Northern California sale rises

Led by a Benchmark colt who sold for $72,000, prices rose over last year at Tuesday's northern California yearling sale in Pleasanton, Calif.

The topper brought a record price for the sale, now in its third year. Overall, 165 horses sold for $1,351,600, a record average of $8,192 and an increase of 8.6 percent over last year's average. There were 58 horses bought back. The median price of $4,000 was unchanged from last year.

The sale-topping Benchmark colt is out of Crafty Belle, by Crafty Prospector. Consigned by River Edge Farm, agent, the colt was purchased by Harry Aleo. The colt is a half-brother to the stakes winner Ode to Elaine.