Stars Align for Tuesday’s KEESEP Topper

A colt from the first crop of Astrology (A.P. Indy) topped returns at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Tuesday–the first session of Book 4–bringing $425,000 from Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton.

Stonestreet and Bolton, of course, campaigned Astrology to a win in the 2010 GIII Iroquois S. at Churchill Downs and also a third-place finish in 2011 GI Preakness S. He stood the 2015 season at Taylor Made in Nicholasville, Ky, for $7,500.

“[Stonestreet advisor] John [Moynihan] thought he was one of the best physicals in the sale and he just happened to be by a stallion that we own,” Bolton said by phone from his California base. “The horse had gotten some buzz and we knew he was going to be expensive.”

He added, “It’s very exciting to have The Factor and Astrology as stallions. They’re both throwing nice-looking individuals.”

From the extended family of MGISW General Challenge (General Meeting), the striking dark bay was consigned by Timber Town, Agent I, as Hip 2625, on behalf of breeder Many Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm. Pope acquired the mare Priceless Design (More Than Ready) for $300,000 as a yearling at the 2009 FTSAUG sale. The maiden of four career starts produced a filly by Tizway earlier this spring and was bred back to Astrology. Tuesday’s topper is her first foal.