Buyers at the Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale are in for a treat at the Inglis Complex, Oaklands Junction. The sale boasts a stellar lineup of 170 pacing and trotting yearlings, showcasing progeny from 48 stallions, including six first-season sires. The catalogue features offspring from top sires like Bettor’s Delight, Art Major, and Captaintreacherous, among others, ensuring a high-quality selection for potential racetrack stars.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of yearlings from Group-winning and producing dams, with 50 lots originating from such prestigious bloodlines. The sale also presents progeny from 14 Group 1 winning mares, adding to the allure of the offerings. Among the highlights are siblings to renowned Group 1 winners, promising an exciting array of future talent in the racing world.
Prior to the sale, the weekend kicks off with the Sales Race series, offering $650,000 for two and three-year-old sale graduates at Melton. The event is sponsored by Haras Des Trotteurs, Woodlands Stud, and Alabar Bloodstock. The Woodlands and BetaVet sponsored yearling parade on Saturday precedes the main sale event starting at 11am on Sunday, marking the culmination of Nutrien’s sales across eastern Australia.
Mark Barton, Nutrien Equine standardbred manager, expressed satisfaction with the sales so far, having offered 418 yearlings with a 70 percent clearance rate and an average price of $30,023. Notable successes include Andretti, a two-year-old winner in New Zealand, bred by former Victorian Breeder of the Year, Harvey Kaplan. Additionally, Durham Park saw success with a winning double by Sir Jimmy and Odin at Melton last Saturday.
Poster Boy, the leading first crop sire from the previous season, continued to make an impact with winners in the Nutrien Equine Classic Series at Melton. Cigano and The Highlight Reel emerged victorious in the heats for three-year-old colts and geldings, showcasing the ongoing influence of top sires in the racing industry.
The Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale promises an exciting opportunity for buyers to acquire top-tier racing prospects and continues to be a key event in the harness racing calendar. With a focus on quality bloodlines and potential champions, the sale underscores the ongoing evolution and competitiveness within the industry, setting the stage for future stars to emerge and make their mark on the racing world.