Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Topper for Cupid

Cupid picked up the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale on Monday exactly where he’d left Keeneland September – with a session topper.

Going through the ring as Hip 4, a New York-bred colt out of Gottah Penny consigned by Eaton Sales brought $160,000 from Xtreme Racing Stables and was never passed. A half-brother to two stakes placed runners, the chestnut brought $40,000 more than the second most expensive yearling of the day.

Bred by Christopher Shelli and Caliburn Farm, the March-born foal is a half-brother to stakes placed Brokered and Copper Gem, out of a daughter of Grade III winner Marshua’s Echelon. That mare is also the dam of Grade I winner Run Man Run and stakes winner North Of Mars along with a Grade III-placed runner. In all, there are 24 stakes horses listed on the colt’s page.

“We all thought this horse was a very athletic-looking colt with some really nice lines. He checked out very well, so we are very excited about him,” Xtreme Racing Stable’s Mike McGowan told Thoroughbred Daily News

Cupid was in high demand at the sale with his filly out of Rubicon bringing the fourth highest price at $80,000 from BSW/Crow Bloodstock. Offered by Vinery Sales, the Cheryl Prudhomme and Dr. Michael Gallivan-bred is the first foal out of a half-sister to two stakes horses.

Grade I winning Cupid’s first yearlings have been extremely well received, averaging nearly five times his stud fee this year. That group includes a $200,000 colt and $190,000 filly sold at last month’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale.