Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch his video preview below:

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the The Elephant and Castle Hotel Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1325 metres. My ride here is LAFARGUE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Capitalist is raced by a group of owners that include Michael Christian and Danny’s staff members Matt Harrington and Ben Gleeson, so no doubt there will be extra pressure from the stable! He made his debut as a two-year-old at Flemington in May where he started favourite over 1000 metres, finishing unplaced and just over three lengths from the winner. Since then he has had a break from training and returns to the races today. I rode him in a jumpout at Flemington last month over the straight course with the blinkers on and he gave me a very good feel and was impressive on the day against the older, open handicap sprinters. He wears the blinkers for the first time under race conditions today and if he runs up to that jumpout, he will be winning this. 

Bendigo Preview

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

Race 5 is the Catanach’s Jewellers Fillies and Mares BM70 Hcp over 1300 metres. My ride here is FLYING MASCOT (NZ) who is trained by Tom Dabernig. This four-year-old mare by Tavistock is raced by Flying Start Syndications. She’s had six starts for two wins and two placings with the only two times she has missed a top three placing being when she stepped up to Group 3 and Group 1 company over 1800 and 2000 metres in Adelaide. She is resuming today and has a win and third placing from her two previous first-up runs. She’s had two jumpouts in preparation for her return to the races and has gone impressively in both. She will start from a wide barrier and is a horse that usually races close to the speed and makes her own luck. If she doesn’t have to work too hard from the wide barrier draw and she runs up to her jumpout efforts, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is the Silks Events & Functions BM70 Handicap over 1100 metres. My ride here is MORE SECRETS who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This four-year-old mare by More Than Ready is lightly raced for her age having had just two starts, winning both. I’ve ridden her on both occasions, she was successful first up at Pakenham over 1200 metres and at her next start at this track won a 3YOF BM64 race over 1300 metres. She was then sent for a break from training and is resuming today. I’ve ridden her in two jumpouts in preparation for her return and have been impressed by her development and maturity from her first preparation and I’m really looking forward to seeing her back racing today. She will start from a favourable barrier draw that should give her every opportunity at her first attempt over the 1100 metres. On her form and progression, she is the horse they all have to beat. 

Cranbourne Preview

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

Race 2 is the Skye Excavations Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. My ride here is CUBAN LINK who is trained by Greg Eurell. This three-year-old filly by Testa Rossa is having her second start today. I rode her when she made her debut at Pakenham over 1200 metres on the synthetic where she went forward and showed good ability and determination in finishing second, just under half-a-length from the winner. I felt that she would take good benefit from her first experience under raceday conditions as she was under full pressure from the 400 and was solid in her effort to the line. She steps up in distance today and is racing on a turf surface for the first time. She will start from a favourable barrier draw and with the natural improvement from her debut run, should take a lot of beating in this.

Race 3 is the Allied Security Super Vobis Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is PROWLING who is trained by Greg Eurell. This gelding by Wolf Cry has had one start and I rode him on that occasion. He made his debut at Sandown over 1200 metres where he settled outside the leader and quickened up nicely before getting tired late to finish third, 1.6 lengths from the winner. I felt that he would benefit from the race experience as he was a little bit keen and did a few things wrong under pressure. He will start from a more favourable barrier draw today where he should make his own luck and will be very competitive in the finish.

Race 7 is the R&C Asphalt & Paving Fillies and Mares BM70 Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is WHITE HIBISCUS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old mare by Animal Kingdom is raced by Dr Gene Tsoi. She’s had 14 starts for a consistent record of two wins and five placings. She races here fifth-up this preparation and I rode her in her second and third runs this campaign, at Sandown finishing third and at Moonee Valley where we were unplaced. Last start she was only narrowly beaten at Sandown in BM64 F&M grade over the mile with connections making use of a claiming apprentice. She steps back up to BM70 F&M grade today and if she races up to her consistent form will be very competitive in this. 

