Phoenix Thoroughbreds went to US$2.1 million to acquire a colt by Medaglia d’Oro (USA) (Lot 899) on Thursday afternoon in Lexington.
“This is a tough game,” said Tom Ludt, head of U.S. operations for Phoenix. It just comes down to how much you’re willing to stretch."
“It’s been a very strong market,” added Amer Abdulaziz. “We missed out on a lot of hips as well. This time, we liked this colt enough, so we decided to go for it.”
Phoenix has purchased 13 yearlings so far at the sale for a total of US$6,695,000. In addition to the US$2.1 million Medaglia d’Oro colt, the operation also purchased a son of Empire Maker (USA) (Lot 388) for US$1.35 million.
Watch: lot 899 Medaglia d'Oro x Exotic Bloom sells for $2.1 million to Phoenix Thoroughbreds
Another son of Medaglia d’Oro (Lot 823) sold to Godolphin for US$1.6 million.
“We liked everything about him,” John Gosden said after signing the ticket. “Obviously, he’s by Medaglia, who’s on the farm. He was very much the horse we wanted today."
Watch: Lot 823 Medaglia d'Oro x Dayatthespa sells to Godolphin for $1.6 million
The first foal out of Grade I winner Dame Dorothy (USA) (Bernardini {USA}), a filly by Curlin (USA) (Lot 814), hammered down for US$1.05 million to Jacob West. The bloodstock agent was acting on behalf of Robert and Lawana Low.
“She was very popular, and we had a good sense that she would do well in the ring,” Bobby Flay, who sold the filly, told TDN. “I’m not surprised by the number, but you don’t get to cash a ticket like that ’til they actually put it up there. I’m thrilled."
On the completion of Book 1, Keeneland has sold 596 yearlings for a total of US$216,813,000. The average was US$363,780 and the median was US$300,000.
