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Trio Of $2-Million Colts Star As Book 2 Concludes

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by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis

LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which surpassed the $300-million mark after four sessions in 2025–the fastest time in its history–stormed passed that mark when its Book 2 section concluded Thursday with a cumulative gross of $318,115,000. Following four sessions a year ago, the auction had grossed $307,639,000.

“We’ve raised the bar a little higher,” Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said after the close of business Thursday. “We were up 23 or 24% from 2024 to 2025 and now again we have, an obviously smaller incremental increase. It just shows the strength of the market overall. It’s been very healthy. Buyers are finding it very difficult to get what they want, but they are starting to get the horses they want. The demand is there. The appetite for quality horses is extremely high.”

A total of 425 horses sold through the ring during the two Book 2 sessions, for a gross of $166,715,000. The average was $392,271–up 9.0% from a year ago–and the median remained steady at $300,000.

Those increases came on the heels of double-digit Book 2 gains from 2024 to 2025. Through the two 2025 Book 2 sessions, 454 yearlings sold through the ring for $163,454,000 for an average of $360,031, which was a 18.1% increase from the 2024 Book 2 and the median was $300,000, up 15.4% from 2024.

While the year-over-year average and median remain up, the median lags the gains of the average and the four-day buy-back rate of 30.06% has ticked up from the comparable 2025 figure of 27.07%.

Keeneland

“There is a little selectivity in the market,” said Keeneland’s Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach. “We are always talking about the median and the RNA rate and those metrics are not as strong as we would like. So as good as the sale is overall, it is a little top heavy in the sense that we are blowing out that seven-figure market, which is great, but only for some people. The median is only a few percent down from last year and last year was an insane sale. So it’s hard to be too critical of it, but couple that with the three point increase in the RNA rate, it does reflect that some people may not be getting exactly what they want out of the market, but I hope that’s not many people and hopefully week two will reverse that trend.”

Breathnach noted there continued to be great diversity in the market during the first week of the auction.

“We have sold 230 yearlings for $500,000 or more and that’s from 60 different consignors and 109 different buying entities,” Breathnach said. “So there is great breadth and depth in the market. A lot of money is changing hands; $318 million in gross through the ring in four days is staggering. And we know there is a lot more to come because we have a new wave of buyers coming in for Book 3. We are optimistic about a really strong finish. We want to see this momentum continue and get as many smiles on faces as we can.”

Three yearlings shared top billing during Thursday’s session, with a pair of colts by Not This Time and a son of Nyquist selling for matching $2-million price tags. Trainer Chad Summers signed for the first Not This Time colt, who was consigned by Glennwood Farm, while Speedway Stable acquired the second Not This Time colt from Airdrie Stud. The partnership of St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna Racing purchased the Nyquist colt from Betz Thoroughbreds.

With another 10 yearlings selling for seven figures Thursday, the total for both Book 2 sessions was 24. That number was 18 a year ago.

Through four sessions, 65 horses have sold for $1 million or more, well above last year’s record-setting figure of 56.

“It’s a significant benchmark,” Lacy said of the million-dollar figure. “It’s not the only one, but it just shows that there is a strong focus on those top horses.”

Taylor Made Sales Agency was the Book 2’s leading consignor with 58 sold for $21,110,028. The partnership of St. Elias, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna Racing was the section’s leading buyer with 10 yearlings purchased by $8,650,000.

The Keeneland September Yearling sale will have a dark day Friday and returns with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. through Sept. 26.

Hip 803 | Thorostride

Summers, Gold Return to Glennwood Well
Trainer Chad Summers was able to acquire a colt by Liam’s Map for $40,000 out of the Glennwood Farm consignment at the 2024 Keeneland September sale for owner Al Gold and that yearling went on to become GI Preakness Stakes winner Napoleon Solo. Summers and Gold paid significantly more when they returned to the Gunthers’ consignment Thursday, going to $2 million to secure a colt by Not This Time (hip 803). The yearling is out of Spell on You (Curlin), a half-sister to Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy).

“He is a really special horse,” Summers said, while Gold standing behind him joked loudly, “Tell them he’s a pinhook.”

Of the Gunthers, Summers added, “They know how to raise a really nice family. John and Tanya do a great job. We got Napoloen Solo from them last time. They had Justify and Vino Rosso, the list goes on and on with the horses that they raise.”

Summers returned to the Glennwood consignment a little later when going to $410,000 for a son of Up to the Mark (hip 827).

The $2-million yearling continued a career sale for John and Tanya Gunther’s Glennwood, which sold the $3.7-million sale topper by Into Mischief, as well as the $1.9-million half-brother to Justify during the auction’s Book 1 section.

“This is unbelievable,” John Gunther said of the farm’s results this week. “It shortens my breath just to think about it. I may have to sit down.”

He continued, “It’s so wonderful for my daughter because Tanya works so hard. She is out there prepping the yearlings and the staff is so fantastic. The Glennwood team is unbelievable. The guy that does the foaling and looks after them is Conrado Campos and he has been with us some 30 years and his sons are even working for us. He raises our horses like they are his own children. And Lindsay Wilson has also worked for us for ages managing the farm and she is another critical person. It’s fantastic.”

John Gunther purchased Magical Illusion (Pulpit) as a 4-year-old for $425,000 at the 2005 Keeneland January sale. Stage Magic (Ghostzapper) was the mare’s second foal and, after RNA’ing for $70,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September sale, the chestnut went on to be graded-placed in Gunther’s colors. But it has been in the breeding shed where Stage Magic has cemented her fame, producing Triple Crown winner Justify in 2015.

