Barretts sale begins strongly

The Barretts March select 2-year-old sale got under way in Pomona, Calif., Wednesday afternoon, and six-figure prices were plentiful early.

With the first 30 horses through the ring by 3 p.m. Pacific time, the leading price was $425,000 for Hip No. 21, a Cherokee Run colt out of stakes-placed Informative, a Tabasco Cat mare.

Larry Richardson, agent, signed the ticket on behalf of Fantasy Farm, a partnership led by "Seabiscuit" producer Frank Marshall. The bay colt is from the family of graded-placed Virgin Michael.

Jerry Bailey Sales Agency, agent, sold the colt, who was one of five horses to sell for $300,000 or more by that point.

Last year's Barretts March auction grossed $19,340,000 for 88 horses, up 34 percent from the previous year, when 93 sold. The 2007 average was $219,773, up 42 percent, and the $147,500 median was up by an eye-popping 84 percent.