Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

On Tuesday, Magic Millions released its catalogue for the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale. The line-up features 210 lots, with 88 individual stallions represented. This year, Magic Millions has also announced the addition of 22 untapped 3-year-olds, giving prospective investors the opportunity to secure a select group of progressive horses.

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said, “We are delighted with the quality line-up of stock we’ve had entered. We are fortunate to have the finest equine educators preparing horses for the sale.

“They have proven track records for first-class horsemanship, unearthing future track stars for their next connections. This sale is a target each and every year for vendors who have sourced top prospects and educated them, ready for that next step on the racetrack.”

Prospective buyers will also have the chance to secure a horse nominated for the Magic Millions Race Series, with 77 lots eligible. Additionally, 116 2-year-olds are BOBS-eligible, with six carrying a nomination to BOBS Silver.

There are 17 lots nominated to VOBIS Silver, four to VOBIS Gold, and 33 are progeny of VOBIS Sires. A total of 63 lots are fully paid up for Queensland’s lucrative QTIS program.

A horse for everyone

This year, graduates of the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale have already made their mark on the track. Leading the way is last year's graduate, Bittercreek (Snitzel), a winner of the G2 Spirit Of Boom S. and a placegetter in the G1 JJ Atkins S.

Other notable graduates include G1 Stradbroke H. winner Tyzone (Written Tycoon) and G1 Coolmore Classic victress Krone (Eurozone), who also claimed the G2 Guy Walter S. and several other stakes races. Victorem (I Am Invincible), a $65,000 purchase by Jenny Graham in 2016, went on to win eight races, including the G2 Victory S. and the Listed Lough Neagh S.

Past success stories also feature Capital Gain (Ad Valorem), a victor of the G1 JJ Atkins S., and G1 Melbourne Cup hero Shocking, now a Group 1-producing sire at Rich Hill Stud in New Zealand.

This year's Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale showcases progeny from 88 individual sires, including the Champion stallions I Am Invincible, Snitzel, and Written Tycoon. Proven sires such as Better Than Ready, Spirit Of Boom, All Too Hard, Capitalist, So You Think (NZ), and Street Boss (USA)—whose son Pinstriped recently claimed the G1 Memsie S.—are well represented, along with Starspangledbanner, Zoustar, and Toronado (Ire).

From the newer generation, there are offerings by Farnan, whose first 2-year-olds will debut this season, as well as Yes Yes Yes, Alabama Express, Pierata, and Tassort—all of whom have made promising starts to their stallion careers.

Magic Millions Bloodstock Manager Dane Robinson commented, “The selection of stallions is fantastic for the buying bench that attends the sale. I really think there’s a horse for everyone. There are many tradable horses and plenty that will appeal to the domestic market, providing a great platform for everyone to get involved.”

A must-attend for Baramul Stud

Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud is represented by 45 lots at this year’s Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale, an important opportunity for the operation to trade. Baramul’s racing manager, Luke McDonald, emphasised the significance of the sale, telling The Thoroughbred Report, “The Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale is always an important sale.”

“I believe the Australian market is constantly looking for horses that are up and going and can provide a quick turnaround and return on investment. It’s a fantastic concept used worldwide, especially in Australasia. We love utilising the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale, and we usually have around 40 horses in our draft. This provides buyers with a good opportunity to achieve a quick return on their outlay.”

McDonald continued, “There’s a horse in Baramul’s draft for everyone, whether you’re looking for a stayer, sprinter, a 2-year-old, or a horse with longevity. We have horses by a range of commercial sires, so we can meet everyone’s buying requirements.

“We participate every year and often have several nice horses come out of it. That’s been rewarding for buyers and for us, so we’re happy to keep using it as a platform.”

Discussing the highlights of this year’s diverse draft, McDonald added, “Normally, one or two horses stand out, showing ability and running good times. However, we don’t push our horses—they’re still raw, but they get the job done.”

For the breeze-ups, Baramul is splitting their draft between Newcastle on Wednesday, October 2, and Queensland on Thursday, October 3, or Friday, October 18, at the Gold Coast.

Unsurprisingly, the progeny of Arrowfield’s four-time Champion Sire Snitzel are emerging as standouts. “The Snitzels are really showing their potential—they’re typically quite precocious. The Snitzel filly from The Hamptons (Lot 109) is a lovely individual, currently being prepared by Paul Shailer in Queensland. She’s sharp and looks capable of providing a quick return on her purchase price. She appears to be a very precocious 2-year-old filly.”

Lot 109 is out of the unraced Encosta De Lago mare The Hamptons, from the family of Group 2 winner Passive Aggressive (Fastnet Rock) and Missrock (Fastnet Rock), a winner of the G3 Percy Sykes S. The Snitzel filly is a half-sister to Pearl Green (Fastnet Rock), a 15-time race winner, including the Listed Macau Derby.

