesome Patriot) (hip 266) for $1.85 million; Going to Vegas (Goldencents) (hip 293) for $1.5 million; and Plum Ali (First Samurai) (hip 220) for $600,000. @JessMartiniTDN

Grace Adler Gives Lund Peterson, Lanni, Even More Reason to Celebrate

Just a few hips after Gamine lit up the board at $7 million from Coolmore, Grace Adler (Curlin) reeled in a cool $2 million from Narvick International. Winner of the GI Del Mar Debutante, Grace Adler was also consigned by Hill 'n' Dale on behalf of Michael Lund Peterson.

Narvick's Emmanuel de Seroux said, “We bought her for Grand Farm of Japan. She was a fantastic 2-year-old and she's a beautiful filly by Curlin. She is everything that we were looking for.”

“The price was fair value, I think. Compared to some of the other horses that brought $3 million, she belongs with them.”

In addition to Lund Peterson and Hill 'n' Dale, a common thread between Gamine and Grace Adler are Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and bloodstock agent Donato Lanni.

“Bob and I work everything together. We're a team. He really does all the heavy lifting, training them is the toughest part. He's done a great job developing these horses.”

“It's great to see the market as strong as it is. They are fillies that are beautiful, were successful on the racetrack and they retired sound. These are just the kind of mares people want to buy. They are collectors items. But it is just gratifying to see these horses go to the track and do well.” —@CBossTDN

Princess Grace Headed to Australia

MGSW & GISP Princess Grace (Karakontie {Jpn}) (Hip 221) is headed to Australia after being snapped up by the China Horse Club for $1.7 million Sunday evening. A trainer has yet to be determined.

“We thought she was an absolute queen, apex physical, very consistent form,” China Horse Club's Michael Smith said, after signing the ticket alongside the Teo family and other CHC principals. “We are going to take her to Australia and try to make her a Group 1 winner. She has another 12 months of racing in her and then she will be a beautiful addition to the broodmare band.”

As for the price, Smith said, “We really stretched to get her, but considering it was Sheikh Fahad and Coolmore who were the underbidders, I think it shows we were on the right track. Mr. Teo has always had a bold global vision for China Horse Club and we feel that Princess Grace can add to delivering on that given her international pedigree and profile.”

Owned and bred by John and Susan Moore, Princess Grace won a quartet of graded events on the grass and placed three times at the highest level while under the care of trainer Mike Stidham. The dark bay's record currently stands at 14-7-3-3 with earnings of $1,456,223.

Princess Grace is out MSP Masquerade (Silent Name {Jpn}), who is a half-sister to GSW Svea Dahl (Honor Grades).

—@CDeBernardisTDN

Wertheimer Family Gives $1.5M for Thinking of You

In 2015, American Pharoah reached the zenith of American racing when winning the Triple Crown. However, at stud, the Coolmore stallion has shown an international appeal, as illustrated by Thinking of You, who realized $1.5 million at Fasig Tipton Sunday night. Stepping up to secure the daughter of the unraced Galileo (Ire) mare Fabulous (Ire) was Pierre Yves Bureau, signing on behalf of the Wertheimer family. Offered as Hip 245 by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the mare was sold in foal to Triple Crown winner Justify.

“That is a page that we don't see very often in a sale,” said Bureau. “She has a very nice family and by a good young stallion. That makes a difference and I hope she'll be a good one. We thought she'd be more than a million but it was higher than I thought. I was a nice page.”

The 4-year-old is a full-sister to G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Above the Curve and a granddaughter of GSW Mariah's Storm (Rahy), who famously produced European Horse of the Year and leading sire Giant's Causeway.

“I thought she'd bring around that number,” said Taylor Made's Mark Taylor. “If you look down the page, it's one of the best families in the catalog. It's the family of Giant's Causeway. She has a sister that is a top-class runner and that is in foal to Justify. For people who breed at the top of the market, she ticks all the boxes. And she was a beautiful mare on the end of the shank, so I was confident she'd bring north of a million, and could bring 1.5 and maybe a touch more. So that was a very fair price.”

