The second and final day of the under-tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale concluded May 13 with mixed emotions. Fasig-Tipton implemented two major changes this year: restricting the use of the crop and untimed workouts.
Consignors and buyers have largely welcomed the new sale guidelines.
"We are very happy with the positive changes that have been made. The extra scrutiny on consignors flagging horses and helping ensure everyone is doing right by the horse is a great addition," said Jimbo Gladwell of Top Line Sales.
"Extending the medication to 48 hours out on the breeze show was a great move. Limiting the jockey stick use has been another real improvement," he added. "We will always push for doing the right thing for the horses."
Hips 301-619 completed their previews on Day 2 of the under-tack show for the Midlantic sale, which condensed the under-tack show to two days, barring weather concerns expected to develop Wednesday evening.
As many consignors operate as pinhookers, their profitability relies on a quick turnover of high-performing horses. While the new regulations still allow for effective showcasing, some believe they have created a more challenging environment for sales.
"I am not a huge fan of the untimed portion," Gladwell said. "Everything we do with these babies is timed from their very first work. It gives us feedback on fitness, athletic ability, and also which sale to point towards.
"From what I've seen, every buyer is trying to time or buying the gallop out sheets. It seems it is a pretty important aspect of judging these horses."
Jimbo and Torie Gladwell's Top Line Sales consigned 18 juveniles at the sale, including Hip 402, a full sister to Preakness Stakes (G1) contender Taj Mahal.
Consignor Omar Ramirez, who brought his first group under his own banner, Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, to the Midlantic May Sale, said he has been very pleased with the format changes and the way his horses have worked over the dirt track.
Ramirez opted for a combination of gallops and breezes for his 10-horse group.
"I don't mind the changes. I'm happy with the way my horses have performed over the track," Ramirez said.
One of the most attractive pedigree pages in the catalog is Ramirez's entry, Hip 611, a Highly Motivated filly who is a half sister to recent Pay Day Mile Stakes (G2) winner Crude Velocity.
The filly failed to meet her reserve at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, after breezing a furlong in :10.
"I gave her a strong gallop today. I don't need her breezing," Ramirez said. "I know she's fast, she's already proved she's fast. She's very strong, and she looks fantastic.
"This is my first time coming here. I'm excited," he said. "I brought a great group, and they have all performed well and have come back well. It's been amazing. Fasig has been amazing here and treated me great."
The Midlantic May Sale begins 11:00 a.m. ET May 18 with hips 1-300 set to go to the ring. As of Wednesday evening, Fasig-Tipton had reported 55 outs.
