Sam-Son to sell some yearlings

For the first time in its 40-year history, the Canadian-based Sam-Son Farms will sell a group of yearlings at auction this summer.

The group of five, including a colt by A.P. Indy out of the champion filly Catch the Ring, will be offered at the Saratoga selected yearling sale on Aug. 10 and 11.

"We are in the same boat as everyone else when it comes to the economy," said Rick Balaz, who has taken over managing Sam-Son since the death of his wife, Tammy Balaz, daughter of the late Sam-Son founders Ernie and Elizabeth Samuel, "and there are a lot of farm expenses to pay."

Balaz said the stable has 25 horses in training this year, compared with 37 in 2008. The farm's private trainer, Mark Frostad, has opened his stable to new clients this year to supplement his stable.