by Chris Lomon

Senena Esty is once again looking forward to the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in Kentucky.

Along with her husband Jeff, Esty and their Spring Haven Farm consignment will have a group of 52 yearlings, 12 that they own or co-own, and 40 agent horses, available at the upcoming sale.

If momentum is a harbinger of things to come, the Lexington sale could be a successful one for the couple.

Recently, Spring Haven had the sale topper at the Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale. Sold for $225,000 to Greg Luther, Hip #106 is a Catch The Fire half-brother to Captain Cowgirl named Catch The Cowboy. The bay colt is out of the Western Hanover mare, Rideintothesunset, and is the dam’s most expensive yearling.

“It was awesome, the Ohio sale, so we just hope it continues,” said Senena. “In every interview I’ve done, I always tell people that I am a glass-half-full kind of person. You have to be in this business. So, we’re excited.”

The Utica, OH-based operation’s consignment will showcase babies from Bettor’s Delight, Captain Crunch, Captaintreacherous, Always B Miki, Bar Hopping, Chapter Seven and several others.

Senena sees plenty of opportunity for all buyers, those looking for established names and others looking for solid deals on talented, under-the-radar types.

She has no shortage of superlatives for Writing Onthe Wall, Hip #248, a son of Walner—Creedom.

“I always start with the ones we raise at the farm because I know those best,” she said. “We’re very proud of those. It’s the first foal out of the mare. He’s a stunning colt. All of my videos are done barefoot as they are always done. Over the years, several trainers have told me, ‘You should let everyone know that.’ Our farm has up hills and down hills, so that’s how our horses get their workouts. This particular colt, he’s beautiful and we are so proud of him.”

Another trotting colt has also caught her attention.

Tactical Dynasty, Hip #479 is a son of Tactical Landing—Dynasty.

“I’m thinking the Tactical Landing horses are going to be very well received,” Senena said. “This guy, he videoed tremendously. He was all trot, there was no edit, just all trot. His head was down, and he dug in. He’s just a natural, a very good mover. These two are standouts of my group. I see these horses as my children and I feel like I should talk about each of them, but these kind of stood out for me.”

Senena has also heard good things about Angelic, Hip #782, a daughter of Archangel—Southwind Alice.

“I was speaking with my sister, Stephanie, and she has a Canadian standout she is very high on,” Senena said. “This would be an Archangel, and this yearling, Angelic, matches her name. She’s a stunner.”

As is a Sweet Lou—Somewhere Sweet filly.

Spring Haven is the agent for Fancy Like Louuuuu, Hip #737.

“Going along the lines of the video again, she paces pretty much the entire video,” Senena said. “It’s pretty incredible to watch.”

Senena also has high praise for Stonebridge Georja, Hip #52, a daughter of Bettor’s Delight—Rock N Soul.

“That’s such an incredible family and the video looks great,” she said. “I’m just excited to meet this horse in person.”

VALUE PICKS

“I’ve got several Captain Crunch yearlings, and I would love for people to consider them because I think he’s in a very tough jurisdiction and he races against the best of the best,” she said. “Sometimes, those first-crop horses are judged very tough. I really like the look of my Captain Crunch yearlings. I have three very nice fillies and they all videoed really well. I’m pretty high on Hip #551, Kaptain Kristine, and Hip #716, Captain N Tenille. If someone is looking for a nice buy, those are very nice pedigrees. They might fall below the radar, but they are certainly worth a lot of consideration.

“I also love my Captaintreacherous yearlings. They really are just a different breed, big, massive and athletic. Hip #512, Terror N Treachery, is one that we have for Doug Millard. She is a really nice one.”