Bred in Kentucky by Peter Redekop BC, the filly foaled Jan. 31 is a daughter of the Giant's Causeway mare Fly to the Stars, who has also produced Gr.3 winner The Tabulator and stakes-placed Star Via Strada.

Roden said the team at Indian Creek decided where the filly would sell and downplayed her placement in Book 2, noting she would have sold as well if offered in Book 1.

The Curlin filly topped another robust session in which there was keen competition for the better lots as a broad buyer base withstood a cold day more akin to a winter sale than one in early fall.

Russell said it was more coincidental than by design that a filly like the Curlin session-topper ended up in Book 2 rather than Book 1 because weanlings are not inspected by the Keeneland inspection team to determine placement within the catalogue.