by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

HARRISBURG — Trainer George Teague Jr., known to some as the “Master of the Back Ring” for his ability to spot qualities in a modestly priced horse that no one else sees, was, where else, in the back ring of the Standardbred Horse Sale on Wednesday afternoon.

Teague bought 20 yearlings through hip #802 ranging in price from $5,000 to $82,000; he will also be training two horses for former heavyweight champ George Foreman. Teague vaulted to national prominence training modestly priced yearlings that went on to great success, including 2004 Horse of the Year Rainbow Blue, Total Truth and Mr Apples.

On the heels of several years of producing top flight horses, Teague is working with a bigger bankroll than usual. Asked if his fellow bidders are joining in the bidding when they see him raise his hand, Teague was modest.

“No, the market is up, especially with slots is so many states,” he said. “It’s the biggest luxury (shopping with a bigger bankroll), you get a lot more in conformation for more money. In the past, I’d see a horse on paper that I liked the pedigree, go look at it and you’d see the problems. For more money, you get more to work with.

“I sure don’t want to buy a horse for $30,000 if I can get it for $10,000, but overall I look to average out. If I buy one that goes for more than I’d like, I try to find one that goes for less so it all averages out.”

Teague isn’t shopping for a particular type of horse or particular sires stakes eligibility.

“I try to get a little bit of everything, but all things being equal, if the state has slots, that helps,” he said.

Teague spent some time shopping with Foreman at the sale on Monday.

“I think being here opened his eyes a bit,” said Teague. “I pretty much picked out the ones he bought, but he tries and said he’s learning something. It’s hard, as far away as he is (in Texas).”