Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown where it’s a twilight meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range on the Lakeside circuit. The Lakeside circuit hasn’t been used for some time and will provide fresh ground to race on.

Race 1 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ARGYLE BELLE who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five year old mare by Dane Shadow is the second top weight in this field and has a rating of 66, with the top weight having a rating of 67 so the field is not of true BM78 grade. I had my first ride on ARGYLE BELLE last start at Sandown on the Hillside circuit when winning over 2400 metres. She is dropping back in distance here but comes into this with confidence from her last start victory. She has been racing consistently this preparation and has won two of her last five races. She will gain an economical run in transit from an inside barrier and can make it two wins on end against this small but competitive field.

Race 2 is the Spicer Thoroughbreds Plate over 1300 metres, it’s a maiden race for three year old’s, my ride here is HAVASHOUT who is trained by Symon Wilde. This gelding by Skilled is lightly raced having only had four lifetime starts and he hasn’t missed a top four placing. He is a consistent and competitive horse and I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him. He is stepping up to the 1300 metres for the first time and has the advantage of an inside barrier draw and should be one of the main chances.

Race 3 is the Blue Star Print Plate over 1300 metres, it’s a maiden race for two year old’s, my ride here is WALKING FLYING (NZ) who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Tavistock (NZ) is having her first lifetime start, as are the majority of the field. Although I haven’t ridden her, I have seen her jumpout at Flemington in preparation for her debut run. She was ridden back in the field on that occasion and closed off nicely when asked for an effort. If she can reproduce her jumpout form and she has luck from an outside barrier draw, keeping in mind that I haven’t spoken to her connections yet but assume she will be ridden off-speed, she can close the race off strongly if the track is allowing horses to make ground, which it can be hard to do at times on the Lakeside circuit. I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race and handles the raceday conditions and pressure for the first time.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Multiverse Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is NESSUNA FIDUCIA who is trained by Greg Eurell. This three year old filly by Trusting has had seven starts and has won or placed in four of those. She won her last start during the Flemington Spring Carnival over 1700 metres before going for a spell. I rode her in a recent official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for her first up run and she gave me a nice feel. She is well treated in this race as a three-year-old carrying 55 kilos and I expect she can make her presence felt. 

Sha Tin Preview

Today I’m riding at Sha Tin in Hong Kong where I’ll be competing in the 2019 Hong Kong Derby.

Race 3 is the SUPER SATIN HANDICAP, it’s a Class 4 race over 1200 metres, my ride here is MULTIMAX who is trained by Tony Cruz. This seven year old gelding by Court Command is owned by a good friend of mine in Ronald Ng. He has been a very consistent galloper with most of his wins being in the lower grade of Class 5. On his rating he will carry the minimum weight in this race and has drawn a favourable barrier. He is a horse that races on-speed and will gain an economical run in transit from the draw. If he doesn’t have to do too much work throughout the early stages, he will be in this for a long way as he is a consistent and competitive horse.

Race 7 is the AMBITIOUS DRAGON HANDICAP, it’s a Class 2 race over 1200 metres, my ride here is STIMULATION who is trained by Tony Cruz. This five year old gelding is by Deep Impact and most of his races have been over longer distances than the 1200 metres of this contest. He is a horse that races on-speed and has the benefit of being trained at the new HKJC facility in Conghua in mainland China. He has trialled nicely in preparation for this and it will be interesting to see how competitive he can be at this distance.

Race 8 is THE BMW HONG KONG DERBY 2019 over 2000 metres, my ride here is TIANCHI MONSTER who is trained by Chris So. This race is equivalent to the Melbourne Cup in Australia, with the majority of Hong Kong owners wanting to win the Derby. TIANCHI MONSTERis a four-year-old gelding by Shocking who started his racing career off in New Zealand before being imported to Hong Kong on a Derby path. He hasn’t raced in the traditional lead up races but he comes into this having won three from his last four starts and a winner at the course and distance. He will start from a middle barrier and I expect him to be competitive in this feature face.

Race 10 is the RAPPER DRAGON HANDICAP, it’s a Class 2 race over 1400 metres, my ride here is HINCHINLOVE who is trained by Chris So. This four year old gelding by Hinchinbrook is racing on a 10 day turnaround from his last start at Happy Valley over 1200 metres. He has drawn a wide barrier but if we have some luck from the draw I expect him to be competitive as he is a very consistent galloper in this grade. 

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s All Star Mile Day. The rail is out seven metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Trophy over 1200 metres for mares, my ride here is FUHRYK who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five year old daughter of Star Witness is well treated under the conditions of this race as she hasn’t won for over a year will carry the minimum weight. I rode her in a jumpout prior to her first up run this campaign where she finished second in a Group 3 Mares race. She was narrowly beaten and I felt she had returned to her good form. She then contested the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate where she finished last, if that run hasn’t dented her confidence and she finds her best form she will be winning this. She has raced over the straight course previously when she was a three year old, finishing an eye-catching fourth.

Race 3 is the Group 3 TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is VARDA who is trained by James Cummings. This two year old filly by Lonhro is raced by Godolphin. She’s had one start where she started favourite at Bendigo and was dominant in winning. She steps up in grade and distance and has drawn a favourable, low barrier. I expect she has taken natural improvement from her first up win and can make it two from two with luck in running.

Race 4 is the Furphy Ale Trophy over 1100 metres for three year old fillies, my ride here is THINE IS THE POWER who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Street Boss (USA) is building a progressive record as from her eight lifetime starts has won or placed in six of those. She comes into this a fit horse having had four runs this campaign and on the minimum weight. She looks like one of the main chances in this very competitive race.

Race 5 is the BM80 Grand Classic Final over 2000 metres, my ride here is SACRED THEME who is trained by Jarrod McLean. This six year old gelding by Oratorio (IRE) is raced by the Saunders family. There have been several qualifying heats leading into the final with the winners of those races exempt from ballot. My horse didn’t race in any of the qualifying heats and secured a start based on his rating. He has drawn an outside barrier and has the blinkers applied to his head gear again. He has been racing consistently this campaign and he gave me a great feel last start at Sandown, finishing third. If the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to close off and we have luck from the barrier draw, he will make his presence felt.

