Another solid session for Darley sires at Keeneland September

Day two of the marathon Keeneland September Sale started off on a great note with the first lot through the ring, a colt by Medaglia d'Oro, bringing $350,000.  Out of a half-sister to G1 winner Honey Ryder, the dark bay or brown yearling was consigned by Paramount Sales acting as agent, with trainer James Cassidy signing the ticket for D. P. Racing.

Bernardini, who led all sires on day one by top price and average, again realized a six-figure yearling early in the second session when hip 203 was purchased for $350,000 by trainer Todd Pletcher acting as agent for Let’s Go Stable. The colt is out of a half-brother to Bernardini’s G1 winner Stay Thirsty, G3 winner/G1-placed Andromeda’s Hero and Listed winner/G1-placed Superfly. Sweezey and Partners, agent, was the consignor. Midway through day two, another Bernardini garnered much attention with hip 276 bringing $500,000 from the consignment of Hunter Valley Farm, agent. I. B. S. was the successful bidder. The bids kept on coming late in the sale as well for progeny of the Eclipse Champion with hip 337 going to Northwest Stud. Out of the multiple Stakes producer Temporada, the colt was consigned by Betz Thoroughbreds, Inc., agent.

Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense also was well represented as four of his yearlings surpassed the $200,000 mark. Trainer Todd Pletcher liked what he saw in hip 285, a filly out of Stakes winner and G2-placed Stephanie Got Even. The final price was $325,000 for the dark bay or brown yearling from the consignment of Mineola Farm, agent.  Hips 252 and 260, from the consignments of Dromoland Farm, Inc., agent, and Betz Thoroughbreds, Inc., agent, brought $260,000 and $200,000, respectively. They were purchased by Christina Jelm, agent, and Grand Prix Co., Ltd. Hip number 362, the last of four yearlings by Street Sense to sell, brought $250,000. A half-brother to two Stakes winners/G3-placed horses, Gainesway Farm, agent, was the consignor with Frank Brothers signing the sales ticket for Starlight Racing.

Elusive Quality also was in the mix, reminding everyone that even at age 21, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Hip 278, a colt out of the Stakes winner/G1-placed/Stakes producer Spring Awakening, brought a solid $250,000 and was taken home by J. Armando Rodriguez Racing Stable, Inc. He hailed from the consignment of Brookdale Farm, agent.

The sale continues tomorrow, September 10th, at 12:00 noon.