Cover image courtesy of Keeneland
At A Glance
During the two-session Book 1, Keeneland sold 204 horses for a gross of US$119,565,000 (AU$184.65 million). The average of US$586,103 (AU$905,100) rose 10.78 per cent from a year ago, while the median increased 18.75 per cent to US$475,000 (AU$733,300).
Thirty yearlings sold for US$1 million (AU1.54 million) or more. There were 23 to hit that mark a year ago.
There were 372 yearlings catalogued in Book 1, with 286 ultimately going through the ring. With 82 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 28.67 per cent.
In 2023, Book 1 had 383 catalogued yearlings, with 302 going through the ring. The buy-back rate for the book was 26.82 per cent.
Curlin, who was represented by Tuesday's US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) sale-topper (the most expensive colt at Keeneland since Meydan City sold for US$11.7 million {AU$17.45 million}), had four horses bring seven figures during the session.
In Book 1, Gun Runner had six million-dollar yearlings and was the section's leading sire with 24 sold for a total of US$18,250,000 (AU$27.36 million).
Taylor Made Sales Agency was the leading Book 1 consignor with 40 head sold for US$19,205,000 (AU$28.8 million).
With four yearlings, including the US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) sale-topper, purchased for US$8.2 million (AU$12.29 million), Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm was the book's leading buyer.
A total of 25 yearlings were consigned to Tuesday's second session as pinhooks. Seven were outs and six were RNAs, leaving 12 to represent the pinhook sector. Nine were profitable and three lost money.
Following another day of competitive bidding, the two-session Book 1 section of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday with double-digit increases over its 2023 counterpart.
A colt by Curlin (USA) fetched the top price, selling for US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) to Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm. The sale-topper was one of four progeny by the Hill 'n' Dale stallion to bring US$1 million (AU$1.54 million) or more on the day. With a further 16 yearlings achieving seven-figure sales on Tuesday, Book 1 saw 28 yearlings surpass that milestone in 2024, compared to 23 yearlings in 2023.
“It was electric,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin, commenting on the pavilion’s atmosphere on Tuesday.
A total of 204 yearlings were sold during Book 1, grossing US$119,565,000 (AU$184.65 million). The average price of US$586,103 (AU$905,100) was up 10.78 per cent from last year, while the median of US$475,000 (AU$733,300) reflected an 18.75 per cent increase.
Tony Lacy and Shannon Arvin | Image courtesy of Keeneland
In the 2023 Book 1 session, 221 horses grossed US$116,925,000 (AU$180.65 million), with an average of US$529,072 (AU$817,200) and a median of US$400,000 (AU$617,300).
“When we were looking at the figures during the day, we could see that it was teeing up to be as strong as yesterday, and that was a high bar to reach,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “The median of US$475,000 (AU$733,350) is up almost 20 per cent from last year.
“These are numbers we dream of, but it’s not about us, it’s for our clients, the people who entrust us with these horses. We are really proud of the consignors and the buyers who trust that we’re doing the job that gives them the chance to buy their next champion. The energy in the pavilion today was incredible, it felt like something from another era.”
“These are numbers we dream of, but it’s not about us, it’s for our clients, the people who entrust us with these horses. The energy in the pavilion today was incredible, it felt like something from another era.” - Tony Lacy
Australian-based agent Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) was active at Keeneland, purchasing Hip 370, a filly by the G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Authentic (USA). The filly is out of the 10-time winner Lucky Stride (USA) (Declaration Of War {USA}).
The filly was acquired for US$100,000 (AU$150,300) by Boomer Bloodstock in partnership with North America-based trainer Dan Blacker. She was consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services.
US$5 million colt Caps big day for Curlin
Mandy Pope, bidding from the newly designed seating area at the back of the pavilion, overcame a determined phone bidder to secure a colt by Curlin (Hip 347) for US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) on Tuesday at Keeneland. The chestnut yearling, out of multiple Group 1 winner Cavorting (USA) (Bernardini {USA}), is a full brother to multiple Group 1 winner Clairiere (USA). He was bred by Stonestreet and consigned by Indian Creek.
Hip 347 - Curlin (USA) x Cavorting (USA) (colt) | Image courtesy of Keeneland
“As one person just told me, he speaks for himself,” Pope said. “We don’t need to say anything else. He was awesome.”
