Maria's Mon Colt Tops First Session Of OBS Mixed Sale

A yearling colt by Maria's Mon, sire of 2001 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Monarchos, brought $160,000 on Monday to top the consignor preferred session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's winter mixed sale in Central Florida . Kenneth L. and Sarah K. Ramsey bought the dark bay or brown colt out of the winning Farma Way mare Cowgirl.. He was consigned by Nancy Bauman, agent for Bob Seeger.

The Ramseys also went to $90,000 a yearling colt by Montbrook out of Regal Silence, by Regal and Royal. First Edition, agent consigned the dark bay or brown colt, a half-brother to stakes winner Silent Note.

Lost Appeal, a 4-year-old broodmare prospect by Valid Appeal out of Lost Leaf, by Lost Code, wa purchased by Buzz Chace for $82,000. L.W. Randolph Thoroughbreds, agent, consigned the bay filly, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Lost Expectations.

In all, 244 horses were sold for a gross of $2,918,400 in this year's only consignor preferred session, compared with 295 horses grossing $3,726,200 in two consignor preferred session last year. The average price was $11,961, compared with $12,631 in 2001, while the median price was $6,500, compared with 2001's $8,000. The buy-back rate was 17.8%, a sharp drop from 34.5% a year ago. The Ramseys were the session's leading buyers, paying $250,000 for two horses, followed by Joel Steinger, who spent $120,000 for three.

The sale concludes on Tuesday with an open session.