Songbird's half-sister commands $800,000; Pioneerof the Nile colt tops sale at $950,000

Tom Haughey's PTK Racing went to $800,000 to secure the half-sister to Songbird Monday night at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Cataloged as Hip No. 61, the daughter of Ghostzapper and Ivanavinalot was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales, agent. That rated as the top price midway through the session, but she would be passed late in the night...

 

Hip 111, a son of Pioneer of the Nile -- the sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah -- sparked a furious bidding war that propelled his price to a session-topping $950,000. Stonestreet Stables and Coolmore's M.V. Magnier teamed up to acquire the colt, who was consigned by Gainesway, agent. Named Ocean Pioneer, the yearling is out of Ocean Goddess, making him a half-brother to Grade 3 victor Ocean Knight.

 

Earlier, a Tapit half-brother to Grade 2 winner Corfu brought $750,000 from China Horse Club, which also purchased a $650,000 colt by Uncle Mo. The gray Tapit-Fashion Cat colt was listed as Hip 27, from the consignment of Top Line Sales, agent. The bay Uncle Mo-Gypsy Sage colt was offered by Dromoland Farm, agent, as Hip 46. He's pictured while bidding was still going on, before his final price.

 

 

Two more colts fetched $650,000 -- Hip 30, an Uncle Mo half-brother to Dance With Fate, purchased by John C. Oxley, and a Tapit colt (pictured below), Hip 45 out of Great Hot, who went to Chuck Zacney for $650,000 to round out the top six.

 

The sale concludes Tuesday night, when there are sure to be more fireworks in the pavilion.