'Dream colt,' a relative of Higher Power, commands $1 million

In part thanks to a timely update to the catalogue page, Hip 162 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale became the third horse to hit seven figures as Book 1 continued Monday.

The chestnut son of Curlin is out of Transportation, making his second dam Alternate, who produced the recent Pacific Classic (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Classic candidate Higher Power.

Hinkle Farms consigned the colt after also sending into the ring Hip 75, who sold to Godolphin for a sales-topping $2.5 million.

This later prospect, Hip 162, went for $1.05 million to another international racing and breeding power, Shadwell.

Tom Hinkle, owner of Hinkle Farms, called him a “dream colt.”

“We’re obviously thrilled with the result, and we’re excited that he’s going to be in great hands going to Shadwell,” Hinkle said. “He was just a really nice colt. He developed nicely. He never made any mistakes. He was just a straightforward kind of colt.”

The Hinkles run a family operation and, until last year, had to go back to 1985 for their last million-dollar horse at a sale. Given two on the day, Hinkle said he’s hopefully re-invest in some nice mares.”

Transportation went in foal to Curlin for $370,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale, making this a profitable turnaround for the Hinkles.

“I hope he does great for the Shadwell folks,” said Hinkle, who in addition to Higher Power on the page pointed to the presence of sire Alternation, another son of Alternate, who entered stud in 2014 and sports among his progeny the Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress.”