LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- A filly out of 2002 horse of the year Azeri sold for $800,000 on Monday, the early high price on the first day of Keeneland's September yearling sale.
The chestnut filly had one of the most impressive blood lines in the sale, with former European horse of the year Giant's Causeway as its sire.
Robert Low of Springfield, Mo., signed the ticket and said he believed he got a bargain.
"I think she's worth twice that much in past times," Low said. "It's always dangerous to start predicting what thoroughbred horses are really worth as opposed to what you have to pay for them, but we're proud to own her at that price, that's for sure."
Low said the filly, foaled May 10, 2008, will likely be trained in Florida and then New York before eventually settling as a broodmare at the Springfield farm he and his wife own. They also owned Steppenwolfer, who finished third in the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
Keeneland has catalogued 5,189 yearlings for the sale, which goes through Sept. 28. With the thoroughbred market sluggish nationwide, another buyer's market is expected, as indicated by the early prices.
Propping up this sale somewhat is a nearly complete dispersal of horses belonging to Overbrook Farm, one of Kentucky's top horse farms and home to former superstar stallion Storm Cat.
About 50 yearlings are being sold at the Keeneland sale this month, including several catalogued at the opening session. One Storm Cat colt sold by Overbrook fetched $360,000 on Monday morning.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
