Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

G1 Champions Stakes - history for Zaaki?

Part of the rebranding of the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival - renamed last year the Champions S. having been run from 1869 to 1935 and from the following year to 2021 as the Mackinnon S. - this 2000-metre contest has for most of its history been run on Derby Day.

It was a favourite race of Bart Cummings as a last minute G1 Melbourne Cup lead-in, but when the VRC decided to make a bigger day of Saturday it was shifted; not a bad move considering it is a 2000-metre weight-for-age contest - now run two weeks after the G1 WS Cox Plate rather than one.

Last year's Moonee Valley hero stayed in work to contest the race but was just out of the placings as a short-priced favourite. This year's winner Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) is already home in his box at Sha Tin but three of those who took him on two weeks ago take their place.

Closest up in the Cox Plate was the fourth home Duais (Shamus Award) who was good without a great deal of luck. Damien Oliver fans will be hoping he can see out his last Flemington spring carnival in winning style whilst new owners Yulong will be looking to make a quick return on their investment.

Pinstriped (Street Boss {USA}) ended up too far back and looks capable of running a better race whilst Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) did a bit of work on-pace and should be hard fit at his fourth run in.

And he is chasing a bit of history here - having won this race last year and the year before. He is one of the 10 dual winners of the Mackinnon/Champions S.; a feat also achieved by the likes of Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}), Eurythmic (Eudorus {GB}), Peter Pan, Comic Court and Rising Fast (NZ) (Alonzo {GB}).

Should he again salute he becomes the third triple winner of the race, placing his name alongside two legends of the Australian turf - the mighty mares Wakeful (Trenton {NZ}) and Tranquil Star (Gay Lothario {GB}).

Form from the G1 Caulfield Cup is again tested here - and it certainly held up well on Tuesday with Without A Fight (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) becoming the first horse since Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}) in 2001 to win the Caulfield and G1 Melbourne Cup in the same year.

The race also provided the Melbourne Cup runner-up Soulcombe (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who finished 5.5l behind West Wind Blows (Ire) whose sire Teofilo (Ire) is enjoying a stellar spring.

On two occasions that 5-year-old has dropped back from 2400 metres to 2000 metres and won - and he was terrific when second over the trip at the track when contesting the G1 Turnbull S.

Adding interest to an intriguing contest are the classy mares Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) - the former (who won the G2 Matriarch S. on this day last year) coming off a fast finishing G1 Empire Rose S. second last weekend and the latter off a smart win in the G2 Crystal Mile on Cox Plate Day.

G1 Champions Mile - history to repeat?

Zaaki is not the only G1 WS Cox Plate contestant striving to win a race he won last year - Alligator Blood (Casino Prince) is vying to make it two in a row in this feature.

Last year he came off a fifth at Moonee Valley, beaten just over 2l - this time around he was third in that race; less than 0.5l from the winner.

It has not been an easy race to win twice - since its inception as the Cantala S. in 1919, the 1600-metre contest won by the same horse on two occasions only four times - by Amounis (Magpie {GB}) in 1926 and 1929, by Aquanita in 1960 and 1961, by Heroic Stone (My Hero {NZ}) in 1965 and 1967 and most recently by Seascay (NZ) (Maizcay) in 1994 and 1995.

The latter was part of a five-year Lindsay Park domination in the race - Planet Ruler (Kaoru Star) winning in 1992, Primacy (Prego {Ire}) in 1993 and Miss Margaret (Marscay) in 1996.

This time around the Hayes family saddle-up one of Alligator Blood's regular rivals - fellow high-class weight-for-age campaigner Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who is also having his second crack at this race.

Third last year and he too comes off a better run in the Cox Plate - seventh last year, beaten in a photo this year.

Another two of the seven runners come through the Cox Plate; Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) who was just even but likely to be improved by his first Australian run and Fangirl (Sebring) who went to the line hard-held with no clear running in the straight.

It will be interesting to see what Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) does in this race as she backs up from claiming last weekend's G1 Empire Rose S. after going out hard and fast.

