Stylin' in September: What's Hot (Besides Yearlings) at the Keeneland Sale

BURGERS AND BRATS AT RICK'S – Stop by for lunch at Rick Trontz' Hopewell Farm, where there's mini-cheesburgers and bratwursts cooked by Roy on the grill. Also, great slushies whose flavors change every day -- Sunday's choices were green apple and grape. In addition you can pick up a can of the high energy drink Red Bull, favored by Demi Moore (not O'Byrne), and sausage biscuits for breakfast.

FLORIDA FARE AT BECKY'S -- At the Lakland operation of Lewis and Brenda Lakin and Becky Thomas, there's lunchtime treats provided by a caterer from Florida. The apple slices covered with chocolate and nuts are divine, and so are the turkey croissants with cranberry spread. They also have really nice colts by Kingmambo and War Chant. At Mill Ridge, rum cake is always a hit, and we also appreciate the jar of pistachios at Denali.

MEN IN PINK -- Perfect complement to that "I've been looking at horses all day tan," and girls really like it on their guys. Eaton Sales' Reiley McDonald spiffs up the Central Kentucky khaki uniform with his pink shirt, and Coolmore Stud's John Magnier gives the look a European flair with white cuffs and collar on his pink shirt and black jeans. Pastel foam greens and frosty blues are popular with both men and women. Claiborne Farm's Dell Hancock accents the look perfectly with a green alligator belt while Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas sets off his jeans with a light blue Ralph Lauren. Auctioneer Ryan Mahan sometimes wears a yummy melon shade when he's not in his Keeneland-approved suit. Give those multi-colored plaids a rest.

HIP HAT -- Juddmonte Farms' stallion-promoting baseball cap that was in the goody bags given away at Friday's TOBA awards dinner. The names of all the stallions on the brim look really cool. Embroidered in green and pink, it looks really great on MEN IN PINK.

NEWLYWEDS -- When Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya both pat a horse on the nose it's a sign of approval that makes consignors swoon with excitement. More popular than Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey--at least at Keeneland.

KID IN BLACK -- Tiny Guy David Mogge looked really cute strolling the barns with his oversized black cowboy hat and chocolate-covered face.

PRE-SALE STALLION PARTIES -- Three Chimneys showed off Smarty Jones and Mill Ridge put Johar on display. There's probably no prettier place for a stallion show than front lawn of the Dr. John and Alice Chandler's house with its bright green carpet and colorful flowers. Even the family pony would look like a champion there.

AUTUMN DECORATIONS -- Fall is in the air at Four Star Sales, where there's a tobacco leaf in the process of curing and a gourd that provides a festive rattle when you give it a shake.

BEHIND THE BARN SHOWS -- At Lane's End, where it always seems to be busy, ask for the much quieter spot behind Barn 20. Both Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan looked at yearlings there.

THE ZONE (AND WE DON'T MEAN THE DIET) -- At Taylor Made they're coping with their large numbers by dividing their barns into Zones A, B, C, and D. One consignor said it's a concept whose time has come. She was sent to one of the zones, and got to see every single horse without moving. There's also manned-at-all-times booths where buyers can fill out their cards and oodles of employees wearing headsets that Madonna or Britney would envy. Next we hope they try those neat little black boxes that vibrate and light up when your table is ready.

COOL CANINE--Some of those Jack Russells are just a little too aggressive for us (although we know some nice ones). We prefer a more laid-back Cardigan Corgi like Paisley, who can be seen at the Warrendale Sales consignment. She's friendly and well-behaved and her coat is really wild.