Harness: Lexington Selected Yearling Sale closes up nearly four percent over 2016

The curtain came down on the 2017 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale on Saturday night, and the total five-day average finished up 3.96% over the 2016 edition.

The fireworks weren't done during the Saturday session, as HIP 608 Roughcut, consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency, went to S S G Stables for $300,000. A McArdle colt, Roughcut is the first foal out of former New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Miss Scarlett (Red River Hanover, $518,539). Keyed by Roughcut's big purchase price, the fifth night of the sale was up 29.1% over 2016.

"It's been a great sale, and it just seemed to get better every night," said Steve Stewart from Hunterton.

In total 622 yearlings were sold over the five nights for a total of $36,410,000 and an average of $58,537. In comparison, 2016's sale saw 573 head go through the ring for a total of $32,262,000 and an average of $56,304.

Out of sires to have double-digit entrants in the sale, Muscle Hill led the way with his 49 babies selling for an average of $115,857, including top seller Beautiful Sin ($480,000). Muscle Hill's average was followed by Somebeachsomewhere ($103,448 for 29 yearlings), Father Patrick ($82,048 for 21 yearlings), Sweet Lou ($76,778 for 27 yearlings), and Captaintreacherous ($70,481 for 52 yearlings).

Jimmy Takter was the top buyer during the five days, shelling out $1,057,000 for eight yearlings. He was followed by the Burke Racing Stable LLC. at $925,000 for eight yearlings, Gino Toscani ($902,000 for eight yearlings), Ake Svanstedt ($882,000 for six yearlings), and Team Allard ($882,000 for 12 yearlings).

"I'm very happy with the sale," said Steve Jones of Cameo Hills Farm. "I didn't have as much power as last year when I had a couple of really good Somebeachsomewhere's, but I thought it went well."

All eyes will now shift to the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which commences on November 6.