Bloodstock agent Jacob West was on hand March 31 to sign the ticket on a flashy filly by Ashford Stud stallion Uncle Mo at The Gulfstream Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select 2-year-olds in training sale. Consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, agent, the filly was purchased on behalf of West's clients Robert and Lawana Low for $825,000.
"It's an Uncle Mo filly," said West. "He can do no wrong. She's out of a Bernardini mare who is absolutely killing it as a broodmare sire. I thought she had the best breeze of any filly down here. We love to buy them when you can see them get across the dirt and gallop out on the dirt. She vetted good, so we got stuck in behind her and wanted to buy her."
Bred in Kentucky by Southern Equine Stables and Southern Equestrian Stables, Hip 169 is out of Michelle d'Oro and is a half sister to Pico d'Oro, winner of the Runhappy Juvenile Stakes and third-place finisher in the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes. Her second dam is Betfair TVG Acorn (G1) and Test Stakes (G1) victress Champagne d'Oro, who is a half sister to Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Ruler On Ice.
Hip 169 was purchased for $380,000 by Autrey Bloodstock from the consignment of Bluewater Sales to the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Showcase. During the under tack show, the filly worked an eighth mile in :10.
West said the Lows will place the filly with trainer Todd Pletcher.
Hip 169 will be the second juvenile by Uncle Mo purchased March 31 to join his barn in the near future. Earlier in the day, Coolmore purchased Hip 67, a colt by the stallion for $1.3 million from the consignment of Wavertree Stables, agent.
"We are very fortunate to get them," said Pletcher. "They are typical of the Uncle Mos. He stamps his babies, and I thought both of these have that look that he puts into so many of them. Very good movers, good walkers, athletic with good breezes. So we're excited."
While a high number of withdrawn horses on Wednesday significantly cut down the offerings in the catalog, West said he was not surprised about how the market had continued to play out.
"Good horses are selling," said West. "The ones that miss the mark aren't. Unfortunately, that the reality of our business that we're all looking for the same thing. When you don't offer it up at the market, if you have what everybody wants you get paid but if you miss the mark even by a little bit the buying bench is pretty harsh on you. Quality sells and what is not deemed as quality doesn't."
