I like Vin Cox. He's a popular and accomplished bloodstock agent and much of his success (apart from being able to spot a decent horse) may have to do with the fact that he calls a spade and spade - and if a horse isn't up to scratch he won't waste everyone's time writing 3-pages of flowery adjectives convincing you otherwise.

His summary of the recent "select" Inglis weanling sale and Sires Produce yearling sale followed the same honest - and, as such, appreciated - line.

The following is direct from his website:

2005 Australian Select Weanling Sale

Both average and gross were down significantly at this sale compared to last year, a reflection on the overall lack of quality. The nicer horses sold accordingly, but they were few and far between. A 90% clearance rate was perhaps assisted by the number of weanlings sold under foal share arrangements, many of which failed to make anything close to their service fee.

2005 Inglis Sires' Produce Yearling Sale

Again, a drop in average and gross on last year, with far too many backward and poorly conformed yearlings offering scant appeal to buyers.