Best's First September Buy Is a $1.3M Constitution Colt

Larry Best's OXO Equine appeared among the buyers of seven-figure yearlings Sept. 12 during the second session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale after he signed the ticket on a $1.3 million colt (Hip 324) by Constitution  .

Indian Creek consigned the colt that was bred in Kentucky by Kindred Stables and is the first foal out of the Medaglia d'Oro   daughter Solo Uno. The mare, though unplaced, is a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Tom's Ready  (More Than Ready) and Japanese grade 2 winner Jean Gros (More Than Ready) plus two other stakes-placed winners.

"I thought he was one of the best colts in the sale," said Best. "I paid more than I wanted to, but this particular auction, I've never seen one quite this strong. I knew I would have to go to around $1 million to get him."

Best said he felt the colt was one of the best foals by Constitution he'd seen and looked "very racy, very athletic." He said he evaluates many of his sales purchases with trainer Paulo Lobo, who will likely see this colt in his barn.

Out of the corner of his eye, Best spied bloodstock agent Mike Ryan giving him a thumbs up on his purchase.

"Mike Ryan is saying thumbs up, so I must have done the right thing," he said of his first September sale purchase.