Led by a winning bid of $200,000 for hip No. 1 at the Fasig-Tipton July yearling sale in Lexington, Ky. on Tuesday, a total of four horses from the first crop of WinStar stallion Colonel John sold for an average price of $141,250, more than nine times his 2012 stud fee of $15,000.
That average was also significant because it made him far and away the leading freshman at the sale. Colonel John was also the leading freshman a year ago by weanling average.
David Scanlon signed the sale ticket for the initial sale offering on behalf of his Gotham Boys pinhooking syndicate from the Bluewater Sales LLC consignment. Doug Branham bred her in Kentucky.
The filly is the third foal out of Racing Quality, daughter of the stakes-placed mare Racey Player. Other family members include Grade 3 winner Caminadora and South African Group 3 winner Aristis.
“She is just what we’re looking for, a nice filly,” Scanlon said. “She is really racy-looking; she just looks like she is going to be a runner. I think with this market, you’ve got to be a little strong and go after the ones you want. We’re ready to go.”
“She was kind of one of our favorite picks of the sale, so we thought we had to step it up,” Scanlon continued. “We were really high on her. We think she’s a runner, so time will tell.”
Two other Colonel John offerings brought six figures. Hip No. 225, consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, sold for $150,000 to Maverick Racing. The bay colt is out of the Touch Gold mare Guiding Star, whose siblings include stakes-placed winners Fabulous Babe and Angel Island.
Hip No. 60, consigned by Three Chimney Sales, agent, hammered for $125,000 on a final bid from Cary Frommer, agent. The bay colt, bred in Kentucky, hails from the same family as Grade 2 winner No Advantage and Derby Trial S. (G3) winner Sky Terrace.
