Weanlings to watch at Keeneland November sale

The Keeneland November breeding stock sale, much like the company’s September yearling sale, is something of a bellwether for the North American marketplace as it tests a number of different levels of the market through its longer run that begins Nov. 8 and continues through Nov. 16.

Much of the attention, however, will be on the single-session Book 1 segment that opens the sale, which will have market momentum established by the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall selected mixed sale across town the night before. Leading the Book 1 lineup is Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Caravel, who will seek to defend her victory in the race a few days prior.

Other accomplished runners cataloged include Canadian champion Hazelbrook and Grade/Group 1 winners including Anisette, Centre Court, Dalika, Dame Dorothy, Leave No Trace, Rhea Moon, Scotish Star, and Unbridled Mo.

Proven broodmares in the session include Caravel’s dam, Zeezee Zoomsoom; Puca, whose three starters are all black-type performers, led by Kentucky Derby winner Mage; White Hot and Yawkey Way, both of whom have produced Breeders’ Cup winners; and the dams of top performers, including Grade 1 winners Keeper Ofthe Stars and Practical Move.

Book 1 also provides the opportunity for some weanlings to work their way to the front of the pack. While a slightly larger number of youngsters can make this session as opposed to the single-session Fasig-Tipton sale, the weanlings chosen for Book 1 still must possess superior pedigrees and solid conformation, even at this early stage.

Before the youngsters arrive on the sale grounds for their conformation and potential athleticism to be analyzed in the flesh, here is a short list of those who, on paper, bring the most sparkling pedigrees. This list of horses to watch accounts for catalog updates and sale outs through Nov. 7.

Hip No. 5, filly by Yaupon – Folklore, by Tiznow. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, agent.

This is the first crop for Yaupon, a Grade 1-winning sprinter by Uncle Mo. In champion filly Folklore, he got one of several outstanding mares in his first book. Folklore is a half-sister to Delightful Quality, dam of two-time champion Essential Quality. Folklore herself is the second dam of Japanese Triple Crown winner and champion Contrail.

Hip No. 117, filly by Charlatan – Serena’s Cat, by Storm Cat. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale, agent.

This is the first crop for Charlatan, a Grade 1 performer around both one and two turns. Stakes winner Serena’s Cat is the dam of champion Honor Code, Grade 2 winner Noble Tune, stakes winner Declarationofpeace, and stakes-placed Lady Serena. Serena’s Cat is out of stakes winner Serena’s Tune, in turn a daughter of Hall of Fame racemare and blue hen Serena’s Song.

Hip No. 151, filly by Curlin – Tin Type Gal, by Tapit. Consigned by Denali Stud, agent.

This filly, out of a graded stakes winner, is from a productive cross. Grade 1 winners Miss Shop and Power Broker appear on the catalog page.

Hip No. 215, colt by Not This Time – Charming N Lovable, by Horse Chestnut. Consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent.

This colt, by a rising young sire, is a half to nine winners from his stakes-winning dam, including Grade 1 winner Fault, Grade 3-placed Betweenhereandcool, and stakes-placed Congenial. Charming N Lovable also is the second dam of Grade 1 winner Juju’s Map.

Hip No. 222, colt by Into Mischief – Cover Song, by Fastnet Rock. Consigned by Stone Farm, agent.

This son of four-time reigning leading sire Into Mischief has an internationally appealing pedigree. Grade 3 winner Cover Song, the dam of two winners from as many starters, is out of multiple Group 1 winner Misty For Me, a sister to Group 1 winner Ballydoyle. Cover Song is thus a half-sister to Group 1 winners U S Navy Flag and Roly Poly.