Supergiant to be set for Queensland Derby after beating Doncaster Mile chance The Candy Man in gallop

Michael Costa will set Supergiant for the Queensland Derby after beating Doncaster Mile chance The Candy Man in a public gallop at the Jewel Race Day.

MICHAEL Costa will set Supergiant for the Queensland Derby after beating Doncaster Mile chance The Candy Man in a public gallop at the Jewel Race Day.

The Gold Coast trainer said he was impressed by the times Supergiant produced in the run, held between the opening two races on Saturday at Aquis Park.

“We had reservations on whether we wanted to do it or not because we got the call up this week to pair up a horse,” Costa said.

“We sent him to the trials last week and he was a bit soft in condition.

“We have a plan set out for him to head to the Queensland derby. We gave him a gallop (on Saturday) and said to (the jockey) to let him cruise and if The Candy Man goes past then let that be the plan but focus on our own gallop.

Supergiant (inside) shades The Candy Man in a gallop at the Gold Coast yesterday. Picture: Trackside Photography

“He really excelled, his sectionals were good and he still has fitness improvement to come.”

The Candy Man’s chances of taking on the Group One Doncaster Mile on April 4 hit a snag when the gallop didn’t go to plan.

“I was a little disappointed in (The Candy Man’s) work,” trainer Barry Baldwin said.

“Michael’s horse had plates on, we had shoes but I was a bit disappointed.

“We are going to go over him and make sure everything is right. We will wait and see.”

The gelding had the poorest run of his career when he finished sixth at the Magic Millions Trophy on January 14, with Baldwin later discovering he pulled a muscle in his rump during the race.

Baldwin has previously said if The Candy Man isn’t ready for the Doncaster, to be held at Randwick, then he would set him for the Brisbane Winter Carnival.