The first Book 2 session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale showed a significant difference in demand for high-quality offerings compared to less desirable offerings, resulting in marked polarization of the market, with the session resulting in 213 head grossing $34,428,000, and the top-priced lot being the 4-year-old racing/broodmare prospect Cancel This (Malibu Moon) selling for $825,000.
‣ Demand for perceived quality remained strong, but fell off for less desired offerings
‣ Competition for top weanlings continued to be strong with several selling for over $400,000
‣ Flightline mares have been selling well, with seven in foal mares selling for $6,625,000 through two sessions of the Keeneland November sale
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The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale kicked off with the first of two Book 2 sessions, showcasing clear differences in the demand for various offerings. Tony Lacy, Keeneland Vice President of Sales, highlighted the specific choices buyers made during the session. He noted, “It’s been a realistic, selective market today.” The session grossed $34,428,000 with a marked downturn in median and average pricing. The top-priced lot, Cancel This, a 4-year-old racing/broodmare prospect by Malibu Moon, fetched $825,000, garnering high competition for top weanlings in the session. Cormac Breathnach, Keeneland Director of Sales Operations, commented, “The market has been really strong and on a bull run for some years… I think that’s reflected in strong foal sales.”
Cancel This (Malibu Moon) (Hip 601) stole the show at $825,000, with Larkin Armstrong, bidding on behalf of Helen Alexander, revealing, “We were waiting for this one. [She was good enough to] have sold in any sale.” The 4-year-old racing/broodmare prospect was sold by Corey Johnson. Extolling the filly’s racing career, Johnson said, “She had really a good, solid racing career… that [is] very difficult to expect.” The filly comes from a strong racing family and boasts significant lineage, making her a compelling investment. Additionally, Terry Finley and his West Point Thoroughbred partners slotted in late to purchase Exotic West (Hard Spun) (hip 667), in foal to a champion, for $650,000, capitalizing on a favorable placement later in the session.
Not to be outdone, Lady Scarlet (Union Rags) (Hip 338) was successfully acquired by Thirty Year Farm for $625,000, with Kristen Esler, who operates the farm with her husband, Matt, expressing high praise, “We loved her. She was in my heart from the moment I saw her… She was an A+.” Lady Scarlet also showcased a solild pedigree as the daughter of Exclude (GB) (Include), making her a standout in the session. The groundbreaking results from the Keeneland November sale highlight the continued strength of the market and the keen focus on quality offerings. Keeneland remains at the forefront of the industry with its ability to attract and present the best bloodstock comprehensively.
