On 22 September Stallions Daily Bulletin (www.stallions.com.au) reported that Keeneland's more than substantial gains during the past 2 weeks will have a global impact on thoroughbred prices.

The article states "undoubtedly [Keeneland has] become the bellwether sale for the health of the international thoroughbred business."

Reporting on the sale of the US$8 million Storm Cat colt the article goes on to say: "This was also the fourth highest Keeneland sale of all time, indicating the buoyancy of the market. The sale could not be construed as anything other than a good omen for the next round of yearling sales in Australia and New Zealand, with quality stock sure to make healthy prices.The interesting question is whether the strong market will 'replace' the loss of Danehill, although there will still be a reduced number of that great sire's last overseas conceived yearlings on offer in 2005."

Speaking of promoting those Danehill yearlings, the beautifully presented "79th National Yearling Sales Series 2005: Karaka" preview is already on my desk - 5 months out from the sales. 24 of the 80 full colour pages are devoted to Danehill and 20 of his progeny whose appearance at the Premier Sale will be much anticipated by buyers (and vendor) alike.

The draft offered by Peter and Philip Vela of Pencarrow Stud were all bought in utero directly from Coolmore in Ireland. The Vela's could never imagined that Danehill would be put down a few months later and the mares who had meanwhile been relocated to New Zealand would foal some of the most sought after bloodstock in the world in 2005. As the NZ Preview states, the draft is "the largest final Southern Hemisphere crop of one of the greatest stallions the world has ever seen".

The marketing spend on this sale will be astonishing - mark my words.