Darley shuttler Hard Spun was popular among buyers at the Ocala Breeders Winter Sale in Florida this week.

Hard Spun filly Lady Clara topped the two-day sale when she commanded $240,000 to the bid of Amy Tarrant’s Hardacre Farm.

Lady Clara (3f Hard Spun – Victorica by Exbourne) was a juvenile winner in four starts last year and was also Listed placed in the Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct on January 7.  She is a half-sister to Irish stakes winner King Hesperus (Kingmambo).

Hard as Steel was next on the leader-board when EQB agent Patrice Miller parted with $85,000.  He is a half brother to Canadian G3 winner Sky Alliance (Sky Classic) and the Listed winners Classic Alliance (Sky Classic) and Prime Ruler (Orientate).

Hard Spun (Danzig) was a close second in the North American first season premiership in 2011.  He sired 27 individual winners last year and added another four in the first fortnight of 2012.

A colt by Vinery shuttler Congrats topped the new-season yearling section when attracting a bid of $90,000 from Bortolazzo Stables.  His dam Summer School (Royal Academy) is a half-sister to G2 winner Mud Route (Strawberry Road) and he hails from the extended family of Australian sire Success Express (Hold Your Peace).

The most expensive yearling filly was a Hard Spun youngster at $87,000.  Her dam Alarming Prospect (Darn That Alarm) has also foaled G2 Golden Rod Stakes winner French Park (Ecton Park).

The Ocala Winter Sale saw 245 horses sell for $2.58 million.  The average increased 37% to $10,544.