The bidding progressed steadily until the anonymous bidder on the phone with Keeneland staff in the press box jumped the price from US$3.7 million (AU$5.71 million) straight to US$4 million (AU$6.15 million). Pope was undeterred and responded to each bid rapidly before signing the ticket for the prized yearling.
“I knew he was going to be a lot,” Pope said. “He should be the sale-topper because he is the best horse here. We pretty much knew everyone was going to want to buy him for the great race record that is in his future and his potential to become a wonderful stallion.”
“I knew he (Hip 347) was going to be a lot. He should be the sale-topper because he is the best horse here.” - Mandy Pope
The US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) price-tag was well below the sale record of US$11.7 million (AU$18.07 million), set by Meydan City (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) in September 2006. The auction's highest-priced filly was America's Joy (USA) (American Pharoah {USA}), who sold for US$8.2 million (AU$12.65 million) in 2019.
Pope, known for buying fillies and mares to enhance her esteemed broodmare band, was focused on colts at Keeneland. She also purchased Monday's session-topping colt by Gun Runner (USA) (Hip 169) for US$2.2 million (AU$3.39 million).
In total, Pope's Whisper Hill purchased four yearlings in Book 1 for US$8.2 million (AU$12.65 million).
Barbara Banke and Mandy Pope | Image courtesy of Keeneland
The US$5 million (AU$7.72 million) yearling marked a significant few minutes for Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet. The operation warmed up for the sale-topper with a US$1.75 million (AU$2.70 million) colt by Into Mischief (USA).
“I think all two minutes should be like that,” Banke said with a laugh. “It was really good.”
“He was the best horse we raised this year,” Banke said. “He’s from a great family and he looks great. He eats like a pig. He sleeps. Nothing fazes him. I think he will be a great racehorse. I have high hopes for him.”
“He (Hip 347) was the best horse we raised this year. He’s from a great family and he looks great. Nothing fazes him. I think he will be a great racehorse. I have high hopes for him.” - Barbara Banke
Earlier Tuesday, Stonestreet sold a filly by Gun Runner for US$1.05 million (AU$1.62 million). During Monday's session, the operation also sold a filly by Quality Road (USA) for US$1.05 million (AU$1.62 million).
Cavorting has a weanling colt by Gun Runner and was bred back to Curlin this year. Her stakes-winning daughter La Crete (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has a weanling colt by Curlin, and Clairiere was covered by Into Mischief this year.
Mischief Maker at Keeneland on Day 2
On the heels of an opening day where a single yearling by Into Mischief drew over seven figures, the Spendthrift sire made an impact early on Day 2. Hip 210, a filly out of G1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Shared Account (USA) (Pleasantly Perfect {USA}), fetched a final bid of US$1.5 million (AU$2.31 million) from David Lanigan acting on behalf of Scott Heider.
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
This was the third-highest price of the day. Into Mischief was represented by three seven-figure yearlings on Day 2, including the session’s second highest-priced offering, a US$1.75 million (AU$2.69 million) colt (Hip 345) sold late in the session.
“She’s strong and looks like she could handle both turf and dirt,” Lanigan said, seated alongside trainer Brendan Walsh during the bidding. “She is just a really nice and well-balanced filly. Everyone really liked her.”
Shared Account, an earner of over US$1.6 million (AU$2.47 million), is a half-sister to multiple Graded stakes winner Sparkle Blue (USA) (Hard Spun {USA}) and the stakes-winning Colonial Flag (USA) (Pleasant Tap {USA}). She is also the dam of millionaire and G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Sharing (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) and stakes winner Riley's Choice (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}).
“She (Hip 210) is just a really nice and well-balanced filly. Everyone really liked her.” - David Lanigan
The colt was consigned by his breeder, Gainesway, who purchased the mare in foal to Speightstown (USA) for US$625,000 (AU$958,500) at Fasig-Tipton November in 2020.
“She was Brendan’s pick of the first group that we showed him,” Lanigan explained. “It’s important for us that the trainer who will be getting the horse likes them too. It’s all well and good if we like them, but if the trainer doesn’t, he’ll have to look at them for the next three years. So, it’s important they like them as well. And Brendan Walsh was very keen on this one. He was eager to get her.”
