STABLE INSIGHTS – TOUGH COMPETITION BUT PATIENCE PAYS AT MELBOURNE PREMIER 2026 FOR STABLE CONNECT AR’S
5 Mar 2026
There was something for everyone at Melbourne Premier 2026 – even a Bride spotted in pouring rain in a wedding dress found time to take part in the action.
The Victorian breeding industry was on show and a deep buying bench matched well with the breadth of stock on offer. All the overall key metrics for the sale Book 1 were up with a very pleasing median increase of $20,000 to $120,000 or 20%. With a clearance rate hovering around 80% the strong median signalled a fair dinkum market holding up extraordinarily well given geopolitical unrest and sticky inflation.
Stable Connect’s Authorised Representatives (AR’s) were active but strategic, securing mainly colts which differed from previous yearling sales to date. Interestingly, the median spend of our AR’s was just $70,000 well below the overall sale figure of $120,000. With almost 2 months of the yearling season behind them, the syndicators at Melbourne Premier were probably looking for a cheaper option to offer their loyal client base after meeting budgets already for higher priced yearlings at earlier sales.
MELBOURNE PREMIER INSIGHT
Stable Connect ARs purchased 27 yearlings which was lower than the 41 purchased at Inglis Classic about 3 weeks earlier. They secured quality stock across the spectrum with a total investment of $2,436,000. Importantly, the median purchase price of $70,000 highlights a clear focus on value, targeting athletic, commercially appealing yearlings in the proven lower to middle market rather than competing purely at the top end.
Competition was strong and those willing to target less expensive lots were rewarded. The winning post is the ultimate marketing tool and athletic types can punch above their price (weight) if managed effectively.
Stable Connect AR Buying Profile:
Total horses purchased: 27
Total spend: approximately $2.436 million
Price range: $6,000 – $430,000
Median spend: $70,000 (Sale $120k)
Colts vs fillies: 54% colts / 46% fillies
Diverse mix of stallions (20 in total) with Ole Kirk featuring again with 3 acquisitions. Diatonic also with 3 represented.
Lot 329 was a highlight, a filly by Ole Kirk and the top lot selling for $430,000. She was sold by Gilgai Farm who had a tremendous sale with 100% clearance and an average of $287,692. We should reveal that Stable has a very soft spot for this family as we raced her Mum, She Shao Fly who also appears on the feature wall of our Boardroom. We wish Bennett Racing all the very best with her and she will be tough and fast if anything like her Dam.
📊 Purchase Distribution Snapshot
• Under $30,000 → 6 purchases
• $30,000 to $60,000 → 6 purchases
• $65,000 to $120,000 → 11 purchases
• $140,000+ → 4 purchases
A closer look at the purchasing data reveals a clear and deliberate strategy, with the core buying zone concentrated between $65,000 and $120,000. This range accounted for the highest volume of acquisitions and sits squarely around the $70,000 median, underscoring a disciplined low to middle-market approach. Our Authorised Representatives targeted athletic, commercially sensible yearlings positioned in what can best be described as the value-performance corridor of the sale. It is a strategy designed to balance upside with prudence, securing quality stock while maintaining strong ownership accessibility.
We wish all of our AR’s every success in selling and then on the track with your purchases. Get some sleep before Adelaide.