by David Carr, the United States Trotting Association

Lexington, KY — The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale continued on Friday, October 3 to show substantial increases through four sessions compared to last year’s very successful sale. Despite thus far selling 23 fewer yearlings, the total sale of $27,211,000 has topped the 2013 gross by more than $1 million, and the average price of $49,206 represents an increase of 8.7 percent.

Buyers have defied the usual pattern of horse auctions, where it takes a few hips before the bidding begins to heat up. In the opening session, the fifth horse ended up being the sale topper, while in Thursday’s third session, it was the very first horse that stayed atop the leaderboard. On Friday, the buyers were at the starting gate and ready to roll; the third horse to enter the ring walked out at a price that would not be surpassed. This was the pacing colt Keep Talking, by Well Said. Dam Dial Romance has already produced a pair of six-figure half-brothers in Ideal Romance ($168,626) and American Romance ($121,378). Rene Allard paid $100,000 for this colt bred by Steve Jones of Cameo Hills Farm.

The Bettor’s Delight filly Glorious Delight laid claim to runner-up honors for the session, with a sale price of $80,000. She is the first foal of her dam Rock For Glory, a winner of $137,598 in her race career. Buyer Brian Brown will be taking her back to Ohio where she was raised at Emerald Highlands Farm, co-breeder with Jim Sprow. Preferred Equine Marketing consigned the filly for them as agent.

A pair of trotting colts were next among the leaders for the session. Linda Toscano paid $70,000 as agent in buying Royal Brady, by RC Royalty out of Barcelona Baby, from the Crawford Farms consignment.

The Explosive Matter colt Leggs Matter brought a final bid of $65,000 from Denise Dennis. The dam American Leggs was a $130,000 winner and is most notable for being the dam of MM’s Lucky Boy ($388,866). Spring Haven Farm served as agent in consigning the colt for breeder Lindwood Farm.

The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale concludes on Saturday evening at the Fasig-Tipton sale arena.