Bradley gets more of the Blue Heaven family
Three weeks ago, Pete Bradley and his daughter Devon celebrated 2-year-old Briland (USA) (McKinzie {USA}) debut victory at Saratoga. On Tuesday at Keeneland, they reinvested in the same family by securing a son of Curlin (Hip 284) for US$1.4 million (AU$2.15 million) on behalf of an undisclosed client. The yearling is out of Graded-placed Virginia Key (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), a half-sister to Briland's dam Bay Harbor (USA) (Speightstown {USA}).
“Class. Sire power. He comes from a very good breeder. It’s what we look for here, and you have to stretch for those,” Bradley explained. “This horse was all class from the moment I saw him at the Lane’s End barn. He came up here and presented himself like a horse that has a future.
“This horse (Hip 284) was all class from the moment I saw him at the Lane’s End barn. He came up here and presented himself like a horse that has a future.” - Pete Bradley
“So we will see.” Of his client, who also has a small share in Briland, Bradley said, “This is a new player in the game. Someone who has bought a couple of horses and I think we are going to have some fun for him. It’s nice to have new people who want to do it the right way. He knows the risks and hopefully he will reap the rewards.”
Hip 284 was consigned by Lane’s End as agent for his breeder, Bonnie Baskin’s Blue Heaven Farm. Virginia Key finished third in the 2018 G1 Gazelle S. while racing in the Blue Heaven colours. Her first foal is stakes-placed Distorted D’Oro (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}). The 9-year-old mare has a weanling filly by Quality Road and was bred back to Cody’s Wish (USA).
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
Virginia Key is a daughter of Our Khrysty (USA) (Newfoundland {USA}), dam of Grade 1 winner Grace Adler (USA) (Curlin {USA}) and Graded winner Pyreness (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}). Through Lane’s End, Blue Heaven Farm sold that mare’s yearling, a filly by Gun Runner (Hip 154), for US$975,000 (AU$1.51 million) during Monday’s first session of the September sale.
Curlin colt to Coolmore, White Birch
Coolmore's M.V. Magnier, in partnership with Peter Brant's White Birch Farm, signed the ticket at US$1.3 million (AU$1,950,900) to acquire a colt by Curlin (Hip 262) from the Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consignment on Tuesday at Keeneland.
“He's a lovely horse,” Magnier said. “John Sikura and his son Jes do a brilliant job out there. They’re very good breeders. They've raised a lot of very good horses. John was singing this horse's praise to me yesterday. He’s just a very nice horse. Curlin is obviously doing very well and so is his son Good Magic.”
“He's (Hip 262) a lovely horse. John Sikura and his son Jes do a brilliant job out there. They’re very good breeders. They've raised a lot of very good horses. John was singing this horse's praise to me yesterday.” - M.V. Magnier
The bay colt is the first foal out of Thoughtfully (USA) (Tapit {USA}), winner of the G2 Adirondack S. in 2020. He was bred by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings and Matt Dorman's Determined Stud.
“He is a beautifully bred horse,” Sikura said. “We thought he could break out and make more. He’s a sales-topping quality horse. I am very proud of the horse. He’s a great mover; a great walker, really athletic and makes great use of himself. Hope he’s a star. Very good for the mare to have her first foal sell that well. The tribute goes to Curlin.”
In partnership with White Birch Farm, Magnier signed for a colt by Not This Time (USA) (Hip 238) for US$1 million (AU$1,507,300) earlier in Tuesday’s session. The yearling was consigned by Woods Edge Farm.
During the two Book 1 sessions, Magnier and White Birch acquired five horses for a total of US$5.2 million (AU$7,563,500). The partnership purchased three seven-figure yearlings, including a colt by Charlatan (USA) for US$1.4 million (AU$2,109,000) during Monday’s first session of the auction.
Another million-dollar Maxfield
On his own, Magnier purchased a colt by Maxfield (USA) for US$1 million (AU$1,507,300).
Consigned by Gainesway as Hip 326, the April 12-foaled colt was a pinhook, purchased by Enfuego Stables for US$500,000 (AU$780,000) at last fall's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Ramspring Farm bred the colt and sold his dam at the same sale, with the unraced Belle's Finale (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}) bringing US$1.25 million (AU$1.95 million) to the bid of Summer Wind Equine while in foal to Not This Time.
Belle's Finale is the dam of Champion turf male Up To The Mark (USA) (Not This Time {USA}), a first-year stallion in 2024 at Lane's End. She is a daughter of 1996 G1 Test S. winner Capote Belle (USA) (Capote {USA}).
