Young sire Red Bullet was responsible for the two highest-priced offerings at
Thursday’s third session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s Open Sale of
Yearlings at the OBS Sales Complex in Ocala, Florida.
Topping the session was Hip No. 946, a bay filly purchased for $60,000 by
Barry Berkelhammer as agent for Stirling Stables. Consigned by Nancy Bauman,
agent, the March 22 Kentucky-bred is the first registered foal from the
stakes-winning Storm Flag (Mountain Cat), who also finished second in the 2003
Azalea Breeders’ Cup S. (G3). This is the family of five-time stakes winner
Distinct Reality (Distinctive Pro), successful in the 1993 Tremont Breeders’ Cup
S. (G3); four-time stakes victor and multiple Grade 3-placed Detox (Dr. Blum);
and multiple stakes winner and Grade 2-placed Identity (Personal Flag).
The next most expensive was a bay colt, cataloged as Hip 1210, who went to
Del Sol Farm for $50,000. The Florida-bred was consigned by Summerfield (Francis
and Barbara Vanlangendonck), agent, and was produced by stakes winner Belle’s
Appeal (Valid Appeal). Foaled on February 28, the youngster hails from the same
female line as current three-time stakes heroine Creative Miss (Creative) as
well as stakes winner and stakes producer Took for Granite (Far North). The
first time he passed through the auction ring as a weanling last November at
Keeneland, the colt failed to reach his reserve when bringing a bid of $27,000.
For the session, 200 yearlings were sold for a total of $1,837,700, a rise of
15.8 percent from last year’s corresponding session, when 190 changed hands for
$1,587,200. The average climbed 10 percent, from $8,354 to $9,189. The median
price of $5,000 was the same as a year ago. The buyback rate was 28.3 percent
this year compared to 29.9 percent in 2005.
For complete results as well as a live broadcast of the sale, visit
www.obssales.com.
The sale concludes Friday, with the final session getting under way at 11:00
a.m. (EDT).