She and Fangirl attempt to become just the fourth mare in 20 years to win the race, the others being Shillelagh (NZ) (Savabeel) in 2017, Divine Madonna (Hurricane Sky) in 2006 and Sky Cuddle (Snippets) in 2004.

G1 Champions Sprint - clash of the I Am Invincible mares

Two of their two-time Australian Champion Sire's finest runners, Imperatriz and In Secret clash in this exciting contest down the famous Flemington straight.

The latter has the advantage of not only straight-track experience but of outstanding form; two Flemington 1200-metre runs - two wins... last year's G1 Coolmore Stud S. and this year's Newmarket H.

Imperatriz meanwhile makes her Flemington debut but everything in her form points to the fact that she is not only high-class but adaptable; winning over a variety of distances in a variety of methods.

Her sire's most prolific stakes and Group 1 winner, she has won six of her eight starts at the 1200 metres with four of those successes coming at the elite level.

Another horse with an excellent record at the trip - and at the track - is Airman and he too is by I Am Invincible... does a first three finish loom?!

In-form mares Asfoora (Flying Artie), Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) and Espiona (Extreme Choice) look to be the main dangers to the favourites. The latter's trainer Chris Waller has already won this race on three occasions - with Nature Strip (Nicconi) in 2019 and 2021 and Delectation (Shamardal {USA}) in 2015.

The most successful jockey in the recent history of this race (one which was first run as the Hallmark S. in 1960 - undergoing no less than eleven name changes since!) is James McDonald, who rode all three of the Waller winners.

This time around he teams up with James Cummings and In Secret and that trainer is also a previous winner - Bivouac first across the line three years ago. James' father Anthony and grandfather Bart have also cheered home winners - a nice bit of family history!

G1 NZ 2000 Guineas - Crocetti a rising star?

Five starts - five wins, the impressive record of Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) who not surprisingly lines up as a hot odds-on favourite as he steps up to Group 1 level for the first time stepping out in Race 9 at Riccarton.

A homebred for Daniel Nakhle whose first sole purchase as an owner was Crocetti's G3 Concorde H.-winning grandam Irish Colleen (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), Crocetti led throughout when recording an impressive 3.5l debut win at Pukekohe Park in mid-February.

Reappearing in early August, he won by an even bigger margin of 4.5l at Ruakaka and he put that same amount of ground on his rivals when stepping up in class to contest the G3 Northland Breeders' S. a couple of weeks later.

Saluting as a NZ$1.20 favourite back to a normal 3-year-old race at Te Rapa in late September he struck heavy going for the first time and was again too strong despite finding trouble in the run home.

He was again odds-on in the G2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial three weeks ago and he again treated his rivals with disdain - finding the lead off an awkward start, tackled with 350 metres to go before getting clear.

There is other winning form in the race but Crocetti from the inside gate certainly looks the one to beat once again.

First run in 1860, the 2000 Guineas began its life as one of two Derby Stakes races run in New Zealand. It was contested over that Classic's traditional distance of 12 furlongs up to 1972 at which time the race formerly known as the Great Northern Derby (first run in 1875) became what is the modern day New Zealand Derby.

Since switching the traditional Guineas distance of 1600 metres in 1973, it has on eight occasions since then been won by horses who have gone on to enjoy Group 1 success in Australia... Little Brown Jug (NZ) (Godavari {Ire}), Surfers Paradise (NZ) (Crested Wave {USA}), Veandercross (NZ) (Crossways {GB}), Turn Me Loose (NZ), Vice Regal (NZ), Sacred Falls (NZ), Balmerino (NZ) and Fury's Order (NZ).

G2 Matriarch Stakes - a good race for New Zealanders

For a race that has only been run since 1995, the G2 Matriarch S. has proven a good guide to future success both on the track and off with 14 of its winners again winning at stakes level whilst six have been stakes-producing broodmares.

Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel), Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), Kenedna (Not A Single Doubt), Demerger (Saithor {USA}) and Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) all won this race en route to Group 1 success whilst Battocchi (NZ) (Success Express {USA}) produced the G1 Telegraph H. winner Guiseppina (NZ) (Johar {USA}) and Brom Felinity the G1 Woodbine Canadian International winner Walton Street (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}).