Hip 803 is the first foal out of Stage Magic’s daughter Spell On You, who was unplaced in two starts. The 6-year-old mare produced a filly by McKinzie this year and was bred back to Not This Time.

“He was a lovely colt,” John Gunther said of hip 803. “He has a hip like Not This Time. For a big colt, he was really light on his feet. When we turned him out at night, he would just float across the field. It was unbelievable. And he was very smart.”

Of the colt’s price tag, Gunther said, “I didn’t expect that. The reserve was much lower. I knew a lot of people really liked the colt. It’s hard to believe it’s $2 million, but it’s wonderful.” @JessMartiniTDN

Hip 899 | Keeneland

Speedway Keeps the Faith with $2-million Not This Time Colt
Rising to the top of Thursday’s Book 2 closer, a colt by Not This Time out of Kentucky Oaks heroine Believe You Can (Proud Citizen), landed $2 million from agent Marette Farrell bidding on behalf of Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner’s Speedway Stable. It was the sole purchase for Speedway through Keeneland’s first two books.

“I was obviously hoping for less,” admitted Farrell of Hip 899. “I thought the fact that he was immature would help us a little bit but honestly, he was so athletic and so light on his feet, especially in the back walking ring. And like I said to Peter Fluor and K.C. [Weiner], he has a stallion’s pedigree. He’s by the right sire that is on a trajectory to the stars right now.”

According to Farrell, the operation came to Keeneland looking for a filly but couldn’t let the son of the Taylor Made stallion pass them by.

“I just felt he’s the one,” she said. “Sorry, he’s not a girl!”

Bred by the Estate of Brereton Jones, the striking bay was consigned by the Jones family’s Airdrie Stud.

“It’s a beautiful pedigree,” said Farrell. “It’s one of Airdrie’s key families. And as we all know, they’re one of the top breeders in America. So everything works as regards to what makes sense.”

Campaigned by the late governor and trained by Larry Jones, Believe You Can won eight of 14 career starts, including six stakes, highlighted by the 2012 GI Kentucky Oaks.

“[Hip 899] was just a masculine version, really, of the mare,” said Airdrie’s Bret Jones. “All of us watched [Believe You Can] grow up, and she’s been with us now for a long time, and [the yearling was] really was just the spitting image, but a bigger, stronger version. And classy, just everything you’d ever want in a sales yearling or a racehorse.”

As a broodmare, the daughter of Proud Citizen is also responsible for SW and GSP Believe in Royalty (Tapit) and most notably, Conclude (Collected), winner of the GII Del Mar Derby and GII Del Mar Mile and earner of over $570,000 on the racetrack.

Drawing a thread of familiarity with the extended family, Speedway also campaigned Collected, victorious in the GI Pacific Classic.

“We obviously know Conclude because he’s by Collected and, in my humble opinion, I think [this colt is] a much better horse than Conclude. I hope I’m right.”

According to Farrell, the colt will head to Airdrie or WinStar before shipping to Niall Brennan in Ocala, Florida for the winter.

“He’s in the same mold as his sire,” she said of the red-hot Not This Time. “Ton of quality. And a lot of Not This Time‘s progeny have a lot of similarities, but I thought he was the most beautiful of them all.”–@CBossTDN

Nyquist-Factorofwon-colt-KS9-26KLD6113_KEESEP26_print25-credit-Keeneland.jpg” alt=”” width=”590″ height=”421″ /> Hip 973 | Keeneland

Nyquist Colt Third to $2 Million Thursday
The partnership of St. Elias Stables, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna Racing made its second seven-figure purchase of the day when going to $2 million to acquire a colt by Nyquist (hip 973) Thursday at Keeneland. The colt was consigned by Betz Thoroughbreds and was bred by  Betz Thoroughbreds, J.Betz, D J Stables, Epona, and Lamantia.

“We are really excited to acquire the colt,” said St. Elias’s Monique Delk. “He was a standout for us. He’s by the right sire, amazing physical and with a beautiful walk. He is the whole package.”

The colt is out of stakes winner Factorofwon (The Factor) and is a half-brother to stakes winner and Grade I-placed Light Won Up (City of Light). Betz’s Avocet Bloodstock purchased the mare for $200,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale.

Hip 973 was the seventh seven-figure yearling of the week for Darley’s Nyquist, who was represented by the $2.25-million session topper Wednesday.

Also Thursday, the St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End, Belladonna partnership purchased a colt by Uncle Mo (hip 841) for $1 million from the Mt. Brilliant Farm consignment. The group returned to the Mt. Brilliant Farm consignment late in the day Thursday to acquire a colt by Not This Time (hip 1068) for $1.65 million.

Through four sessions, the partnership has purchased 16 yearlings for $13,925,000.

Asked if the group had a target number of yearlings to buy, Delk said, “We just approach each book with a lot of discipline, and a real strict criteria. We don’t necessarily have a number, we are just pretty disciplined in our buying.” @JessMartiniTDN

Carlisle Fires $1.6 Million Shot for Gun Runner Colt
Not long after the start of Thursday’s session, agent Lauren Carlisle won out with a $1.6 million final bid to secure a colt by Gun Runner. Hip 790 was consigned by Four Star Sales, acting as agent for breeder Three Chimneys Farm.

“Wow–I loved him,” said Carlisle, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client. “He’s a beautiful colt, looks very two-turn, and Gun Runner speaks for himself.”

