By Christie DeBernardis
A colt from the first crop of champion sprinter Mitole (Eskendereya) (Hip 3154) topped the penultimate session of the Keeneland November Sale Thursday, bringing $100,000 from Rexy Bloodstock during the second of three Book 5 sessions.
Hip 3154 was consigned by Hill 'n' Dales Sales Agency on behalf of Vinny Viola's St. Elias Stables, which purchased his dam Waltzing (Candy Ride {Arg}) with this colt in utero for $37,000 at this year's Fasig-Tipton February Sale. Waltzing is a half-sister to GSW Dancing Solo (Giant's Causeway) and hails from the family of MGISW Voodoo Dancer.
“We bought the mare primarily to breed to Army Mule,” said St. Elias's John Sparkman. “Usually when we buy a mare like that, we will go ahead and sell the foal if she is in foal. We thought this was a particularly nice one actually. He had a really nice back end on him and that's what buyers like. They like muscle.”
He added, “We knew this colt would sell reasonably, but we didn't expect him to be quite that high. We are very happy with it.”
Twenty-nine weanlings from Mitole's initial crop have sold thus far at Keeneland for a gross of $2.452 million and an average of $84,552.
Thursday's most expensive mare was Post Ranch (Malibu Moon) (Hip 3436), who summoned $90,000 from Gabriel Duignan's Springhouse Farm. Consigned by Eaton Sales, the 4-year-old is carrying a foal from the first crop of GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Spun to Run (Hard Spun). Out of MGISP Resort (Pleasant Colony), Post Ranch is a half-sister to GSW & GISP Sightseeing (Pulpit) and GISP Sea Island (Pulpit).
A total of 289 horses changed hands Thursday for a gross of $3,931,400. The average was $13,603 and the median was $9,000 with an RNA rate of 10.53%. During the equivalent session last year, 216 Thoroughbred brought $5,697,700 with an average of $26,378 and median of $10,000. The 2020 RNA rate was pretty similar to last year at 10.37%. It is important to note when comparing statistics that during the ninth session last term, horses of racing age were sold and this year, they are being held for the final session.
Through the first nine days of the 10-day auction, 2,239 head have grossed $194,46,100. The average was $86,853 and the median was $40,000 with an RNA rate of 17.90%. At this point last year, 1,985 horses summoned $149,709,700 with an average of $75,459 and median of $28,500. The RNA rate for last term was 19.87%.
The 10th and final session of the Keeneland November Sale, which includes horses of racing age, will be held Friday at 10 a.m.
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