MdO steals the show!

It didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin at Keeneland’s 2013 September Sale on September 9, with Medaglia d'Oro’s yearling filly out of Flying Passage lighting up the tote board at US$1.5 million. This yearling is the latest session-topper sired by Medaglia d’Oro, who has more sales-toppers in the US than any other stallion since 2007.

Consigned by Gainesway Farm as agent, the beautiful bay is a half-sister to Graded winners Hungry Island and Soaring Empire, and is from the family of G1 winner Verrazano. Agent Alan Cooper signed the ticket on the behalf of the Niarcho Family’s Flaxman Holdings. A total of seven yearlings sired by Medaglia d'Oro sold during the first session for an average of over US$380,000.

Fast forward to lot 67 and it was a Bernardini colt who had more than a few hands raising around the sales pavilion as he reached an impressive US$650,000 with John Stuart’s Bluegrass Thoroughbreds acting as the selling agent. Mandy Pope was the successful bidder for the half-brother to Champion and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy and a full brother to G3 winner/G1-placed Theyskens’ Theory. The three yearlings sired by Bernardini that sold during the opening session averaged over US$390,000.

Hard Spun was also represented by a six-figure yearling on the first day of the marathon Keeneland September Sale. Lot 106, a half-brother to G2 winner/G1-placed Montgomery’s Arch, sold for US$360,000 with Nick Zito signing the ticket. The colt was sold by Dromoland Farm.

The sale continues tomorrow.