The first session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training in Ocala, Florida, saw a strong performance with sales figures aligning with the previous year’s record-setting numbers, featuring top sales such as a Caracaro filly for $775,000 and a Global Campaign colt for $650,000.
– ‣ The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training concluded its first session with sales figures in line with the previous year’s record-setting renewal, indicating a strong market for quality horses.
– ‣ Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni and trainer Bob Baffert purchased the session’s top-priced lot, a filly by Caracaro, for $775,000 on behalf of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, highlighting the high demand for well-bred and well-performed juveniles.
– ‣ The sale witnessed a significant interest in offspring from first-crop sires, with notable sales including a colt by Global Campaign for $650,000 and a filly by Caracaro for $775,000, suggesting a positive reception for new sires in the market.
By Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm. Down in Ocala, FL, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training had a bit of a slow start. But, you know, it picked up steam as the day went on. By the end, the numbers were looking pretty solid, almost mirroring last year’s record-breaking figures.
Tod Wojciechowski, the OBS Director of Sales, seemed pretty pleased. “I thought it was a good day,” he said, chuckling. “A good horse sells well, and boy, did we have a bunch of nice ones today.” He’s optimistic, too, about what’s still in store.
So, here’s the deal: Out of a catalog of 302 juveniles, 205 strutted their stuff in the ring on Tuesday. They raked in a cool $19,725,000. Not too shabby, right? The average price per horse was $136,034, which is pretty much on par with last year. And get this—the median price shot up by 16% to $87,000.
But, of course, not every horse found a new home. With 60 horses not selling, the buy-back rate hovered around 29.3%. The first hour was a bit tense, with several RNAs (reserve not attained). Yet, as the evening wore on, many of those horses found buyers after all.
Wojciechowski shrugged it off. “It’s just the sale finding its rhythm,” he suggested. He’s betting that many of those horses will be snapped up in no time.
Now, onto the stars of the show. A filly by Caracaro stole the spotlight, fetching a whopping $775,000. Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni and the legendary Bob Baffert were the winning bidders, acting for Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman. Global Thoroughbreds had the honor of consigning her.
Pedro Lantz, on a mission for KAS Stables, snagged the session’s top colt for $650,000. This son of Global Campaign was consigned by Eddie Woods, who ended up as the session’s MVP with nine horses sold for a total of $2,213,500.
The sale’s not over yet, folks. It runs through Friday, with the action kicking off daily at 10:30 a.m.
Now, let’s talk about the Three Amigos and their Caracaro filly. This girl turned heads last week with a blistering quarter-mile work. Lanni, alongside Baffert, snagged her for a cool $775,000. They were all smiles, betting big on her future on behalf of Pegram, Watson, and Weitman.
“We are happy to get her,” Lanni said, unable to hide his excitement. “She did everything right. Fast and strong.” This filly, out of Key d’Oro, boasts a lineage that includes the stakes-placed Twirled.
Caracaro, the sire, has a pedigree to brag about. Second in the 2020 GI Travers S. and GIII Peter Pan S., he now stands at Crestwood Farm for $6,500. “He’s throwing beautiful, athletic horses,” Lanni noted, hinting at the influence of Uncle Mo.
Rafael Celis, the man behind Caracaro, couldn’t be prouder. After his homebred filly from Caracaro’s first crop sold for $775,000, he was beaming. “That was our best filly,” he said, bursting with pride. Celis, a veteran in the game, has big plans for Caracaro’s offspring, with more sales on the horizon.
Meanwhile, a Global Campaign colt destined for KAS Stables caught Pedro Lantz’s eye, fetching $650,000. Lantz had his eye on this colt since last October and was thrilled to secure him for KAS Stables, possibly for a future on Saudi tracks.
And let’s not forget the Uncle Mo filly that went for $600,000 to Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier. Consigned by Tom McCrocklin, she’s out of the graded winner Jacaranda. “She’s extremely attractive,” Justin Casse remarked, clearly pleased with the purchase.
Spendthrift Farms made waves too, with Ned Toffey scooping up a Nyquist colt for $550,000. Bred by Bowman and Higgins Stable, this colt is already showing promise. “He’s a big, beautiful colt,” Toffey said, already planning his future with MKW Racing and Breeding.
And let’s not overlook the Maryland sale topper, a Nyquist colt that Thorostock and Seth Morris Thoroughbreds sold for $550,000. “He was an extraordinarily well-balanced, good-minded horse,” Nick Sallusto said, reflecting on the colt’s journey from last year’s top pick to this year’s standout sale.
JVC Training and Sales’s Jorge Villagomez saw a hefty return on an Omaha Beach filly, selling her for $390,000. After buying her for $40,000 last September, Villagomez knew she was something special. “She’s always been fast,” he said, not surprised by the intense interest she garnered.
As the sale continues, Villagomez remains optimistic. “For the good horses? The buyers are here,” he stated, confident in the quality of horses yet to come.
So, there you have it—a whirlwind of sales, promising prospects, and big dreams. The OBS Spring Sale is proving once again to be a highlight on the racing calendar. Stay tuned for more updates and, who knows, maybe a few more surprises.
