Bern-ing up the sales!

Bernardini grabbed the "top of the sales" baton from his NSW barn mate Medaglia d'Oro on day two of Keeneland’s September Sale with a filly selling for US$1.3 million, the highest price of any yearling sold. Medaglia d’Oro was represented by yesterday’s top-priced yearling, also a filly, which brought US$1.5 million.

Selling as hip number 291, the seven-figure filly is a half-sister to Champion Proud Spell who lists victories in the G1 Alabama and G1 Kentucky Oaks with a total of 10 career Graded wins or placings. Consigned by Brereton C. Jones’ Airdrie stud acting as agent, the beautiful bay yearling was taken home by Lane Seliger.

Three other yearlings sired by Bernardini brought six figures, including hip number 340, which was hammered down at US$400,000. Out of multiple G2 winner Queenie Belle, this filly is a half-sister to G1 winner and million dollar-earner Unrivaled Belle.

Purchased by Al and Sandy Kirkwood, she hailed from the consignment of Eaton Sales, agent.

It was also a great day for Street Cry, who is currently the reigning active sales sire by average in North America for 2011 and 2012. Within the first half-hour of the sale, his yearling colt out of the G1-placed mare, Modification, left the ring with a final price of US$725,000. Betz Thoroughbred Sales was the consignor and the colt was purchased by Juddmonte Farms.

Medaglia d’Oro, who has had at least 75 yearlings sell for US$200,000 or more since 2011 in North America, saw yet again another seven-figure yearling on day two. Hip number 35, out of Elusive Quality’s G2-winning daughter Royale Michele, was knocked down at US$385,000 with Chad Brown signing the ticket for Whitehorse Stables. The colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency acting as agent for Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, LLC.

Big prices continued late in the sale for Darley-sired yearlings with a colt sired by Hard Spun bringing US$300,000. Produced from the Gone West mare, Seared, the dark bay or brown yearling was purchased by Martin Anthony from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.

Bernardini, Medaglia d'Oro and Street Cry all currently stand at Darley's Kelvinside property in New South Wales at a fee of $33,000, $55,000 and $110,000 (inc. GST) respectively. Hard Spun stands at Darley's Northwoood Park in Victoria at a fee of $16,500 (inc. GST)

Day three of the Keeneland sale continues tomorrow.