VanMeter Possible Partner in Santa Catarina, Take Charge Lady

Eaton Sales' Reiley McDonald has not revealed the members of the partnership that will own Santa Catarina and Take Charge Lady, purchased for $4.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively, at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. However, McDonald's Eaton partner, Tom VanMeter, said Tuesday that he has the option of taking an ownership interest in the mares.

According to VanMeter, his decision to get involved will be based on how the horses he owns sell at Keeneland. They include multiple grade II winner Be Gentle, who brought $2.1 million Tuesday.

"We'll be sitting down soon to talk about it," VanMeter said.

McDonald is a key adviser to Brushwood Stable's Betty Moran and has bought a number of expensive mares for her in the past at Keeneland. But Moran told The Blood-Horse Tuesday that she is not involved in the Santa Catarina/Take Charge Lady partnership. John Magnier of Coolmore Stud also told The Blood-Horse that he is not involved.