McDonald also highlighted a Toronado (Ire) colt out of Crooked Stick (Lot 158), being prepared by Jake Hull in New South Wales. “This colt didn’t go through a sale prior to his Magic Millions Horses in Training preparation, but he’s a great physical type. He looks like a horse that will run as a late 2-year-old and continue to improve as a 3 and 4-year-old, which is typical for Toronados.”

The Toronado colt is out of nine-time winner Crooked Stick (Conatus), who was also fourth in the G3 Gosford Belle of the Turf S. Lot 158 is from the same family as G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Uncommon James (Cable Bay {Ire}).

McDonald also mentioned a filly by Bivouac: “We’ve got a nice filly by Bivouac out of Optical, a half-sibling to a stakes performer. She’s currently with Ed Cummings, and he’s very happy with her. She’s adapted well and looks set to be an athletic filly for the breeze-ups.”

Lot 70, the Bivouac filly, comes from the first crop of Darley’s Champion. She’s out of the unraced Optical (NZ) (Swiss Ace), who is also the dam of Illuminaire (All Too Hard), a placegetter in the Listed Redoute’s Choice S., the Listed William Crockett S., and the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.

“We’ve got strong pedigrees in this sale,” McDonald continued, “and the Snitzel colt from Serenada (Lot 92) has a lovely page and is a beautiful physical. He looks like a nice 3-year-old type, as does the Snitzel colt from Bislieri (Lot 147)—he’s also a half-brother to a Group 1 winner.”

McDonald concluded, “Magic Millions does a fantastic job attracting the right clientele. They bring in buyers from overseas, provide excellent facilities, and ensure there’s strong participation every year. We have a lot of respect and trust in their ability to get the right people in the seats.”

First Settler’s brother set to attract attention

Baramul Stud will also present Lot 8, a colt by Snitzel out of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Graciousness. This well-related colt is a half-brother to the talented First Settler (Written Tycoon), who remains unbeaten after two impressive starts, winning on debut at Caulfield and following up with a victory at Flemington.

First Settler was a $750,000 purchase by Yu Long Investments Australia and Mick Price Racing from Baramul’s draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Lot 8 is the fourth foal from Graciousness, who is also the dam of Vienna Princess (Snitzel), a winner of the Listed Twilight Glow S. and the Silver Eagle.

“We offered him at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, but we passed him in. He’s developed into quite a strong, robust horse, and being a half-brother to First Settler and a full brother to Vienna Princess, he’s sure to attract attention,” said Baramul’s Luke McDonald.

Robinson confident in Magic Millions catalogue

Magic Millions Bloodstock Manager Dane Robinson is confident in the strong catalogue compiled for this year’s Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale. He confirmed that the TripleS data will once again be utilised during the breeze-up process, providing prospective buyers with raceday-quality data on stride length, frequency, and speed, using electronic chips.

Robinson also discussed the decision to reintroduce 3-year-olds into the catalogue: “We’re always looking at how we can improve our sales and evolve the format. Last year, we introduced the TripleS data, which was a real success. It was well-received by buyers and gave them additional confidence by providing more data to support their decisions.

“The market has shifted slightly, and offering another platform for vendors to sell their horses has been a beneficial outcome. After much consideration, we saw this as a great opportunity to move stock that, for various reasons, didn’t sell last year.”

Robinson further explained that the inclusion of 3-year-olds was driven by demand from their international buying bench, particularly from Asian investors, a market that has grown thanks to the efforts of Magic Millions' Nicky Wong and David Chester: “These markets are still actively seeking horses of this type, so we were confident in venturing into that area.”

While the closure of the Singapore racing industry has been widely discussed, Robinson acknowledged its significant impact: “Singapore accounted for almost 25 per cent of our market in previous years. It’s been a huge loss, but we’re fortunate that buyers from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand were present and active at last year’s sale.”

Robinson credited the hard work of Chester and Wong in developing new markets: “David and Nicky have done a tremendous job visiting these countries and showcasing the opportunities at the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale. They’ve really pushed the quality of Australian thoroughbreds, and markets like China, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have responded positively.”

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The trainer, jockey and owners of Mornington Glory all make for a great story but the horse himself is some tale as well; from catching everyone's eye early as a sale-topping yearling purchase to a big debut win that had tongues wagging to retirement just five starts later.

It seemed at the time that Mornington Glory was going to be one of those 'what if' stories of the turf, a horse with so much talent but with issues that made him unlikely to fulfil his potential.

Hailing from the first crop of the then Arrowfield Stud and now Woodside Park Stud-based Shalaa (Ire), Mornington Glory has aspects of his career in common with his dual Group 1-winning sire.

After winning five of his first six starts including the G1 Prix Morny and the G1 Middle Park S., the John Gosden-trained Shalaa was forced to the sidelines, not racing between September 2015 and October 2016; resuming with victory in the G3 Bengough S.

Mornington Glory took longer to find his Group 1 form, but he too had a lengthy break, away from the track between October 2022 and September 2023.

