WinStar Farm has privately purchased the promising colt Al Khali, an impressive Peruvian-raced juvenile by Medaglia d’Oro, for a 2009 North American 3-year-old campaign that will likely place him on the Triple Crown trail.

Al Khali, a Northern Hemisphere 2-year-old who was competing last year against Southern Hemisphere 3-year-olds, captured two-of-three starts in Peru by a combined 12 lengths. He was shipped from Lima to Miami Dec. 9, and will be trained in the United States by Todd Pletcher.

Bloodstock agent John Fulton brokered the deal for Al Khali, in association with Kentucky-based agent Fernando Macchiavello. “John gave us the heads-up about the colt,” WinStar’s Doug Cauthen said. “He went down there and looked at him, and he liked him, so we bought the colt on his recommendation.” Cauthen added, “He’s well-bred, by an up-and-coming young sire, out of a nice female family, and he’s a good physical. We’ve had success with John’s recommendations in the past, so we’re relying on his bird’s-eye view, and we’re hopeful for 2009.”

Out of the Capote mare Maya, Al Khali’s third dam is Grade 1 winner Chic Shirine (Mr. Prospector); he is from the family of champion Queena, Grade 1 winners Brahms & Serra Lake and graded winners Tara Roma, Cappuchino, Waldoboro, La Reina & Regal Engagement. The bay was acquired for $15,000 as a KEESEP yearling by Dante Zanelli, agent. Zanelli also signed the ticket for subsequent Peruvian Derby hero Tomcito.