Four days of sales to go and the cutting horse market has never been healthier.

According to Jim Ware of Western Bloodstock, the sale company that produces sales for the National Cutting Horse Association in Fort Worth, unofficial results for the Western Bloodstock Invitational Yearling Sale reflect an average of $79,592 on 50 head — an increase of 14.5 percent over 2006, where 51 head sold for an average of $68,745.

The all-time record for a yearling — $390,000, set at the 2004 EE Ranches Sale, was exceeded by three lots. Curlys Cowgirl, a Zack T Wood daughter consigned by Dick Gaines, sold for $500,000 to Stan Thomas, Newman, GA. The sorrel filly is a full sister to cutting champions Wood I Never ($268,819) and Wood Ya Wanna ($249,281).

Bet Hesa Cat (pictured), a red roan son of High Brow Cat, sold for $400,000 to a syndicate headed by trainer Austin Shepard. The colt is half-brother to earners of nearly $400,000, and out of NCHA world champion Bet Yer Blue Boons, whose dam is all-time leading producer Royal Blue Boon. He was consigned by Teddy Price.

Shes Brilliant, a full sister to NCHA Horse of the Year Smooth As A Cat, consigned by Tommy Manion, sold for $395,000. The sorrel filly is by High Brow Cat out of Shes Pretty Smooth, by Wheeling Peppy.

Five-year-old show mare Absolutely Stunning, consigned by Tommy Manion and Karen Freeman, was purchased for $575,000 by Jackson Land & Cattle, during the Select Seasoned Cutting Horse Sale – a record for that sale.

Shown by Roger Wagner to earn $102,000 through September 2007, the Smart Little Lena daughter is out of Autumn Boon, a half-sister to the top sire Peptoboonsmal, also owned by Jackson Land & Cattle.