City Zip Colt Brings $375,000 at NY-Bred Sale

A City Zip   colt from the Indian Creek consignment was purchased by Linda Rice on behalf of Sheila Rosenblum for $375,000 to become the top-priced offering thus far at the Aug. 14 Fasig-Tipton sale of New York-bred preferred yearlings in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The price exceeded the $350,000 paid for a Tiznow filly that topped last year’s two-day auction.

The Feb. 1, 2015 colt, Hip 385, bred in New York by John Lauriello was produced from the unraced Tale of the Cat   mare Flaunted, a half sister to multiple stakes winner Lady Melesi, the dam of stakes winners Roman Emperor and Seruni.

“I really liked him,” said Rice, who trained City Zip and has not been reticent about buying the stallion’s offspring. “City Zip has had an incredible year. This horse is a City Zip that looks like he'll get two turns, he's really a stretchy horse.” 

Rosenblum said she is looking for two-turn horses at the sale and that because Rice is based in New York the state-bred aspect of the sale prospects was desirable.

“We looked at quite a few and he definitely stood out,” the owner said. “We're open-minded (about what we're looking for; ideally a colt that is (bred for) distance, for dirt or turf. I'm looking at pedigree. And a New York-bred is a very nice thing for us, because we're both in New York."

Rosenblum said she also has affinity for City Zip’s foals, noting that she accompanied Rice to see the stallion at Lane’s End near Versailles, Ky.

“I do have a soft spot for (City Zip) because Linda and I went to Kentucky and she hadn't seen him in years and I felt I was being invasive and going into her private moment. There was a bond. It's like my feeling for (2015 champion sprinter) La Verdad."

Rosenblum said the colt would race for her personal stable or for the either of the Lady Sheila II or Triumphant Trio partnerships.