Taylor Made is very familiar with the family, also having sold Mariah's Storm.

“We sold Mariah's Storm, carrying Giant's Causeway,” recalled Taylor. “She brought $2.6 million. It seemed like Coolmore paid a lot at the time but it turned out to be a bargain.”

Commenting on the desire for international pedigrees, he added, “The nature of her pedigree is what everyone is looking for. The world is shrinking. You're seeing horses from Japan racing all over the world and European horses racing over here. So I think you'll see that more and more. This pedigree is a great representation.”–@CBossTDN

Gun Runner Filly Proves Popular at FTKNOV

A daughter of red-hot sire Gun Runner (Hip 97) sparked some fireworks during the weanling portion of FTKNOV, summoning $675,000 from Randy Hartley, who purchased her on behalf of a partnership.

“We will see how it goes,” said Hartley, who works in partnership with Dean DeRenzo. “Our goal will probably be to pinhook her back as a yearling. We are just trying to buy some nice babies.”

He continued, “We love Gun Runner so much. Gun Runners are so hard to get. She is a special filly with a big pedigree and we felt she had so much residual down the road. We sold Taiba as a 2-year-old, so we have special feelings for him. We are trying to buy the best Gun Runners we can get our hands on.”

Hip 97 was the second daughter of Gun Runner to eclipse the $600,000 mark Sunday, following Hip 31, who brought $625,000 earlier in the day.

“She is a big, leggy, two-turn horse,” said Hartley, who scooped up a son of Gun Runner (Hip 153) for $550,000 later in the day. “She's all class. Her presence is different than anything I've seen here so far. When the other filly brought $625,000 earlier, we knew we'd have to go to at least $600,000 because this one is a bit stretchier.”

Bred by Newstead Corp, Hip 97 is out of the Tapit mare Temptress, who is also the dam of MGSW & MGISP millionaire Tenfold (Curlin). The weanling's third dam is MGISW millioanire Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby). Hip 97 was consigned by Elite, which is known for selling racehorses and broodmares.

“We are in the weanling business now,” said Elite's Brad Weisbord. “We expected a little less, but Gun Runner is hot, the market is hot and that filly was hot. We're excited for the seller. Randy and Dean do a great job. They will probably turn her into a seven-figure horse.”

He added, “We will probably branch out a bit in '23. The only reason we sold a weanling here is because we had a baby out of a momma that we are selling. We got a call and were asked if we were selling weanlings. We had one, so figured why not take two. But, we said it has to be a great one because Elite sells at the top end of the market, so we only want elite product. The seller said this filly was a superstar. She sold great. We are all very excited.” —@CDeBernardisTDN

The New Hill Makes Most of Kentucky Trip

The New Hill Farm had just one horse in its Fasig-Tipton November consignment, but the operation made the most of the opportunity when selling a weanling filly by Gun Runner (hip 31) for $625,000 to the phone bid of Dell Ennis. The bay, who was bred by Mark Erlandson, is out of the unraced Mama Yay (Mineshaft). Erlandson purchased the mare, in foal to Arrogate, for $20,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November sale. She is the dam of Empire House (Empire Maker), who finished third in the GII Zenyatta S. last month and is from the immediate family of Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Elite Power.

“It's such a great boutique sale and all of the right people are here,” said The New Hill Farm's Lili Kobielski. “A filly like this deserves to be here. She is obviously by the right sire and the female family was already fantastic. Then we had that big update with Elite Power winning the Sprint and her half-sister placed in a graded stakes. So the stars all just aligned.”

Of the trip to Kentucky from her base in Hoosick Falls, New York, Kobielski said, “She brought us here. Our farm is in New York and we usually sell in New York at the Saratoga Fall Sale or the Preferred Sale or the Select Sale up there. But this just seemed like the perfect spot.”

Tanya Johnson prepped the filly at The New Hill and admitted the weanling may have been pampered.