New Zealand-bred mares boast a good record in the race, taking out six of the last nine runnings and there are five chances for that success to continue with the best of those looking to be the dual Group 1 winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) and the up-and-comer Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).

The former is well known in Australia having run some nice races in Sydney though it does seem that she needs the sting out to show her absolute best. Pearl Of Alsace was Group 1-placed last time out and is building a nice record - six wins from nine starts.

Of the locals Thalassophile (Not A Single Doubt) and Amokura (Kermadec {NZ}) are major chances whilst Steinem (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Osmose (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Deny Knowledge (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) attempt to become the first imported winners of this race.

Sydney's features - the Hot Danish, the Golden Gift and The Five Diamonds

There is again big money on offer in non stakes events in Sydney on Saturday though Rosehill is hosting one black-type event - the G2 Hot Danish S. for mares. Whilst it has attracted a field of only seven runners it is an interesting and open contest with three of those vying for favouritism.

This year's G1 Goodwood H. winner Royal Merchant (Merchant Navy) is nicely primed third-up having not had the best of runs in the Invitation last time out whilst Roots (Press Statement) - who also comes through that race - wears blinkers for the first time. And another looking to atone off a luckless performance is the last start G2 Tristarc S. placegetter Call Di (Frankel {GB}).

With $1 million is on offer in the Inglis Golden Gift for 2-year-olds. Just one of these juveniles is already a winner - Shangri La Express (Alabama Express) too fast when leading throughout to win at his Randwick debut three weeks ago.

Another four contestants were in the placings at debut including Miss Judas (Microphone) who was the best of those chasing Shangri La Express.

Volatile (Snitzel) and Scampi (Blue Point {Ire}) both contested the G3 Breeders' Plate in late September, the former not having the clearest passage home whilst the latter tired after doing a bit of early work. At $550,000 and $750,000 that pair are the most expensive buys in the race.

Debutants always add interest to a feature and a few at odds have been sound at the trials - Gram (Exceed And Excel), Thunderous (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and War Council (Royal Meeting {Ire}) as well as the emergencies Trafalgar Square (Churchill {Ire}) and Vinniro (I Am Invincible).

There is $2 million is up for grabs in the following race, The Five Diamonds for 5-year-olds over 1800 metres.

No surprise to see Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) the favourite on the back of his excellent and somewhat unlucky Melbourne form in strong company - and the 1800 metres looks to be right up his alley.

Hoo Ya Mal (GB) (Territories {Ire}) is an interesting runner back in trip after contesting the G1 Caulfield Cup, whilst Hinged (Worthy Cause) also comes off a run in elite company - getting too far back in the fast run G1 Empire Rose S., a race in which Hope In Your Heart (Dundeel {NZ}) did not have much luck.

The imported gallopers Unspoken (Ire) (Territories {Ire}) and Jimi Hendrix (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) create interest - the latter making his local debut whilst the former has been in flying form.

Democracy Manifest (Flying Artie) was strong to the line in this race's prelude, that race won by Palmetto (NZ) (Ghibellines) who again jumps from a good gate.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

One of three Group 1 races on Saturday’s card is the Champions S., held as Race 8. In the bygone era, the 154-year-old race was known as the LKS Mackinnon S. and, before that, simply the Melbourne S. Aptly renamed the Champions S. in 2022, the race has always been a ‘good horses race’.

A scroll through the vast honour roll will see there is rarely a name racing fans wouldn’t recognise, even if they raced many moons ago.

On Saturday, a field of 11 is set to face the starter. Among them is the grand galloper Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}). The Annabel Neasham-trained 9-year-old is searching for his third consecutive victory in this event; if successful, Zaaki will equal the Champions Mare Wakeful (Trenton {NZ}) as a three-peat winner.

Zaaki will be joined by the likes of the multiple Group 1-winning mares Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}), Duais (Shamus Award) and Prowess (NZ) (Proisir).

