Ilusionaria topped the Haras Vacación Annual Broodmare Sale

The daughter of Roman Ruler, in foal to Fortify, was acquired for 22,100 dollars by Rubén Encinas

Ilusionaria, top price at the Vacación Broodmare Sale / (ARG) SALES

Ever since the catalog for the Haras Vacación Annual Broodmare Sale was released, it wasn't hard to identify the likely top price. With a strong pedigree, a solid pregnancy, and already a generous producer, Ilusionaria was the heavy favorite.

When the moment of truth arrived, the daughter of Roman Ruler indeed became the auction topper during the sale held this Sunday afternoon under a fully virtual format, organized by (Arg) Sales.

A winner at San Isidro at age 4, a full sister to Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) winner Imagen de Roma, dam of stakes winner Señor Importante (Fortify), and in foal to the valuable Fortify (Distorted Humor), the chestnut was ultimately acquired for $21,000 by Rubén Encinas.

Near the end, the second-highest price was reached by Saudi Girl, a nearly 12-year-old Jump Start mare with several attractive credentials. A two-time winner at San Isidro, she is already the dam of G3-placed Sixties Girl (Sixties Song) and has a confirmed pregnancy to Remote (Dansili). Out of the remembered Saragosse (Political Ambition)—and therefore a half-sister to G2 winner Sarapia (Roy) and a full sister to Saragossa—she received a final bid of $13,700from Pablo Duggan.

The podium of top prices was completed by Sky With Stars (Equal Stripes), nearly 10 years old, a three-time winner at Palermo, and expecting a foal by the champion Hi Happy (Pure Prize). She is a daughter of G3 winner Skympy (Seeking Daylight), the granddam of Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Tan Gritona (Full Mast). It was no surprise that Hernán Gasibe acquired her for Haras Gran Muñeca—the colors she defended on the track—for $11,200.

Another interesting price was achieved by Catch the Storm (Catcher In the Rye), purchased for $9,800 by Haras Los Robles of Uruguay. A winner of two races and in foal to Hi Happy, she is a half-sister to G2 winner Vagabundo Inc(Include), G3 winner Sabiyano (Fortify), stakes-placed Valga La Pena (Fortify), and Vaguita Oro (Orpen), the dam of Chilean stakes winner Zefiro