Eagle Farm Preview

Craig rides at Eagle Farm today. Watch the video preview below:

Sunshine Coast Preview

Today I’m riding at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The rail is out 5 metres and the track is rated in the soft range. I haven’t ridden here for a very long time and I’m looking forward to arriving on course and walking the track.

Race 6 is the WIMMERS PREMIUM SOFT DRINKS BENCHMARK 70 Handicap over 2200 metres. My ride here is RAPTURES who is trained by Kris Lees. This four-year-old mare by Fastnet Rock is raced by Ron Dufficy and Robert De Courcy. She’s had 16 starts for a record of three wins and five placings and is racing in really good form. From her past four starts she hasn’t missed a top three placing, with one of those being a win. She looks very well placed in today’s race to continue her consistent record. She is a mare that races well on all racing surfaces having won on good and soft ground and has placed on a heavy track. The last time she raced beyond 1900 metres was when she was a three-year-old, finishing fourth over 2200 metres before then being unplaced behind Realm Of Flowers at her next start, with the winner going on to win this year’s Andrew Ramsden, so that is strong staying form at her two runs over the extended distance. She will start from a favourable barrier draw and is a mare that tends to make her own luck by racing in the first half of the field. I’m looking forward to riding her for the first time and if she runs up to her recent form she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 7 is the BUTLER MCDERMOTT LAWYERS Fillies and Mares Class 1 Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is REDOUTE’S IMAGE who is trained by Kris Lees. This three-year-old filly by Redoute’s Choice is raced by Australian Bloodstock and partners. She’s had 13 starts for a record of one win and six placings. I’ve had one ride on her which was three starts ago at the Gold Coast in January, where we finished third in a strong Class 3&4 race for fillies and mares over 1300 metres. She then contested the Magic Millions Guineas over 1400 metres where she was unplaced finishing just over seven lengths from the winner. She was then sent for a break from training and has had two official trials before her first up run this preparation. Both of her trials looked very good and she looked sharp in both. She resumed to be beaten by just over three lengths in F&M BM78 grade in her first up run at Rosehill where she closed the race off strongly and ran fairly. She races here second up today and has placed twice from three attempts when racing second up. She has drawn a low barrier draw that will give me plenty of options in running and afford her every chance. She is very well placed in this race under the Class 1 set weight conditions for fillies and mares as with the highest rating in the field, she carries the minimum weight of 58.5 kgs. If she runs up to her best form today she should be winning this.

Eagle Farm Preview

Craig rides at Eagle Farm today. Watch the video preview below:

Eagle Farm Preview

Craig rides at Eagle Farm today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 8 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range. This first three races on the card are jumps races with the features being the Australian Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase.

Race 5 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Punter Assist Handicap over 2100 metres. My ride here is MILESTONE (FR) who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This five-year-old gelding by Mastercraftsman is raced by OTI Racing and partners. He is an imported galloper who started his career in France and won his maiden over 2400 metres at Chantilly. At his next start he finished third in a Listed raced behind San Huberto who has also been imported to Australia and finished third in the 2020 Sandown Cup and second in a Listed race at Caulfield earlier this year. Milestone hasn’t won a race since his maiden win in 2019 but has been racing consistently well. He races here third-up this preparation and carries the minimum weight of 54 kilos in this race. On his best form he can make his presence felt.

Race 6 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is KAZIO who is trained by Aaron Purcell. This seven-year-old gelding by Foreplay has had 42 starts for a record of five wins and 17 placings. Two runs ago he finished fifth behind Inn Keeper who subsequently went on to win the Wangoom Handicap at his next start. Last start Kazio contested a 1400m handicap at Warrnambool where he finished unplaced but only 3.5 lengths from the winner. He is a winner from his only attempt at this course and distance, and the 1400 metres is his most preferred distance with him recording four wins and 10 placings from 18 runs. He returns to racing in benchmark grade today and if he runs to his best form he will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old’s. My ride here is FOXY FRIDA who is trained by Andrew Noblet. This filly by Foxwedge has had four starts for a record of one win and three second placings. Her maiden win came at her most recent start on soft ground over 1200 metres at Ballarat. She comes into this race with confidence from her last start win and will be at peak fitness for her third-up run. This is a very competitive field and no doubt she will continue to race up to her consistent record and be a contender in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 Samson Handicap over 1200 metres. My ride here is FREE TO MOVE who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This three-year-old gelding by Unencumbered has had nine starts for a record of two wins and three placings, with one of his third placings being in Listed grade. After his last preparation he was spelled in December 2020 and only resumed this campaign with his first-up run over 1000 metres at the start of May. He races here second-up and the step up in distance will suit him as he has winning form over 1200 metres. He will start from a favourable barrier draw which will give him every opportunity to gain an economical run in transit and run his best race.

