Multiple Eclipse Award-winning breeder and owner Frank Stronach struck again in a big way just before noon, purchasing the grade I winner Cat Moves, who is in foal to Malibu Moon , for $2.4 million during the first session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
Earlier during the Nov. 7 sale session in Lexington, he had bought a Henrythenavigator weanling half sister to 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta for $1.5 million.
At the time she was sold, Cat Moves was tied with grade I winner, Buster's Ready, as the most expensive mare sold so far during the auction. Buster's Ready was consigned as a racing or broodmare prospect. Both Cat Moves and Buster's Ready were offered by Lane's End, agent for the complete dispersal of the horses owned by the estate of Edward P. Evans' Spring Hill Farm.
Cat Moves, who is a half sister to stakes winner Dance Hall Days (by Seeking Daylight), is a 5-year-old daughter of Tale of the Cat and the unraced Capote mare Dance Move. Cat Moves won the 2009 Prioress Stakes (gr. I).
"The price was OK," Stronach said. "She has a nice pedigree and she was a nice race mare. Physically, we liked her a lot. She has great conformation and she could run. She was a grade I winner. We'll foal her and see what happens afterward."
