|
|
Ritchey buys Afleet Alex colt for $300,000 Tim Ritchey, who trained champion Afleet Alex, purchased a yearling son of his former charge for the top price of $300,000 at Monday's session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Further reinforcing the theme of reunions, the bay colt was bought on behalf of Chuck Zacney's CJZ Stable. Zacney was the managing partner of Cash Is King Stable, which campaigned Afleet Alex. Touring the ring as Hip No. 2209, the April 24-foaled colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. The Ontario-bred is out of the unraced Unbridled mare Catch the Moment, who hails from the family of Secreto (Northern Dancer), the 1984 Derby (Eng-G1) winner, as well as French champion Caracolero (Graustark), hero of the 1974 Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) (Fr-G1). Also appearing deeper in the family is Hall of Famer Majestic Prince (Raise a Native), the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner of 1969. A full brother to juvenile stakes winner Out of Gwedda, Hip 2302, went to Bruce Headley for $240,000. Offered by Threave Main Stud, agent, the Out of Place colt was produced by the stakes-placed Gwedda (Gone West). Out of Gwedda captured the 2006 Tremont S. and placed in a trio of stakes at three, most notably the Hutcheson S. (G2). The chestnut yearling has a February 19 birthday. A Rock Hard Ten colt from the Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consignment attracted a winning bid of $210,000 from I.B.S. Cataloged as Hip 2186, the March 22 dark bay is the first foal from multiple stakes winner Beau Watch (Beau Genius). The fourth-best seller, and the session's leading filly, was a daughter of Tapit who was knocked down for $185,000. Consigned by Baccari Bloodstock, agent, Hip 2223 was sold to George Weaver, agent. The gray is a half-sister to Canadian stakes victor Frankiefourfingers (Elusive Quality), who landed the Clarendon S. at two, as well as Canadian stakes-placed Baby Lou (Alydeed). The April 4 filly RNA'd for $32,000 as a Keeneland January yearling. On Monday, Keeneland sold 277 horses for gross sales of $11,091,800, down 41.2 percent from 2008 when 284 horses brought $18,864,700. The average of $40,043 decreased 39.7 percent from last year's $66,425, while the median of $27,000 was down 46 percent compared to $50,000 in 2008. At the midpoint of the 14-day sale, Keeneland has sold 1,473 horses for $162,033,800, a decrease of 42.4 percent from last year's $281,336,900 when 1,697 horses were sold. The average of $110,003 was down 33.6 percent from $165,785 in 2008, while the median of $65,000 declined 35 percent from last year's $100,000. The sale continues Tuesday and runs through September 28, with each session opening at 10 a.m. (EDT). For more information, as well as live video of the auction, log onto keeneland.com.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
