A Street Cry colt out of Canadian champion Serenading (A.P. Indy) topped Monday night’s opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearlings sale.

Sheikh Mohammed, who was on the grounds at Saratoga, paid $1.20 million for the colt offered by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency as Lot 80.  Given the slow going until the latter part of the session, it was not surprising that numbers were down across the board.

Fasig-Tipton reported turnover of $13.59 million at an average of $261,346 which was down 21%.  The median plunged 30% to $200,000.

A Empire Maker colt from G1 Spinster Stakes winner Sluice (Seeking the Gold) was next best at $1.10 million.  Consigned by Denali Stud, he was purchased by Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton

Sheikh Mohammed also purchased a Distorted Humor – Indy’s Windy colt for $500,000.  His dam is an A P Indy half-sister to Champion filly Banshee Breeze (Unbridled).

A Tapit filly also commanded $500,000 from Live Oak Plantation.  The grey youngster is out of the winning Saint Ballado mare Saintlike who is a half-sister to French stakes winner Pompeyano (Rainbow Quest).

Agent Niall Brennan paid $490,000 for a Medaglia d’Oro half-brother to G3 winners Heart Ashley (Lion Heart) and Ashley’s Kitty (Tale of the Cat).  This female line is also responsible for Australian sires Success Express (Hold Your Peace), Greenwood Lake (Meadowlake) and Air Express (Salse).

A total of 26 failed to sell including notable pass-ins by Bernardini ($525,000) and Medaglia d’Oro ($475,000).  The latter is a three-quarter brother to Rachel Alexandra.

Saratoga’s second and final session concludes on Tuesday evening.  Catalogue updates, results and live video can be viewed at:  www.fasigtipton.com