Hollywood Heyden reports on Tattersalls sale

An enthusiastic racehorse-hungry crowd filled the back paddock at the Meadowlands Racetrack Monday (Jan. 21) for the annual Tattersalls January Mixed Sale. The emphasis was on racehorses, and all the major players were in attendance.

 

Among the sale toppers was hip number 171, Modern Family, who went for $110,000. The 4-year-old gelded son of Cantab Hall was bought by Daryl Bier. Bier's recent success has come with pacers (Higher And Higher, Special T Rocks), but he reminded, "It was a 4-year-old trotter who rejuvenated my career-Starsel. He wound up being the 2009 Trotter of the Year at Pocono. You know me-I love 4 year olds, especially a rather green one like Modern Family. He didn't race at two, which I like, and seemed to get a bit tired towards the end of the year."

Myron Bell was the seller. "I'm happy," said Bell. "We paid $110,000 for him as a yearling and made $67,000-so we're about even counting everything (including this sale). I hope the new owners make a quarter million dollars with him. He could very well turn out to be a top trotter."

Kristins Victory, hip number 113, was a buy-back for the Steve Smith Stable. The 4-year-old daughter of Cash Hall walked out of the ring at $110,000 with Karen Garland handling the bidding.

"We were hoping to get $125,000. She's a multiple New York Sires Stakes winner, but things change when you turn four," said Smith. "She'll now have to face everyone. It's a different ballgame for sure."

Hip 109 was the pacing mare Idyllic, who was put in the sale due to an ownership dispute as to racing her or breeding her. Trained by Casie Coleman during her racing career, the Jugette winner went to the state of her greatest success, Ohio. Wade Morris, representing Steiner Stock Farm in Lima, Ohio, had the last bid at $140,000.

"I had a budget and she fell within that number," said Morris. "To be honest with you, I was a bit surprised I could get her for $140,000. We have 32 mares here at Steiner Stud Farm, and she makes 33. It's extra special being in Ohio now having the Jugette winner on the farm. But you know in the breeding business, It takes three to four years with a maiden broodmare to see if you've spent the money wisely or not. I'm not sure who the stallion will be this year, but I'll try and get in for Somebeachsomewhere. We'll just have to wait and see."

Nick Surick is the Meadowlands leading trainer through the first month, and he was there and signed for hip number 174, Mr Dennis, at $110,000. Mr Dennis had been racing for the Erv Miller Stable.

"I think this will work out. He's a brother to Lis Mara-I love the pedigree," said Surick. "He was in a 1:50 mile the other night. He's lightly raced. We (KDM Stable-Howard Schneidler) thought the price was right."

Tony Alagna was in attendance at the sale, but mostly to sell. "I am here mostly to watch the action-I have 11 in to sell," he said. "But we did buy Mortal Zin ($87,000)-a Rocknroll Hanover winner of over $160,000. We're going to race him at Yonkers."

Mortal Zin is a son of New Jersey Sires Stakes champion Zintillating-a filly trained by Linda Toscano.

Some notables names and faces in the crowd...Jeff Bamond, owner of Anndrovette, winner of back-to-back Breeders Crowns, "She just came back in. She's been resting since the Breeders Crown-enjoying life and getting fat. We'll resume training with her-and she's going to be on the same schedule as last year". NO PACING Mare has ever won the Breeders Crown three STRAIGHT years.....Ole Bach on the sale, "In a couple of years, there's going to be a shortage of horses for a sale like this-we're going to have to address this issue. But-for today-the racehorses-like always here-are selling very well".....Linda Toscano, 2012 Trainer Of The Year, "I have some ready to qualify. When you train mostly babies, you don't race as often as you'd like this time of the year."....Bruce Saunders, trainer of 2010 Horse Of The Year Rocknroll Heaven, won a Saturday night race at the Meadowlands with 13 Year OId Casimir Camotion (2004 Canadian Pacing Derby winner). "He worked out a trip-the week before he was first over a long way and only got beat a length and a half. He's healthy, he loves to race, and happy. When he doesn't stick his head out of the stall anymore, then I'll know he's had enough."....Ray Remmen was at the sale-he has a stable of 22 currently....Mark MacDonald thinks the best way to get a top racehorse is to buy him as a yearling. "The way the demand for racehorses is, I think that's your best shot. Nobody wants to give up their racehorses today. If you claim, you're taking a shot--you know that going in."

Bob Boni of Northwood Bloodstock sold a large group of horses at the sale. "Overall,it was a very, very good sale," said Boni. "Obviously, there's a big demand for racehorses."--By Bob Heyden