LIKE any other sale, Book 2 is not immune to tougher trade. Following a record-breaking renewal in 2022, statistics fell across the board 12 months later, though in comparison to earlier editions, results were strong. The average fell by almost 10,000gns, yet 86,228gns was the second-highest in the sale’s history, the same applying to the median price of 62,000gns.

An 11% drop in turnover also sounded worse than it was, considering it was the third-highest in the sale’s history. However, figures were helped by a Dubawi-sired wildcard entry, which topped proceedings at 725,000gns - 300,000gns clear of the next highest price.

There was also a clear leader in the buyers’ table; Stroud Coleman Bloodstock spent a whopping 5,127,000gns on 28 horses. Speaking of eyewatering spends, Amo Racing’s Kia Joorabchian on Friday confirmed that Book 2 is one of the sales his operation will be buying at, having been noticeably absent from earlier European sales.

Aside from Amo’s promised presence, a blockbuster Book 1 may not be the best basis to predict next week’s buying bench, so I looked to last year’s edition and the recent Orby Sale. Godolphin more than doubled their spend at Goffs and, while their presence at Book 1 is something of a given, one wonders how strong they’ll be next week.

Their sister operation Rabbah Bloodstock increased their spend from €200,000 to €955,000 at Goffs, while Juddmonte went from zero to €1,640,000 this year. In contrast, Peter and Ross Doyle’s Orby spend dropped by almost €1 million, so perhaps their main client Richard Hannon has decided to concentrate on British sales this year?

Consignors will also be hoping that the strong contingent of US buyers at Book 1 stay on for Book 2. In 2023, their presence at Goffs and absence from Tattersalls was noted and, though it was remedied this week, it would be a shame if they didn’t take part at Book 2.

Of course, final results never paint the full picture, as some may have bid on lots they didn’t secure, or silently purchased through agents. Likewise, their total spend doesn’t completely capture their importance in the market, as their unsuccessful bids help to drive up prices.

Given the strong trade across the board at Book 1, it’s safe to say many buyers will have room left in their shopping baskets, but the concern would be that everyone wants a commercial horse, and those horses with boxes unticked could struggle.