Lanni Nabs $460,000 Curlin Double on Day 3 at F-T

Nine horses into the third day of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale, Donato Lanni, agent for Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, saw off Derby winner Ramiro Restrepo to acquire a Curlin   sibling to 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner California Chrome  . The colt, consigned as Hip 809, was offered by his pinhooking connections Hunter Valley Farm to the Oct. 25 session.

"The likes of Donato and Ramiro appreciate the age of the horse and how much improvement is to come," Adrian Regan, managing partner for Hunter Valley Farm, said. "We purchased him off Hill 'n' Dale at the November Sale last year. I think it was the most I have had in a pinhook, and thanks be to god it all worked out."

The May 23-born colt is the 10th foal out of the winning Not for Love mare, Love the Chase . Her first foal, by Lucky Pulpit , became two-time Horse of the Year, Champion 3-year-old Colt, and Champion Older Horse California Chrome.

The precocious juvenile propelled himself into the spotlight, winning the 2013 Graduation Stakes and King Glorious Stakes. At 3, he came out swinging, capturing the California Cup Derby, San Felipe Stakes (G2), and Santa Anita Derby (G1) en route to his Derby and Preakness Stakes (G1) victories.

The Art Sherman trainee failed to nab the final jewel of the Triple Crown, settling for fourth, but came back at the end of 2014 to win the Hollywood Derby (G1). The following year, he placed in the San Antonio Invitational (G2) and Dubai World Cup (G1).

Proving better with time, at 5, he won the San Pasqual Stakes (G2), Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy, Dubai World Cup, San Diego Handicap (G2), Pacific Classic (G1), and Awesome Again Stakes (G1), and finished second in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). He capped the year with a win in the Winter Challenge Stakes.

California Chrome retired with earnings of $14,752,650 and an impeccable record of 16-4-1 in 27 starts.

Purchasing with partners Mark Dwyer, Willie Brown, John Wade, and Barry Claughessy, Regan picked up the pricey pinhook as a weanling up for $225,000.

He recalled what took his eye, "His age, and we thought there was plenty of improvement to come. When I purchased him, I signed the ticket Long Run Stable because, at the time, I thought it might take him until October. I want to thank our entire farm staff; they did a fantastic job with the horse all year long."

He added: "This is a good sale for a horse that needs a little bit of time; we have seen a lot of improvement in the past six weeks since coming back from Keeneland September. I think it's a legit sale that needs to be here every year. This horse was coming all year, mid-August when we came back from Saratoga we decided to give him another six weeks, and he has thrived since mid-September. I think Donato got an excellent horse; both myself and Fergus (Galvin) loved him on the farm. While lunging him at home, he was very light on his feet and has an excellent temperament. I hope he goes on to do what his brother did."

Lanni showed his penchant for Curlin, purchasing a second offering for $460,000 for client Michael Lund Petersen. Denali Stud consigned the filly out of grade 3 placed Munchkin Money  as Hip 943.

"I purchased both of these horses for two amazing clients," Lanni commented. "The career Curlin has had as a stallion has been unbelievable. It makes your decision easier when you find one by Curlin, and it looks like a runner; it gives you confidence. Both horses had great physicals and were super athletic."

T & G Farm of Kentucky bred the second foal out of the winning Freud mare; further down the page, the grade 2 winner Letgomyecho , dam of champion Echo Zulu  and grade 1 winner Echo Town  , can be found.

Lanni added: "It's October, and there are a lot of horses here. You have to get through them all. Today was the first time I saw this filly. I have been busy going through the other barns, and she happened to be the last barn this morning."