Barretts opener down overall

Prices fell in all major categories at Tuesday's opening session of the Barretts January Mixed Sale in Pomona, Calif., a sale that does not feature the important dispersals that boosted prices in 2007.

Tuesday's session saw 187 horses sell for $1,220,900, an average of $6,526.Gross receipts were down 52.5 percent, while the average was off 43.2 percent from the corresponding session last year.

Tuesday's session-topper was Bartok's Blithe, an 8-year-old mare who sold for $55,000 to Spring Ranch Farm from the consignment of Andy Havens Bloodstock, agent. Bartok's Blithe, who sold in foal to Marino Marino, earned $389,656 and won two stakes - the Melair Stakes and Pleasanton Senorita Stakes, both in 2003.

While average prices for broodmares, 2-year-olds, and horses of racing age were weaker this year, the average for yearlings grew 29.6 percent, to $9,021. The session-leading yearling was a California-bred Trippi filly bought for $50,000 by D&B Stables from the consignment of Susan Edlund, agent for Beverly Glen Farm. The filly is a half-brother to Latin Rhythms, the winner of the 2007 El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar.

D&B Stable also bought a California-bred Tribal Rule colt for $47,000 from the consignment of Yakutis Enterprises, agent.