Phil Hager of Taproot Bloodstock was on a mission July 14 to acquire elite prospects at Fasig-Tipton's The July Sale in Lexington, where he purchased three prospects for a total of $515,000.
Signing as Taproot Bloodstock, agent, on behalf of an undisclosed client, Hager's purchases were led by Hip 36, a standout colt from the first crop by Taiba . The Taylor Made Sales Agency-consigned colt went for $300,000, the highest-priced yearling of four by the sire that were sold.
"(Hip 36) is a big two-turn, dirt-looking horse, which is what this owner really likes," Hager said. "I like the pedigree, too. He’s inbred to Gun Runner’s family. He’s got the A.P. Indy a couple times. So, just a neat horse, real easy every time I saw him; he was just really good mentally. I figured there would be some of those in September, but if they’re here, you might as well try to jump on them before he gets too hot and going, so that’s what we did."
The colt was bred in Kentucky by the prominent Don Alberto Corp. out of the Tiznow mare Dayfa. His second dam is Dance Quietly, who produced stakes winner Dance d'Oro.
Dayfa's progeny have done well in the sales ring, with all five of her foals selling for $100,000 or more at some point in their careers. Her first foal to enter the ring was an $850,000 colt by Gun Runner in 2021 at Fasig-Tipton's The Saratoga Sale, followed by a son of Gun Runner bringing $400,000 in 2023 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Two of her her foals are winners from four of racing age.
Hip 36 hails from the immediate family of Three Chimney Farm's marquee stallion and 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, and 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam.
"I love his sire. We’ve had a lot of luck with Gun Runner. I loved him (Taiba) as a yearling, and obviously, a good 2-year-old," Hager said.
Taiba, a son of Gun Runner who became a three-time grade 1 winner, was among 19 first-crop yearling sires represented at The July Sale. His four yearlings sold averaged $210,000.
Taiba stood his third season this year at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington for an advertised fee of $25,000.
Hager also acquired fillies by Army Mule (Hip 40) and Cairo Prince (Hip 62).
Bought for $150,000 out of the Paramount Sales consignment, Hip 40 is the first foal out of the Union Rags mare Dixie Supreme.
Hip 40, bred in Kentucky by Bill Humphries and Altair Farms, comes from a deep family. Her third dam is grade 1 winner Dream Supreme, whose daughter A.P. Dream produced All American Dream, the dam of $3.2 million colt and grade 2 winner Barnes .
Hager bought Hip 62 for $65,000 out of the VanMeter Sales consignment. She is the second foal out of the young Upstart mare Gratz Park, a half sister to graded stakes winner Rich Mommy, an earner of $249,815.
Austin Luttrell, John David Christman, Patrick Durtschi, and Zach Magoto bred Hip 62 in Kentucky.