“It was a lot of fun and a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to even have a horse like that,” Johnson said. “We knew she was pretty special the minute she got there, so she may have gotten away with a few things that another one might not have.”

Asked to describe the weanling's personality, Johnson smiled and said, “She's a diva.”

While Mama Yay is currently in Kentucky, Erlandson is active in the New York market.

“Mark participates in the New York program and that's how we met,” Kobielski said. “Several of his mares are in New York, but I'm not sure if he's planning on sending her to back to have a New York-bred foal. That would be thrilling, of course. We love the New York-bred program, obviously, and the rewards are fantastic. I am delighted for the breeder. He's very sharp. He bought the mare for $20,000 and he bred to Gun Runner in his bubble year before he became the superstar that he is. So it's just a wonderful result.” @JessMartiniTDN

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Asked how the champion sprinter stacks up against a long line of high-class fillies he has ridden to Grade I success, he responded, “She's definitely one of the top ones. Like definitely one or two, I would say.”

That answer is high praise coming from the two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey, who said that he will never forget Gamine's authoritative way of going or how she could effortlessly switch gears coming down the stretch.

“What I will always remember about Gamine is how powerful she was,” Velazquez reflected. “Her stride and everything she did was so easy. For a horse as fast as she was, she was also really kind. She had a great mind on her and she had a big heart. She would give you everything she could at any time. That's what made her Gamine.”

Together, Gamine and Velazquez raced to five Grade I victories highlighted by a record-setting win in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Keeneland.

Now approaching exactly two years since that day, Gamine is carrying her first foal by Quality Road and in a few weeks, she will sell at the Fasig-Tipton 'Night of the Stars' Sale. There, she will be consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa as Hip 289.

Gamine is no stranger to the Fasig-Tipton sales ring. The flashy bay made her first of many headlines there when she topped the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Old Sale, selling to Michael Lund.

“Gamine has always been special to us at Fasig-Tipton ever since her breeze at the Timonium Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning. “She had one of the co-fastest breezes, working an eighth of a mile in :10 flat, but she looked like she was just galloping. She had a beautiful stride on her and beautiful mechanics. When you went back to the barn to see her, she never turned a hair. She had the class. She had the elegance. I think we all knew that she was poised to do something special in that sales ring.”

Bob Baffert can quickly recall his first encounter with Gamine at that sale. Standing alongside agent Donato Lanni, it took the trainer less than 10 seconds to know he wanted the filly in his barn.

“It's very rare that I have horses that I just look at and see something magic in them,” Baffert said. “Gamine had me at hello. I walked away and told Donato that we needed to call Michael Lund, who was just getting in the business, and tell him he needs to buy this filly. Michael said, 'Well Bob, how far should I go?' And I said these fillies are hard to find. You stop when you own her. He stepped up and she went for $1.8 million. It was incredible.”

Gamine made quick work of justifying her sales price the following year as she completed a near-perfect, Eclipse Award-worthy sophomore campaign. A 'TDN Rising Star' on debut, the brilliant filly took the GI Acorn S. by almost 19 lengths and the GI Test S. by seven before her spectacular Breeders' Cup victory.

“I think history will reflect the fact that Gamine's 2020 racing campaign was one for the ages when you take into consideration not only that she won, but the dominant, brilliant way in which she won,” Browning explained. “She was a horse that when you watched her on the racetrack, she gave you goose bumps. You knew you were watching something special when Gamine broke from the starting gate and got into that poetic motion that she ran with.”

Just as much of a force to be reckoned with at four, Gamine added four more graded victories to her resume including the GI Derby City Distaff S. and the GI Ballerina H. She retired with only two losses in her 11 career starts.

“Gamine was probably the grandest, smartest, kindest and most beautiful filly I ever trained,” her conditioner said. “I would always look forward to watching her run because I knew she was going to 'wow' us and that's what she did.”

Browning said that he believes one of the most remarkable aspects of Gamine's career was that she fulfilled expectations every step of the way.