Flemington Preview

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

Mornington Preview

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

Race 6 is the BM78 Paul Stokes Handicap over 3080 metres. My ride here is HEIR TO THE THRONE (NZ) who is trained by Andrea Leek. This seven-year-old gelding by Pentire has had 40 starts for a record of seven wins and nine minor placings. He’s never raced over this distance but his winning range is from 1300 up to 2600 metres. He’s been racing very consistently this preparation and his past four starts have seen him net two wins and two fourth placings. I rode him at his most recent start in a handicap over 2400 metres at Caulfield, we had no galloping room for the last 200 metres and he finished half a length from the winner and was very unlucky. He is stepping up in distance and returns to racing in benchmark grade today, but he does carry 60 kilos. He looks well placed against this field and if he holds his form from last start he should be winning this. 

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 12 metres on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies. My ride here is BARB RAIDER who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This daughter of Rebel Raider is raced by Graebar Park. She’s had two starts and I’ve ridden her on both occasions at Sandown to finish third and second respectively. At her most recent start over 1400 metres she settled in a nice position in running and was really solid to the line to be beaten by half-a-length, with the winner of that race being Adele Amour, who is the favourite for this race. I liked the natural improvement Barb Raider took from her first to second run and I expect she will have taken further improvement. The step up to 1600 metres should be to her liking and she is a filly that is progressing in the right direction. Winning this race would be a nice way for her to win her maiden.

Race 4 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Punter Assist Handicap over 1000 metres. My ride here is SAPPHIRE CROWN (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little & Matthew Lindsay. This five-year-old gelding by Hallowed Crown has had 10 starts for a consistent record of three wins and four minor placings. He’s had five runs at this distance for a first, second and third placing and at the track and distance has placed twice from three attempts. He races here second up this preparation with a win and placing from two runs second-up. He is a horse that races well on all track surfaces but does excel in soft and heavy going. He is a horse that needs help from his riders to balance up and for me to get the best result from him this is something I will be very mindful of going down the hill and when asking him to quicken. He has the ability to win this on his best form.

Race 6 is the BM64 Tile Importer Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is BEWITCHINGLY who is trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. This daughter of I Am Invincible has had two starts and I’ve ridden her on both occasions where she has started favourite. She made her debut at Geelong over 1150 metres and after starting from a wide barrier draw was unlucky in running and finished 1.45 lengths from the winner in fifth placing. She then stepped up to 1300 metres at Cranbourne and she jumped up in the air when the gates opened and found herself a long way back in the field. Even though the winning margin was narrow she put in an impressive performance. I’ve always felt that she is a filly that will continue to progress with racing and is of black type quality. She will have taken good confidence from her last start win and I’m looking forward to riding her again. She will start from an inside barrier today and this is a very competitive field but I have no doubt she will be one of the main chances on her ability.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1300 metres. My ride here is SIRILEO MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by Pride of Dubai is lightly raced having had six starts for a record of two wins and three minor placings, with the only time she has missed a top three placing being her last run before a spell in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide where she finished fifth and only 1.2 lengths from the winner. I rode her in the Oaks and I felt that she was very keen and needed to mature further and she still did a great job to finish just out of the placings. I’ve ridden her in a recent gallop in preparation for her return this season and she’s had a jumpout at Ararat to have her ready for her return. She is undefeated from two previous first-up runs and has winning form from her only attempt over this distance. I’m really looking forward to her resuming and seeing the path she takes through the Spring.

Race 8 is the BM78 MRC Super Box Handicap over 1800 metres. My ride here is EMISSARY (GB) who is trained by Michael Moroney. This imported five-year-old gelding by Kingman is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had five starts for a record of two wins and two placings, with the only time he has missed a placing being in the 2020 Group 1 Epsom Derby. He is a horse that has done all of his racing on good and synthetic surfaces and looks well suited to Australian track conditions. He arrived to Australia in December of last year and is resuming today as a gelding. He has been a little bit outpaced in his two jumpouts but as a horse that has never raced below 1900 metres that is to be expected and the 1800 metres of this race will be a good starting point for him. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race from the wide barrier draw. I’m really looking forward to seeing the quality of horse he is under our raceday conditions leading into the Spring carnival. 

