Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale posts gains across the board on Day 1

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A $200,000 Giant’s Causeway colt from the family of graded winners Grasshopper and Turf War earned top billing Monday as Fasig-Tipton’s October yearling sale got under way with across-the-board gains.

The opening session grossed $7,230,200 for 293 yearlings, an increase of 50 percent from last year’s $4,811,900 total for 221 horses. Average increased 13 percent, from $21,773 to $24,676, and median improved 8 percent, from $12,000 to $13,000. The buyback rate was 21 percent, down from last year’s 25 percent.

Nick De Meric, agent, bought the Feb. 20 son of Lerici, by Woodman. Gainesway, agent, sold the session-leader, whose dam is a three-quarters-sister to Grass Skirt. That Mr. Prospector mare produced Grasshopper, a Grade 3 winner who was second in the 2007 Travers, and Grade 3 winner Turf War.

The session’s leading filly was a $170,000 Smart Strike filly that Zayat Stable bought from the Lane’s End agency. The March 31 daughter of Kelly Pond, by Deputy Minister, is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Clear Pond. Her dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Talinum.

The sale was set to continue through Wednesday in Lexington.