The Apr. 15 foal is out of stakes winner She’s My Gem (Into Mischief), who hails from the extended family of Grade I winner My Conquestadory (Artie Schiller).

Hip 790 | Thorostride

“We had swung pretty big the last few days and have not gotten it done. I’m a little relieved that we got one that we really wanted. So trying to collect colts, that’s what I’m doing.”

Carlisle confirmed that the dark bay will go to trainer Mark Casse.

Three Chimneys purchased the colt’s dam She’s My Gem, in foal to More Than Ready, for $325,000 at the Keeneland November Sale in 2021.

The mare’s last two foals, a 2023 filly by Gun Runner and a 2024 colt by Cyberknife, both realized $550,000 at the September Sale the past two years.

The colt is bred on the same cross as GII Santa Anita Oaks winner Meaning, who was runner-up in this season’s GI Kentucky Oaks.

Expanding on the seller’s market that buyers are facing at Keeneland this week, Carlisle explained, “It’s been rough. It’s been a kick in the gut most days. We’re swinging pretty big on a lot of these horses and not getting them. And that just tells you the demand. It’s extremely high. So if you want one, you’re going to have to stretch. I wasn’t anticipating to do that much, but there are not going to be many Gun Runner colts left in the sale. And you get into Book 3 and it drops off. You have to step up to the plate and swing. So that’s what we’re trying to do.”–@CBossTDN

Dream Big Racing Keeps Busy on Day 4
Stepping into the fray in Book 2, John Wade’s Dream Big Racing secured a quartet of horses over two days, headed by a $1.5-million Gun Runner filly purchased on Thursday afternoon. Agent Donato Lanni, who advised on the purchase, confirmed that the filly will go to Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

“Most important, Bob loved her,” Lanni said from the outside corridor of the main pavilion shortly after the purchase. “She looks like Gun Runner. Gun Runner is probably one of the hottest sires today. And [Dream Big] want to run in the big races. She looked like that kind of horse that would stretch out and run in those big Classic races.”

Consigned by Mt. Brilliant Farm, Hip 1018 is out of Grade III-placed Ivyetsu (Tapit), a half-sister to Group 3 scorer Last Kingdom (Frankel {GB}). She is also a half Mondelice (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), the dam of French highweight older horse at 11-14 furlongs and Australian champion older horse Dubai Honour (Ire).

For Wade, Lanni also purchased a colt by Justify out of Veronica Greene (Tapit) at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale last month. That colt will also be trained by Baffert.

“[These are the first horses] that Bob’s going to train for him,” confirmed Lanni. “This is our second purchase with [Wade]. Very good people.”

During Wednesday’s initial Book 2 session, Legion Bloodstock signed on behalf of Dream Big for a $1.1 million Into Mischief colt (Hip 497). On Thursday, the operation purchased a colt by Maxfield (Hip 947) and a colt by Practical Joke (Hip 990) for $325,000 and $450,000, respectively.

Wednesday’s seven-figure purchase will be trained by Whit Beckman while the latter pair will be conditioned by Kenny McPeek.–@CBossTDN

Hip 941 | Keeneland

Life is Good Colt Gives Norevale Its First Millionaire
Leo and Sarah Dooley, who set up operation as Norevale Farm six years ago and began consigning under that banner just two years ago, sold their first seven-figure yearling when CHC, Maverick Racing and Light Post Ventures paid $1 million for a colt by Life is Good (hip 941) Thursday at Keeneland.

“We were close last year, but getting the seven-figure duck off your back is surreal,” Leo Dooley said.

A year ago, the Norevale consignment sold a filly by Practical Joke for $975,000.

Hip 941, bred by John Donaldson and Gregg Hill, is out of Cougarstown (Speightstown) and is a half-brother to graded winner Treason (Constitution).

“The pedigree, the Life is Good [The Good Life] winning the GI Hopeful Stakes and breaking out with all these fancy maidens went a long, long way,” Dooley said of the seven-figure result. “The horse’s attitude has been great. Ever since he was foaled on the farm, this horse has been laid back; he’s filled out, so straightforward.” @JessMartiniTDN

“He Likes Racing, He Loves the Sales”–The Goodman’s Mt. Brilliant Farm Enjoys a Banner Day on Thursday
Thursday’s Book 2 finale proved bittersweet for Mt. Brilliant’s Bo and Hutton Goodman. The operation sold a trio of seven-figure yearlings on Day 4, a first for the farm. And while the brothers were elated with the day’s activity in the ring, they also felt the absence of their father, Greg Goodman, who has been in ICU battling serious health issues.

“We’ve never done that before. And it’s kind of emotional because it’s the first time in our lifetimes that our dad hadn’t been here with us. So it’s been a big deal,” said Hutton Goodman.

“It’s fun being here together and doing it, but we miss him,” echoed Bo Goodman.

The day’s sales were headed by Hip 1068, a colt by Not This Time out of Miss Exclusive (Unbridled’s Song). The grey colt was purchased by St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna.

“He’s a beautiful colt. He’s been straightforward. He’s never had a bad day,” explained Hutton. “He’s never had a surgery. He’s got a good vet report and he’s got a great attitude. In every step of the way, he’s risen to the occasion, probably more than any horse that we’ve had in a long time.”

