Successful Second Act for Krikorian's Mare Star Act

Star Act , the dam of dual grade 1 winner Just F Y I , failed to meet her reserve Jan. 8 on Day 1 of the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale at $950,000, but privately sold Wednesday for $1.2 million to the partnership of Determined Stud's Matt Dorman and John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

"I was shocked and surprised that she didn't sell," Sikura explained. "She had a lot of post-sale interest and activity. We thought she would be a mare that would suit our program; she was the dam of a champion. Hill 'n' Dale has had a long relationship with (owner/breeder) George Krikorian, and (bloodstock agent) Donato (Lanni) worked for me for 25 years. Donato expressed a lot of confidence that she would enhance our program, and it is rare to (have the opportunity to) buy the dam of a current champion. Her covering sire, Life Is Good, Is an excellent horse, and I have supported him with mares.

"Post-sale, I spoke to Donato and Matt Dorman, who had expressed interest in Star Act; he's a great client and has never said no. I called Donato back, and he said he'd rather have the mare with us than anyone else; he knows me, the farm, and our key staff. I hope we are lucky."

The 13-year-old mare was consigned to the opening session of Book 1 as Hip 144 for Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

The mare's 3-year-old Justify   filly went 3-for-3 in 2023, winning the Frizette Stakes (G1) in October before scoring by a neck in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park for owner/breeder George Krikorian and trainer Bill Mott.

Star Act has produced three foals of racing age, all winners, including her exciting grade 1 winner. Her Justify yearling filly was initially cataloged to sell with Sikura at the January Sale but was subsequently withdrawn. The black type-winning Street Cry mare is due in March to WinStar Farm's four-time grade 1 winner, Life Is Good  .