Around 70 international buyers are expected on the Gold Coast this week for the first yearling sale since the global economic crisis hit late last year.The Magic Millions sale is expected to attract buyers from Europe, South Africa, the United States, New Zealand and Asia.Organisers believe the Australian product will be attractive to overseas buyers with the dollar down 30 per cent on 12 months ago.Aushorse Marketing has been active with a large scale advertising and promotion campaign in overs

Around 70 international buyers are expected on the Gold Coast this week for the first yearling sale since the global economic crisis hit late last year.

The Magic Millions sale is expected to attract buyers from Europe, South Africa, the United States, New Zealand and Asia.

Organisers believe the Australian product will be attractive to overseas buyers with the dollar down 30 per cent on 12 months ago.

Aushorse Marketing has been active with a large scale advertising and promotion campaign in overseas markets highlighting the favourable exchange rate and the quality of horses on offer.

"Obviously we face uncertain times, but I strongly believe 2009 represents a great opportunity for all buyers both here in Australia and from overseas to secure outstanding yearlings at value prices," Aushorse Marketing chairman Antony Thompson said.

"Keep in mind, prizemoney levels in this country continue to be among the best in the world."

Magic Millions managing director David Chester 690 horses would be offered in the first four sessions of the sale.

"It's a really good catalogue and buyers are going to be very impressed with what's here," Chester said.

"There is never going to be a better time to buy a yearling at a Magic Millions sale.

"We all know the state of the world economy at the moment, but when you add in the change in the Australian dollar, particular for our Asian buyers, some buyers will be almost 50 per cent better off than they were last year.

"While the yearlings may be cheaper, prizemoney in Australia has never been better and Magic Millions have kept pace by increasing our race series to $6 million."

The Magic Millions will set the barometer for the upcoming Premier sale at Karaka in New Zealand, the William Inglis Classic and Premier sales in Sydney and Melbourne and the Easter Sale in April.