 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
FLORIDA'S yearling market reached fever pitch as a daughter of Complexity commanded top billing during the relocated Ocala Breeders' Sale October Yearling Sale, with connections from the Gulf region showing strong interest throughout the two-day event.
The US$150,000 sale-topping filly, consigned by Thoroughstock, was secured by Top Line Sales. Bred by Norman Dellheim and Katie Liebe, the dark bay or brown yearling is out of the Airdrie Stud-bred mare Silver Lantana.
First-time consignor Liebe, emerging from the hunter/jumper sphere, said: "This is my first homebred, the first one where I had the mare and everything. I just think she has flawless conformation, and her dam line is really hot right now, as well as Complexity, so it was just the perfect match."
Torie Gladwell of Top Line Sales, representing Gulf-based investors, shared her enthusiasm: "She was our pick for the whole sale. She was our favorite individual: early, fast, sound for a pinhook."
Notable previous graduates of this sale include Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint victor Desert Code and Gr.2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap heroine Golden Voice, both fetching significant prices when offered as yearlings.
The two-day sale, rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton, saw D.J. Stable emerge as the leading buyer, securing four lots for US$355,000. Meanwhile, K.O.I.D., representing prominent interests from the Middle East, showed remarkable activity, acquiring 10 yearlings for US$218,000.
A Florida-bred colt by Win Win Win achieved the second-highest price of US$135,000, purchased by No Money No Honey. Consigned by Kaizen Sales, the athletic individual hails from the family of Japanese stakes performer Jasper Robusto.
The progeny of Triple Crown hero Justify also proved popular, with a filly named Boujify reaching US$100,000. Abbie Road Farm topped the consignors' list, moving 30 yearlings for a total of US$841,600.
Overall figures saw 291 horses changing hands for a gross of US$5,804,100, averaging US$19,945. The robust clearance rate of 62.4% reflected continued market confidence, particularly from Gulf-based investors seeking quality bloodstock for both racing and breeding purposes.