Hip 402, a colt by leading sire Tapit, proved to be the most popular offering on Day 2 of the Keeneland September yearling sale after attracting a final bid of $700,000 by agent John Moynihan on behalf of leading owner Stonestreet Stables.
The attractive gray or roan colt is a full brother to a pair of high-class runners by Tapit, including Tempted to Tapit, a former leading 3-year-old who placed in the Risen Star S. (G2) at Fair Grounds and Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park on the 2010 Kentucky Derby trail. The colt is also a full brother to the promising filly Dance Card, back-to-back winner in New York including an impressive allowance victory in her last start at Saratoga on August 11.
“He is a great Tapit,” said Moynihan. “He is just a pretty horse, and he moved great, and he showed himself great. The mare has two good horses by Tapit, so we'll take a shot.”
The colt was consigned by Gainesway as agent for McMillin Sales and Tapit Syndicate.
“He's a beautiful horse, and everyone was on him,” said Gainesway's Michael Hernon. “He looks like he could be any kind. We're delighted.”
Tapit had two other colts ring a bell on Day 2: One to Demi O'Byrne for $500,000, and one to Maverick Racing for $390,000.
Gainesway also had a strong day as agent. Aside from the $700,000 Tapit colt, Gainesway sold a $550,000 Giant's Causeway colt as agent to Maverick Racing. On Day 1, Gainesway sold a Distorted Humor colt for $850,000 and a Bernardini colt for $675,000.