Heart issues

Whilst Shalaa's problems were injury (pelvic)-related, Mornington Glory was having heart issues; on more than one occasion after a fast gallop or a race pulling up with cardiac arrhythmia.

On veterinary advice, he was retired at the age of four, enjoying his life of leisure in the Moorooduc paddocks of his managing part-owners Rob and Sharon Cummings.

Fans of Shalaa, they also raced Shalaman who, having been a stakes-placed city winner at three, was placed for sale online in June last year. Gavin Bedggood put in the $25,000 winning bid for him and it was when picking him up at the Cummings' farm that Rob suggested he give Mornington Glory another try.

At the time there was a stewards’ embargo on the horse with Bedggood having to “jump through a few hoops” to get official approval for Mornington Glory to race again.

“He had to gallop and trial in front of stewards and gallop on the treadmill in front of Dr Laura Nath (a renowned cardiac expert) at the South Eastern Equine Hospital. She ticked him off and he was right to go.”

Gooree dispersal sale-topper

It was in 2020 that the well-related Mornington Glory caught the eye of his first trainer Matt Laurie and the agents Justin Bahen and Andrew Williams who teamed up to bid for the Gooree Stud-bred colt in July that year.

Williams, who was the sole representative of the group at the COVID-era sale, remembers the colt as being a real eye-catcher, “a big, strong horse who moved really well.”

“He was an imposing horse,” Williams told The Thoroughbred Report on Monday morning as he laughed saying that he had pulled up “a little worse for wear” having been deservedly celebrating a weekend that also saw a great return by another of his yearling purchases in Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) in the G3 Concorde S.

“He was just the style of horse you like to buy,” he said, recalling that the "good judge" Scott Darby was the very keen under-bidder.

“There was a lot of activity in the room,” Williams said, remembering that Mornington Glory was the last lot of the yearling section of the Gooree Stud reduction; one which saw around 40 horses sold across a spread of Magic Millions sales.

“It was an interesting sale for a horse like him to end up at,” said Williams. "He really stood out.”

And it was a matter of the best being saved for last with Mornington Glory, at $360,000, the highest-priced yearling of the day.

Legacy lives on

Andrew Baddock was Gooree's Stud Manager at the time Mornington Glory was bred and he was delighted by the horse's Moir success, happy to see the legacy of the late Eduardo Cojuangco Jr live on.

“Eddie loved building families over generations and Mornington Glory is from one of those,” he said, noting that if not for the family's wish to disperse Gooree's racing stock, this horse was one they would've raced.

“Eddie didn't like parting with horses like him,” he said, Gooree home to Mornington Glory's G3 Breeders S.-winning, G1 Golden Slipper S. runner-up dam Crowned Glory (Danehill {USA}) and her city-placed dam Significant Glory (Bletchingly).

“I bought Significant Moment off the track,” Baddock said, remembering her as “a lovely mare with that plain Bletchingly head.”

“We sent her to Danehill not really realising just who we were breeding with at the time, he was standing for $30,000 then.”

The second of the Danehill (USA)/Significant Moment matchings produced Crowned Glory and she was still at stud at 20 with Mornington Glory her final foal. Gooree raced her other two stakes winners, the G1 Golden Rose and G1 Randwick Guineas winner Hallowed Crown and the G3 Carbine Club S. winner Needs Further who have both sired Group 1 winners.

“I think it is fair to call Crowned Glory a blue hen," Baddock said, ruing the fact that from her ten foals, she did not produce a filly.

But she saw our her breeding career in fine style, Mornington Glory her ninth foal to race and her ninth winner.

Baddock was not surprised to see Mornington Glory sell as well as he did, remembering him as being an eye-catcher from his early days. He was one of the two Group 1 winners Gooree sold at the dispersal, last year's G1 Tattersall's Tiara winner Palaisipan (So You Think {NZ}) the other.

Mornington Glory made his debut for the Laurie stable at Bendigo in September 2021, racing a little keenly outside the leader before drawing clear to an impressive 3.75l victory.

Thought highly enough of to contest Group races at his next two starts, he was a solid G2 Danehill S. fifth at just his second outing before his issues saw him finish a disappointing last in the G3 Zeditave S.

He would race just another two times for the Laurie stable, retirement beckoning.

Out of retirement

From the time he arrived at the Bedggood stables, Mornington Glory impressed.

“From day one you could see that he was a proper horse," Bedggood said. “A different calibre to the ones we'd had.

“He has all the attributes of a good horse, he is very relaxed, he eats well, has not had an unsound day, always scopes cleanly and never leaves any food.

“He makes my job easy, he is very straightforward.”

Monitored from afar by French company Arioneo's Equimetre, Mornington Glory has not showed any heart issues since his emergence from retirement with Bedggood's vet Dr David Shepherd suggesting that it was a matter of time.

“He just said horses like him need time and that either works or it doesn't,” Bedggood said.

It was in September last year that Mornington Glory made his debut for his new trainer, an encouraging second in a Class 1 contest at Ballarat.

