Tapit Leads Strong First Session of The Saratoga Sale

Established sires ruled during the first session of the 99th Saratoga Sale held Monday at the Humphrey S. Finney pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY.  Three-time leading sire Tapit, global superstar Medaglia d'Oro, and current leading sire Into Mischief accounted for five of the top 10 hips on the evening.

A colt by Tapit topped the first session when sold for $1,00,000 to West Point Thoroughbreds, L.E.B., agent (video). Offered as Hip 80 by Lane's End, agent, the colt was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine. The colt is the second foal out of Edgewood S. (G3) winner Feathered, by Indian Charlie.

"We saw very competitive bidding throughout the evening," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. There was a lot of strength and a lot of diversity in that buying bench. The results were in line with our expectations based upon the feedback we've gotten this week from both buyers and sellers."

Tapit was also responsible for the session's top filly, which went through the ring as Hip 82 immediately after the session-topper (video). The leading filly was purchased by Donato Lanni, agent for Heider Family Stables from the consignment of Gainesway, agent. Out of 100% winner-producer Pension, by Seeking the Gold, whose six winners include Grade 2 winner Annual Report and stakes winner Giant Payday. This deep female family includes Grade 1 winners The Liberal Member, Dancing Spree, Fantastic Find, Finder's Fee, and Bigger Picture.

A filly by global sire Medaglia d'Oro also sold well when hammered down for $900,000 midway through the session (video). The filly was offered as Hip 49 by Eaton Sales, agent and purchased by Kerri Radcliffe, agent. She is a daughter of stakes winner Light the City (Street Sense), from the family of millionaire Two Step Salsa. The filly was bred in Kentucky by Breeze Easy, LLC.

"Overall, we're very pleased," added Browning. "We’ve got another outstanding group of horses on deck for tomorrow night. We're set for a strong session tomorrow."

Overall, 61 yearlings sold for $22,775,000, good for an average of $373,361, which represented a 6.6% increase over last year's first session average of $348,976. The median increased 5.0% to $315,000 from $300,000 in 2018. Sixteen horses sold for $500,000 or more.

Session 1 results are available online.

The Saratoga Sale will continue tomorrow with Session 2 beginning at 6:30 PM.