Racing: Disappointing first day at Christchurch

Maybe Auckland really is the City Of Sales.

That is the impression you had to come to after attending the first two days of standardbred yearling sales: the first at Karaka on Monday and the second in Christchurch yesterday.

The two days could hardly have been different in terms of hype, interest and results, with the gap being so huge some southern vendors may wonder whether they are better off sending their horse north to be sold.

The Karaka sale on Monday had a 5 per cent increase in average, with dual top lots of $180,000 and three others breaking $100,000, including a trotter.

However, the six-figure mark was rarely threatened and never broken during the more-than 200 lots sold yesterday. The sale began slowly and rarely reached any great heights, with an average of about $22,000, more than $11,000 less than the average price at Karaka on Monday.

The average was down more than $3500 on the same session last year with a much lower clearance rate.

Logically the extra numbers did not help, but the biggest problem was the factor that drives any sale - quality.

The yearlings did not look as sharp or developed as their northern rivals, with few of the standout colts having the strong shoulders and good heads on show in the north.

That was particularly evident in the southern stock by Christian Cullen, some of whose lots yesterday went for embarrassing amounts compared with his service fee.

Overall, there were fewer yearlings by truly commercial sales stallions, more by the middle-of-the-road sires who often leave good racehorses, but rarely star on sales days.

The top price was $85,000, paid by Cran Dalgety for a Christian Cullen colt from San Sophia, a member of a hot North American family.

While auctioneers PGG Wrightsons were trying to put on a brave face, the day was a step backwards for the South Island breeding industry, with some vendors needing to question what sires they visit and also the way their yearlings are prepared.

The good news is the second day of the Christchurch sale today is expected to be stronger, with more standout lots and several big-name trainers indicating that they will become more involved.

After yesterday, Christchurch has a long way to go to catch up with Auckland as a sales venue, their difference mirroring the way stakes at Alexandra Park and Addington have gone in recent years.

* New Zealand's seven Interdominion pacing reps have mainly fared well in the barrier draws for the opening night of the Interdominions on Friday.

The series starts at Harold Park in Sydney before moving to Newcastle the following Saturday, with the A$1 million final at Menangle on Sunday, March 7.

The prospects of having five or six Kiwis in the final increased after the barrier draws.

Last-start winners Bondy (barrier two) in the last heat and Monkey King (barrier four) in the third heat could well start favourites in their heats, which do not look strong.

Bondy, the Hunter Cup winner, will clash with Baileys Dream (barrier four), while Monkey King, the $4 series favourite, will be the only New Zealand pacer in his heat.

Changeover is now the $6 second favourite for his heat and has barrier six, wide on the front line against defending champion Mr Feelgood (barrier 10) and Karloo Mick (three).

Our Awesome Armbro (two) and Pembrook Benny (five) meet three-time Interdom hero Blacks A Fake (barrier four) and Smoken Up (one on the second line) in the toughest heat of the opening night.