The colt’s second dam, Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), was named champion grass mare in the U.S. for Juddmonte and trainer Bobby Frankel. Her most notable career wins were registered in the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and the GI Matriarch. Her dam Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) is also responsible for Canadian Horse of the Year Champs Elysees (GB) (Danehill), European champion Banks Hill (GB) (Danehill), in addition to French and English highweight and sire Dansili (Danehill).

“It’s also exciting for us to see him go to that group,” said Hutton. “With the success they have had, they are obviously very good at what they do and it means so much to us that they would spend that kind of money on our horse.”

Mt. Brilliant purchased Miss Exclusive, in foal to Noble Mission {(GB), for $750,000 at the2018 Keeneland November Sale.

The 14-year-old mare produced a colt by Justify earlier this season.

“The mare has had some beautiful foals and we’ve just loved every one of them. They are all very athletic,” said Bo.

Mt. Brilliant also sold Hip 1018, a filly by Gun Runner out of Ivyetsu (Tapit) who went to Dream Big Racing for $1.5 million.

“We didn’t have a lot of vets on her and we were shocked because we loved her,” admitted Hutton. “We thought we would race her because we liked her so much but we put her in the sale and now we’re glad we did!”

The Gun Runner filly was bred in partnership with Susan Bunning. The partnership secured the mare–in foal to Into Mischief–for $650,000 at the Keeneland November sale in 2023.

The yearling’s 3-year-old half-sister by More Than Ready–named Ironclad–finished third for trainer Peter Eurton at Colonial Downs in August.  Also, the juvenile sister (by Into Mischief) Fiora debuts at Belmont Park for trainer Phil Antonacci on opening day Friday. The former sold for $340,000 at this venue in 2024, while the juvenile filly brought $625,000 here last year. Mt. Brilliant co-owns Ironclad with Exline-Border Racing, Aaron Kennedy, Richard Hausman, and James Martin.

“The 3-year-old with Peter Eurton is really, really nice,” confirmed Hutton. “And we also spoke to Phil Antonacci, who trains [Fiora] and he really likes her as well. It’s a very nice family.”

Rounding out Mt. Brilliant’s seven-figure trifecta, the Goodman’s also sold a colt by Uncle Mo out of Ursula (Tapit) (Hip 841). He brought $1 million from St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna.

Through four days of selling, Mt. Brilliant sold six head for a gross of $5.77 million, averaging $961,667.

According to the Goodmans, while their dad couldn’t enjoy the operation’s success in person, he was able to watch the biggest scores of the day remotely via a video call.

Hip 797 | Keeneland

“Our dad really loves Keeneland,” said Bo. “He’s on the board at Keeneland and he loves to sell his best horses here.”

Hutton added, “He likes racing.. He loves the sales.”–@CBossTDN

Big Bear Strikes Again
The Big Bear Bloodstock pinhooking partnership, named after Gabriel Duignan’s dog, enjoyed another standout result in the sales ring Thursday at Keeneland when selling a colt by Yaupon (hip 797) for $950,000 to Spendthrift Farm and Rabito Enterprise. The yearling had been purchased by the partnership for $250,000 at last year’s Keeneland November sale.

“He was a beautiful foal and an outstanding individual,” said Duignan. “He was in a later book and he really stood out. He’s never had a bad day since the day I bought him.”

The colt is the first foal out of Social Mandate (Strong Mandate), a daughter of multiple stakes winner Tensas Harbor (Private Vow).

“He couldn’t have looked better,” Duignan said of the colt’s trip back to the Keeneland sales ring. “You never dare to dream they’ll bring that much, but I knew he would sell well.”

Duignan is expecting to see some familiar themes when the partnership goes to restock at the weanling sales this fall.

“It will be strong,” Duignan said of expectations for the foal market. “While the market is very strong here, it is very picky. You have to get it right. I think it will be the same thing. The good foals will sell well and if they fall through the cracks, they’ll fall through the cracks.”

The canine Big Bear traditionally enjoys a steak dinner after a good sale result.

“I hope we don’t put his cholesterol out of wack,” Duignan said with a chuckle. @JessMartiniTDN

The post Trio Of $2-Million Colts Star As Book 2 Concludes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

‘He’s Never Had a Bad Day’: Not This Time Colt Another ‘Brilliant’ Sale

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A strong fourth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale for Greg Goodman’s Mt Brilliant Farm consignment continued when a gray colt by the outstanding Not This Time from a deep Juddmonte black-type family fetched $1.65 million. David Ingordo signed the winning ticket.

Catalogued as hip 1068, the March 18 foal is out of the winning Unbridled’s Song mare Miss Exclusive, herself a daughter of Eclipse Award- and GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill). The latter is also the dam of Group 3 winner Wendla (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}) and is the granddam of GIII Poker Stakes hero and dual U.S. Grade I-placed Masen (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Hip 1068 makes 10 of his sire’s yearlings to cross the $1-million mark this week at Keeneland.

Hip 1068 marked the third seven-figure transaction for Mt. Brilliant during Thursday’s trade and the farm’s Hutton Goodman could not contain his excitement.

“We’ve never done that before,” he said. “And it’s kind of emotional because it’s the first time in our lifetimes that our dad hasn’t been here with us. So it’s a big deal.”

Speaking to the colt as a physical specimen, Goodman said: “He’s a beautiful colt. He’s been straightforward. He’s never had a bad day. He’s never had a surgery. He’s got a good vet report and he’s got a great attitude. In every step of the way, he’s risen to the occasion, probably more than any horse that we’ve had in a long time. It’s a huge family.”

