Pieces of the Dream

The Sales pavilion at Saratoga has gotten a remake as these photos indicate. New interior with stadium seating, complete with cup holders and paneled walls and a new look on the outside as well.

The round Humphrey Finney Sales Pavilion is where all the action is going to be August 2 and 3rd when the yearling sales get under way. Expectations are high--they are always high--as buyers hover to see if they can purchase a piece of the dream.

Listen carefully to the hype. Every horse "turns a good foot" or has "that look in his eye." Most are "strong and sure footed;" some are "graceful," others "powerful." Most have inherited only the best traits of their mother or father--usually their father--and all have "great promise."

It is a foolish consignor who would argue with a potential customer. If a buyer says "powerful rear quarters," you can bet the consignor will rattle off why the progeny is reminiscent of his/her father who had the same distinguishing trait.

Nobody is talking about a bargain. All are preaching the "you get what you pay for" philosophy. There are few places where "buyer beware" is more apropos than a yearling sale. They all look beautiful. They all stand regally. They all radiate promise.

And they all have food bills and vet bills and farrier bills and dental bills and many will never make it to the track.

And only one will win the Kentucky Derby in two years and might not even be sold in the ring.

Saratoga is a fascinating place to visit during the yearling sales but do yourself a favor and leave your checkbook at home.