Hip 326 - Maxfield (USA) x Belle's Finale (USA) (colt) | Image courtesy of Keeneland
M.V. Magnier signed the ticket for the Maxfield colt Tuesday.
“This colt was a very nice horse,” said Magnier. “Brian Graves does a very good job raising yearlings, as does everybody at Gainesway.”
Magnier said the colt would be sent to Ashford before a decision was made about his future.
One more time for Belladonna
After starting strongly with a US$900,000 (AU$1,356,600) bid for an Into Mischief colt on Day 1, Belladonna Racing and trainer Cherie DeVaux extended their efforts on Tuesday with a US$1.3 million (AU$1,950,900) bid for a colt by Not This Time (Hip 286). The April 14 foal was consigned by agent Glennwood Farm.
“He was on the top of our list, so we’re very happy to have him,” said Belladonna’s Paul Manganaro. “He’s by a good proven stallion, young pedigree, and has physique. Like the saying goes, ‘You can’t put a saddle on a pedigree,’ so the physical was what really made him.”
Out of the Empire Maker (USA) mare Vivo Per Lei (USA), the dark bay colt was bred by John Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock Services.
“He’s always had class every time we went to look at him,” Manganaro added. “He looked like he had that ‘it’ factor in him. We want big races and we want the two-turn dirt type horses, and we think he can be that.”
Through the conclusion of Book 1, Not This Time was represented by 16 yearlings that generated US$10,185,000 (AU$15,348,000) in receipts for an average and median of US$650,000 (AU$980,200).
AMO strikes again
Kia Joorabchian continued to be active at the top level of the US yearling market with the US$1.2 million (AU$1,807,800) purchase of a filly by Curlin (Hip 206) early in Tuesday’s second session of the Keeneland September sale. Bred and consigned by Hinkle Farms, the yearling is a half-sister to G1 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (USA).
“She’s a great physical by a great sire, he is probably as good a dirt sire as there is in the US,” said bloodstock agent Ben McElroy, who stood alongside Joorabchian, Alex Elliott, and Robson Aguiar during the bidding. “It’s a great family. She’s a real collector’s item. Everybody on the team, myself, Alex, and Robson, and ultimately Kia, loved the filly and we are delighted to have her.”
“She’s (Hip 206) a great physical by a great sire (Curlin), he is probably as good a dirt sire as there is in the US. It’s a great family. She’s a real collector’s item.” - Ben McElroy
Of plans for the filly, McElroy added, “We will probably break her down in Florida and make a decision (on a trainer) next spring.”
The Hinkle family continued to be rewarded for its US$100,000 (AU$150,300) acquisition of Seeking Gabrielle (USA) (Forestry {USA}) at the 2013 Keeneland November sale. The family purchased the mare just one hip after her weanling colt by Uncle Mo (USA) sold for US$180,000 (AU$270,500). That colt would go on to win the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Hinkle Farms sold the mare’s filly by War Front (USA) for US$1.75 million (AU$2,636,800) at the 2018 Keeneland September sale and her colt by Tapit (USA) for US$2.5 million (AU$3,764,500) at the 2019 September sale.
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
“That was a great sale,” Tom Hinkle said after the mare’s latest seven-figure yearling went through the ring on Tuesday. “We’re delighted. Seeking Gabrielle has been such a good mare for us. I hope these folks get a champion. She is such an athletic filly. She has a great mind, and she never took a bad step. She’s a powerful filly who represented her sire well.”
Seeking Gabrielle has a 2-year-old full sister to Nyquist, which the farm has retained, and a weanling filly by Constitution (USA). She was bred back to Gun Runner this year.
Hinkle Farms was quick to double up on million-dollar yearlings when selling a colt by Constitution (Hip 236) for US$1.1 million (AU$1,657,900) to Yuichi Fukunaga.
Second seven-figure horse for Hinkle Farms on Tuesday
Hinkle Farms enjoyed a remarkable afternoon at the Keeneland September Sale, selling two horses for seven figures within a short span. Just 30 hips after the Hinkle-bred and -consigned Curlin half-sister to champion Nyquist (Hip 206) fetched US$1.2 million (AU$1.9 million) from AMO Racing, another Hinkle product brought US$1.1 million (AU$1.7 million) as Hip 236. The February 11-foaled Constitution colt, out of Hinkle homebred Stave (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}), was acquired by agent Yuichi Fukunaga.
