Return to ‘normal' OBS spring sale coincides with graduates' chase for Derby

The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. is relishing a return to normalcy this week with its flagship spring sale, which offers more 2-year-olds in training than any other auction in North America, back in its traditional April dates after the calendar was pushed asunder by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. But OBS continued to do steady business last year through the challenges. Several 2020 graduates, now 3, are possible Kentucky Derby starters, led by Medina Spirit, who will attempt to give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record seventh victory.

“The OBS 2-year-old sales have long been a source of quality horses that compete at the highest levels of the sport,” company president Tom Ventura said. “We are proud to see the current crop of 3-year-olds continue that success with Medina Spirit, Brooklyn Strong, Candy Man Rocket, Dream Shake, and Get Her Number performing with the best of their class. Overseas, Mouheeb won the UAE 2000 Guineas and Panadol ran a strong second in the UAE Derby.”

Medina Spirit, a Protonico colt bred in Florida by Gail Rice, was a $1,000 short yearling at the 2019 OBS winter mixed sale, purchased by Christy Whitman. He was later consigned to the 2020 OBS open sale of 2-year-olds and horses of racing age, which is typically held in June but was pushed to July last year. He was a relative bargain at $35,000 for Zedan Racing Stables.

“With all the uncertainty in the world during the last 2-year-old season, buyers had an opportunity to add quality horses to their stable at reasonable prices,” Ventura said. “The market is more stable at this point, with most racetracks running regular schedules with an increase in purses. Owners will not only be able to reap the rewards of higher purses but more importantly be able to visit the racetracks to watch their horses train and race.”

Two other potential Derby entrants are graduates of the OBS spring sale of June 2020. Both sold for five-figure prices in that buyers’ market. Dream Shake, still under Derby consideration, was a $75,000 purchase. Get Her Number, a Grade 1 winner as a juvenile who is 21st on the Derby points list, was a $45,000 purchase.