Race 6 is the BM80 Grand Mile Final over 1600 metres, my ride here is MAIN STAGE (NZ) who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This race carries the same qualifying conditions as the previous race with Main Stagesecuring a start based on his rating. He drops back in grade from last start where I rode him in for the first time in Group 2 company. Even though he finished second last he raced in restricted room and went to the line untested at the same course and distance. He is a horse that had very good three year old form and I felt that he had returned to the same level last start. He will start from an outside barrier and if the track is allowing horses to run on from off speed then he will be winning this.

Race 7 is the Listed Seppelt Wines March Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is HARIPOUR (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five year old entire by Shamardal (USA) is raced by Yu Long Investments. He showed very good ability last preparation where he won three races in a row over staying distances. Even though he has only had one start at this distance he ran very well. He has had one official trial in preparation for his first up run and after watching the replay, he showed a good amount of acceleration. I expect him to be finishing the race off strongly and I’m looking forward to him stepping up in distance throughout his campaign.

Race 8 is the All Star Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is AMPHITRITE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This three year old filly by Sebring is raced by Flying Start Syndications and partners and is already a Group 1, 2 and 3 winner in her short career. She races here third up this preparation and has the addition of winkers added to her head gear for the first time. She was dominant when winning first up over 1400 metres where she carried top weight. She raced in the Australian Guineas last start competing against the boys and was beaten by the filly Mystic Journey, who also runs again here. I felt AMPHITRITE was solid in her effort but she wasn’t as explosive in her acceleration as she has been previously. If she can find and reproduce her acceleration she can be winning this. This field has attracted some quality Group 1 horses and I know with the ability she has shown me that she will measure up against the older horses at Weight For Age.

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range and it’s the second last meeting of the night racing season.

Race 3 is the BM78 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 16 over 955 metres, my ride here is VAINSTREAM who is trained by John Pascoe. I rode this four year old gelding by Bel Esprit last start at the track and distance finishing second, he was held up but was strong to the line. There will be a lot more speed in this race and that will help him. He drew an inside barrier last start and after being in the barriers for some time became agitated and unsettled. He has drawn an outside barrier this evening which means he won’t be in the gates for long and if he jumps cleanly, he should have a clear and uninterrupted run to the line and I expect him to be strong late. If he reproduces the same form as last start he will be hard to beat.

Race 4 is the BM78 Powerflo Solutions Kate O'Sullivan Cup over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is WINKELMANN (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five year old mare by Rip Van Winkle (IRE) races first up here and has winning form when racing fresh. She has raced three times at the track and only missed a top three placing once. She has had one official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for her return to racing and I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race. This is a small but competitive field and with even luck from an inside barrier draw she can continue her consistent form of last preparation.

Race 6 is the Listed Ranvet Abell Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is MYSTYKO (NZ) who is trained by Trevor Rogers. I rode this five year old gelding by Sakhee’s Secret (GB) for the first time last start at Flemington where he went to the line untested, as he wasn’t able to gain clear galloping room over 1000 metres. He steps back up in distance to a range where he is very effective and this will be his first run at the track. He also steps up in grade and drops to the minimum weight but with clear running I believe he is up to this grade and can win this.

Race 7 is the Group 2 Crown Resorts Alister Clark Stakes over 2040 metres for three year old’s, my ride here is COSSETOT who is trained by James Cummings. This gelding by Epaulette is raced by Godolphin. He won the Tasmanian Derby two starts ago over 2200 metres and dropped back in distance last start at Caulfield finishing second over 1800 in the same grade behind Global Exchange, who is favourite for this race. I rode him in a piece of work on Tuesday in preparation for this race and felt that he has put on weight and come on from his last start and he seemed to handle working around the Moonee Valley circuit nicely. If we have some luck in running from an outside barrier I feel he will take a lot of beating in this.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown at the twilight meeting. The rail is out two metres on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the good range. Given the overnight rain and windy conditions I am looking forward to walking the track and seeing how the weather conditions may affect the way races are run and won.

Race 2 is the BM84 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 3000 metres, my ride here is HIGH SIERRA (NZ) who is trained by Luke Oliver. This five year old mare by Redwood (GB) is raced by Grand Syndicates. Grand Syndicates also have a runner in the All Star Mile on Saturday at Flemington. HIGH SIERRA has finished second in her past two runs and is dropping back in distance here from her previous run and carries the minimum weight of 54 kilos. She will start from a favourable barrier and looks to be one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Race 5 is the BM70 Blue Star Print Handicap over 1000 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is DUECOURSE who is trained by Bill Wilde. I rode this five year old mare by Duporth in her debut run, finishing second on her at Ballarat. She is now a seasoned mare who has raced consistently throughout her career having had 12 starts and being placed in eight of those. She races first up here and hasn’t missed a top three placing when racing fresh and this will be her first time racing over the distance. This is a small but competitive field with the favourite dropping back in grade from Group races last preparation. My mare is very consistent and competitive and hopefully she can maintain her good record when racing first up.

Race 6 is the BM64 Polytrack Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is MOOR GAIT who is trained by Andrew Noblet. This three year old filly by Fiorente (IRE) is raced by Tom Curnow, who also raced Silent Sedition.MOOR GAITis lightly raced having had five starts for a win and second placing. She is a filly that appreciates racing over distance as she won her maiden over 1600 metres. She resumed this preparation at Pakenham where she wasn’t beaten far, but finished third last. She steps up slightly in distance here which will be to her advantage and has drawn an inside barrier. This race will give me a good guide on where she fits in leading into the Autumn months as this is a strong field of three year old fillies. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat, it’s the first time this public holiday meeting has been held at Ballarat and not Moonee Valley. The rail is out two metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Champions Estate 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is MUIRON who is trained by James Cummings. This 2 year old colt by Brazen Beau is raced by Godolphin. I’ve ridden him in two jumpouts in preparation for his first up assignment and have been impressed with the feel he gave me. The first time I rode him was at Werribee on a soft track and he handled the conditions nicely. I then jumped him out at Flemington where he showed nice speed and was solid through the line. If he produces his jumpout form today he will be winning this on the way to better races. 

