Ocala: $1,200,000 for a son of Nyquist and the Argentine champion La Extraña Dama

The opening session of the 2-year-ods in training sale saw fireworks early when a son of Nyquist out of the Argentine champion La Extraña Dama hammered for $1,200,000. Originally bred by Haras de La Pomme, the colt was hammered down to Morplay Racing and Marquee Bloodstock after stopping the clock in a blistering :9 4/5 during the under-tack show

By Nyquist, the son of La Extraña Dama shone both under the stopwatch and under the hammer / OBS

OCALA, Florida—Argentine breeding quality once again commanded the spotlight on the international stage. During the opening session of the OBS March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, a colt with deep South American roots emerged as a centerpiece, as a son of Nyquist out of the Argentine champion La Extraña Dama hammered for $1,200,000, marking the second-highest price of the day.

Acquired in partnership by Morplay Racing and Marquee Bloodstock, the bay consigned by Wavertree Stablessparked intense bidding following a standout breeze show where he stopped the clock in :9 4/5 for an eighth, one of the fastest works of the week.

For Ramiro Restrepo of Marquee Bloodstock, the colt’s appeal was deeply rooted in the genetic fortitude of the Argentine dam line.

“On paper, he stood out. I love the Argentine soundness. The racing there is over classic distances, around two turns, and there are champions throughout the family, which is very impressive,” the agent explained after securing the winning bid. “Then you have Nyquist, who has had extraordinary seasons and brings immense sire power. That was exactly what we were looking for.”

The colt’s dam, La Extraña Dama, was crowned Argentina’s Champion Older Mare in 2018. A six-time group winner, she was among the elite of her generation before beginning her broodmare career in the United States. Her presence in the pedigree was a primary driver for the high-fliers in the pavilion.

For Morplay Racing, the acquisition represents a continued push into the upper echelons of the sport. The group is coming off a banner season led by Shisospicy (Mitole), winner of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) and subsequent champion female sprinter.

“We got involved in racing a few years ago and were hooked immediately,” noted Cam Dulgar, representing Morplay. “We’ve had great experiences with horses like No More Time (Not This Time), and the success with Shisospicy gave us even more enthusiasm. Now, we are dreaming of the Kentucky Derby.”

Dulgar also highlighted the colt’s physical presence and track performance: “He has a very solid frame, and we loved what he showed in the under-tack. We are thrilled to partner with Marquee Bloodstock and hope this horse takes us on another big ride.”

Bred in Kentucky by De La Pomme Kentucky, the son of Nyquist was originally a $170,000 purchase by Ange Bloodstock at last year’s Keeneland September sale, effectively multipling his value in just a few months. While a trainer has not yet been named, the colt will undergo a development phase before launching his racing career.

The session was topped by a son of Corniche acquired by Legion Bloodstock for $1,350,000, leaving the descendant of Todo Una Dama as the day’s second-highest price.

Overall, the OBS March opener posted robust figures. A total of 144 head changed hands for $23,149,500, a 34% increase over the corresponding session last year. The average rose to $160,760 while the median hit $90,000, both showing significant gains.

As the auction continues in Ocala, the first day delivered a clear message: Argentine genetics remain a powerful force in the international market, and the seven-figure price tag for the son of Nyquist and La Extraña Dama serves as yet another confirmation of that prestige.