A colt by Macho Uno topped the sixth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale, which concluded on Sunday with declines in total sales, average price, and median.

Joe Appelbaum, of Off the Hook, signed the ticket for $400,000 for the Macho Uno colt on behalf of Venezuelan businessman Jose Castro’s Paula C Racing.

“He’s been with us all week and looking for a real nice horse that is a prospect for either pinhooking or racing,” Appelbaum said. “He was excited to get this one; it’s the one he targeted.”

Consigned by Hidden Brook, agent for breeder Adena Springs, the session topper is out of Grade 2-placed multiple stakes winner Bag Lady Jane, by Devil’s Bag. His grandam is two-time Canadian champion Deputy Jane West.

Appelbaum said he was impressed by the colt’s balance and athleticism.

“He’s just looks like he’ll be super athletic and he has a beautiful walk. That’s his strength,” he said. “We had some success with the Holy Bulls and Macho Unos. Macho Uno seems to be doing nicely, especially with the three-year-olds. That didn’t hurt.”

Keeneland reported 295 horses from 377 offered as sold for $27,081,500. Total sales dipped 4.3% from $28,302,500 at the corresponding 2007 session. Average price dropped 6.6% to $91,802 and median declines 12.5% to $70,000.

The buy-back rated improved to 21.8%, compared with 23% during the sixth session last year.

“It was a good session,” said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s director of sales. “There was good representation by both domestic and foreign buyers. The Europeans are here along with South Americans.”

Demi O’Byrne, bloodstock agent for the associates of Coolmore, went to $375,000 to secure a bay colt from the first crop of Coolmore stallion Powerscourt (GB). Consigned by Blandford Stud, agent, the colt is out of Grade 2-placed winner Beefeater Baby, by Thunder Gulch.

The top-priced filly of the session was a Dixie Union filly, who was purchased for $330,000 by Bob Feld, agent for Sagamore Farm. Out of Grade 2-placed winner Rosthern, by Broad Brush, the Dixie Union filly was consigned by Brookdale Sales, agent for Audley Farm.

Through six sessions, Keeneland reported 1,412 horses as sold for total receipts of $262,457,200, a 13.5% decline compared with $303,573,700 after six days at the ’07 Keeneland September sale. Average price is down 13.7% to $185,876.
(Source: Thoroughbred Times)