Doomben Preview

Craig rides at Doomben today. Watch the video preview below:

Ipswich Preview

Today I’m riding at Ipswich in Queensland. The rail is out 10 metres and the track is rated in the good range. This is my first-time riding at this track and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of riding here and walking the track when I arrive on course.

Race 6 is the IPSWICH CUP TIX ON SALE QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 2210 metres. My ride here is PURE DEAL who is trained by Bevan Laming. This gelding by Dundeel has had 14 starts for a record of three wins, with all of those wins being over 1800 metres. I rode him for the first time when he raced second up this preparation at the Gold Coast in an open BM78 race where he finished 4.6 lengths from the winner. He raced on heavy ground last start and after starting from an outside barrier closed the race off really well. He has drawn a wide barrier again today and it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race. I liked the way he stayed on last start against the older horses and that experience will set him up well for this race. The step up in distance will suit him and he has solid form for today’s race where he can make his presence felt. 

Morphettville Preview

Craig rides at Morphettville today. Watch the video preview below:

Gold Coast Preview

Craig rides at the Gold Coast today. Watch the video preview below:

Morphettville Preview

Craig rides at Morphettville today. Watch the video preview below:

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington for the traditional Anzac Day meeting. It’s such a special day where we can remember, recognise and thank our past, present and future service men and women. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the BM84 Auckland Racing Club Trophy over 1600 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is CARRIE (JPN) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old daughter of Manhattan Café is raced by Robert Anderson. She’s had 12 starts for a record of three wins and three minor placings. I had my first ride on her last start when she raced first-up at Ballarat over this distance where she finished third on soft ground. She handled the day really well with the stable reporting that she can be a nervous mare that wants to get on with things, so her demeanour on the day was an improvement. She will start from a low barrier draw today and she can step slowly at times, so I will be mindful of that and hopefully get her out of the gates cleanly so we can utilise the favourable draw. If she brings that same good attitude to the races again today and runs up to her best form she will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes over 1400 metres for two-year-olds. My ride here is BISCAYNE BAY who is trained by Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes. This filly by Sebring is raced by Sun Bloodstock. She is a lightly raced filly with a record of two starts for one win. She made her debut in South Australia in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic over 1200 metres where she was ridden back in the field from an outside barrier and finished off well into fifth placing, eight lengths from the winner. A month later she raced at Sandown in a 2YO Fillies handicap over 1300 metres where again she was back in the field but displayed really good acceleration when asked for an effort in the straight and won convincingly. She will start from a wide barrier today and the soft track conditions will be in her favour. If we have luck in running and she has trained-on from last start she can make her presence felt.

Race 5 is the RAAF Centenary over 1400 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is CELESTIAL SOL who is trained by Chris Waller. This colt by Fighting Sun has had 10 starts for a record of two wins and two placings. I did a lot of work with him when he was a younger horse and have ridden him on raceday throughout his last preparation which concluded with him competing in Listed and Group 3 company before going for a spell. I rode him again first-up this preparation and was successful in a Class 1 race over 1300 metres at Sandown. Second-up he was disappointing and finished last at Caulfield. He can be a quirky horse to ride and hang out in running and want to do a few things wrong, but he does have really good ability on his day. If he returns to his best form and the race works out for him, he has the ability to be very competitive in this.

Race 6 is the Listed VRC St Leger over 2800 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is ZAKSPEED who is trained by Wendy Roche. This gelding by Spirit of Boom has had 10 starts for a record of one win and a third placing, with his only win coming in Class 1 company at Newcastle over 2330 metres. His past two starts have been against the top three-year-old staying horses with him running credibly in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes and Group 1 ATC Derby. He looks like a horse that will be able to run out the 2800 metres today, but as no horse in this field has raced over the extended distance it’s always an unknown factor. Looking at his overall form he can be one of the main chances in this.

Race 8 is the Flt Lt Peter Armytage Handicap over 1700 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is LITERATI who is trained by Symon Wilde. This gelding by Artie Schiller has had five starts for a record of one win and a second placing, with both of those coming in this preparation. He was solid when winning his maiden first-up over 1400 metres at Hamilton, before stepping up to 3YO handicap company at Caulfield over 1600 metres where he was beaten by just over 6 lengths. At his most recent start he finished second at Bendigo over the mile in BM64 grade against the older horses carrying 58.5 kilos. He steps up slightly in distance today, drops 4.5 kilos in weight from last start and returns to racing against his own age group. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit from a favourable barrier draw and he will take a lot of beating on his best form. 

