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| Staff Writer |
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Keeneland's September Yearling Sale is witnessing the masterful touch of Kenny McPeek, as the trainer who made history this spring becomes the leading buyer in the latter books of the prestigious auction.
McPeek, who became the first trainer since Ben Jones in 1952 to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby in the same year with Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan respectively, has been making waves at the sale. Known for his ability to unearth future stars at modest prices, McPeek has purchased 26 yearlings for a total of US$4,887,000 through the first eight sessions, averaging US$187,962 per lot.
"I've been really pleased," McPeek said. "We've been able to accomplish a lot of good business in the past few days, and we'll have a few more before the sale is over. We just love coming to the Keeneland September Sale. It's a lot of work, a bit exhausting sometimes, but there's a lot of reward on the other side of it."
The trainer's prowess in selecting talent is well-documented, with his past purchases including two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, Kentucky Oaks heroine Thorpedo Anna, and other top performers such as Harlan's Holiday, Swiss Skydiver, and Take Charge Lady.
McPeek has shown particular interest in first-crop yearling sires, acquiring four by Maxfield. "I think (Maxfield) has really stamped them, they all look like they've got speed and class," he said. "And I'm real big on the hind leg and balance, and he's really impressed me as a young stallion."
The trainer has also been drawn to progeny of Rock Your World and Independence Hall, noting their impressive physicals. McPeek's approach involves assessing the horse's conformation before delving into pedigree details.
"Once I see a horse that I'm really attracted to, then I look at the page. And then I try to figure out where it's coming from. What am I looking at? Am I looking at a turf horse, dirt horse, sprinter, router?" McPeek explained.
McPeek's ability to spot value is exemplified by Thorpedo Anna, who cost just US$40,000 at the Fasig-Tipton October Sale in 2022. The filly has since amassed career earnings exceeding US$2 million and is set to contest the Gr.1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing this weekend.
"She is just a really special filly to be around," McPeek said. "She was just a modest price, had all the parts in the right place, and she's just the queen."
While McPeek focuses on the latter books, the earlier sessions have seen strong demand for offspring of first-crop yearling sires. Charlatan, standing at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, leads his peers with an average of US$286,591 from 66 sold through Book 3. His top lot, a colt out of Gr.1 winner Guarana, fetched US$1.4 million.
John Sikura, president of Hill 'n' Dale, commented: "He had top mares sent to him. Saratoga went well, and we hoped that he would follow through at the Keeneland sale. So far it's happened. Buyers love their athleticism, and we're very happy with the results."
Maxfield, based at Darley, has also impressed with his first crop, averaging US$275,366 from 41 sold. The sire has had eight yearlings bring US$500,000 or more, including two that reached the seven-figure mark.
At the upper end of the market, a colt by Curlin out of three-time Gr.1 winner Cavorting set the sale alight when selling for US$5 million to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm. Consigned by Indian Creek on behalf of breeder Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, the colt helped propel Curlin to the top of the sire standings with an average of US$613,780 from 41 sold.
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has a rich history of producing future champions. Previous graduates include American Pharoah, the 2015 Triple Crown winner who went on to capture the Breeders' Cup Classic, and Tapit, who became a leading sire after his purchase at the 2002 sale.
As the sale progresses, the industry watches with keen interest to see which of this year's purchases might join the ranks of these illustrious alumni. With seasoned horsemen like McPeek applying their expertise, the next generation of equine stars may well be emerging from the Keeneland sales ring.