By Emma Berry
Four days of yearling trade begins today at Goffs with the two-day Orby Sale followed immediately by the Sportsman's Sale.
The profile of the Orby has increased dramatically in recent years, a fact which has not escaped the attention of buyers from far and wide. Newcomers to the sale this year include David Ingordo, the team from Zayat Stables and Mike Carpenter among a strong American contingent, as well as visitors from Australia, Singapore and South Africa.
After heavy rain over the weekend interrupted some of the early viewing days, agents and trainers alike took advantage of a sun-drenched Kildare day to turn their long-lists into short-lists.
“It's great to see the sun and also so many new faces here at Goffs,” said Chief Executive Henry Beeby ahead of his company's major yearling sale, which this year also features the first part of the Wildenstein Stables Dispersal of yearlings and horses in training directly following the Orby catalogue. The family's mares and foals will be offered in November.
An early highlight could be provided by lot 22, Baroda & Colbinstown Studs' colt by Galileo (Ire) out of the GI Beverly D S. and GI Flower Bowl Invitational S. winner Dynaforce (Dynaformer), while lot 74, a filly by the same sire who should draw plenty of attention is Ballylinch Stud's sister to G1 Dubai Fillies' Mile winner Together Forever (Ire) and half-sister to G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Lord Shanakill (Speightstown).
Arguably the hottest update in the catalogue belongs to lot 142, the Power (GB) half-brother to Saturday's G1 Juddmonte Middle Park S. winner The Last Lion (Ire) (Choisir {Ire}) who is being offered by Glenvale Stud. Also of interest as the day draws on is lot 168, a Frankel (GB) half-brother to Group 1 winners Maxios (GB) (Monsun {Ger}) and Bago (Fr) (Nashwan) from the Hyde family's Camas Park Stud.
After withdrawals, 231 yearlings will take their turn in the ring Tuesday and they have plenty to live up to from the example set by the class of 2015, which returned a six-figure average, four millionaire yearlings and almost €39 million in receipts over the two days of the Orby Sale 12 months ago. The action is set to commence at 10 a.m. local time.
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