Harness: Downbytheseaside a likely Ohio Selected Yearling Sale star

Whether you call it the Jug Sale, the Ohio Select Sale, or something else, everyone agrees it is the premiere Ohio yearling sale and possibly one of the best in the entire Midwest. The 2021 sale is set for Friday, September 17, and after a surprisingly strong (to many) 2020 sale, many folks are wondering what this year will bring. The sale is held at the state-of-the-art Pickaway Agricultural and Event Center in Circleville, Ohio and the fact that it is no longer held during Jug week seems not to have affected it a bit.

Last year's strong sale was driven by the success of first-crop sire Downbytheseaside (standing at Sugar Valley Farms and managed by Diamond Creek Farms) and Fear the Dragon (standing at Midland Acres). The two stallions got a lot of attention and changed the way many folks looked at the 2020 crop.

"I try to look at every yearling," explained Brian Brown, who trained both of the stallions during their racing careers. "Last year we were pretty much looking at Seasides and Fear the Dragons. It is going to be different this year. Even though there were a couple who went for $100K last year, I got some nice Seasides for $20-28,000. I don't know if that will happen this year. That may raise the entire market."

Joe McLead, who runs Sugar Valley Farm, also expects a strong sale. "It's going to be super-competitive," said McLead. "We race for good money in Ohio and the addition of the Stallion Series (a mid-level stakes program) has helped. One of the big differences in the last several years is the involvement of the big farms who did not have a presence in Ohio -- Hanover sending Well Said to Ohio, our partnership with Diamond Creek. They see the power of Ohio and are willing to take chances. That wasn't always the case.

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"There will be some bargains if people look at everything," continued McLead." We have a Mr Wiggles, the first foal of Nurse Pie Q, who is one of the finest individuals we have produced. She would have been bred to Downbytheseaside, but she is a Mach Three, so we couldn't. People just looking for Seasides are gonna miss him, Hip # 278."

The fact that he sells late in the 280-horse book could either be a blessing or a curse. Many buyers will be done, but others will be looking to get that one last yearling.

"I look at every individual. It starts with pedigree and then the video," said Brown. "But you never want to miss anything. We are buying a lot of yearlings to fulfill our owners, but then there are people who approach us to help them get one."

Downbytheseaside sired 11 of 16 starters in Sunday's 2-year-old Ohio Sires Stakes Championships. His progeny finished first through fourth in the colt split and first and second in the filly division. Other stallions represented were Fear the Dragon, Racing Hill (2 starters) McArdle and Yankee Cruiser.

The trotting side could be a lot different. Among the freshman fillies, four stallions each had two finalists, while the colts featured six different stallions, with What The Hill offspring earning three spots.

"The trotters are more wide open," said McLead. "It's hard to compete dollar-wise because of international money -- investment wise. The glamour boys have international appeal on the trotting side, but Ohio is very solid."

Trainer Bill Rhoades, who was the third-winningest trainer in North America last year, made his first real foray into the colt market last year. He has a specific type he is looking for.

"Starting out with babies last year [and again this year] I look for what I thought was a bargain -- ok pedigree, strong second dam," said Rhoades. "I looked for the one who was playful in their videos, the ones who looked athletic. I think we did pretty well for my first year with colts."

Cory Deyermand has been playing the colt game in Ohio for several years.

"We're looking for babies that present themselves as athletes with the best attitudes," said Deyermand. "Pedigree is crucial but confirmation and looks are most important to us. We want a horse that is as close to the complete package as possible in a price range where we feel a profit is still manageable, so think 75k and under for the most part.

"I expect Fear The Dragon to take a major hit in price and demand as his first crop was relatively underwhelming, especially on the colt side. Prices overall will be higher with Downbythesesside demanding an absolute premium based on his season overall but especially his Super Night. I expect the price and demand of Downbytheseaside babies to drive the price of other sires lower. There will be bargains to be had with Racing Hill, Fear The Dragon, Well Said, and McArdle."

The Ohio Selected Jug Sale, which starts at 10 AM, will feature 44 horses by Downbytheseaside and 42 by Fear The Dragon to lead the way on the pacing side. What The Hill (49) and Long Tom (30) offer the largest numbers for trotters.