Gallery: multiple Group 1-winning mares in the 2023 G1 Champions S. field

Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}) and Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) have also saluted at the elite level. While the classy internationals, West Wind Blows (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock), bring plenty of intrigue to the $3 million feature.

Early days

First run in 1869, the Champions S. was won by the chestnut stallion Glencoe, the son of Lord Of The Hills (GB), who had won the G1 Melbourne Cup the year prior and started a trend of Cup winners successful in the feature.

The Melbourne Cup winners and talented conveyances Tim Whiffler and Warrior followed Glencoe.

The year 1872 saw the first mare win the Champions S., a daughter of Vagabond (GB) named Contessa. In 1875, the stallion Kingsborough saluted. Retired to stud; he had a handful of stakes winners. However, one of his daughters, Rubina, proved a successful producer, with the Australian Stud Book crediting her with two individual stakes winners of 11 stakes races.

Robinson Crusoe arguably became the first prominent stallion to win the Champions S. in 1877. The son of Angler is credited with 20 stakes winners of 59 stakes races. Among them the good gallopers Trident and Navigator. While Robinson Crusoe’s daughter Emmie’s foals would incur an impressive haul of 15 stakes races, his other daughter, La Tosca, also got in on the action, producing the hugely capable F.J.A. (Wallace).

The brilliant Chester won in 1880. He proved an outstanding stallion with his progeny acquiring 104 stakes races. Champions such as Abercorn, Autonomy and Camoola counted Chester as their sire. Trieste, a daughter of Chester foaled in 1889, produced four individual stakes winners, including the Haut Brion (GB)-sired pair of Istria and Eleanor. The former won a VRC Oaks, while the latter saluted in a Doncaster H.

In 1884, Trenton (NZ), a son of Musket (GB), took out the race and left his mark on the thoroughbred. Trenton is credited with 83 stakes winners on the Australian Stud Book. At the same time, his daughter Lady Trenton, a victress of the Sydney Cup, produced a remarkable four individual stakes races of 20 stakes victories. Lady Trenton’s son, Lord Cardigan, upset the great Wakeful in the 1903 Melbourne Cup.

Significant influences on and off the track

One of the inaugural Australian Hall of Fame inductees, Carbine (NZ), won the Champions S. days after winning the Melbourne Cup with a weight-carrying record. He proved a significant influence of his day, with his son Wallace and Spearmint (GB) both siring multiple stakes winners.

Wakeful won in 1901, 1902 and 1903. Retired to stud, she was the dam of the Melbourne Cup victor, Night Watch (St. Alwyne {GB}) and the Oakleigh Plate winner, Blairgour. Traquette (Traquair {GB}), the 1915 winner of the Champions S., was an outstanding broodmare, with her sons Powerscourt and Salatis proving capable stallions.

Salatis sired winners of 17 stakes races, while Powerscourt sired 13 individual stakes winners of 59 stakes races, including the champion Comic Court, who emulated his sire’s dam by winning the Champions S. in 1949 and 1950.

The period of 1918 to 1927 saw the stallions Magpie, Manfred and Silvus (Ire) win the Champions S. - Each proved to be notable stallions.

Magpie, a son of Dark Ronald (GB), sired the champion Amounis and the outstanding Windbag. Manfred’s progeny are credited with winning 44 stakes races. Among them was the 1937 Melbourne Cup and Champions S. victor The Trump. In comparison, Silvus left Sylvandale, a talented runner who emulated his sire by winning the Champions S.

Golden period

The 30s and 40s’ saw a golden period of gallopers come to the fore in Champions S. the Champion Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}) won consecutive editions in 1930 and 1931, and his victories were followed by the dual Melbourne Cup victor Peter Pan in 1932, the flaxen chestnut returned in 1934 to win the Champions S. again.

The tenacious Rogilla (Roger De Busli {GB}) was between Peter Pan's victories, and the brilliant Ajax came along in 1938.

During the 50s and 60s the stream of champions to win the race didn’t stop. Horses of the calibre of Rising Fast (NZ) (Alonzo {GB}), Delta, Dalray (NZ), Hydrogen, Sailor's Guide and Tulloch take the race.