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
“We don’t bring anything here we don’t breed and raise ourselves,” said Tom Hinkle. “This family has been really good to us. He was a beautiful colt, moved like a cat, had a great mind. We’ve got a great team at the farm, and we couldn’t be any happier with the result and appreciate everything that they do.” Hinkle noted that his family has been involved with three generations of the colt’s lineage, tracing back to the third dam Affordable Price (USA) (Drouilly {Fr}).
Stave was three-times black-type placed, while grandam Buy the Barrel (USA) (E Dubai {USA}) won the G2 Allaire DuPont Distaff S. The Hinkle family also owns Stave’s half-sister Indian Bay (USA) (Indian Charlie {USA}), who produced Japanese stakes winners Shivaji (USA) (First Samurai {USA}) and Tarabi (USA) (First Samurai {USA}).
Lee Searing’s hard bargain
Lee Searing of CRK Stables found himself unable to resist bidding on Hip 283, a Constitution colt, which led to a purchase for US$1.2 million (AU$1.9 million).
“I had five women who scouted him out,” he said with good humour. “How the hell do I not buy a horse when five women say, ‘This is the best horse we’ve found so far’? He’s beautiful.”
“I had five women who scouted him (Hip 283) out. How the hell do I not buy a horse when five women say, ‘This is the best horse we’ve found so far’? He’s beautiful.” - Lee Searing
April Mayberry of Mayberry Farms signed the ticket for the March 25 foal, bred in Kentucky by Runnymede Farm, Peter J. Callahan, Ecurie Loick Fouchet, and Meridian International Sarl. The colt’s dam, the unplaced Street Sense (USA) mare Via Veritas (USA), was purchased for US$275,000 (AU$425,000) at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Runnymede Farm raised and consigned the colt.
“From the day he was foaled he was such a big individual. A powerful horse with a lot of bone and a great mind,” said Runnymede’s Romain Malhouitre. “If they all could be like him, it would be unbelievable. They always exceed expectations. You never know if things will line up. We knew we had the right people on him. He’s been unbelievable at the farm and at the sale he was so calm.”
Searing stated that US$1.2 million (AU$1.9 million) was his limit.
April Mayberry and Lee Searing | Image courtesy of Keeneland
“That was it,” said Searing. “They really wanted the horse. When these people work so hard, you try to buy a horse. I’ve bought horses like this before; this is a beautiful horse. He will go to Mayberry Training Center to be broken and then he’ll stay back East.”
The colt’s dam is a half-sister to the dams of G1 Arkansas Derby winner Magnum Moon (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}).
St. George hits a flyer on Day 2
Continuing Not This Time’s strong showing at the Keeneland September Sale, a colt by the Taylor Made stallion realised a US$1.15 million (AU$1.8 million) bid from agent Donato Lanni, representing SF Bloodstock, Starlight and Madaket.
Bred by Fortune Farms and William Heiligbrodt and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Hip 324 is out of the stakes winner Believe In Charlie (USA) (Indian Charlie {USA}), a sister to the stakes winner Shamrocket (USA) (Tonalist {USA}).
“Physically, he was a stunning colt,” asserted SF Racing’s Tom Ryan, who handled the signing duties. “I think Not This Time has proven that he’s a very elite stallion at this point. He’s flawless. He’s a stallion that’s demonstrated from lesser mares that he’s elite and with better mares and pedigrees, we assume that will continue. I think the initial impression was to put him on the list, put him to our process, and bet him. He didn’t stumble at any juncture.”
“I think Not This Time has proven that he’s a very elite stallion at this point. He’s a stallion that’s demonstrated from lesser mares that he’s elite and with better mares and pedigrees, we assume that will continue.” - Tom Ryan
Ryan confirmed that the April 15 foal will go to the team’s regular trainer, Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.
The colt, representing a profitable pinhook score for consignor St George Sales, was a US$240,000 (AU$360,000) weanling purchase at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale last fall. The colt was a pinhook prospect for Tony and Roger O’Callaghan’s Tally-Ho Stud and St George.
