'He has so much quality' - $1.8 million Constitution colt tops Keeneland

It was no surprise when hip 311 brought the hammer down at $1.8 million (approximately £1.54m) to top the second session of Book 1 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Snatched up by Dana Bernhard of Lynnhaven Racing, the Taylor Made Sales-consigned Constitution colt has bloodlines that scream talent.

Bred by China Horse Club in Kentucky, the colt is out of the Grade 1-winning Empire Maker mare Last Full Measure, who found herself in the winner's circle at Keeneland after the 2013 Madison Stakes.

The colt shares his dam with Grade 1 winner Valiance, who took the 2020 Spinster Stakes and was runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Distaff later that year.

"It was very special," said Michael Smith, regional manager for China Horse Club. "It is very hard to breed a horse like that who has a pedigree like that and looks like that and has the temperament that he does. I hope he is a champion for his connections."

Michael Smith: 'He exceeded our expectations.'Credit: Keeneland photo

The colt's second dam, Lazy Slusan, was also an impressive runner earning over $1,000,000 spanning a five-year-career including wins in the Santa Margarita Handicap and Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap, both in 2001.

"[The price] is amazing; fantastic. He has so much quality and presence," Smith said. "He is closely related to Valiance. WinStar prepped him. We thought he was a horse that could reach [a big price] but he exceeded our expectations."

Agent for Lynnhaven, Matt Weinmann said in addition to the colt's pedigree, equine analysis was integral to his selection process.

"Basically what draws us to any horse is their physiology. We measure physiology using data and statistics. That's what draws us to any horse. These horses have the best statistical likelihood to succeed, and that's what we go for."

Weinmann said he believes the individuals who make up his team give him a stronger chance at purchasing a yearling that will make the grade.

"All you can do is surround yourself with the best team, and best people possible, my team at equine analysis, Dr. Lambert and I have assembled what we think is the best team of people. We have the best information that we can get, and you take your best shot. It gives you the confidence to take a big swing like this."

Mark Taylor, chief executive officer for Taylor Made, said the colt has been special from the beginning.

"We had seen this colt out at WinStar Farm a few times prior to the sale. As soon as we saw him we thought it was one of the best Constitutions we'd ever seen," Taylor said.

"The blood is there and this just looked like a Derby horse. A lot of presence, big walk, lot of substance, very strong. We're just fortunate to have him, and congratulations to China Horse Club. They bred a beautiful horse.

"I think Constitution is a stallion who's just on the rise, he's on his way to the top. [This colt] was a great representation of the stallion. He brought a bunch of money and he deserved [it], too, he's a very nice horse."

Bernhard's only other purchase on Tuesday was hip 320, a $450,000 Constitution colt consigned by Stone Farm for breeder Bobby Flay.

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