He has not looked back since, at his next outing winning in easy fashion at Geelong, from there making his way through the classes and ending his first successful preparation for Bedggood with a game and somewhat unlucky G1 Oakleigh Plate third.

Group 1 form no fluke

And that Group 1 form proved no fluke with Mornington Glory in even better for this time in; below his best on rain affected going in the G3 Sir John Monash S. first-up but unbeaten since; three runs over the Moonee Valley 1000 metres; three wins.

It was his liking of the circuit and his tough win off a wide run in the Listed Norman Carlyon S. that encouraged Bedggood to take on the topliners in the Moir, a race which had been on the wish list since the start of Mornington Glory's campaign.

“I sat down at the start of his preparation and mapped out his program. The Norman Carlyon was always going to be form dependent as he was still benchmarked in a way that we could drop back a peg if we had to.”

After a win in that race Bedggood decided that “we had nothing to lose” tackling the Group 1 horses in the Moir and it was about 600 metres out in that race on Saturday that he was feeling pretty happy with that decision.

“He had his head on his chest, and I could see that he was motoring. I saw Lady Of Camelot was the first coming off the bit and I knew that my horse is pretty good off that Moonee Valley turn so my confidence grew from that point.”

Standing quietly until the final stages – “I started giving him a roar from the 100 metres,” Bedggood was more subdued after the race, finding the experience of winning such a big race “rather surreal.”

And a long way from his previous career highlight, winning the 2013 Warrnambool Grand Annual aboard the infamous jumper Banna Strand (NZ) (Danasinga).

“It is certainly different,” Bedggood laughed, “a 5500-metre race and a 1000-metre race!”

Winning the Grand Annual on such an iconic horse (google him if you don't remember!) was, Bedggood said, “one of my biggest thrills in racing.” One he has now topped as a Group 1 trainer.

Watch: Gavin Bedggood's win aboard Banna Stand (NZ) in the 2013 Warrnambool Grand Annual

“There is a lot more involved in being the trainer than the jockey,” he said, noting that doing the hard work over the years has taught him to “savour the wins.”

From Pony Club to Group 1

Bedggood was not raised in a horse family, his only equine contact being with cousins who rode a bit and girls at school who had ponies. He'd join them at pony club where he learned to ride, progressing to “doing a bit of eventing.”

Bedggood was very young when he started working weekends and school holidays for Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths, leaving school and moving in with Robbie and Shiranee who he describes as “being like second parents to me.”

“They took me in and I learned a lot,” Bedggood (who at 17 returned to his education, completing his VCE whilst still working at the track) said, delighted that the couple were on course on Saturday to witness his success, “they were very excited and proud.”

Apprenticed for a short time to Griffiths before weight became an issue, Bedggood rode trackwork as well as a couple of seasons riding at the picnics where he steered home 35 winners.

That led to riding professionally over the jumps and over a 12-year period he enjoyed a number of elite-level hurdling and chasing victories including the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool, the Von Doussa at Oakbank and three Australian Steeplechases.

Enjoying a close association with Robbie Laing over that time, Bedggood was always learning and the prospect of one day branching out on his own was “always in the back of my mind.”

Granted his licence in the spring of 2017, Bedggood purchased stables at Cranbourne; close to the course with boxes, day yards and paddocks allowing his horses to thrive.

His latest season was his most successful with 41 winners; a strong effort from a relatively small stable.

Hands-on training

He has proven equally adept with tried horses and youngsters and currently has 36 horses in work. Eleven new boxes have just been built with Bedggood content to have up to 46 in work, that number allowing him to remain “hands-on and be across everything.”

Enjoying the process of getting to know each of his horses, still riding trackwork along with his partner Karen Flaherty (seen on Saturday joyously cheering home her beloved horse), Bedggood is hoping that Mornington Glory will be the first of many big-race winners for the stable.

Meanwhile there is more to come from Mornington Glory who heads towards the G2 Schillaci S. at Caulfield on October 12 before a break with the G1 Black Caviar Lighting S. at Flemington in mid-February the aim for his next campaign.

After that, should his form warrant it, Mornington Glory may follow the Asfoora (Flying Artie) path; a trip to Royal Ascot the dream with Bedggood noting that his horse has on a couple of occasions beaten that mare home.

Mornington Glory is not the first tried horse that Bedggood has got the best out of, also enjoying terrific success with the popular multiple Group winner Just Folk (Magnus), the Listed winner Keats (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the Listed Heatherlie H. winner No Effort (Reward For Effort).

Gallery: Some of the other tried horses Bedggood has had stakes success with, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The stable's statistics for the latest season make interesting reading; a 13 per cent strike rate with 42 per cent of the horses Bedggood sent out finishing in the first three.

The owners of Mornington Glory are enthusiastic supporters with Bedggood enjoying a Saturday evening phone call from Rob Cummings who was en route to China at the time the Moir was run.

