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| Staff Writer |
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Keeneland's September Yearling Sale saw a colt by first-crop sire McKinzie steal the show on the seventh day, as Reeves Thoroughbred Racing splashed out US$475,000 to secure the session-topping youngster.
The Kentucky-bred colt, catalogued as Hip 2197, is out of the Smart Strike mare Ruby Trust and was consigned by breeders Gainesway Thoroughbreds.
McKinzie's first crop of two-year-olds has already made a significant impact on the track, with Chancer McPatrick clinching victory in the Gr.1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. The Hopeful Stakes, a prestigious race for juveniles, has previously been won by the likes of Afleet Alex, Vineyard Haven, and Shanghai Bobby, all of whom went on to achieve further Group One success.
Danny Gargan, who trains for Dean and Patti Reeves, said: "I thought (Hip 2197) was a standout today in the sale, his physical was really great. Jimmy (Gladwell) and I looked at him together. And we've been trying to get some Derby-type quality horses, and we think he fits what we're trying to do.
"Dean watched the videos and looked at the pictures online. Jimmy and I have been trying to buy a certain kind of horse for Dean and Patti to have chances to be in the classic races, and we'd like to thank Patti and Dean for giving us this opportunity to buy physicals and buy the type of horses that we like."
McKinzie's strong start as a sire is further evidenced by McKinzie Street, who recently finished a close second in the Gr.1 Del Mar Futurity. These performances have propelled McKinzie to fifth place on the first-crop sire list.
Gargan added: "We think McKinzie has a huge future as a stallion, and we love the horse physically, and we're just lucky that we were the ones able to buy him."
Brian Graves, general manager of Gainesway, expressed his satisfaction with the colt's reception: "He was a Book 3 colt in Book 4, he was beautifully balanced, big hip, long neck, everything you'd like to see. He's a real good mover, and all the end-users found him."
McKinzie's influence extended beyond the top lot, with another of his progeny fetching US$400,000. Hip 2257, a colt out of the Tapit mare Tapany, was secured by West Bloodstock, acting as agent for Repole Stable. The dam is a half-sister to millionaire Tizway, who claimed the Gr.1 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga in 2011.
The day's highest-priced filly, Hip 2116 by Maxfield, was knocked down to Ben McElroy for US$425,000 on behalf of AMO Racing. The filly, out of the Exceed and Excel mare Marwa, was consigned by Runnymede Farm.
Romain Malhouitre, president of Runnymede Farm, commented: "It was a good cross physically, and on paper as well, between Maxfield and the mare, who's bringing a lot of power and speed with Exceed and Excel."
Maxfield's progeny have been in high demand throughout the sale, with the sire topping the sixth session and producing two seven-figure yearlings during Book 1.
Malhouitre added: "(Maxfield) is a lovely, lovely horse himself. He was a hell of a 2YO, (trainer) Brendan (Walsh) was always very high on him. He was always so good through his career that I'm not completely surprised that he's well received here at the sales."
The opening day of Book 4 saw a total gross of US$25,234,000 for 288 yearlings, with an average of US$87,618 and a median of US$70,000. These figures represent increases of 11% and 13% respectively compared to last year's corresponding session.
Graves observed: "I think (the market) is incredibly strong here, if you have something that looks athletic, the prices are incredibly strong."
Kenny McPeek emerged as the leading buyer for the second consecutive day, securing six more purchases for a total of US$935,000.
As the Keeneland September Sale continues, the industry eagerly anticipates the next wave of potential stars to emerge from this prestigious auction.