Elite yearlings headline Inglis Easter auction in Sydney

The globe's top yearlings are set to be sold in Sydney this Sunday and Monday during Inglis' celebrated Easter Yearling Sale.

Juveniles bred from Group 1 winners Sunlight, Shoals, Montefilia and Melody Belle, who claimed 14 Group 1s, are included in the 472 entries, as well as family members of standouts like Switzerland, Estijaab, Classique Legend, Zougotcha and Trapeze Artist.

Coming at a period of financial volatility, exacerbated by Middle East strife influencing worldwide markets, Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch is tempering hopes but optimistic about the put-together selection.

"I don't think people know what to expect, there are so many variables in play economically," Hutch said.

"Really, all we can do is try and do our best to facilitate the best market we can, try and provide the best service that we can and if it happens that people turn up and want to buy horses and are happy to invest, well great.

"If it doesn't, we just want to be able to work away and walk away from the thing and be proud that we've done our best."

This edition of the sale has shifted forward one week because Easter lands on April's opening weekend, typically right before the event, and the lot count is 12 percent higher than last year's $151 million grosser, where averages reached $447,832.

A second foal by Winx had been earmarked for the Easter Sale this year, after her Pierro filly fetched $10 million two years ago, yet the Snitzel colt was scratched last month due to a prep hiccup.

Superior lineage abounds nonetheless, with Extreme Choice, I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Zoustar, and emerging sires Home Affairs and Anamoe notably present in the pedigrees.

During inspections, Hutch observed robust energy at the Riverside Sales Complex.

"I think typically it's a sale that people look forward to," he said.

"We promote it on the basis that it's the best yearlings offered by the best breeders at the best complex.

"We feel like we've got a particularly good catalogue of yearlings this year. There are obviously more challenging circumstances under which to be offering a draft of yearlings, but the horses are, on the main, very good and it'll really be up to buyers to decide how they feel about them."

Lot one, a filly by Home Affairs from Kiwi Group 1 winner O'Marilyn, will be auctioned starting at 11am Sunday.

Visit online bookmakers to check racing betting markets for future stars from the Easter Sale.