The post ‘He’s Never Had a Bad Day’: Not This Time Colt Another ‘Brilliant’ Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Trio Of $2-Million Colts Star As Book 2 Concludes

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by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis

LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which surpassed the $300-million mark after four sessions in 2025–the fastest time in its history–stormed passed that mark when its Book 2 section concluded Thursday with a cumulative gross of $318,115,000. Following four sessions a year ago, the auction had grossed $307,639,000.

“We’ve raised the bar a little higher,” Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said after the close of business Thursday. “We were up 23 or 24% from 2024 to 2025 and now again we have, an obviously smaller incremental increase. It just shows the strength of the market overall. It’s been very healthy. Buyers are finding it very difficult to get what they want, but they are starting to get the horses they want. The demand is there. The appetite for quality horses is extremely high.”

A total of 425 horses sold through the ring during the two Book 2 sessions, for a gross of $166,715,000. The average was $392,271–up 9.0% from a year ago–and the median remained steady at $300,000.

Those increases came on the heels of double-digit Book 2 gains from 2024 to 2025. Through the two 2025 Book 2 sessions, 454 yearlings sold through the ring for $163,454,000 for an average of $360,031, which was a 18.1% increase from the 2024 Book 2 and the median was $300,000, up 15.4% from 2024.

While the year-over-year average and median remain up, the median lags the gains of the average and the four-day buy-back rate of 30.06% has ticked up from the comparable 2025 figure of 27.07%.

Keeneland

“There is a little selectivity in the market,” said Keeneland’s Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach. “We are always talking about the median and the RNA rate and those metrics are not as strong as we would like. So as good as the sale is overall, it is a little top heavy in the sense that we are blowing out that seven-figure market, which is great, but only for some people. The median is only a few percent down from last year and last year was an insane sale. So it’s hard to be too critical of it, but couple that with the three point increase in the RNA rate, it does reflect that some people may not be getting exactly what they want out of the market, but I hope that’s not many people and hopefully week two will reverse that trend.”

Breathnach noted there continued to be great diversity in the market during the first week of the auction.

“We have sold 230 yearlings for $500,000 or more and that’s from 60 different consignors and 109 different buying entities,” Breathnach said. “So there is great breadth and depth in the market. A lot of money is changing hands; $318 million in gross through the ring in four days is staggering. And we know there is a lot more to come because we have a new wave of buyers coming in for Book 3. We are optimistic about a really strong finish. We want to see this momentum continue and get as many smiles on faces as we can.”

Three yearlings shared top billing during Thursday’s session, with a pair of colts by Not This Time and a son of Nyquist selling for matching $2-million price tags. Trainer Chad Summers signed for the first Not This Time colt, who was consigned by Glennwood Farm, while Speedway Stable acquired the second Not This Time colt from Airdrie Stud. The partnership of St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna Racing purchased the Nyquist colt from Betz Thoroughbreds.

With another 10 yearlings selling for seven figures Thursday, the total for both Book 2 sessions was 24. That number was 18 a year ago.

Through four sessions, 65 horses have sold for $1 million or more, well above last year’s record-setting figure of 56.

“It’s a significant benchmark,” Lacy said of the million-dollar figure. “It’s not the only one, but it just shows that there is a strong focus on those top horses.”

Taylor Made Sales Agency was the Book 2’s leading consignor with 58 sold for $21,110,028. The partnership of St. Elias, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing, and Belladonna Racing was the section’s leading buyer with 10 yearlings purchased by $8,650,000.

The Keeneland September Yearling sale will have a dark day Friday and returns with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. through Sept. 26.

Hip 803 | Thorostride

Summers, Gold Return to Glennwood Well
Trainer Chad Summers was able to acquire a colt by Liam’s Map for $40,000 out of the Glennwood Farm consignment at the 2024 Keeneland September sale for owner Al Gold and that yearling went on to become GI Preakness Stakes winner Napoleon Solo. Summers and Gold paid significantly more when they returned to the Gunthers’ consignment Thursday, going to $2 million to secure a colt by Not This Time (hip 803). The yearling is out of Spell on You (Curlin), a half-sister to Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy).

“He is a really special horse,” Summers said, while Gold standing behind him joked loudly, “Tell them he’s a pinhook.”

Of the Gunthers, Summers added, “They know how to raise a really nice family. John and Tanya do a great job. We got Napoloen Solo from them last time. They had Justify and Vino Rosso, the list goes on and on with the horses that they raise.”

Summers returned to the Glennwood consignment a little later when going to $410,000 for a son of Up to the Mark (hip 827).

The $2-million yearling continued a career sale for John and Tanya Gunther’s Glennwood, which sold the $3.7-million sale topper by Into Mischief, as well as the $1.9-million half-brother to Justify during the auction’s Book 1 section.

“This is unbelievable,” John Gunther said of the farm’s results this week. “It shortens my breath just to think about it. I may have to sit down.”

He continued, “It’s so wonderful for my daughter because Tanya works so hard. She is out there prepping the yearlings and the staff is so fantastic. The Glennwood team is unbelievable. The guy that does the foaling and looks after them is Conrado Campos and he has been with us some 30 years and his sons are even working for us. He raises our horses like they are his own children. And Lindsay Wilson has also worked for us for ages managing the farm and she is another critical person. It’s fantastic.”

John Gunther purchased Magical Illusion (Pulpit) as a 4-year-old for $425,000 at the 2005 Keeneland January sale. Stage Magic (Ghostzapper) was the mare’s second foal and, after RNA’ing for $70,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September sale, the chestnut went on to be graded-placed in Gunther’s colors. But it has been in the breeding shed where Stage Magic has cemented her fame, producing Triple Crown winner Justify in 2015.