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s Super Saturday. The rail is out four metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the BM90 The KIIS 101.1 Jase & PJ Sprint over 1000 metres, my ride here is MYSTYKO (NZ) who is trained by Trevor Rogers. This five year old gelding by Sakhee’s Secret (GB) has had 25 starts and has been competitive and consistent throughout his career, winning eight races and placing on 11 other occasions. From his last five starts he has won three and finished second twice. He raced last start over the straight course at Flemington over 1200 metres and comes into this dropping back in distance and three weeks between runs. I rode him in a recent official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for this and he gave me a nice feel, although he is still developing mentally. He has good form over the 1000 metres and will take a lot of beating in this race where he will carry half a kilo above the minimum.

Race 3 is the BM90 Furphy Ale Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is THUNDER CLOUD who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five year old gelding by Manhattan Rain is raced by Manfred Krauser and partners. I had my first ride on him last start where he was second up for the preparation and was successful on him over 1600 metres. He now steps up in distance to the 2000 metres and it’s a distance I feel he would appreciate. The stable has reported that he has trained on very well and comes into this race with confidence from his last start win. He goes up 2.5 kilos in weight from his last and we will need some luck from a wide barrier. He is a progressive horse on the way up and should be hard to beat in this as he looks to make it two wins from his last two starts.

Race 4 is the Listed Incognitus Stakes over 1100 metres, my ride here is MARCEL FROM MADRID who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This three year old gelding by Sepoy started his career off in fine style winning his first two races as a two year old where he progressed from a maiden to a Group 3 winner, beating the subsequent Group 1 Oaks winner in Aristia. Last preparation he didn’t look like he has the same amount of acceleration at the end of his races and wasn’t beaten far in Group and Listed races. He resumes his campaign here and this will be my first ride on him and I’m looking forward to him returning to his best form. If he can recapture his best form he will take a lot of beating in this very competitive race.

Race 5 is the Group 2 MSS Security Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is DALASAN who is trained by Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas. This two year old colt races in the Australia flag colours of Harry Perks. He’s had two starts in Adelaide and is undefeated. He steps up to the 1400 metres for the first time which is a distance that looks like it will benefit him. We will need some luck throughout the early stages from a wide barrier and this will be the first time he has competed against a large field of horses. He is a promising type and his trainers have good success when travelling horses interstate. The form around him has been franked with the horse that finished second to him last start finishing second again in Listed grade last weekend. The spacious flat track at Flemington will give him every chance to win this Group 2 race, even if he has to go back from the wide barrier draw.

Race 6 is the Group 1 Seppelt Wines Newmarket Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is ZOUSAIN who is trained by Chris Waller. This three year old colt by Zoustar is raced by Qatar Bloodstock and partners. He boasts great credentials having run second to The Autumn Sun and at his only run at the course and distance finished second to Sunlight in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes for three year old’s over 1200 metres. He comes into this second up off the back of his run at Caulfield where he had excuses as he over-raced and didn’t get around the tight circuit that well to finish second. I rode him in a piece of work on Tuesday morning and was delighted with the feel he gave me and am looking forward to today’s race. This is a near capacity field of high quality horses and if we have luck in running and he gives me his best performance, winning this would secure his future as a stallion prospect.

Race 7 is the Group 2 TAB Kewney Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is VICTORY KINGDOM who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This three year old filly by Animal Kingdom (USA) is raced by Team Valor. I’ve ridden her in all of her three lifetime starts and she hasn’t finished out of the top three placings. Two starts ago she was dominant when the blinkers were applied at Sandown over 1200 metres. She then stepped up in grade to Group 3 level and was beaten by less than two lengths at Moonee Valley. She comes into this with a gear change of blinkers off and winkers on again and is stepping up in distance. She has drawn an inside barrier and should gain an economical run in transit. I was pleased with the improvement and natural progression she displayed last start and if she has continued on the same path then she will take a lot of beating.

Race 8 is the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup over 2000 metres, my ride here is SHILLELAGH (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. She’s a seven year old mare by Savabeel who, at her only start at the track and distance finished fifth in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes in the Spring. She is a dual Group 1 winner over 1600 metres with both wins being at this track. She appreciates the spacious Flemington track and long straight as she usually finds herself settling near last and needs luck in running. I rode her on Tuesday morning and was delighted with the feel she gave me in her work. Having watched the replay of her run in the Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield last start I feel that if the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to run on and she has some luck, she can win this.

Race 9 is the Group 3 Schweppervescence Trophy over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is PURE SCOT who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This four year old mare by Purrealist is well treated under the set weights and penalties conditions of this race as she will carry 54 kilos. She has been a model of consistency winning two of her last three starts. I have ridden her in her last four starts and was impressed with her effort last time out where she won at the track and distance. This is a big step up in grade for her but with confidence from her last start victory and her good form at the track she will be given every opportunity to continue her consistent record. 

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington. The rail is out two metres and the track is rated in the soft range. Due to the predicted hot weather conditions the start times have been moved forward so we start and finish earlier.

Race 1 is the Listed Very Special Kids Plate over 1000 metres for two year’s, my ride here is BISCARA who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Rubick is raced by James Harron Bloodstock Syndications and partners. She is a maiden galloper who has had four lifetime starts and has finished second twice. She has excellent credentials coming into this and her last start failure at Warwick Farm can be forgiven as the ground was very soft and it was her first attempt at 1200 metres and she raced keenly. She drops back to the 1000 metres here and will start from a middle barrier at her first attempt over the straight course. If she handles racing over the straight course she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 2 is the Listed 3AW Roy Higgins Quality over 2600 metres, my ride here is SCHABAU (GER) who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This imported entire is by Pastorius (GER) and wears the colours of Geoff Evans’ Distinct Racing And Breeding. He is a lightly raced, talented galloper who from his eight lifetime starts has won four and been placed in four, and is undefeated in his two runs in Australia. He raced first up at Flemington in BM70 grade over 2000 metres and at his next run stayed at the same track and distance and stepped up in grade to BM84 and was tough in his effort to win, with over a month between runs. He steps out in distance to the 2600 metres for the first time here as the longest distance he raced over in Germany was 2200, where he won by seven lengths. He is stepping up in grade and distance here but has the advantage of dropping to the minimum weight of 54 kilos. This is a competitive field of seasoned stayers at the top of the weights but my horse has an abundance of talent and on raw ability should be winning this. He was purchased as a Melbourne Cup contender and winning this race would see him pass some of the ballot clauses.