Champions mares leave their mark

In 1989, a grey New Zealand-bred mare named Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}) burst onto the scene to win the Champions S. before globetrotting to Japan to become the first New Zealand-bred, only to date, to win the G1 Japan Cup.

Horlicks foaled a son of Sir Tristram (Ire) in 1994, named Brew (NZ). The gelding won the G1 Melbourne Cup in 2000 after winning the G2 Saab Quality and the Listed Japan Trophy Race. Horlicks wasn’t a one-hit wonder; a full sister to Brew, Bubble (NZ), won the Listed Avondale Guineas.

The champion mare Let’s Elope (Nassipour {USA}) saluted in 1991 after winning the G1 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Let’s Elope left two stakes winners in the G2 AAMI Vase winner Ustinov, who has sired five stakes winners. While Outback Joe (Elvstroem) won the 2014 G2 Adelaide Cup.

Let’s Get Famous (Danehill {USA}), a daughter of Let’s Elope, left the Group 3 winner Let’s Make Adeal (Red Ransom {USA}).

The star mare Champagne (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) won the 1998 G1 Champions S. and retired to produce Listed winners. Among them is Martique (Danehill {USA}), the dam of the Group 1 winner Charmont (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Modern-day super sires

In 2000, the stunningly black Lonhro, a son of the Champion galloper Octagonal (NZ), took out the Champions S.

Lonhro was a champion on the track like his sire and led a successful and productive stud career at Darley before being pensioned this year. He sired 95 individual stakes winners, including Pierro, who fathered the 2020 Champions S. victress Arcadia Queen.

In the pouring rain, a handsome entire by High Chaparral (Ire) stormed to the post in the 2010 Champions S.

Named So You Think (NZ), he backed-up in the G1 Melbourne Cup where he finished a gallant third, before jet-setting across the world adding another five elite-level victories. So You Think retired to Coolmore and has shown to be an exceptional stallion.

The son of High Chapparal’s legacy is still growing. However, this season, he’s already proven his versatility by siring the winner of the $20 million The Everest, Think About It.

So You Think has also started making a move as a broodmare sire when his daughter Mull Over produced the 2022 G1 Golden Slipper victress Fireburn (Rebel Dane). So far, So You Think has sired 55 stakes winners.

The previously mentioned Arcadia Queen was sold to Arrowfield Stud for $3.2 million at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. She has not had any progeny to race, with her youngest being a yearling colt by I Am Invincible and was served again by the reigning Champion Sire.

Cover image courtesy of Keeneland

Quality rises to the top

The 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale continued on Friday with Session 2. As has been a trend for sales internationally the demand for perceived quality remained strong, but fell off for the less desired offerings.

“It's been a realistic, selective market today,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “I think it was pretty evident throughout the day, people knew what they wanted and they were very specific about what they were willing to invest in. Speaking to a lot of sellers, they were very pragmatic about the market. They saw, if a mare was young and was well-bred, you were in pretty good shape.

“I think any mares that were a little older probably have been exposed a little bit and were a tougher sell. And from the consignors we spoke to, there was an acknowledgment that that's where the market is at the moment. So, a little bit of softening, but again, that's to be expected in certain areas.”

The top price of the session went to Hip 601 - Cancel This (USA) a daughter of the late Malibu Moon (USA), offered by Four Star Sales was knocked down for who made US$825,000 (AU$1,300,200) to Larkin Armstrong on behalf of Helen Alexander.

The 4-year-old was offered as a racing and breeding prospect. Cancel This was placed in the Listed Presque Isle Downs Satin & Lace S. and is from the Listed-winning mare Catch My Fancy (USA) (Yes It’s True {USA}) and a half-brother to the Listed winner and Group 3-placed Dubini (USA) (Gio Ponti {USA}). Cancel This is from the family of the late Midnight Bourbon (USA) (Tiznow {USA}) a victor of the G3 Lecomte S. and a multiple Group 1 placegetter in races such as the G1 Travers S. and the G1 Preakness S. while the talented G1 Haskell Invitational S. winner Girvin (USA) is also related to the Cancel This.