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the bet365 Odds Drift Protector Maiden Plate over 1412 metres. My ride here is CAPTAIN ENVIOUS (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old colt by Savabeel is raced by Ultra Racing. I’ve ridden him in two jumpouts in preparation for his debut. When I first rode him, he was a bit backwards but had a nice action on him. In his most recent jumpout on the course proper at Flemington he felt like a staying type and I can understand why he is starting off over 1400 metres today. This doesn’t look to be an overly strong race on paper, but all of his rivals have race experience on their side. This will be a good starting point for him and provide a guide to where he may end up through the Spring.

Race 2 is the John Spence Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1512 metres. My ride here is GUNDEC who is trained by Symon Wilde. This colt by Kermadec had two starts as a two-year-old when he was trained in NSW. His last start in NSW was in Listed company over 1600 metres, so he is a staying type of galloper. This will be his first start as a three-year-old for his new connections and his first start racing the Melbourne way of going. I rode him in a recent gallop on the course proper at Geelong where he gave me the feel of a nice staying type and he’s also had a jumpout in preparation for today’s race. This race will provide a good indication of his potential target races over the coming months.

Race 7 is the Rex Gorell BM78 Handicap over 1212 metres. My ride here is FARETTI who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This five-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible has had 12 starts for a record of three wins and three minor placings. Two of his wins and a second placing came in his last preparation when he raced in Melbourne. He races first-up today and seems to race well fresh with a record of a win and third placing from four attempts, but is unplaced from two starts over this distance. I’ve ridden him once previously which was two starts ago at Sandown when we won a BM70 race over 1400 metres where he made all the running. He has a gear change today with the winkers coming off his head gear. This looks to be a race where he can settle on-speed and control things and he should take a lot of running down on his best form. 

Moonee Valley Preview

Craig rides at Moonee Valley today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the first day of Spring. 

The rail is out 10 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Ladbroke It! Maiden Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is PROWLING who is trained by Greg Eurell. This gelding by Wolf Cry is making his debut today. I rode him in his most recent jumpout on a heavy track at Cranbourne where he won his heat nicely. He didn’t really enjoy the heavy track conditions so that adds merit to his performance on the day. He is a horse that has shown nice ability throughout his education process and if he brings that to the races he will be very competitive in this.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Easy Form Maiden Plate over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies. My ride here is CALIPER who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This daughter of Star Witness has had two starts and I’ve ridden her in both. She made her debut in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude as a two-year-old where she started from an outside barrier and was ridden back in the field. She had no favours in the run and after making a mid-race move showed good tenacity and ability in her effort to finish 6 lengths from the winner. She was then sent for a break from training and returned as a three-year-old to trial officially at Cranbourne before running first-up at Moonee Valley. She found herself in a very strong 3YO Fillies Handicap race at Moonee Valley, where again we started from a wide barrier and she found herself back off the speed, a long way off the second last horse and detached from the field. She gave me a really good feel when she started to close the race off and put in a solid effort to finish just over two lengths from the winner. She is stepping up to 1400 metres for the first time today and again will start from a wide barrier. I’m really confident in her ability and if she has taken natural improvement from her first-up run she will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 3 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is RANMARD who is trained by Sarah Zschoke. This five-year-old gelding by Kaphero has had seven starts for a win and two placings. He races here second-up this preparation and finds himself in a Class 1 race that has quite a bit of depth to it. He has drawn a high barrier and we will need luck in running at his first attempt over this distance range.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Handicap over 2400 metres. My ride here is REFLECT THE STARS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This six-year-old mare by Starspangledbanner runs in the colours of Rosemont Stud. She’s been a model of consistency throughout her career with a record of three wins and ten placings from 26 starts. I’ve ridden her at her past two starts where we finished second in both, two starts ago in the VOBIS Gold Stayers race and last start at Moonee Valley where she was beaten by the progressive galloper Smokin’ Romans. This is the first time in a long time that she drops back to BM70 grade and she is well weighted and placed in this race. It would great for her to get another well-deserved win today and if she runs up to the form of her past two starts she will be winning this.