“The bar has always been set very high to begin with for her and she has always exceeded those expectations, so I think she'll likely do that as a broodmare as well,” he said. “She certainly has the opportunity to be a once-in-a-multigenerational type of opportunity. Gamine has been part of the Fasig-Tipton team since she walked through the sales ring for the first time and we're delighted and honored to have the opportunity to sell her in foal on behalf of Michael Lund this November.”

“She's the whole package,” Baffert said. “She is a generational talent. That's what you need in this business. That's why we always refer to her as Queen Gamine.”

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“The Fasig-Tipton November Sale annually offers the highest concentration of quality breeding stock in the world, and this year's catalogue more than lives up to that billing,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “We have 56 graded stakes winners or producers catalogued, 23 of which are Grade 1. Included among these are Eclipse champions, international champions, Breeders' Cup winners, a dual Royal Ascot winner and three Kentucky Oaks winners.”

The sale kicks off with a selection of 180 weanlings, including the offspring of first-crop weanling sires Authentic, Complexity, Game Winner, Gift Box, Global Campaign, Higher Power, Honor A. P., Improbable, Instagrand, McKinzie, Spun to Run, Thousand Words, Tiz the Law, Tom's d'Etat, Vekoma, Volatile, and War of Will.

Notable weanlings in the catalogue include: A full-brother to Practical Joke (Into Mischief), selling as hip 2 for Bedouin Bloodstock; an Into Mischief half-brother to Grade I winner Leofric (Candy Ride {Arg}), selling as hip 14 through Bluewater Sales; a Kantharos colt who is a half-brother to Grade I winner Promises Fulfilled (Shackleford) and the multiple stakes winner and graded stakes placed Marquee Miss (Cowboy Cal), selling as hip 35 from Vinery Sales; a Tapit colt whose second dam is Drumette (Henny Hughes), the dam of champion Monomoy Girl (Tapizar) and graded stakes winner Mr. Monomoy (Palace Malice), selling as hip 38 for Gainesway; a Gun Runner half-brother to the Grade I-placed Oviatt Class (Bernardini) from the family of champion Essential Quality, selling as hip 48 for Stuart Morris, Agent; a filly by Munnings from the family of Grade I winners Shackleford (Forestry) and Lady Joanne (Orientate), selling as hip 50 for Paramount Sales; a filly by War of Will from the family of GI Metropolitan H. winner Mor Spirit (Eskendereya), selling as hip 62 for Vinery; a Justify filly from the family of Epsom Derby winner Lammtarra, selling as hip 72 from the Frankfort Park Farm consignment; a Union Rags half-sister to GII Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth winner Simplification (Not This Time), selling as hip 78 through Taylor Made Sales; an Uncle Mo half-brother to MGSW and GISP Awesome Slew, selling as hip 80 for Paramount Sales; an Into Mischief colt from the family of GI Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up Shancelot (Shanghai Bobby), selling as hip 93 for Taylor Made Sales; a Gun Runner half-sister to GII Jim Dandy winner Tenfold (Curlin), whose third dam is MGISW Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby), selling as hip 97 for ELiTE Sales; an Honor A. P. Colt whose third dam, Cappucino Bay, produced Medaglia d'Oro, selling as hip 98 for Bridie Harrison, agent; hip 99 from Darby Dan, Dracula (Authentic), from the family of GI Spinaway S. winner Awesome Humor (Distorted Humor); an Improbable colt from a full-sister to GI Santa Anita Derby and Travers winner Colonel John (Tiznow), selling as hip 103 for Ballysax Bloodstock; an Instagrand filly whose second dam produced GI Dixiana Breeders' Futurity winner Noble's Promise, selling as hip 114 for Gainesway; an Authentic half-sister to MGISW Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed), selling as hip 117 for Paramount Sales; a full-brother to MGISW Colonel Liam (Liam's Map), selling as hip 120 for Darby Dan; a Bolt d'Oro colt whose second dam produced English champion and Classic winner Russian Rhythm (Kingmambo), selling as hip 121 for Taylor Made Sales; an Authentic half-brother to multiple Grade I-winning sophomore colt Cyberknife (Gun Runner), selling as hip 125 for Taylor Made Sales; the first foal out of MGISW Bellafina (Quality Road), a colt by Uncle Mo, who sells as hip 128 for Eaton Sales; a Constitution filly from the family of GI winners Rail Trip and Palace Malice, selling as hip 132 for St. George Sales; an Audible filly whose first dam produced Beach Walk (Distorted Humor), the dam of Life is Good (Into Mischief), selling as hip 133 for Ledgelands LLC; a Volatile filly from the family of Grade I winners Girvin (Tale of Ekati) and Midnight Bourbon (Tiznow), selling as hip 146 for Wynnstay Sales; a full-sister to GI Breeders' Cup-winning champion Caledonia Road (Quality Road), selling as hip 150 at Eaton Sales; an American Pharoah half-brother whose second dam is Canadian champion and champion producer Sealy Hill (Point Given), selling as hip 151 for Scott Mallory; the first foal from Diamond Ore, whose dam Bubbler (Distorted Humor) produced Arrogate (Unbridled's Song), a colt by Justify, selling as hip 157 for Taylor Made; hip 159, a filly by Justify and the first produce of 'TDN Rising Star' Donna Veloce from Eaton Sales; a Justify second foal out of Etching, whose dam is GI Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly (Summer Squall), selling as hip 166 for Ballysax Bloodstock; an Omaha Beach filly from the family of Grade I winners Hookedonthefeelin (Citidancer), Pussycat Doll (Real Quiet), and Jimmy Creed (Distorted Humor), selling as hip 170 for Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services; and a Munnings filly whose second dam, the champion Smuggler (Unbridled) is out of champion Inside Information (Private Account), selling as hip 180 for Taylor Made.

