The most expensive yearling sold at public auction in 2011 has been named Powerful. His new owners need to be commended for making a choice that is fitting for a majestic-looking $1.4-million A.P. Indy colt.
It doesn't always happen. There have been times when people, who have gone out and spent seven figures, inexplicably choose a name so bad that it seems to cast a pall of doom over the expensive animal. While the choice might have great meaning to the new owner, sometimes it just sounds silly at best or adds a burden equal to 20 pounds of extra weight in the saddle at worst.
Consequently, it is a relief that Powerful's moniker isn't an automatic mojo-killer. John and Jerry Amerman and Robert Evans, who hinted that someone else also was involved in the transaction, purchased the bay colt from Hill ‘n' Dale Sales Agency, agent, at the Keeneland September yearling auction.
Powerful is the second live foal out of the winning Deputy Minister mare Malka, who is a half sister to 2010 Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I) winner Giralamo, grade II winner Daydreaming, grade III winner Accelerator, and Supercharger, the dam of 2010 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Super Saver (by Maria's Mon). All of those half siblings are by A.P. Indy. Malka also is a half sister to Canadian stakes winner Harborage (by Maria's Mon's 2001 Derby-winning son Monarchos).
There are a number of high-priced yearlings of 2011 that haven't received their names yet. But following are some others that have been christened:
Resurgence, a $1.35-million Awesome Again - Legs Lawlor colt that is a half brother to the winners Clarinet (by Giant's Causeway) and Coto Brus (by Indian Charlie).
Brabbham, a $1.2-million Bernardini - Easter Bunnette colt that is a half brother to 2011 Horse of the Year and champion older female Havre de Grace (by Saint Liam).
Sonoma County, a $1.2-million Street Cry - Forest Music colt that is the third live foal out of a grade II winner and is a half brother to the winner Maclean's Music (by Distorted Humor).
Superfection, a $1.2-million Medaglia d'Oro - Supercharger colt that is a half brother to Derby winner Super Saver and grade III winner Brethren (by Distorted Humor) has retained the name he was sold with so far.
Sugarcraft, a $950,000 Bernardini - Sugar Shake filly that is the first live foal out of a grade I winner.
Gulfport, a $775,000 Unbridled's Song - Dream Supreme colt that is out of a grade I winner and is a half brother to 2007 Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) winner Majestic Warrior (by A.P. Indy) and two other added-money winners.
Romansh, a $750,000 Bernardini - Cologny colt that is out of a stakes winner and is a half brother to the winner Terminus (by Puplit).
Almoonqith, a$725,000 Dynaformer - Bohemian Lady colt that is the second live foal out of a grade III winner and is a half brother to the winner A Shin Carmen (by Giant's Causeway).
Transparent, a $725,000 Bernardini - Habiboo colt that is out of a grade II winner and is a half brother to the winner Quippery (by Forest Wildcat).
Watrugonnadorosie, a $700,000 Curlin - Tears I Cry fill that is the first foal out of a stakes winner.
Argyle, a $650,000 Tapit -Don'tellmichelle colt that is a full brother to 2009 Iowa Oaks (gr. III) and Dogwood Stakes (gr. III) winner Hightap.
Carnival Court, a $650,000 Street Sense - Delta Princess filly that is a half sister to 2011's champion 3-year-old filly, Royal Delta (by Empire Maker).
Linchpin, a $650,000 Elusive Quality - Kobla colt that is a full brother to Quality Road (by Elusive Quality), winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I) in 2009 and the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), Woodward Stakes (gr. I), and Donn Handicap (gr. I) in 2010.
Encode, a $625,000 Bernardini - Ava Knowsthecode colt that is full brother to grade III winner Algorithms and is a half brother to four other stakes winners, including grade II winners Keyed Entry (by Honour and Glory) and Justin Phillip (by First Samurai) and grade III winner Successful Mission (by Successful Appeal).
J P Girl, a $600,000 Distorted Humor - Lady Lochinvar filly that is a half sister to grade II winner Master Command (by A.P. Indy) and Canadian and domestic grade III winner Aurora Lights (by Pulpit).
Mr. Jenney, a $600,000 Medaglia d'Oro - Vole Vole Monamour colt that is a half brother to Canadian grade I winner and French group I winner Mrs. Lindsay (by Theatrical).
Pianoso, a $600,000 Bernardini - Nataliano filly that is a half sister to A. P. Adventure (by A.P. Indy), winner of the 2004 Las Virgenes (gr. I) and Santa Ysabel (gr. III) Stakes, and added-money winner Platinum (by Mineshaft).
Which name do you like best?
