by James Platz

Peninsula Farm’s Carter Duer takes a measured approach to the week at Lexington. A veteran of the fall sale, he’s seen it all. Offering a consignment of 52 yearlings, he knows he has some high-end prospects as well as horses that could be overlooked in a catalog bursting at the seams with over 900 yearlings. With the covid pandemic forcing some buyers to stay at home last year, Duer believes consignors could see more of the same this year due to travel difficulties.

“I’m not sure that it will be different, to tell you the truth. I’m not sure about the foreign market, how many of them will be here. It’s going to be cut back,” he said. “A lot of them have problems getting here, and I don’t know about the Canadian part of it. I don’t think there will be a lot of difference as far as the market over last year.”

When evaluating his consignment, Duer selected a handful of yearlings that rise to the top.

“Probably 38 (Bella Ciao; Muscle Hill—Ciao Dolce filly) and 91 (Jazz In Jackson: Muscle Hill—Ms Nightlife colt), maybe 85 (Arrivo Presto; Muscle Hill—Magic Presto colt) and then I’ve got a full-brother (hip 479 Canterasprings) to Greg Wright’s horse (Jujubee). He won the Pennsylvania final and then last week up at Hoosier. They are probably the top ones. Three of them are Muscle Hills. Maybe add number 17 (Save Your Tears). She’s a Walner. They’re probably the ones that will bring the most money. Whether they are the best ones, I have no idea. They will probably be on the upper end.”

Duer believes that Kentucky’s recent announcement regarding its lucrative 2022 program will raise the value of Kentucky-eligible horses selling this week. He has several in his consignment that stand to benefit. Some of his best horses, however, are not Kentucky eligible and may be impacted negatively.

“One thing that is different this year is that the Kentucky Sire Stakes program looks so much better, and they added money in the announcement last week,” he said. “Anything Kentucky eligible I think will be helped, and anything that is not Kentucky eligible will definitely be hurt.”

He also pointed to another announcement, this time from the Meadowlands and SBOANJ, regarding the creation of the “New Jersey Classics” for New Jersey-sired 2- and 3-year-olds, valued at more than $2 million.

“It helps the New Jersey eligibles. The more money we can race for, the more interest from your owners,” Duer said. “It’s definitely a lot of money to race for if you’ve got the horse. But you have to have the horse.”

Last year, Peninsula Farm sold 51 yearlings for a gross of $2.13 million and an average of $41,784. Duer believes that all indicators, including the success of yearling sales conducted by our Thoroughbred counterparts, point to a good sale.

“The other sales have been good and the thoroughbred sale was good. I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be good,” he said.

VALUE PICK

Duer feels that there are multiple horses in the Peninsula Farm consignment that could fit the category, some based on the success of the sire’s offspring this season, while others based on the numbers offered at Lexington.

“I think there are quite a few. I’ve got a lot of Father Patricks and he’s had a bad year. We’ve got a really good group of Father Patricks. I would think they might be something where there may be a good buyer’s market for them,” he said. “And you’ve got the first crop of Tactical Landing. I’ve got quite a few of them and they are very nice horses. I don’t have any bell ringers, but I’ve got some pretty nice ones.”

Peninsula Farm is selling nine by Father Patrick and 10 from the first crop of Tactical Landing.