Hip 803 is the first foal out of Stage Magic’s daughter Spell On You, who was unplaced in two starts. The 6-year-old mare produced a filly by McKinzie this year and was bred back to Not This Time.

“He was a lovely colt,” John Gunther said of hip 803. “He has a hip like Not This Time. For a big colt, he was really light on his feet. When we turned him out at night, he would just float across the field. It was unbelievable. And he was very smart.”

Of the colt’s price tag, Gunther said, “I didn’t expect that. The reserve was much lower. I knew a lot of people really liked the colt. It’s hard to believe it’s $2 million, but it’s wonderful.” @JessMartiniTDN

Hip 899 | Keeneland

Speedway Keeps the Faith with $2-million Not This Time Colt
Rising to the top of Thursday’s Book 2 closer, a colt by Not This Time out of Kentucky Oaks heroine Believe You Can (Proud Citizen), landed $2 million from agent Marette Farrell bidding on behalf of Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner’s Speedway Stable. It was the sole purchase for Speedway through Keeneland’s first two books.

“I was obviously hoping for less,” admitted Farrell of Hip 899. “I thought the fact that he was immature would help us a little bit but honestly, he was so athletic and so light on his feet, especially in the back walking ring. And like I said to Peter Fluor and K.C. [Weiner], he has a stallion’s pedigree. He’s by the right sire that is on a trajectory to the stars right now.”

According to Farrell, the operation came to Keeneland looking for a filly but couldn’t let the son of the Taylor Made stallion pass them by.

“I just felt he’s the one,” she said. “Sorry, he’s not a girl!”

Bred by the Estate of Brereton Jones, the striking bay was consigned by the Jones family’s Airdrie Stud.

“It’s a beautiful pedigree,” said Farrell. “It’s one of Airdrie’s key families. And as we all know, they’re one of the top breeders in America. So everything works as regards to what makes sense.”

Campaigned by the late governor and trained by Larry Jones, Believe You Can won eight of 14 career starts, including six stakes, highlighted by the 2012 GI Kentucky Oaks.

“[Hip 899] was just a masculine version, really, of the mare,” said Airdrie’s Bret Jones. “All of us watched [Believe You Can] grow up, and she’s been with us now for a long time, and [the yearling was] really was just the spitting image, but a bigger, stronger version. And classy, just everything you’d ever want in a sales yearling or a racehorse.”

As a broodmare, the daughter of Proud Citizen is also responsible for SW and GSP Believe in Royalty (Tapit) and most notably, Conclude (Collected), winner of the GII Del Mar Derby and GII Del Mar Mile and earner of over $570,000 on the racetrack.

Drawing a thread of familiarity with the extended family, Speedway also campaigned Collected, victorious in the GI Pacific Classic.

“We obviously know Conclude because he’s by Collected and, in my humble opinion, I think [this colt is] a much better horse than Conclude. I hope I’m right.”

According to Farrell, the colt will head to Airdrie or WinStar before shipping to Niall Brennan in Ocala, Florida for the winter.

“He’s in the same mold as his sire,” she said of the red-hot Not This Time. “Ton of quality. And a lot of Not This Time‘s progeny have a lot of similarities, but I thought he was the most beautiful of them all.”–@CBossTDN

Nyquist-Factorofwon-colt-KS9-26KLD6113_KEESEP26_print25-credit-Keeneland.jpg” alt=”” width=”590″ height=”421″ /> Hip 973 | Keeneland

Nyquist Colt Third to $2 Million Thursday
The partnership of St. Elias Stables, West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna Racing made its second seven-figure purchase of the day when going to $2 million to acquire a colt by Nyquist (hip 973) Thursday at Keeneland. The colt was consigned by Betz Thoroughbreds and was bred by  Betz Thoroughbreds, J.Betz, D J Stables, Epona, and Lamantia.

“We are really excited to acquire the colt,” said St. Elias’s Monique Delk. “He was a standout for us. He’s by the right sire, amazing physical and with a beautiful walk. He is the whole package.”

The colt is out of stakes winner Factorofwon (The Factor) and is a half-brother to stakes winner and Grade I-placed Light Won Up (City of Light). Betz’s Avocet Bloodstock purchased the mare for $200,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale.

Hip 973 was the seventh seven-figure yearling of the week for Darley’s Nyquist, who was represented by the $2.25-million session topper Wednesday.

Also Thursday, the St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End, Belladonna partnership purchased a colt by Uncle Mo (hip 841) for $1 million from the Mt. Brilliant Farm consignment. The group returned to the Mt. Brilliant Farm consignment late in the day Thursday to acquire a colt by Not This Time (hip 1068) for $1.65 million.

Through four sessions, the partnership has purchased 16 yearlings for $13,925,000.

Asked if the group had a target number of yearlings to buy, Delk said, “We just approach each book with a lot of discipline, and a real strict criteria. We don’t necessarily have a number, we are just pretty disciplined in our buying.” @JessMartiniTDN

Carlisle Fires $1.6 Million Shot for Gun Runner Colt
Not long after the start of Thursday’s session, agent Lauren Carlisle won out with a $1.6 million final bid to secure a colt by Gun Runner. Hip 790 was consigned by Four Star Sales, acting as agent for breeder Three Chimneys Farm.

