by Pete Denk

A Repent colt that worked one furlong in a Timonium record :09.80 is among the horses to be offered at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic two-year-olds in training sale, which runs Monday and Tuesday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

Fasig-Tipton officials believe the 650 horses cataloged for this year’s sale are among the strongest groups assembled for the Midlantic auction, known for bringing together buyers and horses at all levels.

That trait would be particularly useful in a year that has seen some markets struggle to find buyers for middle and low-end horses.

“It’s hard to see us bucking any of the trends, but if there will be a discernible difference from year’s past, the quality level at the top of this market has steadily climbed over the last few years, and we hope to sustain or keep going in that direction,” said Terence Collier, Fasig-Tipton’s director of marketing. “All of the regional sales have found it difficult to maintain the middle and lower market in 2008.

“We’re hoping this sale will be as strong as in past years in that regard, but we won’t be surprised if we follow the trends of the other sales.”

The Repent colt out of Crowning Touch is a full brother to Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) winner Crown of Thorns. Second dam Majesty’s Crown also produced champion sprinter Smoke Glacken and Grade 2 winner Smokey Glacken. Kings Equine, agent, consigns the colt who will be offered on Tuesday.

The barns were reasonably busy on Sunday considering it rained off and on the entire day.

“Hard work and preparation repays the buyers here, and several of the large buying groups have been watching this sale closely on behalf of their clients, so that bodes well,” Collier said. “The stride and heart measurement groups have been extremely busy.”

Other horses to be offered include a Lion Heart colt out of the Balzac mare Bye the Bye, consigned by Crupi’s New Castle Farm, agent. The dark bay or brown colt worked a quarter-mile in :21, the fastest time at the distance at the under-tack show on May 15.

Fasig-Tipton changed the Midlantic auction from an open sale to a preferred sale this year, meaning some horses could be rejected on pedigree or physical.

Sessions begin daily at 10 a.m. EDT.

For hip-by-hip results, click here.

Pete Denk is Thoroughbred Times sales editor