The 2012 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale kicks off in Melbourne on Monday morning and for those who are interested in what to expect at this sale, it's best to first take a look at what has happened in the past.
2011 Premier Yearling Sale
| Average | $71,680 |
| Aggregate | $30,535,500 |
| Median | $57,500 |
| Catalogued | 568 |
| Offered | 513 |
| Sold | 426 |
| Clearance | 83% |
The sale last year was judged a success with healthy clearance and slight increase in the aggregate. Colts dominated, filling the first five places of the top 10 lots with a Fastnet Rock colt from Coupe and a Redoute's Choice colt from Back Pass (USA) sharing top honours at $340,000. Both sires are likely to provide the highlights again this year.
2010 Premier Yearling Sale
| Average | $71,764 |
| Aggregate | $28,418,500 |
| Median | $55,000 |
| Catalogued | 554 |
| Offered | 504 |
| Sold | 396 |
| Clearance | 79% |
Riding on the back of a disastrous sale in 2009, vendors were hoping for stability and got it with a significant rebound in the average and median, albeit well short of the market high in 2008. Top honours were shared again between a Redoute's Choice filly from Maze and a Redoute's Choice colt from Oceanette (USA), both selling for $400,000.
2009 Premier Yearling Sale
| Average | $55,370 |
| Aggregate | $23,366,272 |
| Median | $45,000 |
| Catalogued | 613 |
| Offered | 564 |
| Sold | 422 |
| Clearance | 75% |
The market collapsed in spectacular fashion leaving vendors battered, bruised and grateful to sell a horse no matter the price. Patinack Farm saved the day to some extent purchasing 17 horses for $1.5 million, the top lot at the sale being a Redoute's Choice colt from Celtic Reign that made $380,000.
2008 Premier Yearling Sale
| Average | $84,353 |
| Aggregate | $39,308,500 |
| Median | $65,000 |
| Catalogued | 601 |
| Offered | 557 |
| Sold | 466 |
| Clearance | 84% |
The market peaked at this sale in 2008 with Patinack Farm launching in and buying 24 yearlings for $3.4 million, more than double the tally of the next biggest buyer. Top lot was an Exceed and Excel colt from Gentle Call that made $750,000.
And so we come to 2012
The catalogue this year is bigger than last year by some 46 horses and that could lead to a drop in clearance and average if the market finds those additional horses not up to scratch.
The current political situation in Australia is also a potential negative as the beleaguered Labour government seems set on internal fighting rather than running the country, which hardly engenders market confidence in any sphere.
While Julia and K Rudd get set to duke it out in Canberra, vendors will be putting the finishing touches on their horses and many will wish they were selling later in the sale, when this political sideshow is done and dusted.
After withdrawals there are 26 yearlings by Fastnet Rock to be offered and to an extent they will drive the sale given his popularity this year that has seen his offspring top sales at Magic Millions and in New Zealand.
There are also four youngsters by Redoute's Choice (albeit well short of his Easter standard) and nine by High Chaparral (IRE) that can potentially deliver some fireworks, while significant drafts from hot first season sires Sebring, Northern Meteor and New Approach (IRE) can also be expected to generate some heat.
Given the brilliant win of Samaready in Saturday's Blue Diamond Stakes, Inglis staff will be fervently wishing they had more than just three to offer by her sire More Than Ready (USA).