“He has been a great addition to the stable over the last 12 months and I really appreciate what he has done for me,” Bedggood said.

Football friendships

Cummings played AFL football for a time and it is his ongoing friendships in that sphere that saw him enjoy his Group 1 success with other owners of Mornington Glory including Shane Crawford, Fraser Brown and Brett Ratten as well as well-known bookmaker Matt Tripp.

There is plenty of football history in the Cummings family, Rob's great grandfather Joe Johnson recognised as the VFL's first indigenous player whilst his father Percy, his great uncle Percy and his brother Trent were also players.

Mornington Glory's success was the fourth at Group 1 level for jockey Ethan Brown and his first since a horrific fall at Flemington in March last year, one which saw him endure several rounds of surgery on a lacerated liver with kidney damage, severe internal bleeding and three fractured vertebrae.

His biggest fan, his mum Sonia Donnelly was at Moonee Valley on Saturday and was one of those emotional figures in the winners circle having not witnessed any of his previous Group 1 victories live.

Cover image courtesy of Keeneland

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale saw its first seven-figure transaction just an hour into its opening session on Monday.

By the end of a frenetic day of bidding, 14 yearlings had sold for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) or more. Leading the group was a US$2.2 million (AU$3.45 million) son of Gun Runner (USA), purchased by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm from the Four Star Sales consignment. The colt was one of five by the Three Chimneys stallion to sell for seven figures during the session.

“That was a fun day,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales, Tony Lacy. “We thought it was going to be energetic and a good, solid, healthy market, and we are very pleased with the way it came out.”

During the boutique Book 1 opener, 98 yearlings grossed US$54,795,000 (AU$86,000,700), for an average of US$559,133 (AU$877,800), and the median was US$450,000 (AU$706,800). Both figures showed double-digit increases over the opening session of the 2023 September Sale, when 110 horses sold for US$55,330,000 (AU$86,800,500), with an average of US$503,000 (AU$789,100) and a median of US$400,000 (AU$627,400).

“Looking at the figures at the end of the day, they were incredibly healthy,” Lacy said. “The average was US$560,000 (AU$879,300), which is up about 11 per cent over last year. We refer to the median quite a bit, and last year it was US$400,000 (AU$627,400). This year, it was US$450,000 (AU$706,800), so that is up 12 per cent. The gross was pretty much on par with last year, with a few fewer horses.”

Monday’s first session of the September Sale attracted a deep bench of buyers, with the top 21 highest-priced horses purchased by 20 unique buyers.

“There was huge diversity in the buying bench, both domestically and internationally,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “There was a lot of Japanese participation, participation from the Middle East, and then, of course, our domestic buyers were very active also.”

The opening session’s 14 million-dollar yearlings compare to eight during the first session last year. The entire 2023 Book 1 section featured 23 million-dollar yearlings.

The Keeneland September Sale is opening with a two-session Book 1 section for the fourth year in a row, and Monday’s session, which began with a bluegrass band and passed cocktails, proved the format has become popular with both buyers and sellers, according to Lacy.

“We really appreciate the consignors and breeders who supported us,” Lacy said. “This is something we put a lot of effort into, pushing Book 1 as a dominant marketplace. We want to make sure that the buyers are here, and the horses are here for the buyers. The buyers put aside a lot of time to be here with us, and we want to make them feel comfortable. So, everything here is here for the benefit of the buyers and the customers, and it creates the right environment. There was a crowd in here the entire afternoon and that never relented.”

Book 1 concludes with a session Tuesday, . Book 2 sections Wednesday and Thursday. Following a dark day Friday, the auction continues through to September 21.

“This was just the beginning,” said Arvin. “I think we all have a lot of confidence in the marketplace. A lot of principals are here. The breeders have obviously worked very hard, and we appreciate them selling their stock with us. They’ve brought the very best to market. So, it’s going to be fun to watch.”

All hail Gun Runner

Mandy Pope of Whisper Hill Farm, active both buying and selling at Keeneland's opening session, secured the highest bid of the day, spending US$2.2 million (AU$3,450,100) for a colt by Gun Runner (Hip 169).

The yearling, bred by Three Chimneys Farm and consigned by Four Star Sales, is out of stakes winner and Graded-placed Princesa Carolina (USA) (Tapit {USA}), a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Pure Clan (USA) (Pure Prize {USA}). Pope had already invested in this family, purchasing a Gun Runner filly out of Pure Clan for US$1.5 million (AU$2,300,200) at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale in August.

“He is an amazing horse,” said Pope's advisor Todd Quast. “He's got everything: looks, shoulder, hip, and movement. We know where he was raised and we do a lot with Three Chimneys, so we know he was raised right. We’re super happy to have him.”

Whisper Hill Farm also bought a filly by Into Mischief (USA) (Hip 55) for US$700,000 (AU$1,100,600) from the Eaton Sales consignment.

