Much went right at last year's California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Del Mar yearling sale after a buyer default in 1998 cast a dark shadow on the prominent regional market. The challenge for the Del Mar sale now is to follow up on its 1999 resurgence. When the two-day sale is conducted at the Del Mar Horse Park on August 14-15, several favorable factors should be at work, and they may help to keep the regional market advancing.

The CTBA is banking on an increased number of yearlings cataloged to help boost the overall bottom line once again this year. Stating that it found "outstanding quality" in this year's crop, the CTBA cataloged 201 yearlings for the Del Mar sale, a 38.6% increase from 1999. Of the 145 originally cataloged last year, 129 were offered and 108 sold for total revenues of $3,976,000, an increase of more than 45% from the previous year's sale. The 1998 sale, in which 123 horses sold for $2,736,700, was dampened when leading buyer Edward Kalinoski defaulted on the purchase of 24 yearlings for a total of $479,000. The CTBA paid consignors and the yearlings were resold at other venues; the CTBA has since won a judgment and is close to recovering all the remaining funds.

One number that could be tough to top is last year's average price, which soared 65.5% from 1998 to $36,814, a record for the Del Mar sale. "Last year we had a dynamite sale, with our highest average in 50 years," said Doug Burge, the CTBA's general manager. "This year, we have similar quality but more of it. We're expecting big things. It's the right venue, and, even though the sale is not strictly a Cal-bred sale, with about 82% Cal-breds it is the best available venue for people who want to buy and race in California." Burge expects the quality of sires represented in the sale to bolster prices. While the auction contains yearlings by several Kentucky-based stallions-including Hennessy, Grindstone, Gilded Time, and Quiet American-a large number of them are by California-based stallions that figure prominently on the North American general sire list.

Golden Eagle Farm stallion General Meeting, who was 15th on the general sire list through July 4, has 13 yearlings cataloged, second only to Smokester's 14 yearlings. The others with large numbers of individuals in the sale include In Excess (Ire) with 11, Avenue of Flags and High Brite with ten each, and Bertrando with nine.

The bigger catalog reflects a strengthening California market, Burge said. With a record number of nominations for this year's sale, only logistical hurdles kept the catalog from being even larger.

"One of our limitations is our stabling. Even though we have 400 stalls we could use, we like to spread out our consignors," Burge said. "If we go anywhere above 200, we may start to have problems. We increased over last year and kept the same strict standards of conformation and pedigree. If they belong in a select sale, we want them in here."

For the second consecutive year, the sale will be broadcast by satellite (Telstar 5 C-band-Transponder/Channel 7). After obtaining an identification code from the sales company, prospective bidders can bid by telephone. The system was utilized with success in 1999, with several underbidders on the telephone-bidding system.

Where-Del Mar Horse Park

Dates-Monday, August 14, 7 p.m. (PDT); Tuesday, August 15, 6 p.m.

1999 offered-145 (16 withdrawn, 21 buy-backs, 108 sold)

1999 average-$36,814 (up 65.5% from 1998)

1999 median-$30,000

1999 total-$3,976,000

Contact-CTBA (626) 445-7800

Dates: Wednesday, July 26, through Wednesday, September 13 (43 days). Closed on Tuesdays.

Address: De La Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014

Post time: 2 p.m. except on Fridays, when first post is 4 p.m.

Admission: $4 general admission; clubhouse admission $7; parking $3; children 17 and under admitted free.

Phone: (858) 755-1141

Web site: http://www.dmtc.com

For area attractions, events, and information

• California Center for the Arts: (858) 738-4138

• California Thoroughbred Breeders Association yearling sale: (626) 445-7800.

• Camp Del Mar: (858) 755-1141, ext. 3990

• Children's Museum: (619) 233-KIDS

• Del Mar Thoroughbred Racetrack: (858) 755-1141

• Del Mar Turf to Surf 5K: (858) 298-7400

• Downtown San Diego tours: (858) 234-0040

• Ramona Country Fair: (858) 789-1484

• Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater & Science Center: (858) 238-1233

• San Diego Chamber of Commerce: (858) 232-0124

• San Diego Convention Center: (858) 236-1212

• San Diego Mount Laguna Observatory: (858) 594-6182

• San Diego Museum of Art: (858) 232-7931

• San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art: (858) 459-3728

• San Diego Natural History Museum: (858) 232-3821

• San Diego Wild Animal Park: (858) 234-6541

• Sea World: (858) 226-3091

Beginning July 25, Thoroughbred Times on the Web (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com) will bring you all the latest news and stakes reports each day from the Del Mar racetrack meeting and the Saratoga Race Course meeting.

The Del Mar Journal, written by Thoroughbred Times Southern California correspondents Steve Schuelein and Gene Williams, will provide up-to-the-minute reports seven days a week from one of the world's most prestigious race meetings.

You'll also be able to follow all the latest events at Saratoga Race Course's important meeting in the Saratoga Journal, written by New York correspondent Bill Heller and also kicking off on July 25. Both features will be highlighted on the home page at http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

July 26, every Saturday,Sunday, and Labor Day

Family Fun Day. Held in the infield from 1-6 p.m., except on Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) day and Labor Day, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Family events to include pony rides, face painting, inflatable jumps, an obstacle course, and a giant slide.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Handicapping seminars. Free to the public and featuring a guest speaker who will handicap that day's races. Held in the Seaside Terrace at the west end of the grandstand. From 12:30-1:15 p.m., except on Pacific Classic (G1) day and Labor Day, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

July 26-September 13

Del Mar racing. Live racing six days a week, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Post time 2 p.m. PDT, except on Fridays when post time is at 4 p.m., with nine races per day. Camp Del Mar. A supervised day camp for children ages 5 to 12 years old. In cooperation with the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the camp will offer activities, games, and fun for children while their parents enjoy a day at the track. Opens when the gates open and closes 30 minutes following the last race of the day. The camp includes lunch, snack, and a T-shirt for each child.

Wednesday, July 26

Opening day. Oceanside S., $100,000, 3yos, 1 mile, turf. One and Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest, featuring prizes for the most glamorous, best racing theme, and the funniest/most outrageous.

Thursday, July 27

Pizza'n Ponies. Pick up a coupon at Pizza Hut and get a package deal to go to the races at Del Mar. Package for $10 includes admission, a program, a seat, a personal pan pizza, and a small drink. Held each Thursday during meet.