Royal Randwick Preview

Craig rides at Royal Randwick today. Watch the video preview below:

Tamworth Preview

Today I’m riding at Tamworth in the feature of the day, the Tamworth Cup for trainer Paul Messara. The rail is out 1 metre and the track is rated in the good range. This will be my first-time riding in Tamworth and I’m looking forward to arriving on course and walking the track.

Race 7 is the GREAT NORTHERN TAMWORTH SHOWCASE CUP over 1400 metres. My ride here is TOTAL RECALL who is trained by Paul Messara. This four-year-old gelding by Animal Kingdom is raced by Arrowfield Pastoral and partners including Alan Jones and John Leaver, who were also involved in racing Miss Finland. Total Recall is lightly raced having had 12 starts for a record of five wins and four placings and has been extremely well placed throughout his career, only missing a top three placing on three occasions. He has shown good stamina over longer distances and is a versatile galloper having won over 1400 metres and up to 2200 metres. He also races consistently on all track surfaces with winning form on good, soft and heavy ground. He raced first-up this campaign at this track and distance with the blinkers on and was successful in BM86 grade in the Tamworth Cup Prelude where he won by an official margin of 1.35 lengths. He races up in grade today, stays at the same course and distance as last start and will start from a middle to wide barrier draw. He is a horse that seems to be able to withstand pressure close to the speed and there does look to be a lot of pressure on paper in this field. His overall profile fits well for today’s race and I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him.

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Smartline Finance 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1100 metres. My ride here is STAR OF MANHATTAN who is trained by Henry Dwyer. This daughter of Zoustar is raced by Tony Bongiorno and partners. This will be her second lifetime start after making her debut earlier this month at Kilmore. She started from a wide barrier over the 1100 metres at Kilmore and had good natural speed but was ridden back in the field to get cover. She was a little bit new to it all in running but closed off really well when asked for an effort to finish second by three-quarters of a length. I expect she will have taken natural benefit and experience from her first up run and has drawn more favourably today. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and seeing how she performs second-up.

Race 3 is the Ready Bake Classic Maiden Plate over 1100 metres. My ride here is SLEIPNIR who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This well-bred three-year-old gelding by More Than Ready from the mare Jolie Bay is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. This is his first race start and he has been well educated with an official trial and jumpouts in preparation for his debut run. This will be my first ride on him and we will start from a wide barrier draw in a field of eight runners. I’m looking forward to riding him and seeing how he handles the exposure to raceday conditions and pressure for the first time.

Race 8 is the Budget Bendigo Car & Truck Rental Fillies and Mares BM70 Hcp over 1300 metres. My ride here is DIAQUIN (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old mare by Sacred Falls has had 17 starts for a consistent record of two wins and six minor placings. I’ve ridden her on three occasions for a win and third placing, with the third placing being my last ride on her in November 2020 where we were beaten by Night Witches, who she meets again today but at level weights. Diaquin runs first-up today and has the concussion plates removed from her feet and replaced with Equicast for the first time. She is a mare that races well on all surfaces and any rain would further enhance her chances as from three runs on heavy ground she has a win and two second placings to her name. She is a horse that usually settles in the second half of the field so needs luck and the race run to suit her, and for horses to be able to make ground. On her best form she will be making her presence felt first-up today. 

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range but there is rain forecast throughout the day. This is the first meeting back after the track renovations so it will be interesting to see how it races.

Race 1 is the bet365 Odds Drift Protector Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is ALFOIL who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This three-year-old gelding by Zebedee has had four starts for two placings. This will be his third run this preparation and my second time riding him. The first time I rode him was at his second start and he was very new to it all and finished just over 6 lengths from the winner in a strong Moonee Valley maiden. Two starts ago he finished second on heavy ground after going forward and last start he was a beaten favourite at Werribee finishing in fourth place over 1100 metres. If he doesn’t have to do too much work from his outside barrier today he will take a lot of running down and on his form is the horse to beat.