“We've sold a few and bought a few,” Quast added. “I think it's a strong market. If you have the right horse, you get rewarded, and if not, you go home without it. But it's very healthy right now.”

Whisper Hill made a major impact in 2023, selling five seven-figure yearlings during Book 1. On Monday, results were more modest, with a Tapit (USA) full sister to Charge It (USA) RNA'ing at US$1.45 million (AU$2,300,700). However, the farm still had big names coming up in Tuesday’s session, including a Songbird (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) filly (Hip 225) and a Tap Gun (USA) (Tapit {USA}) (Hip 255).

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

The US$2.2 million (AU$3,450,100) session-topping bid highlighted an impressive day for Gun Runner, who had five seven-figure yearlings pass through the ring.

“He’s never disappointed at any point,” said Three Chimneys' Chris Baker. “This crop is off his US$125,000 (AU$196,000) stud fee, and he's continuing to get it done even with the US$50,000 (AU$78,500) crops. Demand is high, and the individuals justify the price.”

Baker added that the US$2.2 million price-tag was not a surprise. “It wasn’t shocking. We knew he had the potential to break out, and that’s what he did.”

The first yearling to exceed the seven-figure mark during Keeneland's opening session was also by Gun Runner, a chestnut filly out of Dream Dancing (USA) (Tapit {USA}) (Hip 24). This filly was secured by Douglas Scharbauer for $1.5 million (AU$2.4 million). Scharbauer, who hails from Midland, Texas, is known for campaigning 1988 Horse of the Year and 1987 G1 Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba (USA).

Ken Carson, longtime advisor to the Scharbauer family, described the filly as “one of the prettiest around” and noted that the Asmussen team will handle her training. Carson reminisced about past purchases with the Scharbauer family, highlighting their connection to Alysheba and Valor Farm, founded by Scharbauer's late father, Clarence.

Scharbauer expressed his satisfaction with the purchase, saying, “I am very impressed with this filly. Her breeding and overall quality are exceptional, and I’m excited about her potential.” He joked about keeping her in Kentucky rather than bringing her to Texas.

Bred by John Oxley in Kentucky, the filly's great-granddam is the Champion Beautiful Pleasure (USA) (Maudlin {USA}), a six-time Grade 1 winner. Her 2-year-old half-sister, Dreamaway (USA) (Flameaway {USA}), has won both her starts, including the Colleen S. at Monmouth Park in July.

Brian Graves of Gainesway, who consigned the filly on behalf of Oxley, expressed pleasure at the final price, stating, “We always believed she was top calibre. It’s gratifying to see the market recognise her quality."

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Charlatan proves a hit

Midway through Keeneland’s opening session, a colt by first-season sire Charlatan (USA) fetched $1.4 million (AU$2.2 million). The colt, a son of 'TDN Rising Star' and Group 1 winner Guarana (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}), was acquired by Coolmore partners and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. MV Magnier signed the ticket for the colt, who was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa and co-bred with Matt Dorman.

Magnier praised the colt, noting, “His mother was a very nice race filly and Charlatan was a very good racehorse himself. John Sikura and the team at Hill 'n' Dale have an excellent breeding record.” Guarana, trained by Chad Brown, earned over US$1 million on the track, including wins in the G1 Acorn S. and G1 Madison S. She is a granddaughter of G1 Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Pleasant Home (USA) (Seeking Gold {USA}).

Magnier added, “Let’s hope he's as good as his mother. Chad liked him, and everyone did. We’ll bring him back to Ashford and plan from there.”

Guarana’s family has a strong sales history, starting with her dam, Magical World (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), who sold for US$5.2 million (AU$7.8 million) in foal to Into Mischief in 2021. Her half-brother brought US$1.1 million (AU1.65 million) at Keeneland in 2023. Guarana, who was carrying an Into Mischief foal, sold for US$4.4 million (AU$6.6 million) in 2021.

John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale described Hip 70 as “a magnificent horse, powerful, well-balanced, and a great mover.” The colt was the third-highest priced of the session.

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Coolmore and White Birch also purchased two additional yearlings: Hip 74, a Gun Runner half-brother to Collected (USA) for $700,000 (AU$1.1 million), and Hip 86, another Gun Runner colt out of In The Moonlight (USA) (Tapit {USA}) for $800,000 (AU$1.3 million). The total expenditure for Day 1 reached US$2.9 million (AU$4.6 million), with an average of $966,667 (AU$1.5 million).

Magnier commented on the Gun Runner purchases, “Gun Runner is absolutely flying at the moment. We're looking for top-quality racehorses.” He also noted, “The market is competitive for top-quality stock, and there are plenty of nice horses available.”

Brother to Champion Rachel attracts the cash

On Monday’s opening session at Keeneland, Hip 112, a colt by Medaglia D’Oro (USA), attracted significant attention. Out of Lotta Kim (USA) (Roar {USA}), the February 23 foal, a full brother to Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (USA), was purchased for US$1.35 million (AU$2.1 million) by Epic Horses LLC. John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, who consigned the colt on behalf of breeder Dede McGehee, expressed satisfaction with the result.

