Vekoma Filly Tops KEENOV Book 4 Opener

A filly from the first crop of MGISW Vekoma (Candy Ride {Arg}) (Hip 2205) shot to the top of the class late in Saturday's opening session of Book 4 of the Keeneland November Sale, bringing $215,000 from Frankie's Stable.

Consigned by Grovendale Sales, she was bred by William Humphries and Altair Farms. The chestnut is out of Truckstop Diamond (Flat Out), a half-sister to SW & GISP Meadow Dance (Jimmy Creed).

“She is a superstar physical,” said Grovendale's Chance Timm. “Those kind bring a premium and breakout.”

This is the first crop for GI Carter H. and GI Met Mile winner Vekoma, who stands at Spendthrift Farm.

“It is surprising how much leg and scope they have,” Timm said of the Vekoma weanlings. “This filly has a lot of leg underneath her and great length. She has a beautiful profile, more so than you would think for the sire line.”

The day's top mare was the 3-year-old Street Slayer (Street Sense) (Hip 2166), purchased by JCB Stables for $170,000. Selling as a broodmare prospect, the bay is a half to GSW Biddy Duke (Bayern).

A total of 246 horses changed hands during the sixth session of Keeneland November for a gross of $9,596,900. During the equivalent session last year, 271 head brought $10,507,100. The average was up a tick from $38,772 in 2021 to $39,012 and the median increased from $26,000 to $30,000. The RNA rate was also up from 18.37% to 23.84%

Through the first six days of selling 1,287 horses have summoned $192,033,900, a large increase from last year when 1,391 head brought $176,713,100. Average increased from $127,040 in 2021 to $149,210 and the median was also up from $75,000 to $77,000. The RNA rate was 20.42% for 2021, but is up to 25.09% this year so far.

“It has definitely slowed down a bit here in Book 4 compared to earlier in the week,” Timm said. “It just doesn't have as much traffic as you'd like to see, but same story. When you lead ones up like that, you can't hide them. Everybody's there for them.”

The Keeneland November Sale continues through Wednesday with sessions starting at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a single-session Horses of Racing Age Sale Thursday.