Fasig-Tipton February: Red Piano brings $150,000

Red Piano, dam of stakes winner Pianist, got the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale off to a fast start on Monday, selling to Jayne Johnson, agent, for $150,000.

The 12-year-old Red Ransom mare is the dam of two winners from three to race, led by Pianist, winner of the Given Stakes at Belmont Park last year. Pianist won her 2013 bow on Thursday, edging away to win an optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by 1 3/4 lengths.

“[Pianist] got a 94 Beyer the other day,” said Adrian Regan of consignor Hunter Valley Farm, agent. “Pianist looks like she could be a really nice filly this year. This was her first run back and she won easy with a fast time.”

Red Piano, bred in Kentucky by Vinery LLC, was sold in foal to Exchange Rate. The mare won two of five starts during her racing career in the U.S. and France for earnings of $59,762.

Red Piano is out of the Nureyev mare Spinet, the dam of two winners from as many starters, including Grade 3-placed winner and sire Stanislavsky. Her notable family members include Irish champion sprinter Prince of Birds, Italian Group 1 winner Sudan, and Grade 2 winner Special Happening.

This is the highest price that Red Piano has drawn in three trips through ring at public auction. She sold for $5,000 as a broodmare at the 2010 Keeneland November breeding stock sale, and did not meet her reserve in the 2002 Keeneland September yearling sale, with a final bid of $45,000.

To view live video of the sale as it progresses, click here.