The weanling section of the sale is to be followed by 119 broodmares and broodmare prospects. The high-class offerings include, chronologically in the catalogue: GI La Brea S. winner Kalypso (Brody's Cause), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Gainesway; Lenni Girl (Candy Ride {Arg}), a half-sister to Eclipse champion Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music), selling in foal to Charlatan for Hill 'n' Dale; Del Mar track-record setter in her debut, 'TDN Rising Star' Luminance (Tale of the Cat), the runner-up in the GI Santa Anita Oaks, selling in foal to Gun Runner with Gainesway; Majorette (Will Take Charge), a half-sister to Epicenter, selling in foal to Hard Spun for Bluewater Sales; graded stakes winner Mrs. Danvers (Tapit), a half-sister to four graded stakes winners including War Front, carrying her first foal by American Pharoah, selling for Taylor Made; GI Gamely S. winner Ocean Road (Ire) (Australia {GB}), selling as a broodmare prospect for Hunter Valley Farm; GI Mother Goose S. winner Off the Tracks (Curlin), selling in foal to Gun Runner for Blake-Albina; Ononimo (Hard Spun), daughter of broodmare of the year Oatsee (Unbridled), selling in foal to American Pharoah for Stoneriggs Farm; Onshore (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), the dam of G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner and 'Rising Star' Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), from a top Juddmonte family and in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB), selling for Gainesway; the multiple stakes-winning Queen Caroline (Blame), whose first foal 'Rising Star' Forte (Violence), won the GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga this summer, selling in foal to Not This Time for Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services; GI American Oaks winner Queen Goddess (Empire Maker) from a top Phipps family, selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Ballysax Bloodstock; Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect with ELiTE Sales; Secret Oath (Arrogate), the D. Wayne Lukas-trained GI Longines Kentucky Oaks heroine, selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Bluewater Sales; fellow Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil), who brought $5 million at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale from Mandy Pope, Qatar Racing, and Flurry Racing Stables and who came back to win the GII Fleur de Lis S. and was twice Grade I-placed at five for trainer Brad Cox; Simply Confection (Candy Ride {Arg}), in foal carrying a full-brother to Simplification (Not This Time), this year's GII Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth S. winner, selling with Taylor Made; Thinking of You (American Pharoah) a full-sister to G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Above the Curve, from the family of Giant's Causeway, selling for Taylor Made and in foal to Justify; GI Starlet S. winner Varda (Distorted Humor), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Hill 'n' Dale; Wicked Whisper (Liam's Map), a GISW at two and a GSW at three, selling in foal to Curlin for Denali Stud; Awesome Flower (Flower Alley), the dam of leading three-year-old Cyberknife (Gun Runner), in-foal with his full sibling; GI Santa Anita Oaks winner Bellafina (Quality Road), selling in foal to Tiz The Law with Eaton Sales; GI Test S. winner Bella Sofia (Awesome Patriot), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect with Taylor Made; Bell's the One (Majesticperfection), a Grade I stakes winner pointing for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for trainer Neil Pessin, selling with Taylor Made; Chilean classic winner Brooke (Chi) (No Nay Never), selling with Gainesway; Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), the multiple European champion, two-time Royal Ascot winner, Group 1 winner in two countries and a Grade III winner in the U.S., selling with Eaton Sales, agent for Stonestreet Stables; GI Kentucky Oaks winner Cathryn Sophia (Street Boss), selling in foal to Gun Runner for Gainesway; 'Rising Star' Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map), a millionaire, MGSW and Grade I-placed runner, selling for Denali Stud; Diamond Ore (Tapit), a winning, stakes-placed half-sister to Arrogate (Unbridled's Song), and in foal to Charlatan with a weanling colt by Justify at her side, selling for Taylor Made; 'Rising Star' Donna Veloce (Uncle Mo), a nine-length debut winner who was second by a neck in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in just her second start, in foal to Tiz The Law, selling for Eaton Sales; champion 'TDN Rising Star' Gamine (Into Mischief), the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic topper, a five-time Grade I winner and track-record-setter, selling in foal to Quality Road for Hill 'n' Dale; GI Del Mar Oaks winner Going Global (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Elite Sales; and GI Del Mar Debutante winner Grace Adler (Curlin), selling as a racing or broodmare prospect for Hill 'n' Dale.