“Wow–I loved him,” said Carlisle, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client. “He’s a beautiful colt, looks very two-turn, and Gun Runner speaks for himself.”

The Apr. 15 foal is out of stakes winner She’s My Gem (Into Mischief), who hails from the extended family of Grade I winner My Conquestadory (Artie Schiller).

Hip 790 | Thorostride

“We had swung pretty big the last few days and have not gotten it done. I’m a little relieved that we got one that we really wanted. So trying to collect colts, that’s what I’m doing.”

Carlisle confirmed that the dark bay will go to trainer Mark Casse.

Three Chimneys purchased the colt’s dam She’s My Gem, in foal to More Than Ready, for $325,000 at the Keeneland November Sale in 2021.

The mare’s last two foals, a 2023 filly by Gun Runner and a 2024 colt by Cyberknife, both realized $550,000 at the September Sale the past two years.

The colt is bred on the same cross as GII Santa Anita Oaks winner Meaning, who was runner-up in this season’s GI Kentucky Oaks.

Expanding on the seller’s market that buyers are facing at Keeneland this week, Carlisle explained, “It’s been rough. It’s been a kick in the gut most days. We’re swinging pretty big on a lot of these horses and not getting them. And that just tells you the demand. It’s extremely high. So if you want one, you’re going to have to stretch. I wasn’t anticipating to do that much, but there are not going to be many Gun Runner colts left in the sale. And you get into Book 3 and it drops off. You have to step up to the plate and swing. So that’s what we’re trying to do.”–@CBossTDN

Dream Big Racing Keeps Busy on Day 4
Stepping into the fray in Book 2, John Wade’s Dream Big Racing secured a quartet of horses over two days, headed by a $1.5-million Gun Runner filly purchased on Thursday afternoon. Agent Donato Lanni, who advised on the purchase, confirmed that the filly will go to Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

“Most important, Bob loved her,” Lanni said from the outside corridor of the main pavilion shortly after the purchase. “She looks like Gun Runner. Gun Runner is probably one of the hottest sires today. And [Dream Big] want to run in the big races. She looked like that kind of horse that would stretch out and run in those big Classic races.”

Consigned by Mt. Brilliant Farm, Hip 1018 is out of Grade III-placed Ivyetsu (Tapit), a half-sister to Group 3 scorer Last Kingdom (Frankel {GB}). She is also a half Mondelice (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), the dam of French highweight older horse at 11-14 furlongs and Australian champion older horse Dubai Honour (Ire).

For Wade, Lanni also purchased a colt by Justify out of Veronica Greene (Tapit) at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale last month. That colt will also be trained by Baffert.

“[These are the first horses] that Bob’s going to train for him,” confirmed Lanni. “This is our second purchase with [Wade]. Very good people.”

During Wednesday’s initial Book 2 session, Legion Bloodstock signed on behalf of Dream Big for a $1.1 million Into Mischief colt (Hip 497). On Thursday, the operation purchased a colt by Maxfield (Hip 947) and a colt by Practical Joke (Hip 990) for $325,000 and $450,000, respectively.

Wednesday’s seven-figure purchase will be trained by Whit Beckman while the latter pair will be conditioned by Kenny McPeek.–@CBossTDN

Hip 941 | Keeneland

Life is Good Colt Gives Norevale Its First Millionaire
Leo and Sarah Dooley, who set up operation as Norevale Farm six years ago and began consigning under that banner just two years ago, sold their first seven-figure yearling when CHC, Maverick Racing and Light Post Ventures paid $1 million for a colt by Life is Good (hip 941) Thursday at Keeneland.

“We were close last year, but getting the seven-figure duck off your back is surreal,” Leo Dooley said.

A year ago, the Norevale consignment sold a filly by Practical Joke for $975,000.

Hip 941, bred by John Donaldson and Gregg Hill, is out of Cougarstown (Speightstown) and is a half-brother to graded winner Treason (Constitution).

“The pedigree, the Life is Good [The Good Life] winning the GI Hopeful Stakes and breaking out with all these fancy maidens went a long, long way,” Dooley said of the seven-figure result. “The horse’s attitude has been great. Ever since he was foaled on the farm, this horse has been laid back; he’s filled out, so straightforward.” @JessMartiniTDN

“He Likes Racing, He Loves the Sales”–The Goodman’s Mt. Brilliant Farm Enjoys a Banner Day on Thursday
Thursday’s Book 2 finale proved bittersweet for Mt. Brilliant’s Bo and Hutton Goodman. The operation sold a trio of seven-figure yearlings on Day 4, a first for the farm. And while the brothers were elated with the day’s activity in the ring, they also felt the absence of their father, Greg Goodman, who has been in ICU battling serious health issues.

“We’ve never done that before. And it’s kind of emotional because it’s the first time in our lifetimes that our dad hadn’t been here with us. So it’s been a big deal,” said Hutton Goodman.

“It’s fun being here together and doing it, but we miss him,” echoed Bo Goodman.

The day’s sales were headed by Hip 1068, a colt by Not This Time out of Miss Exclusive (Unbridled’s Song). The grey colt was purchased by St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna.

“He’s a beautiful colt. He’s been straightforward. He’s never had a bad day,” explained Hutton. “He’s never had a surgery. He’s got a good vet report and he’s got a great attitude. In every step of the way, he’s risen to the occasion, probably more than any horse that we’ve had in a long time.”

The colt’s second dam, Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), was named champion grass mare in the U.S. for Juddmonte and trainer Bobby Frankel. Her most notable career wins were registered in the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and the GI Matriarch. Her dam Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) is also responsible for Canadian Horse of the Year Champs Elysees (GB) (Danehill), European champion Banks Hill (GB) (Danehill), in addition to French and English highweight and sire Dansili (Danehill).

“It’s also exciting for us to see him go to that group,” said Hutton. “With the success they have had, they are obviously very good at what they do and it means so much to us that they would spend that kind of money on our horse.”

Mt. Brilliant purchased Miss Exclusive, in foal to Noble Mission {(GB), for $750,000 at the2018 Keeneland November Sale.

The 14-year-old mare produced a colt by Justify earlier this season.

“The mare has had some beautiful foals and we’ve just loved every one of them. They are all very athletic,” said Bo.

Mt. Brilliant also sold Hip 1018, a filly by Gun Runner out of Ivyetsu (Tapit) who went to Dream Big Racing for $1.5 million.

“We didn’t have a lot of vets on her and we were shocked because we loved her,” admitted Hutton. “We thought we would race her because we liked her so much but we put her in the sale and now we’re glad we did!”

The Gun Runner filly was bred in partnership with Susan Bunning. The partnership secured the mare–in foal to Into Mischief–for $650,000 at the Keeneland November sale in 2023.

The yearling’s 3-year-old half-sister by More Than Ready–named Ironclad–finished third for trainer Peter Eurton at Colonial Downs in August.  Also, the juvenile sister (by Into Mischief) Fiora debuts at Belmont Park for trainer Phil Antonacci on opening day Friday. The former sold for $340,000 at this venue in 2024, while the juvenile filly brought $625,000 here last year. Mt. Brilliant co-owns Ironclad with Exline-Border Racing, Aaron Kennedy, Richard Hausman, and James Martin.

“The 3-year-old with Peter Eurton is really, really nice,” confirmed Hutton. “And we also spoke to Phil Antonacci, who trains [Fiora] and he really likes her as well. It’s a very nice family.”

Rounding out Mt. Brilliant’s seven-figure trifecta, the Goodman’s also sold a colt by Uncle Mo out of Ursula (Tapit) (Hip 841). He brought $1 million from St. Elias, West Point, Lane’s End Racing and Belladonna.

Through four days of selling, Mt. Brilliant sold six head for a gross of $5.77 million, averaging $961,667.

According to the Goodmans, while their dad couldn’t enjoy the operation’s success in person, he was able to watch the biggest scores of the day remotely via a video call.

Hip 797 | Keeneland

“Our dad really loves Keeneland,” said Bo. “He’s on the board at Keeneland and he loves to sell his best horses here.”

Hutton added, “He likes racing.. He loves the sales.”–@CBossTDN

Big Bear Strikes Again
The Big Bear Bloodstock pinhooking partnership, named after Gabriel Duignan’s dog, enjoyed another standout result in the sales ring Thursday at Keeneland when selling a colt by Yaupon (hip 797) for $950,000 to Spendthrift Farm and Rabito Enterprise. The yearling had been purchased by the partnership for $250,000 at last year’s Keeneland November sale.

“He was a beautiful foal and an outstanding individual,” said Duignan. “He was in a later book and he really stood out. He’s never had a bad day since the day I bought him.”

The colt is the first foal out of Social Mandate (Strong Mandate), a daughter of multiple stakes winner Tensas Harbor (Private Vow).

“He couldn’t have looked better,” Duignan said of the colt’s trip back to the Keeneland sales ring. “You never dare to dream they’ll bring that much, but I knew he would sell well.”

Duignan is expecting to see some familiar themes when the partnership goes to restock at the weanling sales this fall.

“It will be strong,” Duignan said of expectations for the foal market. “While the market is very strong here, it is very picky. You have to get it right. I think it will be the same thing. The good foals will sell well and if they fall through the cracks, they’ll fall through the cracks.”

The canine Big Bear traditionally enjoys a steak dinner after a good sale result.

“I hope we don’t put his cholesterol out of wack,” Duignan said with a chuckle. @JessMartiniTDN

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‘He’s Never Had a Bad Day’: Not This Time Colt Another ‘Brilliant’ Sale

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A strong fourth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale for Greg Goodman’s Mt Brilliant Farm consignment continued when a gray colt by the outstanding Not This Time from a deep Juddmonte black-type family fetched $1.65 million. David Ingordo signed the winning ticket.

Catalogued as hip 1068, the March 18 foal is out of the winning Unbridled’s Song mare Miss Exclusive, herself a daughter of Eclipse Award- and GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill). The latter is also the dam of Group 3 winner Wendla (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}) and is the granddam of GIII Poker Stakes hero and dual U.S. Grade I-placed Masen (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Hip 1068 makes 10 of his sire’s yearlings to cross the $1-million mark this week at Keeneland.

Hip 1068 marked the third seven-figure transaction for Mt. Brilliant during Thursday’s trade and the farm’s Hutton Goodman could not contain his excitement.

“We’ve never done that before,” he said. “And it’s kind of emotional because it’s the first time in our lifetimes that our dad hasn’t been here with us. So it’s a big deal.”

Speaking to the colt as a physical specimen, Goodman said: “He’s a beautiful colt. He’s been straightforward. He’s never had a bad day. He’s never had a surgery. He’s got a good vet report and he’s got a great attitude. In every step of the way, he’s risen to the occasion, probably more than any horse that we’ve had in a long time. It’s a huge family.”

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