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| Staff Writer |
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In the bloodstock industry, it’s not always an easy thing to jump from sale to another one. But Jesse Ullery from Fasig Tipton’s bloodstock team proves that, at least for him, going from the sale to the sale was going from strength to strength. His wide industry experience has helped him scale the heights with ease.
The latest project he is involved with, Fasig Tipton’s Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training sale, his abilities are put to the test with a heavy-weight catalogue and quite a star cast of graduates including the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby (2023) winner, Mage and Mendelssohn Bay winner of the recent Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas (2024). Some other stars sold at this sale are Duke of Love, Full Count Felicia, Kinza, Linda’s Gift, Olivia Darling, Prerequisite, Private Creed, Secret Money, and Straight No Chaser.
With 556 powerful entries for its upcoming Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training sale, which is to be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the stage is set for magic. The sale that follows the Preakness Stakes offers ample opportunities to discover promising young talent. The success of the 2024 edition underscores the sale's prestige and broad appeal, attracting racing enthusiasts from near and far.
It was a sunny afternoon in Dubai when heard back from Ullery, ahead of Two Year Olds’ sale later this month. Looking into a catalogue with over five hundred entries, Jesse Ullery reflects on what makes this sale spectacular:
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What factors have contributed to the Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training sale becoming one of the nation's leading auctions?
The proven track record of top-class horses coming out of the sale year after year has made it a "can't miss" sale for two-year-olds in training. Looking at recent graduates like Mage, Kinza, Faiza, Gamine, Concrete Rose, and so many others proves that you can find American Classic winners and graded stakes winners on all surfaces and distances.
Can you highlight some of the standout lots in this year's sale and what makes them particularly noteworthy?
The catalogue looks to have a great depth of quality again this year. We have offerings catalogued by 8 of the top 10 leading sires on the North American general sires list. We have a great group of consignors who bring us quality stock each year, and we are hopeful that this year's catalogue will be much like the ones we have seen in recent history.
What trends or themes do you anticipate seeing in this year's sales catalogue?
Again, this year, a theme to look for is an excellent mix of horses for buyers, no matter what niche they want to fill for their stable. There is an excellent mix of horses by proven sires like Into Mischief, Curlin, Justify, Good Magic, and Gun Runner, and some horses catalogued by exciting young stallions such as Authentic, McKinzie, Tiz the Law, Volatile, and War of Will, who all have their first crop of two-year-olds this year.
Given your vast experience, how does the process of selecting and preparing two-year-olds for this sale differ from other sales events?
Consignors benefit from having a little extra time training their horses, knowing they can point to a significant sale that takes place a little later on the two-year-old sales calendar and is conducted on a dirt surface.
What role does breezing over a dirt race track play in the success of the Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training sale?
It is huge. The fact that it is the only prominent North American Two-Year-Old in Training sale conducted on a dirt surface gives the consignor a chance to showcase a lovely horse, which translates into confidence in the buyer's ability to judge how a horse performs on a dirt surface. It proves its value each year when we have horses like Kentucky Derby winner Mage, UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay, and top turf runners like Beyond Brilliant and Concrete Rose.
Given the attraction for juveniles bred for delivering on dirt for buyers from the Middle East, what would you say about this year's sale that makes it even more attractive for them?
As I alluded to earlier, our recent proven results with our graduates performing well throughout the Middle East have helped to bolster confidence from buyers around the world. Mendelssohn Bay, Mimi Kakushi, and even seemingly ageless Switzerland have increased the profile of this sale for international buyers.
Could you share some insights into the options available for potential buyers when considering two-year-olds for this sale?
We will have three breeze show days where the horses perform under tack on May 14–16. Replays of the breezes will be provided on the website, and we have also installed a fantastic viewing room in the Sales Pavilion that shows the breezes on a continuous replay loop, in addition to having individual viewing terminals set up throughout the facility where you can view isolated replays of individual horses. Buyers can inspect horses on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Preakness Stakes weekend) before the two-day auction begins on May 20th.
How does the pedigree and racing performance of recent graduates, such as Mage and Spun to Run, impact buyers' perceptions of this sale?
This sale provides access to horses with great sire power, and the catalogue also has a large number of offerings with horses that have deep female families, with many being full or half-siblings to black-type stakes performers.
Can you discuss any notable trends or shifts in buyer preferences that you've observed in recent sale editions?
The beauty of the Midlantic Sale is the diversity of the buying bench. Because of its geographic location and the fact that it takes place during Preakness Stakes weekend, you see a great mix of owners and trainers from the region, as well as a wonderful mix of international buyers and the most respected owners and trainers from all over North America.
Looking ahead, how do you see the Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training sale evolving in the coming years, and what initiatives are being undertaken to enhance its reputation and success further?
Fasig-Tipton, along with OBS and Keeneland, recently announced changes to medication policies designed to create uniformity with the North American sales companies and ensure that our customers are provided with the best opportunities to have success on the racetrack, no matter where they are competing. Horse safety and welfare are essential to us at Fasig-Tipton. We take responsibility very seriously and will continue to create the best environment for our horses and customers.