Race 2 is the Thompson Creek Thoroughbreds 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is FOREVER AND A DAY who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This filly by No Nay Never is having her first start, as are most of the field. I have ridden her in an official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for her debut and was really pleased with her performance. She showed nice natural speed, was relaxed and handled the day away from home really well. If she brings her trial form to the races and she lands on speed in this field, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 4 is the Prestige Jayco Geelong Maiden Plate over 1500 metres. My ride here is RUDIMENTARY who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This three-year-old gelding by All Too Hard has had five starts for a record of two placings, with both of those placings coming from his past two starts at the end of his last campaign and first-up this preparation over 1100 metres. I expect he will have taken natural improvement from his first up run and will appreciate the step up in distance. He will start from an outside barrier in this small field and if he runs up to his current form he will make his presence felt.

Race 5 is the Rex Gorell Group Class 1 Handicap over 1500 metres. My ride here is SWEET KAROLINA who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This three-year-old filly by Starspangledbanner has had eight starts for a record of one win and four placings and has been a model of consistency throughout her career. She won her maiden at the end of her last preparation at this track over 1700 metres and was then sent for a break from training. I had my first ride on her first-up this preparation at Sandown in a strong 3YO BM64 over 1300 metres and her trainer commented how much she had matured both physically and mentally from previous preparations. Her effort on the day in finishing second was very good and she stayed on extremely well and I’m looking forward to riding her again. This is now a small field with less pressure and she has in the past over-raced and done a few things wrong, which I will have to be mindful of. If she runs up to her solid first-up effort there is no reason why she can’t win this.

Race 6 is the Steigen BM64 Handicap over 1700 metres. My ride here is KENTUCKY TORNADO (USA) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This six-year-old mare by Mizzen Mast (USA) is raced by Brad Spicer and partners. She started her career racing in France before being imported to Australia in 2019. I’ve had five race rides on her for two wins and a third placing and she is a mare I know well. She is resuming this preparation with a new trainer after a stable change. She is a mare that definitely doesn’t handle really heavy ground which I found out after riding her at Moonee Valley in August of last year when she raced on a heavy 10 over 2500 metres, but she does appreciate soft ground. I’m looking forward to her resuming today at a distance where she hasn’t won but has performed extremely well over in the past. 

Royal Randwick Preview

Craig rides at Royal Randwick today. Watch the video preview below:

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo. The rail is out 8 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the bet365 Racing Refunds 2YO Maiden Plate over 1100 metres. My ride here is I AM IN THE MOOD who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This filly by I Am Invincible is making her debut today. I’ve ridden her in an official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for today and I was really impressed by her attitude and the nice performance in her trial. She will start from a low barrier draw and most of her opposition are also having their first race starts. If she runs up to her trial effort and brings that same attitude to the races she will be very competitive in this.

Race 4 is the DeAraugo & Lea Electrical BM70 Handicap over 1100 metres. My ride here is MODEAR who is trained by Patrick Payne. This four-year-old mare by Helmet has a consistent record of three wins and four placings from 17 starts and in her past four runs hasn’t finished further back than fourth placing. I had my first ride on her three starts ago at Flemington where we were narrowly beaten and finished second by a nose on heavy ground over 1000 metres. Her run style is that she gets back in the field, so she always needs races run to suit her and tracks to be playing fairly. She is a mare that has really good acceleration and I’m looking forward to riding her again and going one better than last time. On her best form she can win this and is clearly the horse to beat.

Race 6 is the The Big Screen Company BM64 Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is KANZAI (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old mare by Savabeel is raced by Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud. She is a lightly raced mare for her age having had six starts for a record of one win and two placings. Her only win was over 1500 metres at Geelong and came at the start of this preparation. She comes into this race with a gear change of the blinkers being removed and a tongue tie added for the first time. She is a horse that is usually slow to leave the barriers and gives the field ground, but she has been racing extremely well of late. She can be forgiven for her last start where she stepped up to 2100 metres and after finishing five lengths from the winner was reported to have pulled up lame. On her best form she will be very competitive in this.

Race 7 is the Avis Bendigo Car & Truck Rental 3YO Fillies BM64 Hcp over 1300 metres. My ride here is MORE SECRETS who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This daughter of More Than Ready made a winning debut at Pakenham on March 25^th where I rode her to a dominant win over 1200 metres. She is stepping up slightly in distance today and comes into this three-weeks between runs. She will start from a low barrier draw which will afford her every opportunity to have an economical run in transit. I expect she will have taken natural improvement and confidence from her debut win and I’m looking forward to riding her again. She looks well placed in this race and I can see her making it two from two today.