Race 5 is the Seppelt Wines Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is HELMAZ who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This three year old gelding by Helmet has had five starts, only missing a top three placing once. His two runs this preparation have seen him win first up and last start he finished second to Terbium, who is undefeated and subsequently went on to win the Group 3 Zedative Stakes. He is stepping up in grade from 3YO BM64 to an open handicap for three year old’s and drops 5 kilos from his last start. He will gain a favourable run from an inside barrier and will be given every opportunity to continue his consistent form this preparation.

Race 6 is the Group 3 The TAB Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is POETIC DREAM (IRE) who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five year old gelding by Poet’s Voice (GB) is an imported galloper who is having his third racing campaign in Australia and is yet to live up to his European form. I like the fact that he will now have had enough time to acclimatise to our racing conditions and hope that helps him recapture his previous good form. He has trialled nicely leading into this and although I don’t know my instructions yet, from a wide barrier draw I expect they will be to allow him to close the race off strongly. If he can reproduce his European form he is be capable of figuring in the finish.

Race 7 is the Group 2 Blamey Stakes over 1600 metres, my ride here is MAIN STAGE (NZ) who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This four year old gelding by Reliable Man (GB) featured in most of the Group 1 3 year old staying races last year. He has built a consistent record as from his 13 starts has won or placed in six. He races very well at Flemington and comes into this second up and stepping up in distance to a range where he has winning form. I expect him to be finishing the race off strongly.

Race 8 is the Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600 metres, my ride here is AMPHITRITE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Sebring is raced by Flying Start Syndications and partners. She has had 10 starts for five wins and two placings and is the Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner from last Spring. She resumed this preparation carrying the top weight against the fillies over 1400 metres at Flemington where she was dominant in winning. She drops sharply in weight here as she is taking on the colts and geldings and will start from a favourable barrier draw. She has winning form over the distance, from her three attempts she has won twice and was unlucky against the older mares in Group 1 company at her other attempt. I expect she will have taken natural improvement from her first up run and given her strong will to win, she can do the same again today against this very strong field.

Race 9 is the Group 3 Furphy Frances Tressady Stakes over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is TEMPLE OF BEL who is trained by Tony McEvoy. This four year old mare by Bel Esprit runs in the colours of the McMaster Family. I rode her last year and she is a mare that I have a lot of time for. I’m looking forward to riding her again and her form last campaign was strong in Group class, without winning. She runs first up here from a wide barrier and if the track is racing evenly, she is good enough to be finishing off strongly and winning as I believe she has the ability to win a good race.

Moonee Valley Preview

Tonight I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is out seven metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale Handicap over 1200 metres for two year old fillies, my ride here is FACT OR FABLE who is trained by Robbie Griffiths. This daughter of Street Boss (USA) is raced by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and partners. She’s had two lifetime starts and ran in the Magic Millions 2 year old Clockwise Classic on debut where she ran extremely well, before being sent for a spell. She then trialled nicely before returning to the races with a solid, on speed effort that saw her win at Bendigo first up this campaign. She steps up in distance here and in a race that has been depleted by scratching’s will start from a wide barrier, but in a small field. With the benefit of race experience and fitness on her side and the confidence from a last start victory, she looks too good for these. This race will set her up nicely to run in the Magic Millions race over the Adelaide Carnival.

Race 4 is the BM64 Dynamic Print Group Handicap over 1200 metres for three year old’s, my ride here is KASHIWA who is trained by Chris Waller. This gelding by Fighting Sun is raced by Star Thoroughbreds and partners. He is lightly raced having had nine lifetime starts and started his career racing in Sydney. Since being transferred to Victoria he has won at the course and distance and his last start at Sandown saw him finish less than two lengths behind Terbium over 1300 metres. Terbium is undefeated from his four starts and last Saturday won the Group 3 Zedative Stakes.KASHIWA is a horse that gets back in his races and it will be interesting to see how the track races with the rail out 7 metres, as usually it is hard to make ground. There looks to be a lot of pressure and speed on paper that will favour my horse, and if we get clear running, I expect him to be finishing off strongly.

Race 5 is the BM78 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 15 over 955 metres, my ride here is VAINSTREAM who is trained by John Pascoe. This four year old gelding by Bel Esprit is building a consistent record as from his 13 starts has won or placed in seven races. I’ve ridden him with success last preparation, winning on him at Pakenham over 1200 metres. He ran at Moonee Valley last start over 1200 metres where he was beaten by Rox The Castle who is a progressive horse and the start prior to that contested the Sale Quality. He finds himself well placed here in this BM78 race and should get a nice run just behind the speed if he can jump well from his favourable low barrier and be too good for them.

Race 6 is the BM78 Fisher and Paykel Stayers Series Final over 2500 metres, my ride here is SURPRISE BABY (NZ) who is trained by Paul Preusker. This lightly raced four year old gelding is by Shocking, he’s had five lifetime starts and has won three of those. He ran in BM84 grade last start against SCHABAU (GER), who I am riding at Flemington tomorrow in the Roy Higgins Quality so hopefully SURPRISE BABY can frank the form in this race. It’s great to see that the depth of our stayers is increasing and young stayers are being given time to develop. This will be the first attempt at the distance for SURPRISE BABY and if he runs out the trip strongly he will take a lot of beating.

