Authentic kicks off Keenlend Book 3 with $875,000 session topper
September 16, 2023
Authentic’s Sept. 16 session topper at Keeneland – Keeneland photo
Authentic’s First-Crop star power was on display once again Saturday at Keeneland when a colt by the Spendthrift stallion topped the session at $875,000.
Saturday marked the first day of Book 3 of the marathon sale, and Authentic led the way with hip No. 1511 in what was his top-priced lot since his $900,000 colt on opening day.
Consigned by Eaton Sales, the dark bay colt went to agent Donato Lanni, buyer for SF Racing, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stable. He was bred by Seclusive Farm, Brad Stephens & Breeze Easy.
“He was just one of those beautiful horses that comes along every now and again,” said Eaton’s Reiley McDonald. “He was medium-sized, with a beautiful shoulder, great length and great hip. He was very correct with an outstanding, athletic walk. He was a very intelligent horse who handled the pressure great. He showed over 200 times, which is a lot of pressure on any of these young horses, for two days. He took it like pro. They bought themselves one hell of a horse.”
The colt is out of Sweetgrass, a multiple graded stakes-placed winner of $330,000 from the family of champion Althea and graded stakes winner and sire Twining.
Authentic stellar Keeneland results to date include 56 lots sold for an average of $303,750, which far and away leads all First-Crop Sires.