The fireworks kicked off early March 22 during the third and final session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale with agent Donato Lanni extending to $1 million on behalf of Frank Fletcher Racing Operations for Hip 558, a standout daughter of Munnings and just the second horse through the ring on the day.
“She is an exceptional filly,” said Lanni, who indicated that Bill Mott would train the juvenile. “She worked great, came back great, and kept her weight. She is just a really cool, elegant filly. They gave a lot of money for her as a yearling. I’m glad we got her. This is the one I wanted to buy for Frank. He loves the game, he is great for the business, and he is a guy to cheer for.”
In commenting on the connections that acquired the filly, consignor Tom McCrocklin said, “Frank Fletcher, Donato Lanni, and Bill Mott—the cream of the crop. It’s a good feeling when you sell to people like that. They are people that put the horse first, and we like that. She will have every opportunity to be a really good filly.”