"I think the buyers were more selective this year than last year," said Jerry McMahon, president and general manager of Barretts, which co-sponsored the sale with the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. "I think we had freshman success to some extent last year. We had a larger number of people come out and this year, the second year, we weren't so new."

Doug Burge, CTBA executive vice president and general manager, said, "Three of our top buyers from last year were not active, so you have to try and replace those."

Barretts reported 171 yearlings sold for $4,336,900, to average $25,362. The median was $16,000 with 108 horses (38.7%) failing to find new homes. Six hips sold for more than $100,000.

Last year, 207 head sold for $5,239,400, to average $25,311. The median was $17,000 with 76 horses (26.9%) failing to sell. Five horses broke the six-figure mark.

Pinhooker John Brocklebank purchased the one-day sale topper, a $240,000 daughter of Cape Town out of the stakes-producing mare Charming Gal. The Cal-bred filly was consigned by Andy Havens' Havens Bloodstock Agency for Shields Thoroughbreds. Havens Bloodstock was the sales top consignor, selling 28 head for $763,200, to average $27,257.