An $80,000 average price and improved clearance rate have underlined an outstanding opening day at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

“The average has jumped 10% and the clearance rate is much better than this time last year,” Inglis director Peter Heagney said.  “Naturally, we are thrilled for our vendors at how the sale has started.”

Phoenix Broodmare Farm topped Sunday’s trade with a $450,000 Northern Meteor colt from Group 2 winner Conquistar.  He was purchased by Sun Kingdom P/L, Gai Waterhouse Racing and James Harron Bloodstock.

That equalled the 2013 sale high and was one of five lots that made $200,000 or more.

The half-brother to Blue Diamond runner up Jabali was the first lot to push through the $200,000 mark at Oaklands on Day 1.  Kornong Stud’s strapping colt by Denman from Balalaika was finally secured for Tan Sri Vincent Tan of Malaysia with a bid of $320,000.  He will be trained by Mick Price at Caulfield.

Queensland trainer Dan Bougoure then went to $300,000 to buy Grange Thoroughbred’s colt by Fastnet Rock from Group 3 winner Bhandara.

A colt by first season sire Star Witness from well related Lonhro mare Crystal Whip was another yearling to light up the ring.  Offered by NZ based Ascot Farm, the striking chestnut had plenty of admirers with Hoss Heinrich bidding $400,000 to beat the Penang Turf Club.

Day 1 trade for the 106 lots that changed hands reached $8.56 million.  The average was $80,778 and the clearance rate rose 5 points to 79%.

Yallambee Stud finished Day 1 as the leading vendor (3 or more sold) selling five yearlings for $480,000.

Day 2 of the 201 Melbourne Premier starts at 10:30am on Monday.