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is out 8 metres from the 600m to the winning post and returns to the true position for the remainder with the track rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Sam Miranda Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is MIRACLE DAY who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This three-year-old gelding by Street Boss is raced by Leo To. He is lightly raced having had only four starts for a record of a second and third placing. I’ve ridden him in two race starts, once as a two-year-old and more recently when he resumed this preparation as a three-year-old. He presented as a very fresh horse first up after a long spell at Sandown and got himself very worked up in the mounting yard and prior to the race. Given how fresh he was, he did a really good job to finish third and just over two lengths from the winner. Since his first-up run he has had an official trial at Cranbourne where he went extremely well and the stable reported that he handled the trip away and semi raceday like conditions well, so that will hold him in good stead for his second up run. If he handles himself pre-race with the addition of pre-race ear muffs for the first time and we have luck from the wide barrier draw he is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 4 is the Suez Maiden Plate over 2000 metres. My ride here is SANTADEAL who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This three-year-old gelding by Dundeel is raced by Orbis Bloodstock. He’s had one start where I rode him on debut at Pakenham on soft ground over 1400 metres to finish second and five lengths from the winner. I was really pleased with his debut effort and was happy with how strong he was to and through the line. He is stepping up in distance today and will start from a wide barrier, but I expect that he is a three-year-old with above average staying ability and he will have taken natural improvement from his debut effort. I’m looking forward to seeing how he has progressed between runs and what path he finds himself on for the rest of the season.

Race 5 is the Porter Plant Super Vobis Two-Years-Old Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is PATTON who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This colt by American Pharoah is raced by Spendthrift Australia. I rode him when he made his debut at Pakenham on soft ground over 1200 metres where he won by an official margin of 1.25 lengths. I had ridden him in trackwork and jumpouts prior to his debut run and have always liked the feel he gave me and his very professional attitude. He started from a low barrier draw on debut and after stepping away slightly slowly from the barriers he got back in the field and was off the bridle, but was superior when asked for an effort and I felt that he had a lot left to offer. He is stepping up to the 1400 metres for his second run and will start from a wide barrier toady. We will need some luck from the barrier draw but I am very confident in his ability and if he has trained-on they will find it hard to beat him.

Race 7 is the Sportsbet Same Game Multi BM78 Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is CARRIE (JPN) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old imported mare by Manhattan Cafe (JPN) is raced by Robert Anderson. She started her career racing in Japan before being imported to Australia in 2019. She has an overall record of three wins and two second placings from 11 starts and is racing first-up today. Her record when racing fresh is a win and a second placing from three attempts. She is a mare that races well on all track conditions with her three wins coming on good, soft and heavy ground and she is a winner at her only attempt over this distance. She can sometimes step slowly from the barriers so I’m hoping I can get her to jump on terms and utilise the inside barrier draw. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and all her form references indicate that she will be one of the main chances in this.

Royal Randwick

Craig rides at Royal Randwick today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown for the Easter Monday meeting. The rail is out 10 metres on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the IVE > Print Plate over 1000 metres for two-year-olds. My ride here is SHOOTOOSE who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This gelding by Shooting to Win is making his debut today. I’ve watched replays of his two jumpouts at Flemington where he got back in the field and in his most recent effort he stayed on nicely over the concluding stages. It will be interesting to see how he handles the exposure to raceday pressure and conditions for the first time and performs on debut.

Race 6 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is MISS INBETWEEN who is trained by Michael Mehegan. This three-year-old filly by Fighting Sun has had 13 starts for one win and six placings and I’ve ridden her in her past two starts. She’s had three runs this preparation and after being tested in Group company is dropping back in grade and distance today. She will start from a wide barrier draw and if we have luck in running and she runs up to her best form she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old gelding by Helmet has had 17 starts for a record of three wins and four minor placings and I’ve ridden him in all of his wins. He comes into this in good form and with confidence from his last start win in BM64 grade over 1600 metres. The gear change of blinkers off and visors on really helped him last start and I liked the feel he gave me for where he is at in this stage of his career. He will start from a low barrier draw and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper in this small field. If he runs up to his recent form he can win again today. 

Rosehill Gardens Preview

Craig rides at Rosehill Gardens today. Watch the video preview below:

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham for the night meeting. The rail is out 5 metres from the 1000m to the winning post and 3 metres for the remainder with the track rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Watch Live on Sportsbet Maiden Plate over 1600 metres. My ride here is PITCHANUN (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Savabeel is raced by Robert Anderson. She’s had three lifetime starts for two placings. She made her debut last year before being sent for a spell and has had two runs this campaign. I’ve ridden her in both starts this time in and both have been at this track over 1200 and 1400 metres respectively. She finished third first-up and at her most recent start was beaten by a promising horse to finish second. I felt that she had taken significant improvement from her first to second runs and stepping up to the mile tonight will suit her. If she runs up to her recent form she should be too good for these with the benefit of an inside barrier draw.

