Midway into the Aug. 4 first session of The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale, Hip 66, a Not This Time half brother to grade 1 winner Union Strike and multiple graded stakes winner and millionaire Handsome Mike, lit up the board at $1.4 million selling to Kjell Andersen.
After watching the Netflix show "Race for the Crown," Andersen's interest in Thoroughbred racing was piqued. The resident of Switzerland, who is involved in the shipping business, has long been an owner of Standardbreds in the United States, so it felt like a natural fit to embark on the new waters.
Andersen reached out to trainer Kenny McPeek, who was featured on the Netflix show, and just like that, he's in the Thoroughbred business.
Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the Not This Time colt is out of the winning Smart Strike mare Classic Strike, who also has produced filly Union Strike, a grade 1 winner at 2; as well as grade 2 winner Handsome Mike, stakes winner Pretty Lady, and stakes-placed winner Classic Sense.
The colt was bred by Clearsky Farm and Three Chimneys Farm.
Accompanied by his two young sons, Andersen sported a big grin as he was interviewed near the back ring of the sales grounds.
"I've been in the harness business for 20 years; this is my first Thoroughbred horse, and I'm looking forward to it," Andersen said. "We saw that (Netflix show). We have harness horses in Lexington, Kentucky, and (McPeek) is there, too. It just fits everything with (McPeek) being down there and us doing harness racing. Being in the same place is great.
"There are so many people here tonight; it's fantastic. I really, really look forward to being part of this (world) as well."
McPeek said, "(Andersen) contacted me and said he wanted to fly in to meet me. He flew in and we spent a day together, and he told me, 'I would like to get involved with Thoroughbreds.' He's diving in (head) first. He's done business with Fasig-Tipton, but on the harness side. He's looking to buy a farm in Lexington.
"I thought between this colt and one tomorrow (we are looking at), both are exceptional individuals. This colt really stood out to me today. Felt this was a horse that could win at any level. That's what (Andersen) is looking at, to play at a high level."
Not This Time has thrown seven grade 1 winners from six crops to race, including 2-year-olds of 2025. He stands at Taylor Made Stallions near Nicholasville, Ky., for an advertised fee of $175,000.
