Exchange rate boosts Australian buyers

Dual Derby winner Lanercost was bought at the Ready To Run sale. Photo / Supplied

The strong Australian dollar could boost the Ready To Run sales at Addington today.

With the exchange rate so dramatically in their favour a larger-than-expected number of Australian buyers will attend the PGG Wrightson sale of two-year-old standardbreds.

That will come as a bonus to many vendors as the depressed yearling sales in February were not a good early pointer. The auctioneers are thrilled with the early interest in today's 69 lots.

The Ready To Runs hit a high about three years ago before a flatter past two years, indicative of the general malaise in horseflesh sales.

However, with sales' graduates like dual Derby winner Lanercost doing such big jobs across The Ditch the sales are on the radar of Australian buyers.

That could see up to half those sold today going overseas but local interest is also higher than last year.

Most key trainers spoken to by the Herald are at least attending and are interested in one or two lots, a far cry from last year when the sale struggled.

Much like the yearling sales in February, the top end may struggle to get many sales above $100,000 or $120,000, but the mid-range prices for those in the $30,000 to $50,000 range are expected to be good.

The sale also has strong representation from the more commercial stallions and the overall presentation of the stock on trialling day at Ashburton last month was high.

"We are expecting a good sale and the strong Aussie dollar versus ours is undoubtedly going to help," said PGG Wrightson's Bruce Barlass. "We have buyers coming from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Perth, which is the most interest we have ever had in this sale."

Barlass would not be drawn on a potential top lot, but there are good reports about colts by Bettors Delight, Mach There and two of the McArdles, while one of the star fillies will undoubtedly be the Bettors Delight three-quarter sister to last season's champion filly Better Cover Lover.

Meanwhile, the strongest harness meeting of the season so far at Addington this Friday should go a long way to deciding favouritism for the major races at New Zealand Cup week.

Cup favourite Monkey King clashes with Kiwi Ingenuity and Stunin Cullen in the main pace on Friday night, while One Over Kenny, Raydon, Sno's Big Boy, Dr Hook and Ray meet in the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup.

READY TO RUN

*The Ready To Run sale will be held at Addington today.

*Australian interest will be high because of their strong dollar.

*Sixty-nine two-year-olds will go under the hammer.

*Addington will also host two major races on Friday night.