“This catalogue is as deep in quality as it is internationally diverse,” continued Browning. “Nearly 80% of the racing and broodmare offerings are either a black-type winner or the dam of a black-type winner, providing buying opportunities at a variety of price levels. I think it's one of the strongest if not the strongest November catalogue we have ever assembled. There is great depth amongst the mares and foals and fillies coming off the racetrack. It is unquestionably the strongest group of weanlings we have ever had, from a quality and quantity standpoint. In the Fasig-Tipton tradition, we will continue to accept quality supplements up until the sale.”

The catalogue may now be viewed online, including Fasig-Tipton's popular Enhanced Catalogue.

The Enhanced Catalogue provides up-to-date catalogue pages, Daily Racing Form past performances, and race replays; an Alan Porter pedigree analysis and five-cross pedigrees for all racing/broodmare prospects and broodmares; stallion register pages for all sires of weanlings and covering sires; as well as other tools to aid prospective buyers. All Grade 1-winning females off the track or carrying their first foals will also be profiled with individual feature videos.

Print catalogues will be available by Thursday, Oct. 6. The catalogue will also be available via the Equineline sales catalogue app.

Online bidding and phone bidding will be available.

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The richest event on the calendar is the $200,000 GII Great Lady M. S. for fillies and mares at six furlongs. Captured by champion Gamine (Into Mischief) in 2021, the Great Lady M. will be offered Monday, July 4. The $125,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds will be run Saturday, July 9. The other stakes on the schedule is the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds and up bred or sired in California at one mile Saturday, June 25.

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“This is the strongest catalogue we have ever had for Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training,” said Midlantic Sales Director Paget Bennett. “It is the largest in size in recent memory, and there is tremendous quality that will suit both leading national stables as well as the various regional circuits in our area.”

