For the first time, the Tattersalls February Sale has been extended to run over two days, with the curtain set to rise on another year of horse-trading at Park Paddocks at 11.30am today.
It's fair to say that this year's increase in quantity goes hand in hand with a rise in quality. Following on from a dramatic reduction in numbers at sales around the world in 2016, Godolphin continues to thin the ranks and has 53 horses scheduled to sell today after consigning six of the top ten lots at last year's edition. The 2017 offerings include such regally bred individuals as Gmaash (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 181), the winning 3-year-old daughter of G1 Coronation S. winner Maids Causeway (Ire) (Giant's Causeway), and Carry A Flame (Ire) (lot 184), a 3-year-old Frankel (GB) filly from the top-class family of Group 1 winners Cerulean Sky (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and Moonstone (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}).
The mixed sale of 488 catalogued lots includes around 40 in-foal mares and the Godolphin draft also contains Labise (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}) (lot 171), who will be sold carrying her second foal, a member of the first crop of Derby and Arc winner Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). There's also bound to be plenty of interest in the three black-type performers offered in foal to Dark Angel (Ire), who also features as the sire of 4-year-old dual Listed winner Easton Angel (Ire) (lot 100), a member of the Castlebridge Consignment.
Shadwell's draft is nowhere near the size of Godolphin's but contains 13 fillies and one gelding, with a stand-out on paper being Almahroosa (GB) (lot 57), a Dubawi daughter of G2 Ribblesdale S. winner Thakafaat (Ire) (Unfuwain), a half-sister to the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas winner and young sire Power (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}).
French-based vendor Coulonces Consignment dipped a toe in British sales waters when selling yearlings last year at the Goffs UK Premier Sale and is represented by a sole offering at Tattersalls. Lot 166 is the Group 2 runner-up Dressed In Fur (Ire) (Excellent Art {GB}), a 4-year-old filly from the family of Pivotal (GB) and Araafa (Ire) who is being sold in training. Among a number of well-bred colts catalogued is Vantage Point (GB) (lot 386), a son of Galileo (Ire) and the dual Grade I winner Adoration (Honor Grades) whose page has enjoyed a recent update courtesy of the 3-year-old's victory over a mile on Jan. 17 for the partnership of Fitri Hay, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. The in-training prospects sell towards the end of today and throughout Friday's session.
An unusual aspect of the February Sale is the significant number of 2-year-olds entered. With three withdrawals, 20 will go through the ring, including members of the first crops of Camelot (GB) (lot 106), Cityscape (GB) (lot 108), Intello (Ger) (lot 110), Havana Gold (Ire) (lot 118) and Epaulette (Aus) (lot 122).
Immediately prior to the start of today's session is the TBA Stallion Parade at 10.45am, featuring 12 first- and second-season stallions, among them the newcomers Adaay (Ire) (Kodiac {Ire}), Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid) and Pearl Secret (GB) (Compton Place {Ire}). As well as the 12 parading in the sales ring, Heeraat (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Gregorian (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) and Hellvelyn (GB) (Ishiguru) are also available for viewing on site at Tattersalls.
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