With figures continuing to surpass the 2024 standard at the Keeneland September Sale, a colt by Maclean's Music was the most fancied yearling of the day, bringing $500,000 from Alex and JoAnn Lieblong.Offered as Hip 2263, the son of SW Athens Queen (Majestic Warrior) was consigned by Eaton Sales.A trio of colts realized $475,000, including Hip 2253, by Gun Runner and Hip 2281, by Epicenter. Both yearlings were purchased by Pedro Lanz, acting on behalf of KAS Stables.With five purchases for $1,345,000, Pedro Lanz, agent for KAS Stable, was Monday's leading buyer.The third colt to bring that amount was Hip 2138, who was originally knocked down to trainer Kenny McPeek. Delta Squad Racing and BSW/Crow were added to the docket.A pair of fillies brought $400,000 on the day–Hip 2266, a daughter of Good Magic out of Aunt Kat and Hip 2302, by Omaha Beach out of Carmel Beauty. The former was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, while the latter was offered by Hunter Valley Farm.On Monday, Keeneland sold 279 yearlings through the ring for $30,107,000, up 19.31% from last year when 288 horses brought $25,234,000 at the seventh session. The average of $107,910 increased 23.16% over $87,618 in 2024. The median rose 7.14% from $70,000 to $75,000.Cumulatively, 1,495 yearlings have sold through the ring for $447,729,000, an increase of 23.80% from $361,642,000 for 1,454 horses sold during the same period last year. The average of $299,484 is 23.80% higher than $248,722 in 2024, and the median rose 17.65% from $170,000 to $200,000.The day's leading consignor was Gainesway, which sold 27 yearlings for $2,935,000.The September Sale continues Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET and runs each day through Saturday for a total of 12 sessions. McPeek Ramps Up in Book 4Kenny McPeek picked up the baton on the third day of selling at Keeneland, however, the Kentucky horseman walked away with the most purchases to date in the Book 4 opener.“We have had short-list horses that we've been after all week and just felt short budgeted. It seems that things finally came together today,” said McPeek. “Every day we've participating a little bit and a bit more as the sale goes.”By the end of the day, McPeek signed for seven yearlings, the highest priced purchase of the session was Hip 2138, a colt by Candy Ride (Arg) out of Screen Goddess (Giant's Causeway), an unraced sister to GISW Star Billing (Dynaformer).“He's probably the best Candy Ride I've ever seen presented at auction,” he said. “He had a lot of flow to him. He wasn't a big horses but he was very well made. He presented himself well and we figured we'd stick our neck out on him.”Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale, the Mar. 13 foal, who was bred by George Krikorian, is from the family of GI Mother Goose winner Stellar Jayne and champion juvenile filly Just F Y I.“I liked the bottom line and I felt like a lot of things fit,” he added.After successfully outbidding agent Brad Weisbord on the colt, McPeek confirmed that the agent and partners will stay in for a piece of him.“It's the first time worked together,” McPeek confirmed. “I actually bought him without a client, I liked him that much. I figured we'd put it together when we could.”Also included among purchases his Monday, McPeek secured Hip 2097, a daughter of McKinzie, for $220,000. Consigned by Summerfield (Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck), the filly it out of Picolata (Bellamy Road).“She's a filly that had a lot of leg to her. She reminded me a bit, conformationally, of [GISW] Take Charge Lady,” said McPeek in reference to the McPeek-trained MGISW and earner of over $2.4 million. “She looks like an [Kentucky] Oaks-type filly. She'll take a little more time, I don't see her sprinting a whole lot, but I think when she stretches out, she'll be tough.”McPeek also signed for a pair of colts by Authentic (Hip 2287, $85,000 & Hip 2249, $45,000) in addition to a colt by Golden Pal (Hip 2257, $200,000). Monday's purchases were rounded out by Hip 2053, a colt by Essential Quality), purchased for $190,000, an Olympiad filly (Hip 2368) who brought $50,000 and a Nashville colt (Hip 2392) that went for $200,000 late in the session.“I bought a Golden Pal earlier in the summer but I thought this one was really reminiscent of Curlin, who I bought as well,” he said. “That always excites me.”McPeek purchased the eventual Horse of the Year and leading stallion for $57,000 at the 2005 renewal of the September sale.A two-time Breeders' Cup winner, Golden Pal earned in excess of $1.8 million on the racetrack. The son of Uncle Mo stands at Coolmore America.“I think Golden Pal is going to inject speed into the equation and I think the stud has been well represented.”Through seven sessions, McPeek signed for a total of 17 yearlings, for a gross of $2,940,000, averaging $172,941.“I have more middle and lower-market people, I've done that for a long time and I refuse to give those people up and I will continue to help them,” he said. “We've been plugging along and finding our niche. I am happy with what we've got so far. We still have a lot of work to do. We'll probably work all the way to the end.”The post Maclean’s Music Colt Brings $500K in Keeneland September Book 4 Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.