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| Staff Writer |
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The two-day Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale is seeing robust trade with significant increases in both gross sales and average, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the week. A colt by Curlin topped the second session at US$550,000, pushing the aggregate beyond expectations.
Among the notable transactions, several buyers from the Gulf region showed keen interest, with Al Shira'aa Racing featuring as co-breeder of a significant Tapit filly that realised US$350,000 to DJ Stable/Kim Valerio. The filly, being the first foal of Miss Jessica J, hails from the family of champion 2YO filly Jaywalk.
On day one, two colts shared top billing at US$350,000. A Quality Road colt from Brookdale's consignment, bred by Lynch Bages and Camas Park Stud, was secured by Novogratz Racing Stable.
The colt's dam is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winners including Justwhistledixie and Mohaymen.
Matching that figure was an Into Mischief colt purchased by BSW/Crow. Consigned by Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services, the colt was bred by Newtownanner Stud and is a half-brother to millionaire United.
The momentum continued into day two when Alistair Roden, acting for Mark Breen, secured the session-topping Curlin colt. "He's got a stallion's pedigree. If he's a Group One winner, he's a US$30 million horse," noted Roden.
Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton, expressed satisfaction with the trading: "Really spirited bidding from the beginning of the sale, to the very end of the sale."
The first session saw 265 yearlings changing hands for a total of US$13,198,000, averaging US$49,804. The second day improved further with 267 lots sold for US$14,888,000, averaging US$55,760. The median remained steady at US$20,000 across both sessions.
Notable alumni of this sale include Nobals, winner of last year's Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint, who was purchased for just US$15,000, and Thorpedo Anna, currently in contention for Horse of the Year honours.
Taylor Made Sales Agency emerged as the leading consignor across both sessions, with particularly strong results on day two, selling 32 of their 37 offerings for US$2,375,000.
The sales continue with two more sessions, carrying forward the positive momentum established in the opening days. The quality of stock and diversity of buyers suggests the October Sale remains a key fixture in the yearling sales calendar, particularly for those seeking value at various price points.