A colt by Double Honor brought $180,000 from agent Buzz Chace to top the opening session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s spring sale of 2-year-olds in training April 24.
The chestnut colt was consigned by M & H Training and Sales, agent, and clocked the sale's co-fastest time of :10 flat for an eighth of a mile. He is out of the unraced Claramount mare Clarabella, who is a full sister to stakes winner Diplomatic Corps.
The top selling filly of the day was a daughter of Is It True, who was bought by Joe Pesci, Heather Locklear, and Wesley Ward for $170,000. Out of the unraced Danzig mare Cielo's Dance, the filly turned in an eighth in :10 2/5 at the under tack show and was consigned by Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds, agent. Cielo's Dance is the dam of two foals to race and both are winners. She is also a half-sister to stakes winner Junior Deputy, by Mr. Purple.
Both the gross and average for the opening session of the four day sale fell from 2006 even though more horses were sold. This year, 203 horses sold for a total of $5,952,000 compared with 187 horses grossing $6,282,000 at the opening session in 2006. The average price was $29,320, down from last year's average of $33,594, while the median price of $19,000 was identical to last year. The buyback percentage was 28.5%, up slightly from 27.5% a year ago. This year, 36 horses sold for $50,000 or more compared with 35 in 2006.
The sale continues April 25 at 10:30 a.m. EDT.
