Woodford Thoroughbreds Strikes Early for $700K Munnings

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Woodford Thoroughbreds Strikes Early for $700K Munnings
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Photo: Photos by Z
The Munnings filly consigned as Hip 26 works an eighth in :09 4/5 during the OBS March Under Tack Show

The first of three sessions for the Ocala Breeders' March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training got to work March 12 with trainer Will Walden swinging for a fleet-footed $700,000 Munnings   filly from the Niall Brennan Stables draft. Purchased for John Sykes' Woodford Thoroughbreds, the bay sped an eighth during trying conditions in :09 4/5 last week during the under tack show.

"Physically, I thought she had all the parts, a bit on the smaller side but plenty of muscle," Walden commented. "She had a great walk and temperament at the barn. I thought the breeze was outstanding, and it was the best gallop out of the whole breeze, and on the toughest day, she did it in a 10 mph headwind."


The filly (Hip 26) is the first foal out of the unraced Bernardini mare Ansaam, a half sister to 2017 Triple Bend Stakes (G1) victor Denman's Call  and grade 3-placed Torosay . The page also carries the twice grade 1-winning millionaire mare Evening Jewel . Hubert Vester bred the February-born filly in Kentucky and sold her for $95,000 last year at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale to Ryston Stables.

"She's been a smashing filly," consignor Niall Brennan said. "She is one of those very easy-going horses with a great temperament—very laid-back. She has great cardio and a great pedigree. She has handled herself with aplomb and class. They have to come here and be tested, and she did that. She jumped through all the hoops, which you have to do now."

Early in the sale, Walden went with his gut when it came to paying a premium, stating, "I had her between $600,000-$800,000. I thought she was a quality filly, and we are happy we got her. If you like the horse, it speaks to you and works out on paper, then you got to take a swing."

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The juvenile will travel to Walden's home base at Turfway Park, then onto Keeneland for the spring meet, hoping to make an early appearance at Churchill Downs.

"John (Sykes) has been a great supporter of ours. He supported us during the winter overseas at Tattersalls," commented Walden. "We are trying to buy runners and get in the winner's circle. He has a breeding operation, and with this filly's pedigree and what she will (hopefully) do on the track, she will hold some residual value as a broodmare."