Thanks a million Costa eyes 2020 Golden Slipper with high-priced colts
GOLD COAST
MICHAEL Costa hopes he has found his headline horses that will take him to the 2020 Golden Slipper as he eyes more success back home on the Gold Coast today.
The trainer secured the game-changing backing of Hong Kong-based Orbis Bloodstock that has delivered two horses worth more than $1 million to his stable.
Costa bought a Brazen Beau-Sistine Princess colt for $560,000 and a ZoustarSaffie Darling colt for $500,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne this month.
Costa said it was a turning point for the stable.
“On type you couldn’t find any better,” Costa said.
“We are in a really good position with those two colts. I’m very excited for the next couple of years that there is that headline horse in there.
“(Our) strike rate is one of the strongest in the country with very limited stock so even though it’s going well now I’m really excited for the next decade. They will definitely be angled at the Golden Slipper.
“They are heading to the breakers on Monday and we will give them every opportunity to get there.
“They would definitely be the two best types we have ever thrown a saddle on in the stable so far.”
It isn’t just the pedigree that drew Costa to the two horses, with the trainer describing the Zoustar colt as a supermodel.
“He is everything you look for in a horse,” he said.
“He is very light on his feet, strong, big and looked an early running type as well.”
Costa has joined the likes of leading trainers John Hawkes and sons Wayne and Michael, and Kris Lees in partnering with Orbis Bloodstock.
Fresh from the hype of the acquisitions, Costa will chase a second Listed win for fiveyear-old mare Manaya in today’s Goldmarket (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Manaya will jump from barrier three with Anthony Allen in the saddle.
The mare was set to miss the race, originally set down for last Saturday, but it was postponed to today after last weekend’s deluge.
When Costa heard Group 1 winner Music Magnate would be nominated for the Goldmarket last week, he opted not to enter Manaya.
With fresh Goldmarket nominations called this week, Costa is rapt to have a chance to claim a Listed race win on his home track.
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