Conviction 2023, the colt foal by Contrail sold for JPY 520 million at the Select Sale, which puts him in 3rd place by price at this year's auction. We take a look at his story.

It was the first crop of undefeated Triple Crown victor Contrail, the first Triple Crown horse in the era of Reiwa, that attracted a lot of attention at the foal sale, as was previously reported. The price of his progeny is conspicuous across the board, reflecting great expectations. The head rose, and eight millionaire horses announced a boom with a total of JPY 2,572 million.

The biggest highlight is Conviction 2023, whose mother is the winner of the Argentinean G1 Philberto Lena Grand Prix. Starting from the lowest winning bid price of JPY 50 million, the price rose quickly. In the end, the hammer dropped at JPY 520 million, the third highest at this year's auction.

Koji Maeda, CEO of North Hills who won the bid, said, "The budget was JPY 300 million , but since he is an outstanding horse, I couldn't let him go. Our director and trainer Fukunaga also said it was the 'best horse.' So I decided in my heart that I would definitely take it," he said with a strong voice. It is scheduled to be entrusted to Fukunaga Stable, who is aiming to open a stable next year. Fukunaga, who was his father's main racer when he was active, said enthusiastically, "I can feel the quality and balance of Contrail. I want to work with the pre-trainer to prepare him as a racehorse.

In addition, the colt Bye Bye Baby 2023, whose mother was a G3 winner and finished 3rd in the G1 British Oaks, made a successful bid for a high price of JPY 330 million. He was purchased by Shinji Maeda, who was also the owner of his father, and is scheduled to enter Yahagi stable, which managed his father. "It was a little expensive," said Trainer with a wry smile.

Contrail is already regarded as a successor to Deep Impact, and is aiming to become a super sire that surpasses his father in the world of stallions.