Northern Mischief topped the Wednesday session of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale when Frank Stronach went to $340,000 to purchase the 4-year-old mare, helping the sale company surpass last year's total gross on day three of the seven-day sale.Through the first three days, 743 head have been sold for a gross of $56,283,300, topping last year's six-day sale gross of $53,418,000 from 1,361 head sold. Through three days last year, the sale had grossed $44,844,900 from 750 head sold. The cumulative average is $75,751, up 26.7% from last year's average of $59,793. The median increased 60% to $40,000 from $25,000 last year."It's great we have passed last year's gross on the third day of the sale," said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland director of sales. "It shows that the market continues to grow. The median is phenomenal. This sale is just a continuation of November. People came here to buy and sell horses."For the day, the sales company reported 247 head sold for a gross of $9,283,800, which was an increase of 38.6% from last year's session gross of $6,699,300. The average rose 35.2% from $27,798 last year to $37,586. The median increased 66.7% from $12,000 in 2005 to $20,000 this year.The buy-back rate of 22.6% fell 11% from last year's session total of 25.4%.Lakland Farm, agent, consigned Northern Mischief (Yankee Victor--Rhondaling, by Welsh Pageant). The grade I-placed mare is a half-sister to champion Gourmet Girl (by Cee's Tizzy) and was sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. Dr. Oscar Benavides, agent for Oak Stable, went to $260,000 to purchase racing or stallion prospect Arbitrate, a 6-year-old son of the late Deputy Minister.Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, Arbitrate was produced from champion Serena's Song and is a half-brother to grade II winner Grand Reward (by Storm Cat) who will stand his first season at stud in 2006 at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington. His 2006 fee is $12,500. Arbitrate is also a half-brother to group I winner Sophisticat (by Storm Cat) and stakes winner and producer Serena's Tune (by Mr. Prospector). Stakes-placed Arbitrate was campaigned as a homebred by Bob and Beverly Lewis with trainer D. Wayne Lukas.Hip-by-Hip Results from Keeneland.com
