With a final bid of $450,000 during the third session, a colt by Orientate is the sales-topper thus far at the OBS Select 2-year-old sale, which runs April 23-26. The big day for the Gainesway stallion coincided with Oatsee being named 2011 broodmare of the year. Oatsee, who was consigned and sold by Gainesway to the 2006 Keeneland January Sale, produced a filly by Orientate, Lady Joanne, who would go on to win the Grade 1 Alabama S. at Saratoga.

Hip No. 731 was purchased by Hill N Dale Bloodstock and consigned by Eddie Woods, agent, the dark bay or brown colt worked a co-bullet eighth in :10 during the third under tack preview a week ago (VIDEO).

“I was (happily surprised),” said Woods. “But when a duel develops between bidders it always works to our advantage. We were very high on him all along. He hit all his marks. He vetted well and trained great. We’re thrilled with the sale.”

Out of the unraced mare Mir Cat, the colt was bred in Kentucky by Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds. Preston Stables acquired him as a yearling at the 2011 Fasig-Tipton October sale for $17,000.