The opening day’s trade at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale increased $2 million on the corresponding session from 12 months ago.

More than $9 million was traded during Monday’s session, with the average of $71,488 representing a 30% rise on Day 1 from last year.  The median of $60,000 was up 33% from 2009.

Victorian based buyers found themselves competing with a strong contingent of interstate investors, with the buying bench bolstered further by representatives from Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa.

Mick Price teamed with Blue Sky Thoroughbreds to secure the day’s top priced Exceed And Excel colt for $300,000.  Offered by Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, the colt is the first foal of G2 VRC Sires Produce winner De Lago Mist from the family of G1 sprinter Wanted and last Saturday’s Adelaide G3 winner Shrapnel.

McDonald Racing went to $200,000 to purchase Burnewang North Pastoral’s Stratum filly from Spinning World’s G2 Edward Manifold Stakes winning daughter Coupe.

“The day one clearance of 74% has been comparable to the sales conducted so far this year,” said Inglis Bloodstock Director Peter Heagney.  “The rise in average is exceptional but there is still a lot of selling ahead of us.”

Top buyers on the opening day were Denise Martin with 5 lots at $585,000, Guy Mulcaster Bloodstock (3 lots for $330,000); Robbie Griffiths (5 lots for $350,000) and Ricky Yiu (3 lots for $330,000).

Day 2 continues from 11am at Oaklands Junction on Tuesday.