Bidding on behalf of Japan-based Katsumi Yoshida, Naohiro Hosoda went to $400,000 for Art Princess, a half sister to grade I winner Zazu (by Tapit ), during the second session of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale.
Art Princess, a group II-placed daughter of Officer—Rhumb Line, by Mr. Greeley, is in foal to Tapit. She was consigned by Gainesway, agent, as Hip No. 623.
“She is carrying a baby by a hot sire,” said Hosoda, noting that Yoshida had always particularly admired Tapit because of his stellar pedigree and grade I-winning record.
Zazu, one of Tapit's latest success stories, won the 2011 Lady's Secret and Las Virgenes Stakes (both gr. I), plus the Hollywood Oaks (gr. II). Campaigned by Jerry and Ann Moss, she has earned $682,985.
Art Princess was bred in Kentucky by Michael Narlinger and Michael Hernon, director of sales at Gainesway.
“I think it’s a fair price…it’s a quality mare, good pedigree, and she was well covered,” said Hernon. “She was very appealing, and she sold well.”
Art Princess, who finished ran second in the 2008 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cherry Hinton Stakes (Eng-II), is also from the family of grade II victor Herecomesthebride.
Yesterday, Hosoda went to $1.4 mllion for Topliner, a grade I producer and a half sister to two grade I winners. The Thunder Gulch mare, who is in foal to Medaglia d'Oro , commanded the highest price during the first session of the sale.
Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, consigned Topliner, who will be sent along with Art Princess to Yoshida’s Northern Farm in Japan.
