Gulch Colt Sets Fasig-Tipton Workout Record At Calder

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A Gulch colt established what was believed to be a record for the Fasig-Tipton Florida juvenile sale when he zipped a quarter-mile in :21 1/5 seconds Sunday at Calder Race Course. The workout was the highlight of the second and final under tack show for the 2001 edition of the Florida auction, which will be conducted Tuesday.

"If there has been a faster time at that distance, I don't remember it," said Fasig-Tipton president Walt Robertson.

The smooth-moving chestnut colt was produced from the unraced Storm Bird mare Listen Now, who is a half-sister to grade I winner Listening (by Night Shift). Bred in Kentucky by Kim Nardelli, he was bought back for $140,000 at last year's Saratoga yearling auction. He is consigned to the Fasig-Tipton Florida sale by Becky Thomas' Sequel Bloodstock, agent.

Five juveniles turned in the fastest clocking of :10 1/5 at an eighth of a mile. They were a Maria's Mon -- Dance Rehearsal filly, a Hennessy -- Darby Shuffle filly, a Cherokee Run -- Dearest Dee colt, a Devil's Bag -- Star of the River colt, and a Belong to Me -- Time to Blossom filly.

The under tack show attracted a large crowd of international buyers. They included Irish veterinarian Demi O'Byrne, Prince Ahmed Salman of Saudi Arabia, Lexington bloodstock agents Dan Kenny and John Moynihan, and New Jersey bloodstock agent Buzz Chace. Fasig-Tipton's director of marketing, Terence Collier, reported that there were more Japanese horsemen in attendance than ever before. In all, he said, there were eight to 10 different groups. Among them were contingents led by Drs. Yuki and Koichiro Hayata, the Yoshida family, and Hirokazu Sumida of Pegasus Bloodstock.

"We're looking for a great sale," Robertson said. "I know everything is not going great everywhere, but we have a good horses and a good group of buyers. All the right people are here."

In general, the times for the second under tack show were faster than the clockings recorded during the first, which was held on Feb. 18. The stiff head wind of the previous week was replaced by a gentler breeze, and horsemen said the Calder surface had more bounce.

One of the sale's most talked about horses, a son of Seattle Slew, did
not make an appearance after working an eighth of a mile in 10 3/5 during the first under tack show. Produced from grade I winner Chic Shirine (by Mr. Prospector), he is a half-brother to grade II winner Tara Roma (by Lyphard) and stakes winner Waldoboro (by Lyphard). The colt is consigned by M.W. Miller III, who purchased him for $400,000 at the 2000 Keeneland September yearling sale. Horsemen say the son of Seattle Slew is beautifully balanced and describe him as a potential sale topper.

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