Race 7 is the BM78 Fisher and Paykel Sprint Series Final over 1200 metres, my ride here is PASEETO who is trained by Aaron Purcell. This four year old gelding by Nicconi is lightly raced having had eight lifetime starts and has won or been placed in four of those. He was previously trained by Tony McEvoy and is having his second start for his new trainer. His first up run was on soft ground at Colac where he finished last but was beaten by less than four lengths. He has drawn a favourable barrier here and is a horse that likes to race close to the speed. If he can reproduce his best form in this he will be one of the main chances.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside track where it’s a twilight meeting. The rail is out 12 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the Le Pine Funerals Plate over 1300 metres for three year olds, my ride here is CHARITABLE NATURE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of High Chaparral is raced by Gerry Harvey. She’s had four lifetime starts and resumes her third racing preparation here. At her last run before going for a spell she competed against and was beaten by a horse that won at Flemington during the Spring Carnival. She has drawn an outside barrier and being by High Chaparral, they usually improve with time and racing over more ground. This will be my first ride on her and I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race.

Race 3 is the MyPunter.com Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is JUDGE O’REILLY (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five year old gelding by O’Reilly (NZ) is lightly raced having had five starts, being placed on two occasions. I have ridden him in an official trial and rode him in his one start last preparation. He wanted to hang outwards in his race and was subsequently sent for a spell. He has shown me that he is good enough to win a city maiden and comes into this fourth up, following on from a good second placing last start. He has drawn a middle barrier and on his best form, in this even contest, he can win.

Race 4 is the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is STRYKING MISS who is trained by Wez Hunter. This five year old mare by Stryker has raced consistently throughout her career and has a record of 28 starts for: 3-2-5. She won three starts ago at her home track of Mornington over 1500 metres and her past two starts, although missing a top three placing, have been solid runs. She stays in the same grade as her last start and will jump from a middle barrier. She is a horse that needs her races run to suit her as she races best when she’s ridden off speed.

Race 6 is the BM64 Blue Star Print Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is ARGYLE BELLE who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five year old mare by Dane Shadow won four starts ago over 2000 metres and at her most recent start finished fourth, beaten less than 3 lengths over the same course and distance. If she has luck in running she can continue her consistent form and be very competitive.

Race 7 is the BM70 Polytrack Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is GOLD MAG (NZ) who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. He’s a lightly raced four year old gelding Savabeel who from his five lifetime starts has only missed a top three placing once, that was last start where he finished fourth and was beaten by less than two lengths. I’ve ridden him at the course last year where he produced a dominant win when racing on soft ground. He races here in the same BM70 grade as his past three starts and is a horse that is capable of winning in Saturday grade. He has drawn an outside barrier and with the long Hillside straight, he will have every opportunity in this. I believe he is a superior horse to his rivals and there will be no excuses, even if he has a wide run in transit and he should be winning this.

Race 8 is the BM78 The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is SACRED THEME who is trained by Jarrod McLean. This six year old gelding by Oratorio (IRE) is raced by the Saunders family. I’ve had one ride on him last year at the same course and distance, on soft ground, finishing second. He has been racing extremely well this preparation and won second up. His next two runs have seen him finish second and third respectively, closing his races off strongly. He has drawn an inside barrier and is a horse that steps slowly from the gates, if I can motivate him and get him to jump cleanly from the barriers and take up a middle position, it will give him less ground he has to make up at the end of the race. He is racing well enough this campaign to be winning this. 

Blue Diamond Day Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield where it’s Blue Diamond Stakes Day, it’s the biggest 2 year old race we have in Victoria. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Listed Ladbrokes Mornington Cup Prelude over 2000 metres, my ride here is CALL ME HANDSOME (IRE) who is trained by Peter Gelagotis. This six year old gelding by Kodiac (GB) races in the colours of David Hall. He is a European import who raced in Hong Kong before arriving to Australia. I’ve ridden him twice and won on him at the end of his last preparation at the same course over 1700 metres, and rode him again first up this preparation at Flemington, where he didn’t handle racing over the straight course in the Group 3 Standish over 1200 metres. He has had two more runs since then and comes into this fourth up and will have a good level of fitness for first attempt racing over the 2000 metres. Although he has drawn an outside barrier, he is a horse that rolls forward and should be in this for a long way.

Race 2 is the Group 2 Heritage Finance Caulfield Autumn Classic over 1800 metres for three year old’s, my ride here is COSSETOT who is trained by James Cummings. This three year old gelding by Epaulette is raced by Godolphin. He is lightly raced and is building a progressive record of 5 starts for 3 wins and a second placing. He comes into the race extremely fit and is dropping back in distance from the 2200 metres of his last start, where he won the Listed Tasmanian Derby. He has drawn a favourable barrier draw which should give him every opportunity to continue his consistent form and as a horse in form, he will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the Group 2 Ladbrokes Angus Armanasco Stakes over 1400 metres for three year old fillies, my ride here is METRONOME who is trained by Michael Kent. This daughter of Helmet has had eight starts, only missing a top three placing on three occasions. She comes into this fourth up for her campaign and this will be her second time racing over the distance. Under the set weights and penalties conditions of this race, as she has only won her maiden, she carries the minimum weight of 55 kilos. She has drawn a favourable barrier and if I can utilise the barrier draw and have her travelling where she is comfortable, it will give her every chance against this even field of fillies.

Race 5 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes Zeditave Stakes over 1200 metres for three year old colts and geldings, my ride here is ZOUSAIN who is trained by Chris Waller. This colt by Zoustar is raced by Qatar Bloodstock and partners. He’s had nine starts for two wins and four placings, only missing a top three placing on three occasions. He has been racing in the highest grade and three of his second placings have been at Group 1 level. He races here first up and has had two strong trials in Sydney in preparation for this. This will be his first time racing around a turn, the Melbourne way of going, as his only start in Melbourne was in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over the straight course. He has drawn an inside barrier and in a race that has been depleted by scratching’s, he will be too good for these.

Race 6 is the Group 1 W.F.A Yulong Futurity Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is BEST OF DAYS (GB) who is trained by James Cummings. This five year old entire by Azamour (IRE) is raced by Godolphin and was imported from Europe. I’ve ridden him in his past two starts and at the end of his last preparation won the Group 1 Cantala Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington on him. He resumed this campaign racing at the same course and distance at his first attempt racing in a Group 1 under weight for age conditions and he acquitted himself very well, being beaten by less than a length. He has drawn a favourable barrier but is a horse that can be slow into stride, if I can utilise his inside barrier and have him travelling as close to the speed as possible, with luck in running, he can win this.

