Record online entries

Demand continues for the Inglis Digital Online Sale platform with a record number of entries for the May Sale.

With 613 horses catalogued, bidding will start at 10am on Thursday, May 28 and features 98 racehorses, 103 race fillies, 18 shares, 84 weanlings, 71 yearlings, 235 broodmares with 129 in foal and three stallions.

It will take on the same format as the April Online Sale where more than 432 lots sold at a clearance rate of 80 per cent for a gross of $4.2 million.

There are several high-quality entries in the May Sale, including Djiva (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}), a close relation to 14-time Group 1 winner and champion Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa {USA}) and one of only 13 mares in foal Southern Hemisphere time to Juddmonte’s rising star Kingman (GB); Foxiest (Foxwedge) is a half-sister to triple stakes-winner Silvera (High Chaparral {Ire}) and in foal to So You Think (NZ); Angel Oak (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) is a daughter of top-class mare Spring Oak (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {GB}) with a rare pregnancy to Juddmonte’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Expert Eye (GB) and Mamzelle Tess (O'Lonhro) who won the G2 Sunline S. two starts ago and is offered as a racing and breeding prospect by Malua Racing.

Queensland unlikely

Trainer Gerald Ryan is cool on a trip to Queensland for the G1 JJ Atkins S. with Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}).

He has more of a mind to focus on the spring 3-year-old features with the gifted youngster, who will attempt to stretch his unbeaten run to three in Saturday’s Darley 2YO H. at Randwick.

Peltzer graduated from a midweek debut win at Kembla Grange to lead all the way and comfortably account for a Saturday grade line-up of juveniles at his only other start.

Armidale cuts fees

Armidale Stud has reduced its fees for 2020 with Alpine Eagle to stand at $6050 (inc GST) and Tough Speed at $2750 (inc GST).

“In light of the current global situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing financial downturn, we have taken the decision to reduce our Tasmanian fees by an average of 20 per cent in a bid to assist breeders through these unprecedented events,” David Wishaw said.

“While we understand that these fees are not a true indication of the quality of the stallions themselves, 2020 is a year where the support of everyone within the industry is essential. We are mindful of doing all we can to support breeders.”

Group 1 producer Needs Further will stand 2020 at Aquis Seymour in association with Armidale at $13,750 (inc GST).

Bright staying prospect

Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa has high hopes for Supergiant (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) in a middle distance role.

The lightly-raced 3-year-old has won two of his four starts and finished runner-up last time out in the Listed Daybreak Lover at Doomben.

Supergiant will step up to 1800 metres in Saturday’s G3 Gunsynd Classic and will then take aim at the G3 Rough Habit Plate.

The gelding has a handy staying pedigree with his half-brother Zavamar (NZ) (Savabeel) successful up to 2100 metres and they are from a family that includes the G1 VRC Derby winner Kibbutz (NZ) (Golan {Ire}).

Patience key

Talented 4-year-old Alfa Oro (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {Ire}) heads to Flemington on Saturday where connections will be hoping to reap full rewards for their patience when the Matt Laurie-trained galloper contests the Almandin H.

He has shown well above average ability in his five career starts, fashioning an impressive record of three wins and two seconds.

A last-start domination of his rivals in track record time on the Pakenham synthetic where Alfa Oro crossed the line under a stranglehold showed the class of the gelding, who shaped as a potential G1 Caulfield Guineas candidate before a life-threatening injury intervened.

“It was just a routine piece of track work. He suffered a spiral fracture in a front leg and had some major surgery with a steel plate and 12 screws inserted. We were fortunate he was able to be saved,” Laurie said.

Quality act back

Dual Group 1 winner Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) has returned to trainer Charlie Hills’s Faringdon Place in preparation for Royal Ascot in June.

“He’s come back very well,” Hills said. “He was a little more wintery than last year, but the last couple weeks, his coat has really been coming through. He’s physically done well and I’m happy with him. He’s had one swinging canter and we’re just trying to keep him ticking over. He’s not a big horse, so he doesn’t take as much training and is a good, clean-winded type.”

Battaash has won 10 races, including the G1 Nunthorpe S. and the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp.

Asano on hunt

Leading New Zealand apprentice jockey Kozzi Asano has experienced a break-out season and he can’t wait for it to resume in July.

The Canterbury hoop is just six wins shy of premiership leader Lisa Allpress and he is looking forward to chasing her down.

“We will see how the first race meeting goes after COVID-19,” Asano said. “I am definitely looking forward to trying to close the gap.”

Asano led the premiership for the majority of the season and he admitted to being a bit jaded prior to the COVID-19 enforced lockdown.

“I was quite tired before the lockdown,” he said. “Mentally and physically I was tired from all the travelling and riding.”