NEWS
Overbrook colt tops ninth Keeneland session
Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:49 PM
by Pete Denk
An Unbridled’s Song colt from the Overbook Farm dispersal sold for $185,000 to top the ninth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale on Wednesday in Lexington.
Although bloodstock prices are markedly lower, buyers and sellers seemed largely on the same page on Wednesday. The session’s buy-back rate was just 19.3%, an improvement from 24.6% during the same session a year ago and the lowest so far at this year’s sale.
Keeneland reported 281 horses sold for $7,564,100, a 26.2% decline from the same session last year. Average price dropped 30.1% to $26,919, and median declined 40% to $18,000.
The session-topping colt is out of the 12-year-old Storm Cat mare Katz Me if You Can, an Overbrook homebred who won two graded stakes, including the 2001 Genuine Risk Handicap (G2), and earned $410,947.
“There was a lot of action on this colt. A lot of people with good eyes were on him,” said Archie St. George of Eaton Sales, which is consigning the Overbrook dispersal. “It was a good price in this economy. Anytime you bring the combination of physical and pedigree that these Overbrook horses have, they’re going to bring some money.”
Chris Baccari of Baccari Bloodstock signed the ticket on behalf of Benjamin Leon’s Besilu, a new Ocala breeding and racing operation.
“This colt has extreme balance, great bone, a great walk, and great upside,” Baccari said. “He’s a great stallion prospect and fits with the stable Mr. Leon is building.
“We’re trying to buy colts with great physicals and the pages to match. I’m really looking forward to the racing and breeding careers of the colts and fillies we’ve bought for Besilu Stables.“
Besilu’s recent purchases include a Storm Cat colt out of Get Lucky for $650,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings and an Unbridled’s Song colt out of Ocean Drive for $875,000 from book one at Keeneland September.
Mike Shannon, agent, purchased Wednesday’s top priced filly, a daughter of Dixie Union for $170,000. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned the filly out of Nicarola Catrola, by Deputy Minister.
Cumulatively, Keeneland has reported 2,028 horses sold for $179,342,600, 41.3% less than last year. Average price is down 35.4% at $88,433, and median is down 40.6% at $47,500.
Pete Denk is sales editor of Thoroughbred Times
