OBS October select session shows gains in average, median

The select session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. fall yearling sale established positive momentum as the first sale in the new October time slot, posting gains in average and median sale price. Trade was topped by a $275,000 Violence colt.

Tuesday’s session saw 107 yearlings sold for $4,841,400, a 13 percent decline from last year’s select-session gross of $5,573,300 from 148 sold. The select catalog was significantly smaller this year, going down to 202 entries from 274 in 2015.

The average sale price grew 20 percent to $45,247 from $37,657, while the median rose 28 percent to $32,000 from $25,000.

At the top of the market, nine horses sold for six figures, trailing the 12 to do so during last year’s select session from a larger group of offerings. The number of horses sold for $50,000 or more fell to 33 from 38.

Prominent owner John Oxley bought the session-topper, a $275,000 colt from the second crop of Violence.

The dark bay or brown colt is out of the winning Pulpit mare Frank's Hope, whose first foal to race is a winner. His second dam is the Grade 1 winner Silver Maiden, putting him in the family of Grade 3 winner Dreaming of Liz and stakes winner Dreaming of Sophia.

Bred in Kentucky by Lantern Hill Farm, the colt was consigned by Kaizen Sales, as agent.

Tuesday's transaction made the Violence colt the most expensive foal out of Frank's Hope to sell at public auction. He surpassed the Warrior's Reward filly Buddy Ann, who brought $9,000 at last year's Keeneland September yearling sale.

Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield Sales was the day’s leading consignor, with 16 horses sold totaling $1,123,000. The consignment accounted for two of the day’s top four prices, led by a More Than Ready colt that sold to de Meric Stables for $240,000 to finish with the day’s second-highest price.

De Meric Stables was Tuesday’s leading buyer, with five purchases totaling $625,000, including two of the day’s three most expensive offerings.

The OBS fall sale concludes Wednesday with its open session, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern.

To view the full results from Tuesday’s session, click here.