Fasig Midlantic sale sees boost in average, $130K topper

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Fasig-Tipton Midlantic’s December mixed sale posted significant gains in gross and average Monday night, aided by a $130,000 sale-topper in the 3-year-old stakes winner Baltimore Belle.

The Timonium, Md., auction median stayed level at $2,000 on a day that also saw a 43-percent buyback rate. The session sold 158 horses for $968,100, up 25 percent from last year’s total for 169 horses. The 2010 average price of $6,127 was 33 percent higher than last year’s $4,593. BUt 120 horses failed to reach their reserves.

Larry Johnson paid the day’s only six-figure price for Baltimore Belle, a daughter of Bowman’s Band out of stakes-placed Gabby’s Love. Agent Sally Thomas sold Baltimore Belle on behalf of Kaygar Stable and Robert Gerczak, who were dissolving their partnership. The filly won this year’s Maryland Million Oaks and most recently was second in the Twixt Stakes at Laurel, which brought her earnings to $140,814. Her pedigree provided extra appeal: she is a half-sister to Grade 3-placed stakes winner Baltimore Bob and to stakes winner Gabianna.