A Twirling Candy colt was bought by a partnership of Al Shaqab Racing, WinStar, and China Horse Club for $850,000 to become the new sale-topper at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s sale of 2-year-olds in training March 15.
Bradley Weisbord, racing manager for Al Shaqab Racing, said the deal to share ownership of the colt came together in the back walking ring before the colt was offered.
"Al Shaqab will be the main partner," Weisbord said. "He was the best horse for our team today. He is the one we wanted to walk away with. Did I think he would bring $850,000? No, but I did think he would be the top-priced horse today... with partners it's a little easier to swallow.
"At that price, he is either going to be a stallion...he has got a two-turn pedigree, a breeze that was special. Hopefully, he is a Saturday afternoon horse from next January to May."
The colt, Hip 222, was consigned by Eisaman Equine, which had purchased him for $70,000 at last year's September yearling sale from Romans Racing and Sales.
He is a half brother to stakes winner Highway Boss. His dam, the unraced Henny Hughes mare Sage Mist, is a half sister to the dam of multiple stakes winner Belle of the Hall. The colt was bred in Kentucky by Ernest C. Frohboese.