Beginning with trips to five San Diego County farms this Saturday, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will conduct three regional tours over the next month to farms standing a total of 83 stallions.

Saturday's tour will feature 25 stallions at Ballena Vista Farm, Golden Eagle Farm, Special T Thoroughbreds, Valley Creek Farm, and Vessels Stallion Farm. Stallions available for viewing at those farms include In Excess (Ire), General Meeting, Comic Strip, and Beau Genius.

The official bus has already filled with its maximum of 47 passengers, but the association's Debbie Winick said more are welcome to follow in their own vehicles. "The other two are open," Winick said, "but it's best to get your reservation in."

The organization has gradually attracted more farms to the events since beginning them four years ago. Last month, a group visited six Northern California farms featuring 30 stallions.

On December 8, a Central Coastal tour will visit Black Oak Farm, Cardiff Stud Farms, Creston Farms, Pepper Oaks Farm, Ponzo Equine Center, Rancho San Miguel, River Edge Farm, and Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, all home to a total of 26 stallions, including Bertrando and Smokester.

Finally, on December 15, the 32 stallions at Mira Loma Thoroughbred Farm, Circle H Ranch, Hideaway Farms, Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm, Hanson Stock Farm, Kachina Farm and Ridgeley Farm. Stallions standing at those farms include Memo (Chi), Dumaani, and Turkoman.

Each tour costs $10, and includes a box lunch.–Adam Bruns