Closing Argument weanling tops OBS Day 2

A $185,000 weanling colt by Closing Argument topped the two consignor-preferred sessions Tuesday evening at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s fall mixed sale in Ocala, Fla. Tuesday's session, the second and final consignor-preferred session, ended with steep gains in average and median but also in the buy-back rate.

The session sold 129 horses for $3,270,200, down from the $4,403,400 grossed last year for a larger group of 201 horses. But average price increased 16 percent, from $21,907 to $25,350, and the $17,000 median was up 70 percent from last year's figure of $10,000. The buy-back rate, however, was high, at 47 percent versus 34 percent in 2006.

The session-topping Closing Argument colt went to Buzz Chace, agent, who purchased him on behalf of the L & F Stable pinhooking venture of Terry Finley and Lewis Lakin. Beth Bayer, agent, sold the colt, a dark bay or brown son of the Unbridled's Song mare Autumn Music. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Vivaldi Girl.

The OBS fall mixed sale was to continue with open sessions running through Friday at the OBS facility in Ocala. Sessions begin daily at 11 a.m.