Yearlings by Iffraaj (GB) and Oratorio (Ire) fetched $85,000 to highlight the Hunter TBA Scone yearling sale on Thursday.  The session-toppers were both purchased by Vin Cox Bloodstock on behalf of trainer Garry Frazer.

In all, 159 horses changed hands for turnover of $2.40 million at a clearance rate of 84%.  The average of $15,097 was down 13% from last year.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge and Southern Cross Breeders shared the honour for the day’s highest priced lots.

Middlebrook’s Iffraaj filly from the G3 winning mare Cornwall Queen set the pace and that was equalled when the Southern Cross colt by Oratorio from the Strategic mare Liza went under the hammer.

Middlebrook also sold the next yearling on the leader-board when Phil Gunter paid $75,000 for the Choisir – Lyn’s Money colt.

Triple Crown Bloodstock, fresh from Hot Snitzel’s stakes win last Saturday, stuck solid with the Arrowfield sire when securing his filly from Miss Rainmaker for $72,500.

“The clearance rate indicated vendors were prepared to meet the market,” Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D’Arcy said.  “There was good competition at the top of the market but it’s fair to say the bottom end was a bit tough.”

The sale concludes on Sunday after the two day Scone carnival.  Friday’s racing features the $175,000 Scone Cup and $100,000 Inglis Challenge 2YO.  On Saturday, ruling Stradbroke Handicap favourite Sincero heads betting for the $250,000 Inglis 3YO Guineas.