Bennett added, “Just about every current leading sire is represented in this catalogue, as well as the sport's most sought-after young sires.”

This year's front catalogue cover features the sale's most recent Grade I winners in Beyond Brilliant (Twirling Candy), Gamine (Into Mischief), Got Stormy (Get Stormy) and Switzerland (Speightstown). The back cover features an additional 11 graded stakes winners or stakes winners that have emerged since last year's sale.

“Sales graduates are winning on all circuits and on all surfaces, including Grade I wins from California, to New York, to Dubai,” continued Bennett. “Buyers have tremendous confidence purchasing off of Timonium's dirt racetrack. One only needs to look at the sale's lengthy list of stakes winning graduates to understand why.”

The under-tack show will be held over three sessions, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 17-19. Each under-tack show session will begin at 8:00 a.m. The GI Preakness S. will be held at nearby Pimlico on Saturday, May 21, and the sale will follow on May 23 and 24. Each sale session will begin at 11 a.m.

The catalogue may now be viewed online and will also be available via the equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available beginning Apr. 26.

Online bidding and phone bidding services will be available.

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The 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief retired with nine wins in 11 starts for earnings of $1,771,500.

Gamine topped the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale after selling to owner Michael Lund Petersen for $1.8 million. She secured the Eclipse Award as champion female sprinter at age three, with victories in the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes and Test Stakes, and a capstone score in that year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Keeneland.

Gamine won the first four starts of her 2021 campaign, ticking off wins in the G3 Las Flores Stakes, G1 Derby City Distaff Stakes, G2 Great Lady M Stakes, and G1 Ballerina Handicap. Her final start saw her finish third in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Del Mar.

Bred in Kentucky by Grace Thoroughbred Holdings, Gamine is out of the stakes-placed Kafwain mare Peggy Jane.

Quality Road, 16-year-old son of Elusive Quality, stands at Lane's End in Versailles, Ky., for an advertised fee of $150,000.

From nine crops of racing age, Quality Road has sired 432 winners and amassed combined progeny earnings of more than $65.2 million.

Quality Road has sired two Eclipse Award winners: Champion 2-year-old filly Caledonia Road and champion 3-year-old female Abel Tasman. Corniche, the winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, is a finalist – and the presumptive favorite – for champion 2-year-old male of 2021.

He is also responsible for Pegasus World Cup winner City of Light, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Hootenanny, and Grade 1 winners including Dunbar Road, Bellafina, Spring Quality, Roadster, Salty, Illuminant, and Klimt.

Michael Lund Petersen champion sprinter Gamine won 9 races, inc the Breeder cup F/M Sprint and four other G1s. She showed real prowess in the Acorn at Belmont, opening up to win by 18+ lengths. She set a NTR at Keeneland, 7 furlongs in 1.20.1. GAMINE will visit QUALITY ROAD 2022. pic.twitter.com/WKkDQ8Qdqe

— Donato Lanni (@DonatoLanni) February 6, 2022

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“We had a meeting with Michael to decided what to do and we all agreed that Quality Road was the right horse to start off her broodmare career,” Lanni said. “You really can't go wrong with Quality Road–he's a very good sire.”

Acquired for $1.8 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, Gamine won nine of 11 starts, including the 2020 GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint, GI Acorn S. and GI Test S. and was named the year's Eclipse champion female sprinter.

In 2021, she added wins in the GI Derby City Distaff and GI Ketel One Ballerina S. and she concluded her career with a third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint. She is once again an Eclipse award finalist as top female sprinter.

Gamine's retirement was announced in early January and the 5-year-old mare currently resides at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa Farm in Paris, Kentucky.

“She's happy,” Lanni said. “She's turned out with some fillies, she's really happy to have some buddies now at Xalapa. She's enjoying retirement.”

Asked if the champion might be offered at auction next fall, Lanni said, “We just want to get her bred, get her pregnant. We're not even thinking about that right now.”

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