Keeneland’s 2011 September yearling sale has surpassed last year’s cumulative turnover with five sessions still remaining.

After 8 day’s trade, 1,631 yearlings have sold for $198.63 million eclipsing the 2010 total when 3,059 horses changed hands.

During Monday’s trade, 306 horses grossed $12.23 million and the average soared 49% to $39,978 compared to Day 8 last year.

A Sky Mesa filly made top price of $230,000 to the bid of agent Mark Casse.  “I just thought she was beautiful,” Casse said.  “I was looking at other horses yesterday when she went by.  I asked my wife to go find her.  I really wanted her.”

The Ohio-foaled filly is a half-sister to the unbeaten Canadian juvenile Dougs Buddy (Badge of Silver).  Their dam Floral Park (Forest Wildcat) is a descendant of 1996 Flower Bowl Hcp winner Chelsey Flower (His Majesty).

Next best on the leader-board was a $220,000 Lion Heart – Silent Academy (Royal Academy) colt bought by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.  He is a half-brother to last year’s G2 A Gleam Hcp winner Sweet August Moon (Malibu Moon).

Another $220,000 graduate was the Tale of the Cat – Darling Temper (Point Given) colt.  His dam is a half-sister to 2000 Hollywood Gold Cup millionaire Early Pioneer (Rahy).

The 13-day sale continues Tuesday and runs through to Saturday.