Seven-figure success x 2 for Woods Edge
A colt by Not This Time (Hip 238) helped kick off the September sale for the O'Callaghans' Woods Edge Farm consignment with a bang, selling for US$1 million (AU$1.56 million) to Coolmore's M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm.
The yearling, purchased by Peter O'Callaghan for US$375,000 (AU$585,000) at last year's Keeneland November sale, is out of stakes winner Stillwater Cove (USA) (Quality Road {USA}).
“He was a beautiful animal,” O'Callaghan said. “He was a stunner the day we bought him. We absolutely reached for him as a foal. He's out of a fast mare and he vetted well, and that's what it takes.”
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
O'Callaghan noted that the colt's weanling price-tag reflected how competitive the foal market was last season.
“It was incredibly hot,” O'Callaghan said. “It was a lot of money for him at the time. If we didn't know who any of them were by, he was arguably our favourite foal as an individual. Luckily, he grew up as we expected. And the vetting stayed good on him. So we got rewarded. It's a big relief, and we are delighted. Thank you to M.V.”
Woods Edge had its second seven-figure yearling of the session later in the day when WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden purchased a colt by Justify (USA) (Hip 273) for US$1 million (AU$1.56 million). The colt, out of Undercover Justice (USA) (Lawyer Ron {USA}), is a half-brother to Graded-placed Conquest Babayaga (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}). He was purchased for US$400,000 (AU$624,000) at this year's Keeneland January sale.
Hip 273 - Justify (USA) x Undercover Justice (USA) (colt) | Image courtesy of Keeneland
“He's another lovely horse who was liked similarly to the Not This Time colt,” O'Callaghan said. “He's by another brilliant sire. He's a beautiful animal. We bought him in January for US$400,000 (AU$624,000), so that's a big return in a short period of time. In our opinion, he was arguably the best foal in the January sale. It worked out.”
Justify colt draws a cool million at Keeneland
Returning to a partnership that has served them well in the past, China Horse Club, Maverick Racing, and Siena Racing banded together to secure Hip 273, a colt by Justify, for US$1 million (AU$1.56 million) at Keeneland on Tuesday. This sale marked the highest price for the sire in Book 1.
“We just loved his quality,” said WinStar's Elliott Walden, who signed the ticket on the colt from Woods Edge, who was referenced above. “He's got a great hip, great balance, and the strength that Justify had behind him. It's something we look for with those.”
“We just loved his (Hip 273) quality. He's got a great hip, great balance, and the strength that Justify had behind him. It's something we look for with those.” - Elliott Walden
Bred by Justice Stables, the chestnut was purchased as a short yearling by Peter O'Callaghan for US$400,000 (AU$624,000) at Keeneland last January.
At the conclusion of Book 1, a total of eight yearlings by Justify had sold for US$4,250,000 (AU$6.65 million) for an average of US$531,250 (AU$827,000).
Uncle Mo and Into Mischief colts headed to Japan
Trainer Mitsu Nakauchida, who picked up an Into Mischief colt (Hip 167) for US$1.25 million (AU$1.95 million) and a Curlin colt (Hip 1) for US$550,000 (AU$855,000) on Monday, added two more big-dollar purchases Tuesday at the tail end of the session.
He bought another Into Mischief colt (Hip 343) out of Cariba (USA) (Cairo Prince {USA}) and an Uncle Mo colt (Hip 368) out of Spring Eclipse (USA) (Unbridled's Song {USA}) for US$1 million (AU$1.56 million) apiece.
Nakauchida said his purchases will be brought back to Japan. He said he looks for horses “light enough to go on the Japanese turf, but if not we can try on dirt.”
Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland
Tuesday's US$1 million (AU$1.56 million) Into Mischief colt, purchased from Spendthrift, is out of Cariba, a half-sister to Grade 1 winners King For A Day (USA) (Bourbon Courage {USA}) and Red Dane (USA) (Bourbon Courage {USA}). The colt was bred by Don Alberto Corporation and was a US$275,000 (AU$426,000) weanling purchase at last year's Keeneland November sale.
The US$1 million (AU$1.56 million) Uncle Mo colt, consigned by St George Sales, is out of Spring Eclipse, a half-sister to champion juvenile filly and G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner, She’s a Tiger (USA) (Tale of the Cat {USA}). The colt was bred by the Stonestreet and Whipple families and was purchased as a weanling for US$375,000 (AU$585,000) at last year’s Keeneland November sale.
