Helmsman filly tops sale

Lovely Journey, a 2-year-old filly by Helmsman, was the sale-topper at Tuesday's inaugural Barretts summer sale of 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age in Pomona, Calif.

Overall, 93 horses sold for $1,254,800, an average of $13,492 and a median price of $8,000. The 2-year-olds led the sale, with 53 juveniles selling for an average of $16,006. The 40 horses of racing age grossed $406,500, an average of $10,163.

Lovely Journey was purchased for $110,000 by Howard Roberts Farm from the consignment of Andy Havens Bloodstock Agency. Lovely Journey is out of Spin Around, 10, a winner by Commadore C.

Roberts was the leading buyer at the sale, acquiring two horses for $135,000. Mary Knight, agent, led the consignors, selling 22 horses for $374,400.

The most expensive horse of racing age was Rockin the Ship, a 3-year-old gelding who was purchased by Chris Coleman for $70,000. Rockin the Ship has won five of six starts, including two 870-yard races against Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos * the Gold Rush and Catalina derbies earlier this year.

Three other horses sold for $50,000 or more. The most expensive buyback was Cambriocorsa, an Avenue of Flags filly. Consigned by Knight, the filly was not sold after the bidding stopped at $125,000.