Race 7 is the Group 1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is ATHIRI who is trained by James Cummings. This filly by Lonhro is also raced by Godolphin. She’s had two lifetime starts and was great on debut where she came from back in the field and won impressively in Sydney. She resumed this campaign in the Blue Diamond Prelude at the same course of today’s race, over 1100 metres. She was ridden on speed and stayed on extremely well, finishing third and less than a length from the winner. I rode her in a piece of work on Tuesday and was impressed with the feel she gave me. She has drawn an outside barrier and if we have luck from the draw, her form and recent gallop have shown me that she can win this, with luck in running.

Race 8 is the Group 1 Ladbrokes Oakleigh Plate over 1100 metres, my ride here is ENCRYPTION who is trained by James Cummings. This colt by Lonhro wears the colours of Godolphin. He is a three year old taking on the older horses here under handicap conditions. I won the Group 2 Danehill Stakes on him last Spring and finished fifth on him in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes against his own age group. He resumed this campaign in an open Listed race where he ran extremely well over 1000 metres at this track. I rode him in a piece of work on Tuesday morning and was impressed with the natural improvement he has taken from that run. He has been allocated the light weight of 50 kilos, however I have been granted permission to ride him at 51 kilos. He has drawn a middle barrier in a race where there looks to be a lot of pressure and speed, which will help him. He will get every opportunity from the barrier draw and will be hitting the line strongly and winning this race would further secure his future as a stallion.

Race 9 is the Group 2 Carlton Draught Peter Young Stakes over 1800 metres, my ride here is AMBITIOUS (JPN) who is trained by Anthony Freedman. This seven year old entire by Deep Impact (JPN) is raced by Ozzie Kheir and partners. I rode him through his first preparation in Australia and felt he would take benefit from the experience of a season in Australia once he acclimatised. He then had two runs where he was disappointing and was found to pull up poorly after his last run and was sent for a spell. He resumes here and I’m looking forward to seeing him pre-race and how he has matured and improved in the Australian training conditions. If he can find his Japanese form, he will be winning this and it will set him up well for the Autumn Carnival. 

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 14 over 955 metres, my ride here is VALENTE who is trained by Robbie Laing. This four year old gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Ray and Sue Montague and partners. I’ve ridden him previously and was successful on him four starts ago at Cranbourne over 1000 metres in BM64 grade, in January of last year. He then competed against Nature Strip, finishing fourth over 1000 metres at Sandown. I rode him at his next start at the end of May 18’ and he clearly wasn’t at his best form and was subsequently spelled. He comes into this race second up and commenced his campaign racing at the same course and distance where he closed the race off nicely two weeks’ ago. I expect he will have taken natural fitness improvement from his first up run and will start here from an inside barrier carrying 57 kilos. On his best form he will make his presence felt.

Race 7 is the Group 3 Crown Resorts Typhoon Tracy Stakes over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is VICTORY KINGDOM who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Animal Kingdom races in the famous colours of Team Valor. She is lightly raced having had two race starts and I have ridden her on both occasions. She finished second on debut at the same course and distance where she jumped slowly from the barriers and closed the race off extremely well when she gained clear galloping room. She had five weeks between runs and raced at Sandown at her next start where she had the blinkers applied for the first time. She jumped a lot better from the barriers and was able to control the race and was dominant in winning by over 3 lengths. She comes into this race with confidence from her last start victory and if she is able to use her favourable inside barrier draw to take up a forward position, she will take a lot of beating. This is a big step up in class that I know she can take, providing she mentally handles the occasion.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit and it’s a twilight meeting. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 5 is a BM64 handicap over 1400 metres for three year old’s, my ride here is TEE TRAIN who is trained by Symon Wilde. I rode this colt by Savabeel in his debut run where he was successful when winning over the May carnival at Warrnambool. He gave me the feel of a horse that had above average ability but unfortunately, he missed the Spring due to an extended break. He has had one run this preparation where he was a bit keen and although he did a few things wrong, ran extremely well in a strong Class 1 race at Warrnambool. He steps up to the 1400 metres for the first time here and has drawn ideally to gain an economical run in transit from a low barrier draw and I expect him to be the horse to beat. 

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s Lightning Stakes Day and the Festival Of Racing is underway in Victoria. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the BM84 DeRucci Trophy over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is PURE SCOT who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. I’ve ridden this four year old mare by Purrealist in her last three starts and three runs ago rode her at the track and distance, where she finished fourth in an open BM70 and was beaten by just over two lengths. I then won on her at Sandown over the same distance in a small field that was a tactical race and she was solid to the line. At her most recent run, although she finished second last in a small field, she was less than one length from the winner. She has drawn a favourable barrier and meets a lot of the same horses here that she has been competing against recently in this field. She will carry one kilo above the minimum and is one of the main chances in this very competitive race.

Race 2 is the BM84 Lawn Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is SILENCE THE STARS who is trained by Deanne Taylor. This six year old gelding by Valixir (IRE) is lightly raced having had 12 lifetime starts, with a record of two wins and five placings. He comes into this race carrying the minimum weight but is racing out of his grade, as he is a 66 rated horse. The last time he competed in this grade he finished second at Caulfield over the same distance. He has had one run this preparation where he closed the race off well to finish second at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres and he steps up in distance here. This will be my second ride on him as I rode him last year at Sandown when I won his maiden on him. He is a nice horse that is taking on strong opposition and I expect him to make his presence felt.

Race 3 is the BM90 Singapore Turf Club Trophy over 1200 metres, my ride here is MAN OF HIS WORD who is trained by Dean Krongold. This six year old gelding by Lope de Vega (IRE) is raced by Grand Syndicates and is currently in the top 10 voting for the All Star Mile. He races first up here and first up last preparation he contested a race over the same distance at Caulfield, where he finished 1.35 lengths behind the winner and was unlucky not to finish closer. He had the blinkers applied at his next start over the same course and distance of this event where he over-raced and did a few things wrong. He then failed at his next start before going for a spell. He has trialled nicely in preparation for his first up run and looks to have drawn the right side of the track with a high barrier draw. He has experience over the straight course and if he races up to his best form, he will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the Listed Talindert Stakes over 1100 metres for two year old’s, my ride here is ART COLLECTION who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Fastnet Rock runs in the Coolmore colours. She made her debut at this track over 1000 metres where she was narrowly beaten in the Maribyrnong Plate before going for a spell. I rode her first up this preparation at Caulfield where we finished three lengths behind one of the favourites for the Blue Diamond in Loving Gabbyin the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes. She was tightened for room coming around the corner and was impeded by the winner in the straight. I feel she would have taken a good amount of benefit and experience from racing around a corner for the first-time last start. She now returns to racing over the straight course and if she has taken natural improvement from her first up run, she will take a lot of beating in this competitive two-year-old race.

