The first crop of Hill 'n' Dale Farm's Bayern was put to the market test as they went through the ring at the Keeneland November sale, and so far, they have been well-received by buyers. All six weanlings offered through the end of the first session of Book 3 were sold for an average of $154,167, a solid return on the stallion's fee, which has remained at $15,000 since he entered stud in 2016.
Three of the six weanlings by the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner were bred by SF Bloodstock in New York and were purchased Nov. 10 by Rocco Bloodstock. All three were consigned by Hill 'n' Dale. The top price was $220,000 for Hip 1167, a colt out of the Curlin mare Sweet Destiny. Sweet Destiny is a half sister to grade 1 winner and sire Graydar .
Hip 1165, a colt who is a half brother to grade 3 winner and grade 1-placed My Happy Face, out of Summer Star (Siberian Summer), brought $200,000.
Hip 912, a filly out of multiple stakes winner D'wild Ride, sold for $140,000.
SF Bloodstock's Tom Ryan said he's impressed with what he's seen from Bayern's first crop.
"We bred 18 mares to Bayern in his first year and he was 100% in the breeding shed for us," he said of the $4.4 million earner.
"We bred a wide variety of mares to Bayern and his foals have been very good—plenty of bone, good minds on them. We have been happy with his sales results so far. Good judges (of stock) have purchased them and we have more to come."
In addition to the foals being impressive physically, Ryan added that Bayern's pedigree and race record offer a lot to like.
"(Bayern) has a wonderful pedigree. His sire (Offlee Wild) is from the same female line as War Front and Dynaformer, and his female family hails from Courtly Dee," he said. "He was brilliantly fast and could carry his speed a distance of ground."
Two more Bayern weanlings sold during the Nov. 11 session, both out of Holy Bull mares. Hip 1373, a colt out of Holy Dazzle consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, sold for $180,000 to Springhouse Farm; and Hip 1476, a filly out of One More consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock, brought $90,000 from Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm.
