The scene is set for Keeneland as showpiece September Yearling Sale looms large

The world's biggest bloodstock auction, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, is preparing for lift-off with 11 sessions getting under way from Monday.

Yearlings by leading sires American Pharoah, Curlin, Distorted Humor, Tapit and Uncle Mo feature among the stellar offering, while there is a solitary Galileo yearling, a filly out of I'm A Chatterbox (hip 2).

She is consigned by Blandford Bloodstock, having been bred in Ireland but foaled in the United States, where she grew up at Ashford Stud.

"She's a class act," said breeder Carolyn Gray, who raced three-time Grade 1-winning homebred I'm A Chatterbox with husband Fletcher. "She looks right at you, moves right on, does what she's supposed to do. They've never had any issues with her. I think she's going to be an incredible race filly, I really do."

More than 4,000 yearlings were catalogued for Keeneland's showpiece auction, which will run through to September 24 and will offer online and telephone bidding to those unable to attend.

A total of 1,102 yearlings were earmarked for Books 1 (Monday and Tuesday) and 2 (Wednesday and Thursday), before a dark day on Friday and the action resuming from Saturday.

Having produced the winners of 249 stakes races this year, including the winners of 34 Grade/Group 1s, such as recent Spinaway Stakes winner Echo Zulu, Jockey Club Gold Cup scorer Max Player and Flower Bowl winner War Like Goddess, the sale will have potential buyers and bloodstock enthusiasts eager to get stuck in.

With such a monstrous catalogue it's hard to know where to start, but definitely among this year's standout lots look to be Betz Thoroughbreds' American Pharoah half-sister to Echo Zulu (43), the Blue Heaven Farm-consigned half-brother to Del Mar Debutante winner Grace Adler (99), and the Summerfield-consigned Kantharos half-brother to champion Gamine (486) and full-sister to Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes winner Gunite (539).

Some exciting sires will be represented with their first crops of yearlings, among them Triple Crown winner and Ashford Stud resident Justify - who has 90 lots catalogued - plus there is also Accelerate, Bolt D'Oro, Good Magic, Mendelssohn, Mo Town, Mor Spirit and Oscar Performance.

Justify: has 90 yearlings catalogued for the September Yearling SaleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Keeneland's vice-president of sales Tony Lacy, who recently tacked a Racing Post Bloodstock Q&A, said: “The importance of the September Sale to the health of the thoroughbred industry and to the economy of central Kentucky cannot be overstated.

“The finest yearlings from this year’s crop will be offered during the two weeks of the sale, giving buyers from around the world the opportunity to select racing prospects at all price points to race in the US or in their home countries.

"Keeneland has elevated the sale atmosphere to enhance the full experience for sellers and buyers and to celebrate all the Bluegrass has to offer those who are passionate about horses.”

Kentucky Downs bonuses

Yearlings purchased from the sale will be eligible to run in a pair of $250,000 allowance races at the 2022 FanDuel meet at Kentucky Downs next September.

In an agreement between Keeneland and Kentucky Downs, the track will stage one $250,000 allowance race for two-year-old fillies and one for colts and geldings restricted to horses that come under the hammer at Keeneland. Those who fail to meet their reserve are also eligible.

Gatewood Bell, Keeneland vice-president of racing, said: “This innovative venture between Keeneland and Kentucky Downs is a win-win, rewarding those horsemen who buy yearlings at the September Sale with lucrative racing opportunities while enhancing Kentucky’s racing circuit.

“It's an investment very much in keeping with Keeneland’s mission to strengthen the sport of racing, and an example of how collaboration among racing entities benefits our industry."

Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky HBPA, added: “This is just another example of horsemen and racetracks working together to strengthen the entire circuit.

“This also gives owners buying horses in the middle and end of Keeneland’s September Sale the opportunity to compete for big bucks with a horse that might not cost a lot of money.”

Keeneland's grounds will be open to those working at the sale and the general public, although the sales company advises individuals to be vaccinated if eligible and to wear masks indoors.

Sale catalogue

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