by James Platz

The third annual Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale was held Saturday (Sept. 9) at the Topeka Livestock Auction. Although offering a smaller catalog than in 2022, the average of $7,182 for the 73 yearlings sold was nearly identical to the previous year when 41 more horses were sold for an average of $7,142. The sale grossed $524,300 despite more than a dozen withdrawals. A group of 12 yearlings brought five-figure bids, with Mark Wright taking home two of the higher priced babies.

Five Carat Rocker topped all pacers sold at the Topeka sale. Cataloged as Hip 51, the Rockin Image colt is out of a $230,000-winning mare that has produced six winners from eight foals including Juslikeaqueen, a winner of $377,148 with a mark of 1:51. Wright, of Frankfort, Ky., signed the slip on the brown colt, consigned by Norman Miller, acting as agent.

Wright also acquired supplemental entry My Little Sis, a Muscle Massive filly that was last to enter the sale ring Saturday, for a $20,000 bid. She is the first foal from Credit Winner mare Winnerano. Second dam Upside Hanover was a New Jersey Sires Stake final winner at 2, and has produced five winners from seven foals, including two six-figure earners.

The first crop of Breeders Crown champion Fiftydallarbill sells this fall, and a single colt passed through the ring in Topeka. Fake Dollar Bill, Hip 63 from the Nelson L. Slabach consignment, fetched a price of $19,000. He is the second foal from dam Fake News Cast, and is brother to Pilot Discretion freshman Fly Delta, a six-time winner that has hit the board in 11 of 14 starts. Alan White of Fountain CIty, Ind. signed the slip.

A gelding from the first crop of Muscle Hill son Don’t Let’em finished near the top of the sale sheet. Let’em Be, Hip 78 in the catalog, was purchased for $18,500 by James Yoder. Consigned as agent by Double R Farm, the yearling is the third foal from a sister to International Stallion Stake division winner Super Schissel 2, 1:54.3, 3, 1:52.3 ($399,492).

First crop pacing sire Capt Midnight was also represented at the sale, with his top progeny, Roll On Midnite, bringing $12,250. The filly is the second foal from a Rocknroll Hanover mare with a 1:52.1 speed badge. Third dam is Shes A Great Lady winner Remember When, dam of Breeders Crown final winner Reflect With Me. Lyle D. Bontrager consigned the yearling, purchased by John Merkel.

Four of the dozen horses that sold for $10,000 or greater were pacers. The highest bid on the trotting side went to Swan For All filly Twilight Hour. Cataloged as Hip 64, the trotter was hammered down for $31,500. The filly is the fourth foal from Here Comes Herbie mare Allie Labrook, an Indiana Sires Stakes final winner with over $300,000 on her card. Twilight Hour is a full-sister to freshman winner Winslow. Bred by Dan Shetler and co-owned by Shetler and Doug Rheinheimer’s Dojea Stables, the filly was consigned by Dojea Stables. Shelter made the successful bid.