Bolt d’Oro has first $1M-plus yearling at F-T Saratoga

Bolt d’Oro’s $1.4 million colt at the F-T Saratoga yearling sale – Autry Graham

Bolt d’Oro became one of only two First-Crop sires of 2021 to have a seven-figure yearling when hip No. 132 sold for $1.4 million during Tuesday’s closing session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Selected Yearlings sale.

Larry Best of OXO Equine was the winning bidder on hip No. 132, which was consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency.

“This is a special horse and a special opportunity,” said Best. “Obviously there are no guarantees. The horse is just beautiful. Then you look at the page and it has Rachel Alexandra on it, which helps. It is 90% physical. However, I love Medaglia d’Oros and Bolt d’Oro is close. He is clearly the standout of the sale.”

As Best noted, the bay colt is a half-brother to champion and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Their dam Lotta Kim won the Tiffany Lass S. and placed in the Golden Rod S. (G2).

Bolt d’Oro had a pair of youngsters bring at least a half-million dollars on Tuesday as well. Hip No. 146, sold by Taylor Made Sales on behalf of Clearsky Farms, went for $550,000 to Spendthrift Farm. The colt is out of the stakes-placed Mary Rita and his third dam is undefeated Hall of Famer Personal Ensign. Hip No. 186, a filly consigned by South Point Sales Agency, sold to Frank Brothers, agent for $500,000. The filly is the first Scenic Road and is another with a historic female line via her fourth dam Weekend Surprise, dam of A. P. Indy and Summer Squall

Overall, Bolt d’Oro’s offspring proved very popular at Saratoga with 10 yearlings selling for $4.07 million at an average of $267,500, over 10 times his bred-on stud fee.