The 2012 Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale got off to a solid start on Sunday with just under $3.49 million traded on the 110 lots that changed hands.

The opening session average was down 9% to $31,770 compared to the 2011 figures and the median dipped 8% to $27,500.  The clearance rate improved one point to 79%.

The top price of $100,000 was reached by Middlebrook Valley Lodge’s Fastnet Rock – Polite filly and Bowness Stud’s Beautiful Crown – Pretty Special colt.

The Fastnet Rock filly will be trained by Grahame Begg after being knocked down to Topline Thoroughbreds.

The Beautiful Crown colt received a timely update prior to the sale when his half-brother Kontiki Park won the Listed BRC Bernborough Handicap.  The youngster will also be trained by Gai Waterhouse after being sold to Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds.

The Classic Sale continues at Newmarket on Monday and Tuesday.