WinStar Racing Prospect Tops Keeneland's Ninth Session

Agent Jacob West prevailed in a spirited bidding battle to secure a $650,000 son of Gemologist  named Federal Case that topped the ninth session at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. He bought the colt for owners Robert and Lawana Low out of the WinStar Racing consignment.

The colt (Hip 3495) out of the Elusive Quality mare Deliahjane broke his maiden Oct. 19 at Keeneland by half a length for trainer Rodolphe Brisset and worked five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 at Keeneland Nov. 12.

"You have to tip your hat to WinStar who brought a horse here who obviously has ability and talent," said West. "Rodolph Brisset did an incredible job with the horse and didn’t press him too early. Brought him here in October and let him showcase his class. I do believe him when he said he had the horse 80% cranked when he led him over (to race at Keeneland). We feel there is some upside."

West said the colt will be sent to trainer Todd Pletcher, who won this year's Arkansas Derby (G1) for the Lows with Magnum Moon. 

"The Lows are big supporters of Oaklawn and that is what we hope we did today—buy the Arkansas Derby winner," West said.

Elliott Walden, president and CEO of WinStar, said the colt was an obvious standout at the sale.

"People will spend money on 2-year-olds that go an eighth of a mile and pay twice that much. This horse won seven-eighths and is a real horse," he said.

WinStar did field multiple private offers after the colt broke his maiden, according to Walden, but he said WinStar remained committed to putting him through the sale.

"We entered the horse back in August and felt we needed to bring him here," he said. "He is a two-turn type horse, and he sold extremely well. I think he can win the Arkansas Derby."