Australians make a splash

The Australian presence was felt at Keeneland, with Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) alongside Murray Thoroughbreds, and Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) teaming up with Milburn Creek, both walking away with purchases.

Boomer Bloodstock paid US$350,000 (AU$549,900) for Hip 660, Eloquent Speaker (USA). A 6-year-old daughter of Flatter (USA) from the unraced Broken Vow (USA) mare Spoken Not Broken (USA).

Consigned by Blue Water Sales LLC, Eloquent Speaker was offered in foal to the outstanding sire Quality Road (USA), who stands at Lane’s End.

Her dam Spoken Not Broken is a half-sister to Bernardini (USA)-sired pair Bridgehampton (USA) and Stormy Novel (USA). Bridgehampton is a Listed winner and Group 3-placed, while Stormy Novel saluted in the Listed Miss Woodford S.

Eloquent Speaker won four races and was placed in the Listed La Verdad S. at Aqueduct.

Rounsefell told The Thoroughbred Report, “I think we got really lucky today (Friday) purchasing Hip 660, Eloquent Speaker, for US$350,000 for Murray Thoroughbreds.

“She is a beautiful mare with great depth and quality, and in foal to the champion sire Quality Road on her first cover. Eloquent Speaker won four races on the dirt in New York and was stakes-placed.

“Eloquent Speaker is by proven broodmare sire Flatter. The mating makes for an exciting cross with two excellent speed sires. She will go back to Stone Farm, which is one of the best farms in Lexington for breeding and raising young horses, so we are very excited for the future with her.”

Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA), working alongside Milburn Creek, secured Hip 585, Bipartisanship (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) for US$220,000 (AU$345,600).

Runnymede Farm offered the 5-year-old mare and is from the Oasis Dream (GB) mare Dream Wild (GB). Bipartisanship’s second dam, Wince (GB) (Selkirk {USA}), won the G1 1000 Guineas and the G3 Fred Darling S.

Wince is the dam of Quiff (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), who won the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and was placed in the G1 St Leger. Furthermore, this is the family of Half Glance (GB) (Danehill {USA}), a close relative of Tycoon (GB), the Champion 3-Year-Old Stayer in Ireland.

Bipartisanship won four races, including the Listed Gulfstream Park Tropical Park Oaks, the Listed Del Mar Kathyrn Crosby S. and the Listed Parx Racing PTHA President’s Cup. She was also placed in the G3 Gallorette S. and the G3 Brownstown S.

“Bipartisanship was bought in partnership with Milburn Creek,” Hedge informed The Thoroughbred Report.

“She is a really beautiful, strong and athletic mare that is also very correct. Bipartisanship has all the qualities we look for when buying mares. She’s got a lot of presence, and we really admired her racing record; Bipartisanship has been a really high-quality filly; she’s won three Listed races and placed on multiple occasions at a Group 3 level.

“From a pedigree perspective, we felt she would really suit several stallions back home in Australia. She’s very open, and her dam is by Oasis Dream, who’s been a Champion Broodmare Sire in Europe and her granddam was a 1000 Guineas winner.

“Bipartisanship just really had all the qualities we were striving to purchase, and we felt at that figure (US$220,000) to get a mare of a similar figure in Australia, we’d have to pay significantly more. We’re delighted with her, and she’ll stay in America for the time being and will most likely be taken to Australia to breed for the next Southern Hemisphere season.”

Kia Ora Stud who have been active all week in Kentucky, signed for Lot 599, named California Angel (USA), for US$360,000 ($566,376). Rifa Mustang (Europe) also made a splash going to US$600,000 ($943,603) for a mare, Lot 665, in foal to Flightline (USA).

Other notable purchases

Unbeaten G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Flightline (USA) took Terry Finley and his West Point Thoroughbred partners on the ride of a lifetime last year and Finley was keen to acquire Exotic West (USA) (Hard Spun {USA}) (Hip 667), in foal to the champion, Thursday at Keeneland. Finley purchased the 5-year-old mare, the second to last horse through the ring during the second session of the November auction, for US$650,000 (AU$1,000,200).

