A striking bay colt out of multiple Grade I winner Balance provided fireworks reminiscent of a few years ago inside the Keeneland sales pavilion, selling for $4.2 million to Ben Leon’s Besilu Stables during the opening session of the September yearling auction Sunday night.
The A.P. Indy colt, consigned by Mill Ridge Sales, is the highest priced yearling to sell at public auction since 2006.
Leon, who has become an increasing presence at the top end in recent months, jumped into the bidding around the $3.5 million mark and outlasted such competition as Kaleem Shah.
“We are trying to be part of the Thoroughbred family, and we are trying to do it right – not in quantity but quality,” said Leon, who bid alongside J.J. Pletcher, father of trainer Todd Pletcher. “They (his advisors) thought he was the best horse in the sale and we did not want to let him go. We wanted to bring him to the Pletcher and Leon family and that’s how I rolled with it.”
Balance, who was campaigned by Mr. and Mrs. John Amerman, was a three-time Grade I winner on the track and is a half sister to undefeated champion mare Zenyatta.
Alicia Wincze Hughes is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
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