Race 5 is the BM70 MRC Membership Guarantee Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is HASSELTOFF who is trained by Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock. This five-year-old gelding by Toorak Toff is raced by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had 13 starts for a record of two wins and eight minor placings. He races here third-up this preparation and I had my first ride on him last start at Flemington in BM84 company over the mile where we finished fifth and just over two lengths from the winner. He comes into this with a nice gap between his races looks well placed dropping back to BM70 grade. His last three runs at BM70 level have seen him finish with a win and two second placings, so he is back to his right grade of race today. If we have luck from a tricky barrier draw and he runs up to his best form he will be one of the main contenders today.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1200 metres. My ride here is NARVAEZ who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by Vancouver has had 14 starts for a record of two wins and four minor placings. He is a horse that I have won on previously at Bendigo and his other win came at this track over 1600 metres last preparation. He runs first-up today and is resuming as a gelding. He also has a gear change with the visors being replaced with blinkers again. From three attempts first-up he has placed twice but has only raced over this distance once previously, where he was unplaced. He will start from a favourable barrier draw and is a horse that likes to make his own luck by racing on-speed. If he is able to dictate terms and control this race he will take a lot of running down.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Punter Assist Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is AMFISSA (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Mongolian Khan has had 10 starts for a record of two wins and a third placing. His two wins have been over this distance and one of those was also at this track on the Hillside course. He is dropping back in distance today from his past two starts which have been over the mile to 1400 metres which is the distance that saw him win three starts ago. He has drawn a low barrier draw which will give him an economical run in transit and he will get every opportunity to return to winning form. 

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch his video preview below:

Pakenham Preview

Today I’m riding at Pakenham on the synthetic track.

Race 3 is the Kennards Hire Pakenham Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is CUBAN LINK who is trained by Greg Eurell. This daughter of Testa Rossa is having her first start today. She’s had three jumpouts in preparation for her debut. Her first two jumpouts were on the synthetic surface at Cranbourne where she won both of her heats. I rode her in her most recent jumpout on heavy ground at Cranbourne where she finished second. She was ridden back off the speed and she quickened up nicely when asked for an effort. I felt she handled the heavy ground well enough but she would be better again on a firmer surface. She gave me the feel of a filly with above average ability and if she brings her trackwork form to the races she will be the horse they all have to beat. 

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 3 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is SUBLIME MISS who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five-year-old mare by Not a Single Doubt is lightly raced having had 14 starts for a record of two wins and three placings. One of her second placings was two starts ago when I rode her at this course and distance on heavy ground. She got back in the field on that day and closed the race off really nicely running into second placing. She stepped up to 2400 metres at her next start at Bendigo and finished just behind the placings in sixth and only 2.5 lengths from the winner. She now comes back in distance so she will be extremely fit for her fifth run this preparation. She will start from a wide barrier draw and finds herself in a race where she is well weighted. If the track is racing evenly and she runs up to her consistent form she can be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is TOYETIC who is trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. This four-year-old gelding by Sebring runs in the colours of Pinecliff Racing. He’s had seven starts for a win and second placing, with his win coming at this track over 1200 metres when he was a 2-year-old. I had my first ride on him two starts ago when he resumed this preparation at Sale over 1200 metres where he was ridden back and off the speed after drawing a wide barrier. The track pattern on the day was definitely against us racing back and coming out wide, but under those conditions he closed the race off really well to finish fourth. He then stepped up to 1300 metres for his next run at Sandown on the Hillside track, where again he started from a wide barrier and came from back in the field to close the race of well to finish fourth. He races here third-up this preparation and is stepping up slightly in distance again and will start from a mid to wide barrier draw. He has a gear change today with the blinkers going on for the first time which will hopefully help him. He is a horse that looked to have good ability early in his career but he’s had a few setbacks along the way. This certainly looks to be a race where he can make his presence felt if he can find his best form and the blinkers have the desired outcome.

