Japan’s Yoshida family replenished its broodmare selection at record levels in 2011.

Katsumi Yoshida added Argentine G1 winner Balada Sale to his shopping list this week.  Bred by Haras Vacacion, she had won five of six starts before the private sale brokered by California-based agent Emmanuel de Seroux.

Balada Sale (Not For Sale) will be sent to Dubai and will be trained by Mike de Kock.  She capped off the year with wins at G1 level in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas and Gran Premio Seleccion.

The Yoshida connection began the year topping Day 1 of the Keeneland January Sale with a bid of $1.40 million for Ave.  The Danehill Dancer mare had won the G1 Flower Bowl at Belmont.

They finished 2011 buying four lots for 2.79 million guineas at the Tattersalls December Sale.  Top of the list was Reve d’Iman (Highest Honor) at 1.70 million guineas.  

Along the way, Katsumi Yoshida bought champion mare Belle Watling (Dushyantor) who had won 13 of her 16 starts in Chile.  And his brother brother Teruya bought a half share in Danedream (Lomitas) just prior to her victory in this year’s Arc de Triomphe in October.