The final Florida juvenile sale begins June 17-18 at the Ocala Breeders June 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale. The sale offers a variety of horses for buyers at all levels, ready to hit the racetrack this summer.
"There are lots of good horses on the grounds," said Tod Wojciechowski, director of sales at OBS. "Consignors have done a really good job preparing these horses and getting them here. We're cautiously optimistic."
During the fifth and final day of the under tack show, a colt by Beau Liam , consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, tied the track record going a quarter in :20 1/5. He is the second foal of the mare Sweetnsour Kitty. Twenty-five horses breezed an eighth of a mile in :09 4/5.
OBS is coming off record-breaking March and April sales, in which the March Sale saw a record sales-topper at $3.2 million for a colt by Gun Runner , consigned by Eddie Woods; and the April Sale saw nine horses sell for $1 million or more.
"Success stems from the quality of horses that the consignors are bringing to the market," said Wojciechowski. "We've been very fortunate that some of the best horsemen in the world live here in Marion County."
Consignors have also shown signs of optimism ahead of the sale.
"I don’t think we’ll see much change," said Ciaran Dunne of Wavertree Stables. "I think the appetite for a nice horse is always there and I think the good ones will sell really well. I don’t think you can hide a good one. I think the middle and lower end of the market is going to be tough, but it’s always tough. So, I don’t expect to see any great changes.”
Last year's three-day sale saw 606 horses change hands from the 740 offered, resulting in a gross of $22,045,800. The average was $36,379, with a median of $20,000. The RNA rate was 18.1%, representing the 134 horses who failed to meet their reserve.
Tom McCrocklin sold both sales toppers last year—a filly by Tiz the Law and a filly by Twirling Candy —each bringing $400,000.
Wojciechowski noted the progression of the June Sale, which has had many top graduates, including grade 1 winner and sire Yaupon , Adare Manor, War Like Goddess, Bella Sofia, and Zenden.
"I think our consignors have also realized if they have a horse that is a little immature for, say the March Sale, they can take the time and give the horses the time to mature and grow, and be rewarded for that in June."
The newly minted two-day sale will offer 852 cataloged horses, including 83 supplemental entries beginning at 10 a.m. each day. The June 17 sale session will offer Hips 1-386, plus supplemental entries 387-430, with the June 18 session selling Hips 451-833 along with supplements 834-873.