Race 3 is the Kaduna Park Estate 4YO & Up Maiden Plate over 1400 metres for four-year-olds and upwards. My ride here is RICH SUN who is trained by Alexander Rae. This four-year-old gelding by Danerich is raced by my mother Glenda and sister-in-law Michelle. He’s had one start where he finished second on soft ground at Yarra Valley over 1200 metres. I rode him in an official trial prior to his debut run where he won his heat and he then won another trial prior to making his debut. He will have taken natural fitness improvement and racing experience from his first-up run and if we have luck in running from a wide barrier draw he should take a lot of beating in this. 

Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 7 metres on the Hillside circuit with the track rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old’s. My ride here is SWEET KAROLINA who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This filly by Starspangledbanner has had seven starts for a record of one win and three placings in previous preparations. She is resuming today and is unplaced from her two attempts when racing fresh. She won her maiden at her last start at Geelong over 1700 metres and was then sent for a spell. She has had two jumpouts in preparation for her return and looks to have gone nicely in both. She was ridden back in the field in her first jumpout and at her next outing settled outside the speed. She has the early speed to take advantage of her inside barrier draw today and I expect she can make her presence felt with an economical run in transit.

Race 4 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is MOSTLY SUNNY who is trained by Patrick Caboche. This daughter of Akeed Mofeed is lightly raced for her age with a good overall win and place ratio having had 15 starts for a record of two wins, four second and three third placings. I rode her first-up this preparation at Sandown on the Lakeside track over 1400 metres where she finished third and less than a length from the winner. She steps up to the 1600 metres today for her second-up run and this is the distance that she has won her two races over. From her two runs second-up she hasn’t been out of the top two placings. I expect she will have taken natural fitness improvement leading into this and all her form statistics suggest that she can win this.

Race 5 is the BM64 The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is Zoumanor who is trained by Mick Kent. This five-year-old gelding by Zoustar is lightly raced having had 22 starts for a record of three wins and seven minor placings. He won his third race at his most recent start in a BM58 over this distance on soft ground at Ballarat. He comes into this with confidence from that win and for a horse that hadn’t won for sometime, that will be much needed confidence. If we have luck in running from the wide barrier draw he should be able to make his presence felt.

Race 6 is a BM70 over 2400 metres. My ride here is PERFECT ILLUSION who is trained by Mitch Beer. This imported six-year-old gelding by Nathaniel has had 29 starts for a record of three wins and eight minor placings. He has been a very consistent galloper with the exception of his last start which was in Listed grade. He is dropping back to a benchmark race today and he is drawn to have an economical run in transit from the low barrier draw. He looks well placed to be one of the main chances in this.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Blended Multi Handicap over 1800 metres. My ride here is PALE KING (FR) who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This imported four-year-old gelding by Dabirsim has had three lifetime starts, winning them all. He made his debut on the synthetic surface in England over 2400 metres and was subsequently imported to Australia. His first run in Australia was seven months after his debut win where he won a BM64 over 1600 metres at Kembla Grange on a good surface. He was then sent for a break from training and resumed this preparation three weeks ago at Sandown where he won in BM70 grade over the mile. He is a very promising horse that has raced in two different countries, two different states in Australia and is three for three. I rode him at this most recent start and like the style of horse that he is. Even though his winning margin wasn’t great last start, he felt superior in his performance. I rode him in a jumpout last week and liked the way he has trained-on and he has taken confidence from his last start win. He is stepping up in distance to the 1800 metres and if he runs up to his recent form he can make it four from four today.

Race 9 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Handicap over 1000 metres. My ride here is QUEEN ANNABEL who is trained by Rebecca Kelly. This seven-year-old mare by Bel Esprit has been well placed and managed throughout her career with a record of six wins and ten placings from 56 starts and over $350,000 in prizemoney. I’ve ridden her on multiple occasions, she is a horse that usually runs best when given a resting run through the early stages before being asked for an effort, so always needs luck in running. This race looks like there will be good speed on paper which will suit her racing pattern. We will have a good understanding of how the track is playing by this stage of the day and if the track is racing evenly it will give her every chance. She is dropping back in grade from BM78 at her past two runs to BM70 today, and with luck in running she will be one of the main chances in this competitive field.  

Rosehill Gardens Preview

Craig rides at Rosehill Gardens today. Watch the video preview below: