Berning down the house!

Top price Bernardini filly adds sizzle to day three at Keeneland September

With a pedigree that reflects two full G1-winning siblings, it’s no wonder that Hip 511, by Bernardini, attracted more than a lot of attention on day three of Keeeneland’s September Yearling Sale.

Consigned by Gainesway Farm acting as agent for Three Chimneys Farm, the bay full sister to G1 winners To Honor and Serve (Woodward Stakes and Cigar Mile Handicap) and Angela Renee (Chandelier Stakes) was hammered down for a bid of $1.5 million, the highest price paid for a filly over the first three days of the marathon sale. Also a half to Street Sense’s Stakes-winning son Elnaawi, the filly was purchased by Zayat Stables, whose three-year-old colt American Pharoah won the long elusive North American Triple Crown this year.

Gainesway’s Michael Hernon commented, “She has it all; pedigree, physical. She was elegant and composed. She walked like a dream. She could be any kind. It was a very fair price, but it could be looked upon as a bargain in a couple of years, if she were to win a Grade I. She could be worth multiples of this price. She was fantastic. She just exudes class. She's a wonderful prospect."

Progeny of Medaglia d'Oro continued to attract the attention of buyers exemplified by hip number 517 which received a final bid of $850,000 with trainer Todd Pletcher signing the ticket for Coolmore. Produced from the G3 Stakes-placed Distorted Humor mare, Poof Too, the yearling colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Hip number 678, a colt by Medaglia d'Oro, was yet another by his sire to realize $500,000. Consigned by Eaton Sales, Inc., the dark bay or brown colt was produced from the G1-winning Summer Soiree, and was purchased by Walnut Green Farm.

Yearlings by Hard Spun, again, caught the eye of discerning buyers illustrated by hip number 622 who stopped the tote board at $450,000. The bay colt is out of the winning Smart Strike mare Smart Farming, a half-sister to Stakes winner Social Director (dam of G2 winner Dream About) and to the dam of G2 winner Lockout. Consigned by Hidden Brook Farm, agent, it was Centennial Farm signing the ticket.