Eleven years after purchasing the Vinery near Lexington, Chilean conglomerate Don Alberto Corporation has built a 100-strong broodmare band and become a major force in the American commercial market.
Look no further for proof than the five yearlings Don Alberto will offer at Fasig-Tipton's The Saratoga Sale, the boutique auction that is winding up for an action-packed two-night run Aug. 5-6.
"There's no question Don Alberto has arrived," said Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning Jr. "They've bred a classic winner in Arcangelo, and they bred a top 2-year-old and a grade 1-winning 3-year-old in Muth.
"You're talking about a major breeding operation that has become a key component to the commercial marketplace. They've created one of the most successful and prominent broodmare bands in the world."
Reed Ringler, who joined Don Alberto two years ago as chief operating officer, was on the grounds Saturday in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and he talked with BloodHorse about the accomplishments and goals of Don Alberto principals Liliana Solari and her son Carlos Heller.
"Carlos loves Saratoga. He loves to see Don Alberto compete both at the racetrack and in the sales pavilion at the absolute highest level," Ringler said. "It's very important to him that if we have the type of yearling that can compete up here, that we come every year with a couple of our best.
"We've got some fantastic horses waiting until September, but these were five that we thought could stand out here."
Hip 85, a Curlin filly out of grade 3-placed stakes winner Matera (Tapit ), consigned by Gainesway, is an example of the bloodlines Don Alberto has been cultivating and now offering to the market. Matera is a half to two of the most important current stallions in America—Liam's Map and Not This Time .
"She is the first foal out of the mare, just a really pretty, refined Curlin," Ringler said. "Carlos and Ms. Liliana like to protect certain families. We'll sell about 90% every year. We take almost everything to market, but not everything.
"Carlos was willing to sell this one because it was the first foal out of a young mare."
Don Alberto has adopted the practice of listing its name on the catalog pages of most of the horses the farm offers for sale.
"We've kind of been sleeping in terms of branding our farm," Ringler said. "When we started getting some good horses like Arcangelo and Muth, Carlos thought it was time to attach our name under the consignor so people knew that these horses were associated with the farm. We want to build on the momentum of the last couple years."
Hip 217, consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, is a filly by first-crop yearling sire Tacitus , in whom Don Alberto is a major shareholder. She is the third foal out of Muth's dam, the winning Uncle Mo mare Hoppa, a Don Alberto homebred.
"This filly, who is a half to Muth, has just been outstanding from day one," Ringler said. "She deserved to be here on her own merit because she is such a beautiful filly, but I just heard (Muth's trainer Bob) Baffert mention yesterday that Muth might run in the Travers. This is a good time for us to sell while the brother is on the racetrack with Bob performing at a high level.
"It also allows us to showcase Tacitus and show the world what he is capable of throwing. Tacitus' pedigree is red hot, with his full brother and sister that are on the racetrack running so well in Batten Down and Scylla."
Hip 97, consigned by Lane's End on behalf of Don Alberto, is the only Tapit colt in The Saratoga Sale. He is the second foal out of graded stakes winner Mopotism, by Uncle Mo. Hip 97's half brother by Curlin sold for $825,000 to Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners at last year's Saratoga sale.
"The half brother is named Journalism and is at Del Mar in training with Mike McCarthy and training super well," Ringler said. "This Tapit colt has been the boss from day one. He was a big, strong, gorgeous foal. Mopotism ran all over the country and was made of iron. She also has an Into Mischief weanling on the ground that's a stunner."
Hip 32, consigned by Denali Stud for Don Alberto, is an attractive filly by City of Light , out of the stakes-winning Scat Daddy mare Dolce Lili, another Don Alberto homebred. Ringler described the May 16 foal as a, "really racy, sleek-looking, classy filly"
"City of Light just had Fierceness win the Jim Dandy, and we had Chop Chop run a big third at Saratoga in the Glens Falls for us," Ringler said. "We thought this filly was really classy and forward."
The fifth Don Alberto yearling on offer at Saratoga is not declared on the catalog page because it is a foal share between Don Alberto and Coolmore's Justify Syndicate. Hunter Valley Farm consigns Hip 174, an athletic-looking colt by Justify out of Dolce Lemone, by Lemon Drop Kid.
"He is a brick house. He looks like a miniature version of his daddy," Ringler said of Hip 174. "He has a huge walk and a big attitude. He was very forward from the beginning, and with Justify doing so well, he was a no-brainer to bring up here."
After looking over the Don Alberto yearlings Saturday, Fasig-Tipton's Browning was very pleased.
"As usual they've sent us tremendous horses both in terms of pedigree and physical conformation," Browning said. "We're very fortunate they chose to send those horses here, and we're optimistic they'll continue their tradition of selling well.
"The success they have derived is a reflection of the quality of commitment they've made. Frankly, I think that success is just beginning for them."