McGehee, who acquired Lotta Kim privately from Rachel Alexandra's original breeder, Dolphus Morrison, noted the colt’s significance, “It’s extra special because Lotta Kim was owned by my favourite client of all time.” Rachel Alexandra earned US$3.5 million (AU$5.5 million) on the track and was a major success under Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick.

The colt's half-sister, Rachel's Valentina (USA) (Bernardini {USA}), is a Grade 1 winner, and a Quality Road (USA) filly out of Rachel's Valentina was sold to Japan for US$1.05 million (AU$1.6 million) on Monday.

McGehee’s previous seven-figure yearling, a colt by Bolt D’Oro (USA), fetched US$1.4 million (AU$2.2 million) at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. She expressed surprise at the high price for the colt, given Lotta Kim’s age, and noted, “This is a big deal!”

Heaven Trees Farm, McGehee’s operation, has around 20 broodmares and 15 yearlings. They will also have a yearling by Army Mule (USA) in Keeneland’s Book 4, which McGehee believes may be the last foal out of Lotta Kim.

Epic Horses LLC, led by advisor Shannon Potter, made its debut purchase at Keeneland with Hip 112. Potter highlighted the colt’s resemblance to Rachel Alexandra and his impressive physical attributes. “He has a very good temperament, and we loved his movement and conformation,” said Potter.

The colt will be trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and will first reside at Town & Country Farms. Potter noted that Epic Racing, the new venture behind the purchase, is backed by a couple from Las Vegas, marking their initial auction entry.

AMO Racing USA strikes for Pharoah full sister to Forbidden Kingdom

On Monday, an American Pharoah (USA) filly out of Grade 2 winner Just Louise (USA) (Five Star Day {USA}) (Hip 97) sold for US$1.35 million (AU$2.1 million) to AMO Racing USA LLC. Consigned by Paramount Sales, the February 25 foal is a full sister to Grade 1 winner Forbidden Kingdom (USA).

AMO Racing's Kia Joorabchian expressed enthusiasm, “She’ll take a break now, and then we’ll decide on an American trainer for her.”

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

The filly's dam, Just Louise, is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Sara Louise (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}), the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}). Springhouse Farm’s Gabriel “Spider” Duignan bred the filly, purchasing her dam for US$150,000 (AU$234,000) at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

Duignan expressed satisfaction, “I’m delighted with the price and where she’s going. She’s been very popular and is a very nice filly from a fantastic family.”

Paramount Sales' Pat Costello was also pleased with the result, “She’s well-bred, a full sister to a top racehorse, and had a lot of action. We’re happy with the outcome and the filly’s great mind.”

Broman looking for a Derby horse

Chester Broman, a veteran New York owner and breeder, secured a colt by Gun Runner for US$1.15 million (AU$1.8 million) from the Brookdale consignment on Monday. The colt, consigned as Hip 73, is out of Grade 1 winner Harmonize (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) and a half-brother to multiple Graded stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Integration (USA) (Quality Road {USA}). Broman made the purchase with advisor Becky Thomas.

Thomas noted, “He was a big, beautiful colt with a great walk and a strong family. Mr Broman wants a Derby horse, and this colt looked like the type.”

Broman, who did not set a budget for the purchase, was keen on the colt’s potential. Thomas remarked, “I wasn’t surprised by the final price, but I usually don’t bid that high. Mr. Broman decided the budget.”

The colt was bred by Larkin Armstrong, who bought Harmonize for US$80,000 (AU$123,000) at the 2014 Keeneland September Sale. Harmonize won the 2016 G1 Del Mar Oaks and her first foal, Integration, sold for US$700,000 (AU$1.1 million) at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Integration has since won the G3 Virginia Derby and G2 Hill Prince S. and was a runner-up in last month's G1 Arlington Million.

Nyquist colt brings US$1.15m on Keeneland's Day 1

Agent Donato Lanni secured a Nyquist (USA) colt (Hip 82) for US$1.15 million (AU$1.8 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland's sale. Consigned by Candy Meadows Sales, the February 10 colt was purchased on behalf of SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing and Madaket.

“He was beautiful from day one and never had a bad day,” said Matt Lyons of Candy Meadows. Lyons noted that the colt's dam, Impasse (USA) (Quality Road {USA}), was bought for $385,000 (AU$595,000) at Keeneland November 2019. The resulting Into Mischief filly sold for $300,000 (AU$463,000) in 2021, and an Uncle Mo (USA) filly fetched $450,000 (AU$695,000) the following year.

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Tom Ryan of SF Racing commented, “This colt had strong support from many good judges. It’s the same group of buyers, Stonestreet, Starlight, Madaket and SF Racing. We felt confident in him.”

The colt will be trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert in California. Ryan praised Nyquist as a top-flight stallion, adding, “He’s an athlete with pedigree and we believe he’ll excel over a mile and potentially further.”