Race 6 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 2100 metres. My ride here is PERENNIAL (NZ) who is trained by Peter Moody. This five-year-old mare by Per Incanto is raced by Haunui Bloodstock and partners. She’s had 19 starts for a record of three wins, nine second and two third placings. She was very consistent without winning for some time but managed to break through again two starts ago at this course and distance for her third win in a BM70 for fillies and mares. I had my first ride on her last start at Flemington where she stepped up to open BM78 company and we didn’t have any clear running in the straight, so it was a complete forgive run. I’m looking forward to riding her again and repaying her connections with a clear run and hopefully getting the win. I like the fact that she is returning to the course and distance of her most recent victory, but she is racing on a firmer surface today and she is yet to win on soft ground, but she has placed in soft conditions. She will start from a low barrier draw today and has the benefit of racing with the light weight of 54.5 kilos. On her best form she is one of the main chances in this race.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1200 metres. My ride here is THE GENERAL (NZ) who is trained by Richard Laming. This five-year-old gelding by Charm Spirit has had seven starts for a record of two wins and two placings, with his two wins being over the short course distance of 1000 metres. He races first-up today and is resuming as a gelding and racing over the 1200 metres for the first time. His recent official trial performance at Cranbourne was very impressive where he won his heat by 2.5 lengths. He is a horse that has really good speed and when he won his two races he went forward and led all the way. He will start from a low barrier draw today and it’s good to see him back racing as he is an exciting prospect. If he runs up to his trial effort and based on his overall form he will take a lot of running down in this.

Race 8 is the BM78 MRC Membership Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is AIDENSFIELD who is trained by Ben & JD Hayes. This four-year-old mare by Dissident has had 10 starts for a record of two wins and four minor placings. Her two wins have come over the distance of 1200 metres but of her four attempts over the 1400 metres of this race, she has placed three times. I rode her last start at Flemington in BM84 mares company over 1400 metres where we finished second to Turaath, who looks to have stakes grade ability and was very impressive in winning by 3.75 lengths. Aidensfield will start from a wide barrier today so we will need luck in running, but on her overall performances she has some of the best form lines for this race. 

Moonee Valley Preview

Craig rides at Moonee Valley today. Watch the video preview below:

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo. The rail is out 5 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 3 is the Bendigo Skin Clinic Maiden Plate over 1600 metres. My ride here is EL CAMPEON (FR) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old imported entire by Teofilo is bred to Northern hemisphere time. I rode him for the first time when he made his debut at Sale at the end of July over 1400 metres. He looked to be a horse that was still a work in progress and learning when I watched replays of his jumpouts prior to his first start, but on raceday he showed good gate speed and put himself into a forward position. He was inconvenienced in the home straight and was quite unlucky in running and did a good job to finish less than two lengths from the winner in third placing. He was very colty in the yard pre-race and went to the start early and I felt that he struggled with the raceday conditions from that perspective. I expect he will have taken good benefit from his first day at the races and I’m looking forward to seeing how he parades second-up. I have ridden him in a recent jumpout at Flemington where he showed good speed again but he still isn’t the finished product yet with his racing manners. If he does things correctly today I know he has the ability to win this.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 9 metres on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Cash In Maiden Plate over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies. My ride here is BARB RAIDER who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This daughter of Rebel Raider is raced by Graeme Gathercole of Graebar Park. I rode her when she made her debut at Sandown on the Lakeside track at the start of the month over 1200 metres in BM64 grade. She was tailed off and detached from the field going down the hill, but when she concentrated and put her mind into being competitive and racing she was very good in her effort to the line to only finish a length-and-a-half from the winner in third placing. She returns to maiden grade today and the step up in distance will be to her advantage. With natural improvement in fitness and experience she can win this as I was impressed with her debut effort.

Race 2 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is SANDY PRINCE who is trained by Ben & JD Hayes. This gelding by Pride of Dubai has had four starts for a record of one win and three second placings. I’ve ridden him in his two runs this campaign, we finished second first-up at Geelong behind the promising horse, The Garden, in what is proving to be a very strong form reference. His next start was at the Cranbourne meeting that was transferred to Moe where he won his maiden on heavy ground over 1200 metres in a dominant effort. He had a gear change on that day with his Nose Band and he still did a few things wrong. I’m looking forward to riding him again today on a firmer surface and he comes into this with a confidence building last start win. He will be at peak fitness for his third-up run and in this small but competitive field I expect he will be hard to beat.