“David (Ingordo) really liked the mare. She was a beautiful mare,” Finley said. “The Flightlines have been selling really well, but we thought with her placement in the sale, we might get a little lucky. And I think we were–either people were tired, or they went to dinner. Obviously, the appetite for Flightline is really over the top–better than we expected and we had high expectations. Anytime you can get one in a belly with a young mare like that, you're going to take a shot.”

Consigned by Grovendale Sales, Exotic West won the 2022 Top Flight Invitational and was second in the G2 Allaire DuPont Distaff S. after being claimed by Louis Lazzinnaro for US$40,000 (AU$62,800) at Saratoga in 2021.

Seven mares have sold in foal to Flightline for US$6,625,000 (AU$10,400,500) through two sessions of the Keeneland November sale. Leading the way were the US$1.65 million (AU$2,600,300) Dalika (Ger) (Pastorius {GB}) and US$1.45 million (AU$2,300,100) Champagne Lady (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}).

“Our outlook is we can't get enough of them,” Finley said. “We are really happy with (Flightline's) first book of mares and the second one is shaping up really well already. If you can't get excited about owning a piece of Flightline and having a shot to have his babies and the expectation of having them hit the track in a couple of years, you probably don't need to be in the game.”

Early in Thursday's Book 2 opener at Keeneland, Lady Scarlet (USA) (Union Rags {USA}) (Hip 338) brought US$625,000 (AU$981,900) from Thirty Year Farm. The Saratoga-based farm's Kristen Esler handled the signing duties on the G3 Miss Preakness S. winner.

“We loved her,” said Esler, who operates Thirty Year Farm with her husband, Matt. “She was our first pick. She was in my heart from the moment I saw her. She's beautiful and she's everything we looked for in conformation. She was an A+. She carried herself really well. I like to look them in the eye and spend some time. She is one that we wanted to bring to our farm.”

Consigned by Lane's End, the 4-year-old is a daughter of Exclude (GB) (Include {USA}), a daughter of SW Soldera (USA) (Polish Numbers {USA}). Furthermore, Lady Scarlet is from the extended family of multiple Group 1 winner Duais (Shamus Award) and her Group 3 winning half-sister Baccarat Baby (Casino Prince).

Chip Muth and his sons, always on the lookout for young mares to buy, put in foal and return to the market, purchased Lady Scarlet for US$200,000 (AU$314,200) at the Keeneland January sale earlier this year. Covered by champion Flightline, the mare returned to the Keeneland sales ring Thursday and sold for US$625,000 (AU$981,900) to Thirty Year Farm.

“We needed a couple of mares, and we went through looking at young stakes mares,” Muth said. “That mare kind of caught our eye. And we got lucky and got her for the right kind of money.”

The 4-year-old Lady Scarlet won last year's G3 Miss Preakness S. and Cicada S.

Muth admitted he thought the mare might have brought more money.

“To be honest, we all felt like the mare would bring more,” he said. “We sold two mares out here last year almost back-to-back for US$750,000 and one for US$700,000.”

Constitution colt tops weanlings

South Carolina horseman Peter Pugh purchased Thursday's top-priced weanling when going to US$525,000 (AU$824,800) to acquire a colt by Constitution (USA) (Hip 286) from the Nursery Place consignment.

“He was super well-balanced and a real good mover,” said Pugh, who purchased the weanling in the name of Cherry Knoll Farm. “Every time we saw him, he was the same.”

Asked if the plan was to pinhook the dark bay colt, Pugh said, “For now. Obviously, you want to hit the home run, but I have a partner on him also, we discuss all of this stuff as time goes on.”

The weanling is out of Gone to Town (USA) (Munnings {USA}) and was bred by Nursery Place and Dicken Equine.

“We try to bring a handful of weanlings every year to Keeneland–a very select few,” said Nursery Place's Griffin Mayer. “They have to be really, really nice with pedigrees and by the right sires. He checked all the boxes and honestly, he's probably one of the better colts that we've raised in the last 10 years. He's very special. He's a homebred for my dad and one of his partners, John Dicken of Dicken Equine.”