Repole and Spendthrift partner on Gun Runner colt for US$1.1 million

Repole Stable and Spendthrift Farm teamed up to acquire a Gun Runner colt (Hip 121) for US$1.1 million (AU$1.7 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland's sale. The February 3 foal was consigned by Bridie Harrison, agent for Peter Blum Thoroughbreds.

“Gun Runner’s reputation is well-established, and this colt was highly regarded from the start,” said Jacob West, agent for Repole Stables. “It was a collaborative effort between Repole and Spendthrift. We anticipated it would be expensive, but Mike Repole and Eric and Tammy Gustavson set a realistic budget that we successfully met.”

Bred by Peter Blum, the colt is out of Graded stakes winner Magical Feeling (USA) (Empire Maker {USA}), who has already produced four black-type winners, including Graded stakes winner and Grade 1 stakes-placed Imagination (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}) and Graded stakes winner Occult (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}). Imagination was sold for US$1.05 million (AU$1.6 million) in 2022, and Occult brought US$625,000 (AU$950,000) in 2021.

Josh Blum, representing his father, said, “He’s been a standout since birth. We were pleased with the final price and are glad he sold well.”

Blum added with a smile, “Congratulations to my dad, it’s his operation.”

Snyders celebrate first million-dollar sale

Richard and Connie Snyder celebrated their first million-dollar sale when Resolute Bloodstock, on behalf of John Stewart, acquired a filly (Hip 53) by Maxfield (USA) for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland’s September Sale.

“It’s exciting, nervous, and stressful, but it was fun,” said Richard Snyder. “We knew she’d sell well; she’s a standout.”

The filly is a half-sister to the Snyders' first Grade 1 winner, Randomized (USA) (Nyquist {USA}), who won the G1 Alabama S. and G1 Ogden Phipps S. The yearling’s dam, French Passport (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}), was purchased for $200,000 (AU$295,000) in foal to American Pharoah (USA) at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale. French Passport was tragically lost in a paddock accident, making this Maxfield (USA) filly her last foal.

Snyder’s current broodmare band numbers 17. This yearling was their only entry in Book 1; they have additional yearlings in Books 2 through 6.

The sale of Hip 53 marked the first seven-figure result for Maxfield, whose yearlings have been performing well. His 16 first-crop weanlings averaged $148,312 (AU$219,800) last year, with a top price of $500,000 (AU$735,000). This year, 10 of his yearlings averaged $209,750 (AU$308,500), led by a $450,000 (AU$661,000) filly at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga.

Kerry Cauthen of Four Star Sales, who consigned the filly, praised Maxfield’s offspring, noting, “They have great minds, and I expect good things from him.”

Resolute Bloodstock also purchased a Tapit (USA) half-sister to G1 Toyota Blue Grass S. winner Zandon (USA) for US$900,000 (AU$1.3 million) on the same day.

“We like Maxfield, think he's coming on well,” Stewart said. “We actually bred him to some of our maiden mares this year. He nicks really good in our system. We think he's going to be a good stallion. This filly is just a beautiful filly, as you can see commanding that kind of price. When we rank it in our pedigree system and looking at the horse overall, she's an A+ and was on the top of our list.”

US$1 million Constitution colt to Juddmonte

Juddmonte Farms secured a colt by Constitution (USA) for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) from the Airdrie Stud consignment. Juddmonte's Garrett O'Rourke acknowledged, “We were on fumes at the end. The market is very strong; it’s more than I wanted to pay, but you have to go with it or go home empty handed.”

The colt’s dam, Indian Pride (USA) (Proud Citizen {USA), won three of four starts, including an 8l debut victory at Saratoga in 2019 and the Shine Again S. in 2020. The late Brereton Jones, who bred her, had a high opinion of her.

O'Rourke noted, “I was impressed with her from the start and followed her career closely. We hope this colt grows into something as fast as his mother.”

Juddmonte, known for its successful purchases, previously acquired Arrogate (USA) for US$560,000 (AU$822,000) in 2014 and Elite Power (USA) for US$900,000 (AU$1.3 million) in 2019.

O'Rourke added, “We’re looking for classic horses. We’ve been fortunate with past purchases here. We’ll keep shopping until we find another one.”

The colt’s family has been cultivated by Brereton Jones. His son Bret expressed, “A million dollars doesn’t happen often. We’re ecstatic and grateful.”

Indian Pride (USA) is a daughter of Ms. Cornstalk (USA) (Indian Charlie {USA}), who produced Canadian champions Biofuel (USA) (Stormin Fever {USA}) and Tu Endie Wei (USA) (Johar {USA}), as well as Indian Pride. Jones added, “Indian Pride might end up being one of the greatest mares my dad ever had.”

Indian Pride has a 2-year-old by American Pharoah, sold for US$600,000 (AU$882,000) at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, and a filly by Into Mischief this year. She was bred back to Gun Runner.