By MICHAEL GUERIN
If the Karaka yearling sales had a soundtrack, Steve Davis would be the lead singer.
The Waikato auctioneer has become the voice of the Karaka sales ring with a light-hearted style that has won the trust of vendors while milking the last dollar from buyers at the goldmine which is the annual thoroughbred yearling sales.
These days his services are sought throughout Australasia and even the South Africans are asking Davis to drop the hammer at their premier sales.
So you get the feeling Davis might know a thing or two about young horseflesh, after selling countless sons of Zabeel and Danehill.
Which is why his praise for the yearlings which will go through the ring at today's Australasian Classic Standardbred Yearling Sale is such a telling compliment.
"It is amazing how much the standard of these yearlings has improved since I first started watching the standardbreds go through the ring," said Davis, who was selling thoroughbred on the Gold Coast on Sunday and in Christchurch on Monday.
"This year the quality of presentation is even better than last season and I was impressed then.
"The standardbred industry is these days breeding better horses and preparing them better too. They would do any sales ring proud."
Davis will share the rostrum today with Kerry Shaw, Paul Davies and Peter Lagan and the quartet can expect a day to remember if the Christchurch sale is any indication.
"That was a great sale and we have some wonderful lots up here. I think we are in for a big one," said Lagan.
Racing: Quality of yearlings thrills top auctioneer
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