The Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale defied a downturn in racehorse yearling sales by showing an overall 7.7 percent increase in average prices.

The three-day sale concluded on Sunday, September 5 at Ruidoso Downs, with a gross sales of $12,722,425 for 363 horses, an average of $35,048, and a buy back rate of 22 percent. The 2009 sale, with a buy back rate of 26 percent, saw 364 lots bring an average of $32,546.

Four of this year’s yearlings sold for $300,000 or more, including Wild And Fast, the sale topper at $340,000. The Corona Cartel colt, out of multiple G1 stakes winner Wild Six, was consigned by Lee, Sherwood and Mineer and purchased by Rene Ruiz.

The Corona Cartel son All Corona, whose dam, stakes producer Allamericandreamgirl, is a half-sister to champions Heartswideopn and Special Phoebe, sold for $300,000, as did First Down Dash offspring Too Tempting and Fly First Down.

Heath Taylor purchased All Corona from Lance Robison, while Raul Ramirez bought both Too Tempting and Fly First Down from Burns Ranch, agent. Too Tempting is a full sister to 2-year-old champion colt Tempting Dash and G1 stakes winner A Tempting Dash. Fly First Down is out of G1 stakes-placed Babe On The Fly by Strawfly Special.

Another four yearlings sold for $200,000 or more and an additional 27 brought $100,000 or more for a total of 35 yearlings that commanded prices from $360,000 to $100,000.

Julianna Hawn Holt, the leading consigner in 2009, realized an average of $120,286 on seven head this year, including Cherry Jubalee at $240,000 and Night Jasmine at $200,000.

Broodmare and broodmare prospects were offered on opening night before the yearlings were offered. All American Derby qualifier Callan Rocks topped that section on a bid of $300,000 from Dr. Ed Allred. The Corona Cartel daughter was sold by Crystal Springs Farm, agent.