Asano Continues Premiership Chase

Catching National Apprentice Jockey Premiership leader Hazel Schofer may be a bridge too far for Kozzi Asano, but he is going to give it a good crack over the next two weeks, reports racingnews.co.nz. The leading South Island apprentice currently trails his Taranaki-based adversary by 11 wins after he recorded a winning double at Ruakaka on Saturday, and he is intent on riding as much as he can to try and eke into Schofer's lead. "I have still got five or six meetings to go before the season finishes, but it is probably too far to catch Hazel," conceded Asano who won the apprentice title last season and looked on track to defend his crown before he broke his collarbone in a race fall in May. While it hampered his chances in the premiership, Asano said it was a blessing in disguise, admitting he needed the enforced break. Asano hasn't been shy of travelling this season and was rewarded with a winning double at the country's northern-most track, Ruakaka, on Saturday. With more riding opportunities in the North Island, Christchurch-based Asano is devoting more of his time there after spending a few months at Wexford Stables in Matamata earlier this year. He remained in the North Island after the weekend and will head to Avondale on Wednesday where he has a handful of rides, including La Casa in the Avondale Sunday Markets 2100 and debutant Jefferson in the Tulloch Café 1200.

Kozzi Asano (pic: Race Images Grant Matthew)