The benchmark on Day 3 of the 2019 National Yearling Sales Series was set by Bloodstock Agent Dean Hawthorne who was bidding on behalf of Jonathan Munz and his GSA Bloodstock operation in Australia.
Hawthorne, outbidding the Sale's leading buyer David Ellis of Te Akau racing, secured Pencarrow Stud's well-bred Savabeel filly at Lot 388 for $800,000.
"I've just been up in Europe before Christmas and looked at those big families, especially the Galileo blood, close-up," said Hawthorne who was pleasantly surprised to see the filly available for auction this year.
"We are being a bit selective now as we have numbers around us, but it's not always that you come along to see a pedigree like that with a type to match."
With the strength of the Australian buying bench continuing into Day 3 of selling, NZB's Director of Business Development, Mike Kneebone, was also pleased by the presence from Asia.
"It's been great to see so many buyers from Australia, China and Hong Kong here making the most of what's on offer."
"Some good buys went to the likes of Peter Moody, Paddy Payne, Chris Waller, Aquis Farm, Trent Busuttin and Suman Hedge.
"Michael Wallace secured a couple for China Horse Club and Michael Freedman. The Tankards, John Foote, Stuart Hale, and Alastair Donald have also bought today for Hong Kong clients.
"They are all nice horses heading offshore in time to come."
Multiple buyers have backed their judgment to secure yearlings at 'value' prices since selling opened.
Peter Moody, who purchased Cambridge Stud's Tavistock filly (Lot 374) for $100,000, was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
"I thought she was a $300,000 to $400,000 filly. I've bought quite a few Tavistock fillies at this Sale, and with a pedigree like that, I was very amazed."
When Bloodstock Agent Stuart Hale secured a Savabeel colt (Lot 423) from the draft of Waikato Stud, his comments were similar.
"I can't believe I bought him for $500,000. I thought I'd have to pay more, maybe a lot more."
Key figures at the close of trading today saw the aggregate reach $52,894,500, the average $139,933 and the median $100,000. The clearance has held close to that of Day 3 in 2018 (79%), settling at 76%.
I Am Invincible is the leading sire by average (three or more sold) with three lots selling at an average of $353,333, followed by Zoustar with four lots at an average of $326,250 and Savabeel with 38 lots at an average of $298,684.
The fourth and final day of Book 1 will continue tomorrow with Lot 541 to Lot 698 selling from 11am. To view the results and to make an offer on any passed lots at Karaka 2019click here.
Catch the highlights from Day 3 and relive all the actiononline here.
2019 Book 1 Yearling Sale Statistics – Day 3
| 2019 BOOK 1 DAY 1, 2 & 3 | 2018 BOOK 1 DAY 1, 2 & 3 | |
| AGGREGATE | $52,894,500 | $63,635,000 |
| AVERAGE | $139,933 | $159,486 |
| MEDIAN | $100,000 | $120,000 |
| CLEARANCE | 76% | 79% |
| CATALOGUED | 540 | 540 |
| SOLD | 378 | 399 |
| TOP LOT | Lot 192 Savabeel - Make a Wish (B.C) $1,400,000 | Lot 301 Savabeel - Katie Lee (B.C) $1,025,000 |
