Racing: Unsung lot provides rush

Forget the standout stats and the flashy Danehills for a second.

For auctioneer Steve Davis, the highlight of the Premier sale at Karaka came from a lot he least expected.

It was the last horse he sold on the opening day that gave Davis his biggest three-day rush with the hammer, an unsung Montjeu-Steluta colt from Masterton's Little Avondale Stud.

"He went for $360,000 and that far exceeded what the vendor wanted," said Davis. "I can't say what the reserve was - but let's just say that six figures would have bought him."

And there were a lot of people in a similar situation, getting prices significantly over expectation all through the sale.

In his 15 years of selling New Zealand's best blood, the Trackside presenter has never seen such firepower at the top end of the market, with more $200,000-plus yearlings sold than ever before.

"Everyone who should have been on the buying bench was there and the strong international presence helped to lift the overall average to $137,395, up from $111,955 last year," said Davis.

After a stuttering start, the clearance rate also picked up strongly in the final two days, finishing at an impressive 82.07 per cent.

"For me the clearance rate is the key to a good sale and anything over 80 per cent for this one is excellent," said Davis.

The yearling action continues today at Karaka with the two-day Select catalogue, followed by the Festival selection on Sunday and Monday.