I have not attended the Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of Two Year Olds since 1996, but Fasig-Tipton Co. did such a good job of promoting their sale this year that I was persuaded to attend.
I spent a few very pleasant days staying with Jim and Alice Sapara in their very comfortable condo in Hollywood, and then moved into the magnificent Fontainbleue Hotel as the guest of the sales company. The sun was shining, the girls were very pretty, and pretty topless, and the food was passable. Anna Seitz worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was happy – the Fasig-Tipton goody bag complete with Garmin Satnav was worthy of an Oscar nominee!
The two year olds had to breeze into a strong headwind, but the track was watered and harrowed regularly through the day to keep the surface as fair as possible for the consignors. It made for a very long day but the purchasers were very patient and the consignors very appreciative.
Terrence Collier gave an abject lesson in how to commentate on such an event – a few helpful comments on each horse but not endless parroting of what everyone can see in the catalogue. Michael White and John O’Kelly please note.
The not very pulchritudinous backstretch at Calder was transformed by a tented village erected by F-T comprising reception, restaurant, T.V. room with multiple screens, bar, I.T. room, and sheltered courtyard for cogitation or flirtation according to choice. It was much admired and appreciated.
Fasig-Tipton’s efforts were rewarded with a sale which under the circumstances was remarkably strong.
Jim Sapara purchased a very handsome colt by PURGE for $225,000 from Becky Thomas (Hip No. 132). The colt will be trained by Josie Carroll at Woodbine this summer.
Bobby Flay’s first shot at pinhooking proved quite satisfactory when his $220,000 investment in two yearlings turned into $410,000 with both having new owners. It was indicative of the sophistication of the market that the emphasis was on nice horses that moved well and had a future rather than whips-up rockets. The Speightstown filly that I bought for Bobby was purchased by Paul Cole to be trained in England, so I hope I shall enjoy watching her progress.
With a very enjoyable Cheltenham Festival behind us, the Racing Post headlines are full of bookmaker-driven attempts to whip up some ante-post betting on the classics. Car Colston bred CROWDED HOUSE is Epsom Derby favourite, but speculation is being created that he may run in the 2000 Guineas on Ky. Derby day. Jeremy Tree tried to train his sire RAINBOW QUEST as a miler, and in spite of being beaten by LEAR FAN (in receipt of 7lbs.) in the Craven Stakes, took him on again at level weights in the Guineas. RAINBOW QUEST finished fourth to EL GRAN SENOR, CHIEF SINGER, and LEAR FAN. I have always believed that he would have won the Derby that year if he has been trained for it. He only had to beat SECRETO of which I am sure he was capable, but he was still recovering from two hard races at the wrong trip and did not take part.
I hope Brian Meehan won’t make the same mistake with CROWDED HOUSE! Word on the street has it that he is under owner pressure to go for the Guineas – it’s wait and see time.
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