First-time vendor Mitch Pearce enjoyed a dream start to the sale, with three of his Toronado yearlings selling for $200,000 or more.

Pearce, who operates under the Crossley Thoroughbreds banner, was particularly buoyed by the results for Lot 96, a filly out of speedy Equiano mare Algadon Miss that sold for $340,000, and Lot 98, a head-turning grey colt out of Allez Sur Le Gris that sold for $380,000.

“I’m ecstatic with the results so far, they’ve exceeded our expectation by a long way,” Pearce said.

“I can’t thank the owners of these horses enough, Swettenham Stud in particular.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity, I’m just the lucky guy that gets to put on the polish but these guys raised the horses and they are beautiful horses.”

WATCH: Mitch Pearce chats to James Tzaferis about Crossley Thoroughbreds