Unbridled’s Song Mare Leads Fourth Session Of Keeneland Sale

During the second of two sessions that comprise Book 2 of the sale, Keeneland sold 245 horses for $25,351,500, down 3.7 percent from the gross of $26,333,700 from the corresponding session in 2013. The average of $103,476 was nearly even from last year, while the $85,000 matched the median in 2013.

Keeneland cumulatively has sold 789 horses for $150,904,500, marking a seven percent increase from gross sales of $141,034,200 for 751 horses sold last year. The average of $191,260 was two percent higher than $187,795, while the median of $105,000 was 4.5 percent below the $110,000 in 2013.

“The market continues to have great strength,” said Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell. “The foal market seemed to be very strong today, very tough. The mares that had deep pedigrees sold very, very well. Overall, everybody seems to be very happy. Some people seem to be frustrated (in trying to buy horses), so let’s hope that carries into Book 3.”

“This is my 25^th year here, and it’s very strong this year,” said Yukio Shimokobe, who bought the session-topper.

Warrendale Sales, agent for Live Oak Stud, consigned Sheikh’s Serenade, an 8-year-old mare in foal to Hat Trick (JPN). She is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Sahara Gold, dam of Grade 1 winner Better Lucky and Grade 3 winner Sahara Heat. Her family also includes Grade 2 winner Casino Host.

“That was great,” said Hunter Simms of Warrendale. “That far exceeded our expectations. We thought she’d be more in the $200,000 to $300,000 range, so to bring $550,000 for a mare like that is great. She’s a lovely mare. It helps to have the update with Better Lucky running second in the (Grade 1 DraftKings Breeders’ Cup) Filly and Mare Sprint (on Saturday).”

Harriet, a daughter of Hard Spun carrying her first foal by Uncle Mo, sold to Dean and Patti Reeves’ Reeves Thoroughbred Racing for $350,000. James B. Keogh (Grovendale), agent, consigned the 5-year-old mare out of Call Me Fleet, by Afleet, who is a half-sister to Irish highweight Warrior Queen, dam of Grade 2 winner A. P. Warrior.

“She’s a standout today,” said Eoin Ryan, who bought the mare for the Reeveses, owners of 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Mucho Macho Man. “Beautiful physical. She’s in foal to Uncle Mo, who has been very well received. She’s got a great family. If we get a runner out of her, (he’ll have) a stallion’s pedigree. Dean and Patti are very interested in supporting Mucho Macho Man with good, high-quality mares, and she fits the program.”

Treasured, a winning 4-year-old Arch filly offered as a broodmare prospect, sold for $340,000 to Leverett and Linda Miller. Vinery Sales, agent, consigned Treasured, a full sister to English stakes winner Desert Phantom.

The first horse through the ring Friday was the Tapit mare Tap the Magic, carrying her first foal by Medaglia d’Oro, who sold for $300,000. Fred W. Hertrich III purchased the 4-year-old full sister to Grade 2 winner Ring Weekend consigned by Gainesway, agent.

WinStar Farm LLC paid $300,000 for Grand Mere, a 4-year-old stakes-placed daughter of Bob and John carrying her first foal by Bodemeister. Indian Creek, agent, consigned Grand Mere, a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Raylene and stakes winner Princess Janie.

At $290,000, the day’s top-priced weanling was the colt by Pioneerof the Nile purchased by WinStar Farm’s Maverick Racing. Shawhan Place LLC, agent for Glendalough LLC, consigned the colt out of the winning Cherokee Run mare Indian Love Call. He is from the family of Grade 1 winners Gold Fever and Boisterous.

Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency was the session’s leading consignor, selling 17 horses for $2,693,000.

The leading buyer was Springhouse Farm, which purchased five horses for $725,000.

The 11-day November Sale continues through Friday, Nov. 14. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. The entire sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.