Japanese buyers were active again during Day 4 of the Keeneland September yearling sale when Big Red Farm owner Shigeyuki Okada purchased an Empire Maker colt for $1.10 million.

Thursday’s session – topper is out of the A P Indy mare Lu Ravi and was consigned by Woods Edge Farm.  “He has very good muscle, good conformation and he’s very smart,” Shigeyuki said.  “He probably would have cost significantly more at an auction in Australia or Japan.”

Okada made headlines in June when it was announced Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another would be sent to Japan to enter stud at his Big Red Farm.

The Japanese contingent has been active at Keeneland.  On Day 3, J S Company paid $600,000 for a Medaglia d’Oro colt from a sister to Any Given Saturday.

Thursday’s Empire Maker colt is a half brother to stakes winner Ravi’s Song (Unbridled’s Song).  His Indian Charlie 2YO half-sister fetched $775,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Their dam Lu Ravi was a G2 winner of the Molly Pitcher Breeders’ Cup and she is a half sister to the dam of Champion 2YO Filly Halfbridled (Unbridled).  “We thought the Empire Maker colt was an outstanding horse,” Woods Edge owner Peter O’Callaghan said.  “Lu Ravi is has had some lovely foals but the Empire Maker is exceptional and every breeder strives to produce a horse like him.”

Stonestreet Stables was next best with $900,000 for a colt by Smart Strike out of the Maria’s Mon mare Mon Belle.  The dam is a full sister to G1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.

Keeneland reported 198 horses sold for $35.75 million on Thursday.  The average of $180,556 was up 11% and the median price rose 8% to $140,000.

“It’s a resilient business and I’m very happy with the way it’s going,” Keeneland vice-president Walt Robertson said.  “In the absence of some of last year’s leading buyers, we’ve had others step up and take their place.”

Keeneland will recess on Friday with selling resuming Saturday through to Friday, September 21.

The entire sale is streamed live at:  www.keeneland.com