Sydney plays host to an elite array of yearlings from across the globe this Sunday and Monday at Inglis’ famed Easter Yearling Sale.
Highlighted are progeny of Group 1 winners Sunlight, Shoals, Montefilia and Melody Belle with her 14 Group 1 triumphs, joined by kin to champions like Switzerland, Estijaab, Classique Legend, Zougotcha and Trapeze Artist in the 472 lots.
Global economic pressures, intensified by Middle East unrest, frame the sale, prompting Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch to moderate outlook while praising the catalogue’s quality.
“I don’t think people know what to expect, there are so many variables in play economically,” Hutch said.
“Really, all we can do is try and do our best to facilitate the best market we can, try and provide the best service that we can and if it happens that people turn up and want to buy horses and are happy to invest, well great.
“If it doesn’t, we just want to be able to work away and walk away from the thing and be proud that we’ve done our best.”
The event precedes Easter by a week this time due to its April 1st timing, with 12 percent more lots than the prior $151 million sale averaging $447,832.
Winx’s second offspring was initially set for the Easter Sale after her $10 million Pierro filly two years ago, but the Snitzel colt exited late last month following a preparation problem.
Outstanding bloodstock persists, spotlighting Extreme Choice, I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Zoustar, and promising young guns Home Affairs and Anamoe throughout the catalogue.
Hutch reported upbeat conditions during previews at the Riverside Sales Complex.
“I think typically it’s a sale that people look forward to,” he said.
“We promote it on the basis that it’s the best yearlings offered by the best breeders at the best complex.
“We feel like we’ve got a particularly good catalogue of yearlings this year. There are obviously more challenging circumstances under which to be offering a draft of yearlings, but the horses are, on the main, very good and it’ll really be up to buyers to decide how they feel about them.”
A filly by Home Affairs from Group 1 Kiwi mare O’Marilyn opens proceedings at 11am on Sunday.
Head to sports betting platforms for the latest betting markets for the race featuring Easter Sale graduates.
