Over the history of Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale, only two lots had pierced the million-dollar barrier during the fifth session.

That total doubled on Thursday when an Awesome Again colt sold for $1.35 million to Adena Springs owner Frank Stronach.  The session topper was consigned by Kentucky based Greenwood Lodge.

An Unbridled’s Song filly was next best at $1.30 million falling to the bid of Besilu Stables.

The previous highest bid on Day 5 occurred in 2005 when a Distorted Humor colt fetched $1.10 million  He’s paid that back many times over as a racehorse and sire under the name Any Given Saturday.

The Awesome Again colt is from the winning mare Legs Lawlor (Unbridled).  The dam is a half-sister to USA Horse of the Year Favorite Trick (Phone Trick) who later shuttled to Australia.

“He is a very nice horse, very elegant,” Adena Springs manager Mark Roberts said.  “His family is very nice but we just liked the individual.  He stood out in the sale.”

The Unbridled’s Song – Lady of Choice grey filly was yet another expensive acquisition by big-spending Besilu Stables.  The Kentucky-bred is a three-quarter sister to stakes winner Silver City (Unbridled’s Song).

“I liked everything about her – her walk, her size, strength, and obviously she has a very good pedigree,” Besilu owner Benjamin Leon explained.  “When you find something that fits your program, it’s difficult to let them go.”

On Thursday, 209 yearlings were sold for $34.04 million.  The average jumped 38% to $162,873 and the median rose 30% to $130,000.

The 13-day sale takes a break on Friday then resumes with Book 3 on Saturday.  The sale runs through to September 24.