by Kim French, USTA Internet News Editor

Indianapolis, IN — Despite not offering a yearling with a price tag of $100,000 or more, the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale can boast on strength in other numbers as two colts, a pacer and a trotter, each fetched $60,000 to lead the first day of the sale conducted on Friday (Oct. 28) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

“I have not had the opportunity to go through the results,” said Steve Cross, sales manager. “But there was a lot of excitement from our buyers and our consigners today. While I have not seen the average it was a very strong sale in the middle. That is exactly what you hope to see and if history repeats itself, tomorrow should be even better than today.”

Hip No. 103 was the first youngster to step through the ring for the top bid. The check for Cosmic Power, a son of Rockin Image-Cosmic Grace was signed by perennial Indiana racing stalwart Pat DeLong.

The colt is a half-sibling to one of the state’s most recently crowned champions in Uncmprmising Z Tam (Shadyshark Hanover, $231,288) and was entered in the event by one of the Hoosier State’s leading breeding programs in Victory Hill Farm.

While Rockin Image has proven his mettle through world champion offspring such as Freaky Feet Pete, the second horse to collect the most cash was by a sire that has yet to establish himself in Guccio. Also holding court at Victory Hill Farm, Guccio’s first crop was very well received and his son Rocking Destinys (hip No. 119) will be relocating to Peter Wrenn’s barn.

Consigned by Black Creek Farm and Ben Wittmer Jr., who were also responsible for the full brother to Mission Brief, Tactical Landing, who topped a record breaking Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, this colt is only the second from his dam, Destiny’s Prayer. The first, Fireball’s Prayers (Big Stick Lindy, $82,752), was very competitive at Hoosier Park in this her first year of competition.

“The horses by Guccio really look the part,” Cross said. “Their videos were very good and that followed that up in person. We were also very pleased with how well the trotting and pacing stallions were equally supported. We are looking forward to tomorrow to see what the rest of the sale will bring.”

The second and final day of the sale commences Saturday at 10 a.m.

For more information and detailed results please click here.