Over the course of two days Aug. 10-11, approximately 200 colts and fillies will go through the sales ring, their hoof steps echoing the thousands who have come before and the dreams that go forward with them. As each yearling dances to the tune of the auctioneer’s patter, a drama plays out, spotters gesturing frenetically as bids crisscross the arena.

Action ramps up this week at Thoroughbred tracks across the country, with big races lined up at Saratoga, Del Mar, and Colonial Downs.