Barretts: Two bring $100,000 during Tuesday session

Led by two colts purchased for $100,000, Tuesday evening’s opening session of the Barretts October yearling sale in Pomona, Calif., showed hefty gains over the similar session in 2010.

Overall, 55 horses were sold for $1,493,000, an average of $27,145. The average increased 47 percent over the 2010 session, which saw 57 horses sell for $1,051,500, an average of $18,447. The median price on Tuesday was $20,000, compared to $10,000 in 2010.

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In the days before the sale, Barretts executives were optimistic that the sale would show growth over last year because of higher purses and incentives for California-breds, which dominated the sale.

The two $100,000 colts were sold within minutes of each other.

Trainer Eric Kruljac, acting on behalf of Class Racing Stable, bought an Unusual Heat colt for $100,000. The California-bred colt is out of the 12-year-old dam Chi Chi Nette, by Ole’, and is a full brother to Mensa Heat, who was third in the Grade 1 Ancient Title Stakes at Santa Anita last Saturday. The colt was consigned by Harris Farms, agent.

A few minutes later, trainer Mike Pender bought an Afleet Alex colt for $100,000. Pender was acting as agent on behalf of B. J. Wright. The Kentucky-bred colt is out of the 13-year-old mare Desiraes My Candy, by Candy Stripes, a minor stakes winner at Santa Anita, and was consigned by Adrian Gonzalez, agent.

The leading filly at the session, by Unusual Heat, was purchased for $65,000 by Jeff Bonde and Mersad Metanovic. The filly is out of the 18-year-old Way Up, by Great Above, who was stakes placed at Suffolk Downs.

Overall, eight horses sold for $55,000 or more.