Strong Mandate had a spectacular Wednesday at the March OBS 2-year-olds in Training Sale, with a $775,000 colt topping the session; he also represented the top price paid for any lot by a First-Crop sire at the two-day auction.
Carolyn Wilson was the winning bidder for hip No. 447, consigned by Wavertree Stables. The bay colt had also worked a sales-best eighth-mile in 9 4/5 seconds at the Under Tack Show.
“If you had to pick out an individual in terms of looks–I’ve seen a million horses in my time–[hip 447] was a beauty. He looks like a 3-year-old,” said Larry Rivelli, who trains for Wilson.
The colt is out of Majestic Stinger, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Tiz Blessed, who like Strong Mandate, is by Tiznow.
A little earlier in the session, Strong Mandate had another outstanding colt go through the ring. Hip No. 418, consigned by Bobby Dodd, went for $450,000 to the partnership of China Horse Club and WinStar Farm.
The colt’s deep female family includes champion sprinter Plugged Nickle, Grade 1 winner Christiecat and Grade 2 winner Islefaxyou.
Overall, Strong Mandate’s two-day sale average of $381,250 was the highest for any freshman sire with more than one lot sold.
