$550,000 colt tops terrific Wednesday at OBS for Vino Rosso

Vino Rosso had a trio of juveniles bring at least $325,000 Wednesday at the OBS March 2-year-olds in Training sale, topped by a $550,000 colt that sold near the end of the session.

Through two days of the three-day auction, Vino Rosso has three of the top seven prices paid for all First-Crop sires represented in the catalog.

Hip No. 544, consigned by Brandon and Ali Rice’s Ricehorse Stable, the bay colt was purchased by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong. The colt was bred by Hurstland Farm & James Greene, Jr. and attracted plenty of pre-sale buzz after working a swift furlong in :09 4/5 at the under tack show.

“He looked like a 3-year-old among 2-year-olds,” said Alex Lieblong. “I really think Vino Rosso has a good shot at being a really good stallion.”

The colt is out of Hookah Lady, who is already responsible for multiple graded stakes winner Get Smokin. This is also the family of female grass champion Dayatthespa and graded stakes winner Clev Er Tell.

Earlier in the session, hip No. 337 was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, agent, and sold to Mike Maker for $340,000. The bay colt is the first foal out of Call to Service, who is a half-sister to the multiple graded stakes winner Isotherm and Grade 1-placed Gio Game.

Soon after, hip No. 347, consigned by Old South Farm, LLC, agent, sold for $325,000 to West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable. The bay filly is out of Cash Is Queen, who has produced five winners from as many starters. This is also the family of Champion 3-year-old colt Afleet Alex.

Vino Rosso concluded the sale with 12 lots sold for an average of $180,583, more than 12 times his current stud fee.