$1.7 million Tapit colt tops third session at OBS spring sale

A $1.7 million Tapit colt led the way Thursday as the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s flagship spring sale of 2-year-olds in training closed in on last year's record gross with a full session still remaining.

OBS reported 173 juveniles sold Thursday, the third of four sessions overall, for gross receipts of $23,658,000. In last year's comparable third session, 167 horses totaled $14,834,500. Through three sessions, the OBS spring sale has grossed $72,814,500. Through three sessions last year, that figure sat at $54,811,900 en route to the sale-record gross of $73,907,900.

Thursday's average and median prices were $136,751 and $65,000. Those again posted major gains, rising 54 percent and 44 percent, respectively, from $88,829 and $45,000 in the corresponding 2021 session. The buyback rate continues to be the lone figure that has not improved session-to-session in a selective marketplace. The rate was 16 percent on Thursday, compared to 13 percent last year.

The session-leading Tapit colt was purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds and Lane's End Racing, in partnership, with L.E.B., as agent. The colt, from the consignment of Eddie Woods, as agent, had breezed a quarter-mile in 20 4/5 seconds during last week's under-tack preview on the Ocala Training Center's all-weather Safetrack surface.

"Legend stallion . . . son who flew for a quarter-mile," Jeff Lifson, head of the Midwest division for West Point, posted on Twitter. "We’ve just bought a jaw dropper!"

The colt is out of the winning Seeking the Gold mare Pension, dam of seven winners from as many starters. He is a full brother to stakes winner Thoughtfully, as well as a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Annual Report, stakes winner Giant Payday, and stakes-placed Flores Island.

Pension is out of Grade 1 winner Furlough and is a full sister to graded stakes winner Happy Hunting. Furlough, in turn, is out of the outstanding Phipps mare Blitey, making this the family of champion Heavenly Prize, Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Dancing Spree, and Grade 1 winners including Dancing Forever, Fantastic Find, Finder’s Fee, Good Reward, Instilled Regard, Oh What a Windfall, and Persistently.

For hip-by-hip results, click here.