International powerhouses Coolmore and Godolphin continued to spend freely during the second session of the Keeneland September yearling sale, in pursuit of yearlings by internationally successful sire War Front, to help fuel a robust market at North America's premier yearling auction.
With yearlings representing major sire power and principals of major international operations converging in the sale pavilion, the Keeneland September yearling sale, North America’s bellwether auction for the market, opened Monday with solid figures for all economic indicators, fueled by five seven-figure offerings.
A colt from the first crop of multiple Grade 1 winner Palace brought $105,000 to top the Equine Sales Company yearling auction Thursday in Opelousas, La.
European champion Lady Aurelia will be offered at this year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall selected mixed sale, set for the night of Nov. 4.
City Zip went on to sire horses who could sprint, run a middle distance, and run on dirt and grass. His best progeny were like him – fast and game – and some could carry their speed. He sired champion turf female Dayatthespa, Canadian Horse of the Year Catch a Glimpse, champion sprinter Work All Week, champion female sprinter Finest City, and such Grade 1 winners as Collected, Palace, Bustin Stones, and Zipessa. He has sired 81 stakes winners, 28 of which won graded stakes, and has progeny earnings of $89 million. He has firmly staked a place among leading sires annually.
Following the summer meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar, both of which showcase promising juveniles, Into Mischief and his son Goldencents, both standing at Spendthrift Farm, emerged as the leading established and freshman 2-year-old sires in the country.
The Thoroughbred bloodstock industry has weathered major changes over the years, from the shifting foal crop, to the advent of stallion shuttling, to a major recession and recovery. But one constant has been the Keeneland September yearling sale, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary renewal from Sept. 10-23.
American Pharoah's famously mellow and kind nature allowed him to handle the pressures of the racetrack with ease, and he has passed that personality on to his offspring, allowing them to showcase themselves at their best in the commercial market.
Medaglia d'Oro, who is enjoying a major run of success on the racetrack and in the auction ring, stole the show at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale. Now, heading into the Keeneland September yearling sale, he is set with a star contingent of yearlings ready to take their place at center stage.
Following are horses to watch during the Keeneland September yearling sale's elite Book 1 portion, which makes up the auction's first four sessions.
