It shouldn't come as a big surprise that the early Alpha two-year-olds are turning heads and stopping clocks as he was very precocious as well at the beginning of his racing career. He broke his maiden at first asking, winning by six lengths at Saratoga, and then followed up with a second-place finish in the G1 Champagne. Alpha would go on to to win the G1 Travers, just like his sire Bernardini, and also the G1 Woodward.
But back to his two-year-olds. Three of his juveniles that passed through the ring at Ocala's April sale brought prices of $350,000, $150,000, and $120,000. Not bad for a horse that stands for $5,000.
His top priced lot was hip 986 that hailed from the Eddie Woods consignment and was purchased by Linda Rice acting as agent. Out of Stakes winner Silence Dogood, the colt put in a brisk 21.1 workout at the under tack show, the third fastest time recorded.
The fastest time of all the workouts was registered by Alpha's second-highest priced sales horse, hip 367, consigned by Jose Munos. This colt's dam, Forever Valentine, has produced Stakes winner Force and G3-placed Beau's Valentine. Shaikh Rashed Humaid Rashed Al Nuami went to $150,000 to take the colt home.
Another colt that caught the eyes of potential buyers was hip 67 consigned by Becky Thomas's Sequel Bloodstock. Out of the Stakes-placed mare Back In The Shade, David Meah, acting as agent, made the purchase on behalf of Team D, Circle B and John Holmes.
All in all, Alpha was the second-leading freshman sire at the OBS April Sale with an average of $165,000. Strong Mandate received top honors with Uncaptured, He's Had Enough, and Noble Mission rounding out the top five.
For more information on Alpha, please contact a member of our nominations team on (859) 255-8537.