Race 3 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Blended Multi Handicap over 1300 metres. My ride here is MONTANA FLASH who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This three-year-old gelding by Star Turn is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. He is a six-start maiden who had been competing at higher grades including in some Group and Listed races as a two-year-old in his six career runs. I rode him two starts ago when he was a colt at Sandown to finish third in a 2YO Handicap and he had one more run in that campaign before being sent for a break from training and was gelded. I rode him first-up this preparation on July 31^st in a 2YO colts and gelding handicap at Moonee Valley over 1000 metres to finish fourth just over two lengths from the winner. He steps up in distance today which should suit him at this stage of his preparation and if he has come on from his first-up run he can be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM78 Thank You MRC Members Handicap over 1300 metres. My ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This seven-year-old mare by Elzaam has had 36 starts for a record of five wins and nine placings. She is a mare that I know well having ridden her throughout her career and have multiple race wins and placings on her, with the only time she has been disappointing for me was over the straight course at Flemington which she just didn’t handle. This race is over her favourite distance with a record of three wins and three second placings from 11 runs over the 1300 metres. I rode her last start at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres where she was really strong through the line, so the step up in distance to her favourite trip will suit her. She looks well placed in this race today with the barrier draw and weight to her advantage and she will be very competitive in this. 

Cranbourne Preview

Today I’m riding at Cranbourne. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 3 is the Designer Coolrooms Maiden Plate over 1300 metres. My ride here is BEWITCHINGLY who is trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. This three-year-old filly by I Am Invincible was purchased for $1.1 million from the 2020 Inglis Easter Sale by Tom Magnier. I rode her when she made her debut at Geelong last month starting favourite over 1150 metres. She drew a wide barrier on that day and was ridden back in the field in what was a slowly run race. I ended getting caught up with no room and felt that with clear running she would have won the race, instead finishing fifth and only 1.45 lengths from the winner. She has drawn more favourably today and will start from a low barrier draw which will give her every opportunity to take up a position in running. I’ve been waiting for this filly to run again and if she lives up to my expectations, she should be too good for these. 

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch his video preview below:

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. I will also be galloping Vow and Declare in between races today which I’m looking forward to in preparation for his Spring carnival program.

Race 1 is the bet365 Odds Drift Protector Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. My ride here is GOT AN INSPIRATION (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old colt by Vadamos is raced by Nick Moraitis. He is having his first start today and this will be my first time riding him. I’ve seen a replay of his Flemington jumpout where he wasn’t asked to do much by his rider but looked like he had plenty to offer and went nicely. He will start from a favourable low barrier draw and if we are able to utilise that it will be to his advantage. I’m really looking forward to seeing how he competes under raceday pressure and conditions for the first time.

Race 3 is the Connect Tel 3YO Colts and Geldings Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is FIRST PLATOON who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Sebring is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. I’ve ridden him on two occasions, once when he was a two-year-old at the Cranbourne official trials where he wore blinkers and gave me a really nice feel when winning his heat. He was then sent for a break from training and has returned this preparation with two jumpouts under his belt to be race ready. I have ridden him in a recent jumpout where he didn’t have the blinkers on and felt that he lacked a bit of focus without blinkers and did a few things wrong. He wears the blinkers for his first day at the races and will start from a middle barrier draw. This looks to be a very strong field but I like the feel my horse gave me in his official trial at Cranbourne and if he brings that to the races he will be very competitive in this.

Race 4 is the JT Dixon Three-Years-Old Fillies Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is COPPER CHARM who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Street Boss is raced by Murray Thoroughbreds. She made her debut at Moe in July on heavy ground where she looked to have nice speed, but was at her top speed over the 1100 metres, so the step up in distance and firmer surface should suit her. She will start from a wide barrier draw today but comes into this with the benefit of race experience. We will need a lot of luck in running from the wide barrier draw today.

