Fran Azur of Hypnotic Blue Chip fame was the big buyer at the Tattersalls January Select Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands held on Monday. Azur bought four horses for prices of $100,000 or more, including the sale topper, Mystical Diva, at $170,000.
Mystical Diva (hip 134), a 4-year-old mare by Western Ideal with a mark of 1:50.4f, had a 2011 record of 7-7-5 in 30 starts, with $150,738 in earnings for trainer Tony Alagna. Preferred Equine Marketing consigned the mare to the sale. Azur also bought Flipper J, a 4-year-old son of Art Major, for $155,000; Sonic Dancer, a 4-year-old by Mach Three, for $135,000; and Village Beat, a 4-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover, for $120,000.
Horseman Daryl Bier paid the second-highest price at the sale when he had the final bid of $160,000 on Divulge (hip 94), a 3-year-old colt by Tell All who sports a mark of 1:51.3. Northwood Bloodstock Agency consigned the colt.
John Cancelliere, who has paid big money for horses at previous Tattersalls January sales, bought two horses. He paid $120,000 for the 4-year-old Rocknroll Hanover gelding Rollwithitharry, who was consigned by Northwood Bloodstock Agency, and $40,000 for the McArdle gelding Mean To Be Me (hip 202).
Burke Racing LLC, which races the biggest stable in the sport, was also active at the sale, purchasing eight horses for $239,000. Among the group was Rockweiler, for $87,000.