Keeneland September: War Front creates early fireworks with $1.15-million colt

by Joe Nevills and Nicole Russo

A War Front colt created early fireworks on the third day of the Keeneland September yearling sale, going for $1.15 million to M.V. Magnier of the Coolmore team as the ninth horse through the ring on Wednesday.

"He's a great mover, and just a lovely colt," Magnier said.

The colt is out of the winning A.P. Indy mare Orate, dam of three winners from as many starters, including Grade 1-placed stakes winner Endless Chatter. More importantly, Orate - out of Grade 1 winner Preach - is a full sister to multiple Grade 2 winner and prominent sire Pulpit. She is also a half-sister to Group 3 winner Urban Poet, stakes-placed stakes producer Tell It, and stakes producer Convent.

The colt was consigned, as agent, by Claiborne Farm, which stands War Front and which bred, campaigned, and stood Pulpit until his death. The purchase marked War Front’s third seven-figure yearling this week at Keeneland.

"It's tough to sell [this colt]," said Walker Hancock, representing Claiborne. "That family's been so good to us, but hopefully he keeps improving the page and we'll have some more to come down the road. ... I nicknamed him 'The Black Mamba' because in the fields he was so strong, he'd always bully the other horses. He was really cool as a foal, just to watch him grow up and to sell him for that price, it's nice."