Speciosa's dam draws $3.8M

The Tattersalls December mare sale in Newmarket, England, spun off another millionaire session-topper on Wednesday when the dam of Speciosa brought about $3.8 million at the auction's third session.

John Warren Bloodstock purchased the 12-year-old broodmare Specifically from Ireland's Lisieux Stud for 1,850,000 guineas, or about $3,787,875. Specifically, by Sky Classic, was cataloged in foal to Danehill Dancer, meaning she is carrying a full sibling to her illustrious daughter Speciosa, winner this year of England's classic 1000 Guineas. Specifically also is the dam of 2006 Grade 3 winner Major Rhythm.

The third of four sessions continued the auction's trend of substantial gains. One day after the world-record $9.45 million sale of Magical Romance propelled the sale to big gains across the board, the Wednesday session sold 210 mares or broodmare prospects for about $28,353,780, up 14 percent from last season, when 232 lots sold. Average price rose 26 percent to approximately $135,018.

The December mare sale was scheduled to end Thursday.