Consigned by Lane’s End Farm as agent, the top-priced Bernardini colt of the first session of the Keeneland September yearling sale is out of the Listed-winning, G1-performed Alydar mare Private Status. A three-quarter brother to the G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Status, the dam of G1 Florida Derby and Belmont Stakes runner-up Dunkirk, the colt was knocked down to Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Estate Co. for US$800,000.
Another Bernardini (pictured) yearling to sell extremely well, also consigned by Lane’s End Farm as agent, was the bay colt out of the G1-winning Seeking The Gold mare, Victory Ride. The winner of the G1 Test Stakes during her three-year-old season, the same race taken out by Medaglia d’Oro filly Champagne d’Oro, Victory Ride has had two foals to race for two winners, including the G2-performing Storm Cat filly Magical Ride. The colt was knocked to John Ferguson for US$450,000.
With three yearlings sold by Bernardini, the runaway winner of the G1 Preakness, G1 Travers and G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, the son of A P Indy is currently averaging US$463,000, well over the sale average price of US$347,319
With his first-crop juveniles showing potential on the track, including G3 winner Theyskens’ Theory, G1 colt Stay Thirsty and G3 filly A Z Warrior, it is no surprise that his yearlings are eagerly sought after.
Covering his third southern hemisphere book of mares from Darley’s Kelvinside property at a fee of $38,500 this season, Bernardini will be represented by his first-crop of yearlings at the 2011 yearling sales. Highlights from this crop include colts out of G1 winners Danni Martine, Kenbelle, Mon Mekki and Polar Success, as well as a filly from G1 VRC Oaks winner Bulla Borghese.