Race 5 is the Group 3 The TAB Vanity over 1400 metres for three year old fillies, my ride here is AMPHITRITE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Sebring races in the colours of Flying Start Syndications. I rode her for all of her last preparation until she went to the Group 1 Empire Rose, where she was ridden by Dean Yendall. I was successful on her in her first four runs last campaign where she progressed from being a maiden to a Group 1 winner. Her run in the Oaks can be forgiven as she didn’t feel right in her action and it remains to be seen if she can run the staying distance out. She runs first up here and has jumped out well at Flemington in preparation for her return. She will start from an inside barrier and under the set weights and penalty conditions of this race carries the top weight for being a Group 1 winner. She is the class factor in this race and I’m looking forward to her resuming here.

Race 6 is the BM90 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy over 1600 metres, my ride here is THUNDER CLOUD who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five year old gelding by Manhattan Rain is raced by Manfred Krauser and partners and has won or placed in more than half of his starts. His first up run at Flemington was excellent and he comes into this with the benefit of a recent official trial at Cranbourne under his belt. He will start from a favourable barrier, is stepping up in distance and is a major player in this race where he will carry the minimum weight.

Race 7 is the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes over 1400 metres for three year old colts and geldings, my ride here is RANIER who is trained by James Cummings. This son of Lonhro is raced by Godolphin and is last year’s Gothic Stakes and Carbine Club winner. He has had one run this preparation and comes into this second up. He has unfortunately drawn an outside barrier and we will need luck in running. If the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to close off, I expect him to be finishing off strongly, as we saw his class throughout the Spring and he is a talented galloper.

Race 8 is the Group 1 W.F.A Black Caviar Lightning over 1000 metres, my ride here is OSBORNE BULLS who is trained by James Cummings. This five year old gelding by Street Cry (IRE) is raced by Godolphin. I’ve ridden him on two previous occasions last preparation, winning on him first up in Listed Grade at Caulfield and then finishing fifth on him in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400 metres where he was beaten by just over a length. He then competed in The Everest over 1200 metres on a heavy track at Randwick where he finished third. He then returned to Flemington and completed over 1200 metres and was successful winning over the straight course, carrying the top weight at Group 2 level. Although he is unbeaten first up, he has never raced shorter than 1200 metres when racing fresh. He is clearly the class horse in the race and will take a lot of beating in this and will be flashing home late.

Moonee Valley Preview

Tonight I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the BM84 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 13 over 955 metres, my ride here is SISTER KITTY MAC who is trained by Symon Wilde. I’ve ridden this five year old mare by Kaphero previously and have won on her at the course and distance. She has drawn an inside barrier and if we are able to utilise that and settle on speed, she will take a lot of running down. She also has the advantage of racing here on the minimum weight and if she produces her best form, will be very competitive.

Race 5 is the BM78 Dominant Laundry Systems Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is RED CHOUX’S (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five year old gelding by Jimmy Choux (NZ) will be at peak fitness having had three runs this preparation and has winning form when racing fourth up last campaign. This will be my first ride on him and having watched his replays, he looks like a horse that can get a little bit keen and over-race, if I can manage his rhythm and he works well with me tonight and relaxes in running wherever he settles, this is a race he can win.

Race 6 is the BM78 Dominant Home Care Products Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is SABOTAGE (NZ) who is trained by Symon Wilde. This six year old gelding by Savabeel races in the Nicholls family colours. I’ve ridden him twice since his arrival from New Zealand and finished second on him at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres. His form this preparation has been solid, but we will need some luck from a wide barrier draw. This is a very competitive BM78 race but with some luck in running he can win this.

Race 7 is the Listed Crown Resorts Torney Night Cup over 2500 metres, my ride here is SYLPHEED who is trained by Matt Cumani. This five year old mare by Real Saga is raced by Mr Sekiguchi. I rode her three starts ago over 1200 metres where she closed the race off nicely to finish third. Her most recent run was at the Gold Coast at her first attempt over a staying distance of 2200 metres and she finished just over two lengths from the winner. She steps up in distance again here to 2500 metres and I will need to be mindful that last start she over-raced a little bit at her first time stepping up in distance, and still produced a solid effort. She has drawn an outside barrier which is not in her favour but has the advantage of carrying the minimum weight of 54 kilos. I will be interested to see what my instructions are pre-race and I feel, if she has learnt to settle and relax from her most recent run, then she can no doubt make her presence felt.

Race 8 is the BM64 Dominant Star System Sprint Series over 1200 metres, my ride here is NOT APPROVED who is trained by Michael Hibbs. She’s a five year old mare by Magnus that is lightly raced and from her 11 starts has a record of two wins and four placings. She won two starts ago at Wangaratta and last start ran well at Sandown to finish third to La Tigeresa, who has since franked the form and won again. She has drawn an inside barrier and should gain an economical run in transit from the draw. She is a horse that races close to the speed and if I can get her to conserve her energy throughout the early stages and not travel too keenly, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside track and it’s a twilight meeting. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Plate over 1400 metres, it’s a maiden race for horses three years old and upwards, my ride here is PARLAY PRINCESS who is trained by John Sadler. She’s a three-year-old filly by Sebring that runs first up here. She had four starts last preparation and resumes here following a long layoff. This will be my first time riding her and having watched her jumpout videos, she seemed to show good early gate speed in her recent heats. She has drawn a favourable barrier and it gives me confidence that her trainer has chosen a city race for her return to racing and I expect that she will have improved from her first preparation.

