Horse Racing Forum - USA Thoroughbred Races

I'm reading a mystery (Felix Francis) with dirty deeds done in the auction ring. The narrator, a part-time auctioneer, notes that when he says in his patter "Selling now" that means the reserve has been reached. I've watched some of the Keeneland sales but I can't remember one way or another if I heard a similar comment. Anybody know? Or are buyers just left in the dark?

I don't watch Keeneland but in New Zealand they will say he/she is "on the market" or "the vendor says sell, sell, sell" there is a vendors box behind the auctioneer so they can confer midauction.
The idea is once the buyers know the horse will definitely be sold then more buyers might get interested.

Thanks, Rugbygirl. I'll have to pay more attention when I watch the Keeneland breeding stock sale coming up.

I'm fairly certain the Keeneland auctioneers do not say "selling now."