More Than Ready sired one of the standout colts at Keeneland during Book 2 of the September yearling sale on Friday.
The Vinery champion’s colt from Winsome Ways (Smart Strike) sold for $500,000 to WinStar Farm in partnership with China Horse Club. He was offered by Elm Tree Farm owner Jody Huckabay and descends from Champion Group 1 winning mare Ms. Eloise (Nasty and Bold).
Huckabay revealed selling him in Book 2, as opposed to Book 1, was a strategic decision to make him more conspicuous. “He’s a very, very nice horse – everybody was on him,” Huckabay said. “We’re very pleased.”
More Than Ready shuttles to Vinery from WinStar. “He’s a great sire,” WinStar President Elliott Walden said. “Not only has he done it for a long time, he’s had success in both hemispheres, which is incredible.
“He still has some really good crops and they’re getting better every year.
“This colt is balanced and very athletic,” Walden added. “He looks like the kind that will be able to go on both surfaces which is what we’re looking for.”
WinStar and China Horse Club began their partnership with More Than Ready’s G1 Champagne Stakes winner Daredevil who will have his first foals on the ground in Kentucky next year.
Vinery and China Horse Club have also combined to stand G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement in partnership with Kia-Ora Stud and Raffles Racing.
More Than Ready had 10 yearlings average $243,000 during Book 1 at Keeneland. Top price was another half-million dollar bid for the filly out of My Sugar Bear (Giant’s Causeway).
