Favourable gains on Day 4 at Keeneland September yearling sale

A Tapit colt out of Regal Classic mare Don’tellmichelle headed the leader-board on Day 4 of the Keeneland September yearling sale on Wednesday.  The chestnut was purchased by Jon and Sarah Kelly from Gaineseway Farm.

The Kentucky bred colt is a brother to Hightap who won the G3 Iowa Oaks in 2009.  “He’s by Tapit, his conformation is excellent, he scoped perfectly and is vet approved,” Jon Kelly said.  “He will remain in Kentucky to be broken-in and then sent to either California or Florida.”

Sheikh Mohammed’s agent John Ferguson paid $625,000 for a Bernardini half-brother to this year’s G2 Woody Stephens Stakes winner Justin Phillips and $500,000 for a Bernardini filly out of Getaway Girl.

The Bernardini colt is also a half-brother to the stakes winners Successful Mission (Successful Appeal), Keyed Entry (Honour and Glory) and Alex’s Allure (Sky Classic).

Their dam Ava Knowsthecode (Cryptoclearance) has also foaled last-start Belmont maiden winner Algorithms (Tapit).  “The family is as solid as a rock.  The mare’s done it every time” Ferguson said.  “I am delighted to have him.”

The Bernardini filly from Getaway Girl is a half-sister to Northern Causeway (Giant’s Causeway) who captured last Sunday’s G3 British Columbia Derby.  Their dam is a half-sister to 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper (Awesome Again).

A total of 215 yearlings traded for $32.81 million on Wednesday.  The average rose 25% to $152,649 while the $130,000 median shot up 53% to $130,000.

“All indicators were favourable,” Keeneland vice-president Walt Robertson said.  “We’re seeing all the things you want to see at this point, and are hopeful that the momentum continues.”

Book 2 of the 13-day sale continues on Thursday.  The sale runs through to September 24.