A sleek Birdstone colt commanded a $310,000 bid and an Indian Charlie filly brought $325,000 as the Keeneland sale of 2-year-olds in training got under way in Lexington April 5. Cataloged as Hip No. 3, the dark bay or brown juvenile was purchased by Prime Equestrian of France. One of the members of the group declined to talk to reporters, saying: “Later, later. Let us have some fun.”
Ciaran and Amy Dunne’s Wavertree Stables consigned the colt, which worked an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5 prior to the auction. Produced from the El Corredor mare Elle Nicole, he is a half-brother to the winner Make a Grand (by Grand Reward). Elle Nicole, who finished third once in three races, is a half-sister to two added-money winners: American Century and Energized. She also is a half-sister to Utah Gold, the dam of stakes winner Bright N Golden.
Twin Peeks Racing bought the colt for $150,000 from Clabes Bloodstock, agent, at the 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Thoroughbred Futures purchased the Indian Charlie filly, which was cataloged as Hip No. 13. Produced from the stakes-placed Mining mare Fast an Sexy, the dark bay or brown juvenile is a half-sister to added-money winner Swede (by Yankee Victor).
“It’s the same old story; the really good ones bring really good money,” said Thoroughbred Futures’ Andrew Cary. “We were hoping to get her for a little less than that, but it looks like there is a new bidder here from Europe that is very strong that I think bought the Birdstone colt. We had to fight him off. We love the sire; Indian Charlie has had a lot good fillies and (trainer) Todd Pletcher is going to get this one. We’re thrilled to have her. She’s a April foal, and I think she’s got of developing still to do. We hope to race her through the summer and fall.”
McKathan Bros. agent consigned the filly, which was purchased by Ahmed Zayat’s Zayat Stables for $175,000 from Paramount Stables, agent, last September at Keeneland. She worked an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5.