$1.4 million Colt for American Pharoah

Demand for the progeny of Triple Crown hero American Pharoah continued unabated at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale Book One on Wednesday where he provided the top seller of the third session.

Purchased by Larry Best's OXO Equine for $1.4 million, he was consigned by Sierra Farm. The star colt is from multiple Grade II winning Pulpit mare Bsharpsonata, who was purchased by Sierra for $375,000 at Keeneland's 2016 November Breeding Stock Sale when she was carrying the session-topper.

"He was a star from Day One," Sierra Farm Manager Michael Callanan said. "He came out here to the sale, and he acted like he owned the place.

"I think American Pharoah is going to be the next (great stallion); he has an unbelievable mind and was a great athlete. This colt handles everything so easy. We brought him in the back walking ring at the sale. He's never seen anything like that, but he just goes and does his job."

One of eight yearlings by American Pharoah sold during this session, the colt from Bsharpsonata is the first of his progeny to be bought by Larry Best at this sale.

"I felt like I was empty without (an American Pharoah) colt," Best said. "I wasn't sure I was going to find an American Pharoah colt that I liked, but I liked this one enough. Paid more than I thought I would have to, but the underbidder was one that I respect so I'm comfortable with the decision. Still, it's required that you hope and pray that they can run.

"It's a gut-feel. Just looked like a horse I should own."

Through three sessions of Book One so far American Pharoah has had 33 yearlings average $456,667 with his aggregate of $15,070,000 the highest of all sires.