Horsemen eagerly came to the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio on May 11 seeking racehorses and breeding stock. The $10,500 average was the highest in the Spring Sale's 57-year history, with a lot of happy sellers and buyers that were grateful to get horses. Bidding was so spirited that at one point the auctioneer humorously referred to it as a "slugfest." Burke Racing Stable brought an especially strong consignment that included both the sale-topper and the runner-up. Leading the way at $47,000 was the 7-year-old Dragon Again mare Camera Lady, who was racing competitively in the conditioned ranks at the Meadows. The classy winner of $544,302 was purchased by William Hartt of Maine. Next was the versatile Somebeachsomewhere son Mac's Big Boy who went to Carl Hambleton of Ohio for $38,000. The Burke consignment also produced the consistent 5-year-old Sweet Lou gelding Warrawee Unique, who was purchased by Bartley Traditions Racing of Ohio for $35,000. Meadows trainer/driver Brandon Presto was determined to add some Burke horses to his stable and won the bidding war for Royaltywestho at 28,000, Heart On My Sleeve at $20,000 and Got Power at $12,500. Spring Haven Farm was agent for the handsome mid-level conditioned pacer Trevor One, who went to Gray Thunder Stable of New York on a $34,500 bid. Matt Rowe consigned a pair of 4-year-old conditioned claimers, McBuster and Risky Million, who brought $20,000 and $15,000, respectively. Emerald Highlands brought a nice consignment of young racehorses that included the promising 3-year-olds by Racing Hill, Smile E Coyote and Racing Glory, purchased respectively by William Hartt of Maine for $30,000 and Ralph Deshetsky of Michigan for $21,000. The Summer Blooded Horse Sale will be held Tuesday and Wednesday Aug. 24-25. This sale includes a black-type yearling session in addition to several hundred racehorses. The black type yearling session closes July 1. Mixed entries will be taken until full. Visit www.bloodedhorse.com to enter or to order a catalogue. -edited release (Blooded Horse Sale)