Race 5 is the Jack Rabbit 4YO+ Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is VERSILIA who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Snitzel is raced by Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud in New Zealand. She is having her second start today after making her debut at Moe last month on heavy ground. She started from a wide barrier at Moe and put in a really solid effort to finish fifth and only 1.65 lengths from the winner. Unfortunately she has again drawn a very wide barrier draw and we will need luck in running. I liked the way she ran on debut and having taken natural improvement from that run and with luck in running, she should be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Oz Equipment Rentals Class 1 Handicap over 1300 metres. My ride here is THE GARDEN who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old gelding by Shooting to Win is raced by Grand Syndicates. He is a lightly raced gelding with a good record of three starts for a win and two third placings. He’s had two runs this preparation, winning his maiden first-up at this course over 1250 metres in what is proving to be a very strong form reference with the second and third horses both subsequent winners. The Garden then stepped up from maiden grade to a 3YO C&G handicap at Caulfield eight days later where I had my first ride on him. We started from an outside barrier and raced wide and on-speed throughout, he put in a really solid performance to finish third and just under two lengths from the winner. I’m really looking forward to riding him again and he looks very well placed here in Class 1 company. I know he is destined to progress through his grades quickly given the feel he has given me and if he holds his form from last start he is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 8 is the Prestige Jayco BM64 Handicap over 1100 metres. My ride here is ZACOUVER (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old mare by Vancouver has had six starts for a win and second placing. I rode her when she won her maiden in a 2YO Fillies handicap at Sandown on heavy ground. She was then sent for a break from training and when she resumed as a three-year-old was well beaten down the straight course at Flemington. She then had the blinkers added to her head gear and I was re-united with her at Sale where she raced over 1200 metres, she showed good speed before getting tired late. At her next start she contested a 3YO BM64 at Moonee Valley and was interfered with and lost her rider in running. She hasn’t raced since February of this year after the Moonee Valley incident. She’s had two jumpouts in preparation for her return to the races where she looked to go nicely in both. She will start from a wide barrier draw today and we will need luck in running. If she can re-capture her two-year-old form she will be among the main contenders in this.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 6 metres on the Hillside course and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1500 metres. My ride here is BAGLIONI who is trained by Greg Eurell. This four-year-old gelding by Cluster is raced by Neville Murdoch. He is lightly raced having had just eight starts for a record of a win and a third placing. He races here fifth up this preparation and is dropping back in grade and distance from his recent runs. He had the blinkers applied for the first-time last start at Flemington where he finished just three lengths from the winner in a three-year-old handicap in what was a solid performance from him, with the blinkers really sharpening him up. He is a horse that needs to have luck in running, which he hasn’t had lately. His lack of early gate speed means that he usually finds himself behind a lot of horses and with clear running he could have easily won his past two starts. He looks well placed in this race and if we have clear running in the straight and he runs up to his best form he will be one of the main chances.

Race 2 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 1000 metres. My ride here is SAPPHIRE CROWN (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little & Matthew Lindsay. This five-year-old gelding by Hallowed Crown has had nine starts for a record of three wins and three placings. He is a horse that I know well, having ridden him twice on raceday and in trackwork in preparation for his races. He is a horse that I felt would always develop with time and now being a five-year-old he should be fully mature. He races here first-up today and has very good form when racing fresh with two wins and a placing from three attempts. He is also a horse that excels on rain affected ground, so any rain prior to his race would be an advantage to him. The last time I rode him under race conditions at this course was two preparations ago and he was very new and got a bit lost running down the hill, but with the benefit of another preparation under his belt hopefully he has matured and gained further experience. On his best overall form and the fact that he will carry the minimum weight of 54 kilos today he should be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is the BM70 IVE > Print Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) who is trained by Ben & JD Hayes. This four-year-old gelding by Bullbars is a lightly raced and talented galloper that is showing good promise. He has had four career starts for a record of two wins and a second placing, the only time he has missed a top two placing was when he made his debut in New Zealand and he was really unlucky in the run and finished fifth on that occasion. Since arriving in Australia he has started favourite in all three of his runs and hasn’t disappointed his connections. I’ve ridden him in his past two starts which have both been wins at Geelong and then Sandown on the Lakeside circuit over the same distance as today’s race. I felt that he took good confidence and progressed in the right direction after his maiden win at Geelong and was very good in winning again last start. He steps up in grade again today and even though this is a small field, it is of high quality. I expect if he has come on again from last start that he will take a lot of beating in this and I’m looking forward to riding him again as he is an exciting horse going forward.

