Fasig-Tipton October Opens Monday

LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton October Fall Yearlings Sale will attempt to build on its record-setting 2017 renewal when it opens for a four-day run at the company's Newtown Paddocks Monday in Lexington. A total of 1,464 yearlings have been catalogued for the auction, with bidding scheduled to begin daily at 10 a.m. through Thursday.

A broad cross-section of shoppers were out at the sales barn on a chilly, but sun-dappled day in Lexington Sunday.

“We've had good steady traffic here at the barns the last two days,” said Gainesway's Michael Hernon. “It's been a good mix of bloodstock agents, trainers and a blend of pinhookers looking for that sharp early horse to breeze at the 2-year-old sales.”

The October sale draws the curtain on the yearling sales season, which opened three months ago in Lexington with a strong renewal of the Fasig-Tipton July Sale and continued on with records falling at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sales and Keeneland September sale.

“The yearling season was good,” said Paramount Sales' Pat Castello. “Saratoga was very good and September was exceptional. I think it's all flowed along and there are a lot of people here who haven't filled their orders. So I think it will carry on this week.”

A total of 981 yearlings sold at last year's October sale for a sales-record gross of $35,812,900. The average of $36,507 was also a highwater mark for the sale.

“The October Sale has evolved into a major sale now,” Costello said. “Some of our clients are holding their horses specifically for this sale, so it's become a very important part of the calendar.”

Hernon agreed the October sale, which will be held over four days for the second straight year, has become more of a targeted destination for sellers.

“I think the October sale has become more significant and it's attracting a better level of pedigree,” he said. “We've had a few clients, including ourselves, more willing to place a horse directly into this sale, horses who might be later foals who might need a bit more time for development.”

A colt by Medaglia d'Oro topped the 2017 sale when bringing a final bid of $700,000 from trainer Mark Casse. The sale topper was one of 35 yearlings to sell for $200,000 or over in 2017, up from 17 in 2016.

“I think October is always one of the fairest places to sell,” said Chris Baccari, who consigned last year's sale topper. “Whether you are buying or selling, there is value. And if you have a nice horse, I think you can get rewarded.”

Recent October graduates who have won graded stakes this year include GIII Ohio Derby winner Core Beliefs (Quality Road), who sold for $45,000 in 2016 before reselling for $350,000 at last year's Barretts March sale; G3 UAE Oaks winner Rayya (Tiz Wonderful); GIII Bourbonette Oaks winner Go Noni Go (Get Stormy); GIII Hurricane Bertie S. winner Jordan's Henny (Henny Hughes); GIII Selene S. winner Miss Mo Mentum (Uncle Mo); GIII Marine S. winner O'Kratos (Paddy o'Prado); and GIII Kent S. winner Golden Brown (Offlee Wild).

“I think the October sale is getting stronger all the time,” Baccari said. “There are great horses coming out of it, so that's what makes it good.”

Of his expectations for the market this week in Lexington, Hernon said, “I think the demand will be polarized, with quality being in vogue and in demand, but I think there will be good prices here for the upper end of the market. And there will be some value found. With the some 1500 catalogued here, I guarantee there will be a good spread of graded stakes winners coming out of this book.”