Average Rises More Than 50% in Midlantic Sale's Opening Session

The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale got off to a fast start on Sunday in Maryland, with big increases in gross revenue, average price, and median price from last year's first session. The 165 horses sold grossed $1,092,300, up 32.7%. The average of $6,620 and the median of $3,500, were up 51.2% and 32.1%, respectively. The buy-back rate of 31.3% was down from last year's figure of 37.1%.

Three horses -- two pregnant mares and a broodmare prospect--each brought $52,000 to top the session. They were Hooked (in foal to Broken Vow), Picasso's Girl (in foal to Malibu Moon), and Jazz Lady.

Robert Harris purchased Hooked from Marshall Silverman, agent. A winning 11-year-old daughter of Known Fact, Hooked is a half-sister to grade II winner Lemhi Go (by Lemhi Gold). Their dam, Midnight Rapture, finished second in the Adirondack Stakes (gr. III) and third in the Spinaway Stakes (gr. I).

Tony Everard bought Picasso's Girl from Bill Reightler, agent. A 3-year-old unraced daughter of Broad Brush, Picasso's Girl is out of the grade III winner True Affair (by Believe It).

Josham Farms Limited, agent, purchased Jazz Lady from Walnut Green, agent. A 3-year-old daughter of Indian Charlie, Jazz Lady captured the TTA Sales Futurity. She is a half-sister to stakes winner Bruanna (by Housebuster). Their dam, Jazzy One (by Horatius) was an added-money winner.

The sale's second and final session is scheduled for today.