Race 8 is the BM70 MRC Membership Renewal Handicap over 1000 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is ZIAVERA who is trained by Phillip Stokes. This five-year-old mare by Uncle Mo is raced by Nicole Agent and partners. She’s had 12 starts for a record of two wins and seven minor placings and is a very consistent galloper. She races here third-up this preparation and both of her runs this time in have seen her finish second over the same distance as this race. I had my first ride on her last start at Sandown where we were beaten by the narrowest of margins in finishing second in BM64 grade. She races up in grade and drops a kilo in weight from last start and has also drawn a more favourable barrier today. She comes into this with a nice gap between her runs and has winning form on good and soft ground. The only consideration will be how the track is playing by her race and if the inside or outside will be the place to be. I’m confident in my horse and if she maintains her consistent form she can win this. 

Flemington Preview

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

Moe Preview

Today I’m riding at Moe. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the heavy range. This meeting was planned to be held at Cranbourne however due to the state of a section of the track being unsuitable for racing it has been transferred to Moe.

Race 1 is the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix 3YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is SANDY PRINCE who is trained by Ben & JD Hayes. This gelding by Pride of Dubai has had three starts for three second placings. He ran second on debut as a two-year-old to a horse called SAIF, who went on to be Group 2 placed and a Group 3 winner at his next two starts, so that is a strong form reference around this horse. I had my first ride on SANDY PRINCE when he resumed this preparation at Geelong and finished second to THE GARDEN. That form has been franked with THE GARDEN backing up eight days later at Caulfield to finish third in a 3YO C&G handicap and the horse that finished third at Geelong winning his maiden convincingly at Echuca yesterday. He races here second-up and in a race that has been depleted by scratchings he is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 6 is the Mercedes-Benz Mornington BM70 Handicap over 1200 metres. My ride here is CAFFREY (IRE) who is trained by Peter G Moody. This six-year-old gelding by Kendargent is raced by Peter and his family. He’s had 11 starts for a record of three wins and three second placings and has been a very consistent galloper throughout his career. I picked up the ride on him last start when he resumed at Sandown over 1400 metres in BM70 grade. He did a lot of things wrong in running and was only beaten by 0.2 of a length, so it was a mighty effort from him for a horse that over raced badly and then got interfered with at the top of the straight to only just miss getting the win. He comes into this with a nice gap between runs, is dropping back in distance which will help his racing mannerisms and I now have a better understanding of him. If he runs up to his best form and does things kindly for me this is an achievable race for him.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is in the true position on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the soft range. Today is a mixed day of flat and jumps racing with the feature on the card being the Grand National Hurdle.

Race 2 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is BARB RAIDER who is trained by Jerome Hunter and raced by Graebar Park. This filly by Rebel Raider is having her first start as a maiden in BM64 grade today. I have seen a replay of her official trial back in April where she closed off really well from back in the field. She has had two jumpouts at Mornington in preparation for this race and looked really strong to the line in her most recent effort. She is taking on horses with more experience than her but if she runs up to her jumpouts and handles her first day at the races, I expect she can be finishing off strongly and make her presence felt.

Race 3 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1200 metres. My ride here is ORPHAN’S TRUST who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This four-year-old mare by Trust in a Gust is also raced by Graebar Park. She’s had three starts and made a winning debut on her home track at Mornington over 1200 metres in January. She then stepped up to 1400 metres at her next start where she faded late to finish fourth after starting from a wide barrier draw. At her next start she was tested at Group 3 fillies level at Moonee Valley where she had the blinkers added to her head gear for the first time and after starting from a wide barrier she finished last. She then had a break from training and returns to the races today. She’s had two jumpouts in preparation for her return as a four-year-old. She will start from a middle barrier draw in a race where there looks to be a good amount of speed on paper, so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race. If she runs up to her impressive debut performance and handles the rain affected track she can be competitive in this.

Race 7 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) who is trained by Ben & JD Hayes. This four-year-old gelding by Bullbars is lightly raced having had three starts for a record of one win and a second placing. I rode him last start at Geelong where he sat outside the leader over 1400 metres in maiden grade and was dominant in his effort to win by five lengths on soft ground. I felt he would improve again with that run under his belt and he gave me the feel of a horse that will progress to a good level. He comes into this with confidence from his last start win and this race looks like it should work out well for him and he is the horse they all have to beat. 

Moonee Valley Preview

Craig rides at Moonee Valley today. Watch the video preview below: