$310,000 Filly For Classic Empire at Keeneland

Classic Empire’s third yearling through the ring on Wednesday at Keeneland was nearly as expensive as his second when Hip 581 brought $310,000 from Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Robert LaPenta.

Consigned by Gainesway, the China Horse Club-bred filly out of stakes winning mare Flattermewithroses is a half-sister to American Pharoah’s Grade II-placed Merneith. A granddaughter of multiple graded stakes winner Fluttery Danseur, Flattermewithroses has two winners from two to race.

Also from the family of stakes winner Derive and Grade I-placed Hendrix among eight stakes horses on her page, the dark bay yearling has been in demand both times through the ring when bringing $185,000 last November at Keeneland as a weanling.

As of the middle of the third session of the sale, Classic Empire has had four sell at Keeneland in Books 1 and 2 for no less than $125,000 with three of his offerings bringing over $300,000.

It continues a strong few weeks for Classic Empire, whose daughter was the second most expensive yearling at the Texas Summer Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale in late August to kick off his successful run.

That result was followed up by multiple Classic Empire yearlings selling for $200,000 or more at the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Showcase last week, led by a $375,000 colt.