by Paul Post

Less quantity, more quality are the buzzwords for Sunday’s New York Breeders’ Sales Company Fall mixed sale at Saratoga Race Course.

The catalog lists 211 hips in addition to 17 supplemental horses, the fewest horses offered in the sale’s six-year history. About 90% of the horses to be offered are weanlings with a small percentage of yearlings and mares.

Sale organizers said reduced foal crop projections coupled with the promise of dramatically higher purses fueled by a proposed racino at Aqueduct should boost this weekend’s sales, despite the current economic conditions. Also, about one-third of all New York Racing Association races this year are restricted to New York-bred horses.

“The New York breeding program is the best opportunity for anyone in the industry to make money,” said Todd Venetz, the company’s director of sales. “While the economy and cash flow are a bit of an obstacle, unquestionably this is the best time to race a horse in New York.”

State leaders are expected to name an Aqueduct gaming operator soon. The facility could boost purses by as much as 30%.

“With fewer New York-breds to compete against and lucrative purses fueled by VLT revenue, a quality New York-bred weanling has to be the best investment in the Thoroughbred business,” said Barry Ostrager, New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. president.

The event regularly attracts high-profile buyers, such as Linda Rice, who this year became the first woman to win the Saratoga training title.

“She’s really done well with products she’s gotten from here,” Venetz said.

Last year’s sale-topper was a Fusaichi Pegasus filly that went for $95,000 as 160 horses were sold for a total of $1,787,650.

The auction will begin at noon EDT. At 10 a.m., West Point Thoroughbreds owner Terry Finley and bloodstock agent Buzz Chase will conduct a seminar for people interested in buying partial shares in a horse.

For information see: www.nybreederssales.com.

Paul Post is a New York-based correspondent for Thoroughbred Times