The world of horse racing and breeding is abuzz with anticipation as the Fasig-Tipton July Sale approaches, offering a unique glimpse into the future of the sport. This year's sale is particularly intriguing as it showcases the debut of yearlings sired by two recent American classic winners, Mage and Arcangelo.
What makes this sale even more fascinating is the opportunity it presents to evaluate the earliest members of the 2025 foal crop. These yearlings, born in the same year as their sires' classic victories, are the first to hit the market, providing an exciting preview of what's to come.
The Sires: Mage and Arcangelo
Mage, the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, and Arcangelo, the Belmont Stakes (G1) champion, are the stars of this year's first-crop sires. Their progeny are expected to make a significant impact on the racing scene, and the anticipation is palpable among breeders and buyers alike.
Bret Jones, president of Airdrie Stud, where Mage stood this breeding season, is particularly enthusiastic about their Mage colt (Hip 55). He believes this colt is the ideal representative of Mage's first crop, showcasing the stallion's well-balanced and soundly made physique.
"Mage is perfectly balanced with everything in the right place. I've never seen a light-hipped Mage. They seem to have his attitude too, which is a real asset," Jones remarked.
The Yearlings: A Preview of Things to Come
The yearlings on offer at the July Sale are more than just potential racehorses; they are a testament to the skill and art of breeding. Take, for instance, Hip 55, a gray or roan colt out of the stakes-producing mare French Politics. This colt is a direct descendant of champion sprinters Orientate and Dream Team, carrying a rich legacy into the ring.
C & S Thoroughbreds and Warrendale Sales also have Mage progeny in their consignments, described as big, strong individuals with the distinctive hips and shoulders of their sire. These yearlings are expected to fetch good prices, reflecting the high expectations for Mage's first crop.
Arcangelo's progeny, too, are generating buzz. Hip 121, a gray or roan filly by Arcangelo, is a half-sister to graded-placed stakes winner Half Is Enough. Sarah Estrada of C & S Thoroughbreds describes her as "a really lovely filly," suggesting that Arcangelo's progeny may need a bit more time but are well-suited to the July Sale.
Top First-Crop Yearling Sires
Beyond Mage and Arcangelo, the July Sale also features yearlings sired by some of the industry's top first-crop sires. These include Cody's Wish, Up to the Mark, Forte, Gunite, and Taiba, all of whom have produced impressive weanlings with high average sale prices.
StGeorge Sales has the only Cody's Wish yearling in the sale, a dark bay/brown filly out of the stakes winner Takechargedelilah. Up to the Mark is represented by three yearlings, including a bay colt out of the Tapit mare City Tap, a descendant of the Canadian champion grass horse Perfect Soul.
Highgate Sales also has a Gunite filly in their consignment, Hip 148, who is a great representation of her sire. Warrendale's offering includes a bay Forte filly, Hip 161, a half-sister to this year's Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes winner Final Boss.
A Sale of Significance
Bret Jones emphasizes the importance of the July Sale, urging buyers to give it the attention it deserves. With records being broken at 2-year-old sales and a strong market for racehorses, Jones believes this sale will be a crucial platform for discovering top-quality horses.
"It's a really important sale. We've seen incredible value and top horses come out of this sale in the past, and I expect no different this year," Jones said.
As the July Sale approaches, the excitement builds. Will Mage and Arcangelo's progeny live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of horse racing is on display, and it's an exciting prospect indeed.