Race 2 is the Clanbrooke Racing Plate over 1300 metres for two year old fillies that have not won a metropolitan race, my ride here is FLING who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. She’s by All Too Hard and wears Rupert Legh’s colours. She has had one start at the end of January where she raced at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit, she sat outside the leader over 1200 metres and finished third. I expect she will have taken a great deal of natural improvement from her first up run and the slight step up in distance and racing on the Hillside track will be in her favour, and she will take a lot of beating. The stable obviously have a high opinion of her as she started short in the market at her first run and is the early favourite for this race.

Race 6 is a BM64 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is SECOND MARRIAGE who is trained by Dean Krongold. This four year old mare by Reset is raced by Grand Syndicates and has been racing in consistent form this preparation. She has drawn a favourable barrier and should gain an economical run in transit. Today’s race looks like it will map well for her and she can continue her good form and make her presence felt.

Race 7 is the BM70 Highways Lunar New Year Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is PEKO who is trained by Colin Little. This four year old mare by Bel Esprit is owned by Andrew Harcourt. She is a lightly raced, progressive mare that is building a good record as from her seven lifetime starts, she has only missed a top three placing once, and that was last start where she finished fourth, beaten by less than two lengths. She is a mare that makes her own luck and races close to the speed. If she doesn’t have to do too much work from an outside barrier draw and we have some luck in running, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 The Peninsula Picnic Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is REDCORE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This four year old gelding by Choisir is raced by Lionel Krongold and partners. I rode him four starts ago at Caulfield where he was beaten by just over two lengths in the same grade of race over 1100 metres. Since then he has been very competitive and his last start saw him finished second at Caulfield in BM78 grade where he carried the minimum weight. He drops back in distance and grade here and has drawn ideally to gain a good run from the barriers. He is a horse that needs everything to go his way and on paper this race maps very well for him to win. He is a very consistent horse and it would be great to give him another win as he has been racing so well without winning. 

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield where it’s the first Group 1 meeting of the year. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is The Big Screen Company Hcp over 1800 metres, my ride here is YOGI (NZ) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This six year old gelding by Raise the Flag (GB) is raced by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock. I’ve had good success on this horse and have enjoyed watching him develop throughout his career, as he has taken some time to learn his craft and he keeps improving with each preparation. He is a very good stayer who had the blinkers applied for the first time at the end of his last campaign when he won the Sandown Cup over 3200 metres. He races first up here and for a staying horse he has excellent form when racing fresh, from his five attempts he has only missed a top two placing twice. He races well over this distance and from his four starts over the 1800 metres has won twice. I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race and expect he will be finishing the race off strongly and this is a race he is capable of winning.

Race 3 is the Group 3 MyPunter.com Bellmaine Stakes over 1200 metres for four year old mare and upwards, my ride here is FUHRYK who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five year old mare by Star Witness is raced by Michael Christian and partners. She races first up here and I’ve ridden her in two jumpouts in preparation for her return and was pleased with the way she went on both occasions. She has drawn an inside barrier in a small field and if she finds her best form, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 5 is Group 3 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude for two year old colts and geldings over 1100 metres, my ride here is BRAZEN BRANDO who is trained by Phillip Stokes. This colt by Brazen Beau has had one start where he came from last in the Blue Diamond Preview and closed the race off very well, finishing 2.55 lengths from the winner. I have galloped him in preparation for this race and was impressed with the way he worked and his professional attitude. If the track is racing evenly and we have luck from the wide barrier draw, I expect him to be one of the main chances.

Race 6 is Group 2 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude for two year old fillies over 1100 metres, my ride here is MOVIE ROLE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Fastnet Rock races in the pale pink set of colours belonging to Coolmore. She’s had three lifetime starts and I rode her on debut at Flemington where she finished behind Yes Yes Yes and I felt that she would take a lot of benefit from that run in both experience and fitness. She then went to Sydney and had the blinkers applied to her head gear and was successful over 1000 metres. Her most recent start saw her run well in the Magic Millions 2 year old classic on the Gold Coast on January 12^th. She now returns to the Melbourne way of going and from a wide barrier draw will need luck in this very competitive race.

Race 8 is W.F.A Group 1 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is BEST OF DAYS (GB) who is trained by James Cummings. This five year old entire by Azamour (IRE) is raced by Godolphin. He started his career off racing in Europe before being imported to Australia. He displayed that he is a high-quality galloper last start where he won the Group 1 Cantala Stakes at Flemington over 1600 metres, that was my first ride on him and he was very impressive when carrying the minimum weight. He comes into this racing first up for this preparation and with confidence from winning his last two starts at the end of his last campaign. He has drawn an inside barrier and I’m hoping that he can jump smoothly from the barriers and take up a position close to the speed, so he can finish the race off without having to do too much work. I’m really looking forward to seeing him compete at this level as he is an exciting horse and I have no doubt he can measure up today in weight for age company.

Caulfield Preview

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

Race 1 is the BM78 Veuve Clicquot Lawn Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is ARROCHAR who is trained by Robbie Laing. This five year old gelding by So You Think (NZ) is lightly raced and has won or placed in 7 of his 16 lifetime starts and in his last 4 runs, hasn’t finished further back than fourth and has won two of those. He is a last start winner at the course over 1400 metres and steps up in grade from BM64, where he carried top weight, to BM78 grade with 2 kilos above the minimum and he drops back 300 metres in distance. He comes into this 4 weeks between runs and in his consistent form should make his presence felt.

Race 3 is the BM84 John Moule Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ESPOSITO GOLD who is trained by Robert Kingston. This four year old mare by Excelebration (IRE) has been racing consistently of late and has produced recent good runs at Moonee Valley for a win and second placing over 1600 metres. She is stepping up in grade, carries the light weight of 54 kilos and is dropping back in distance. She is horse that races close to the speed and makes her own luck. She has drawn a wide barrier and if she can find a forward position without having to do too much work, she should be in this for a long way.

Race 5 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes Chairman's Stakes over 1000 metres for two year olds, my ride here is ART COLLECTION who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly is by Fastnet Rock and wears the famous navy colours of Coolmore. She had the one start last year finishing second on debut in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate where she was beaten by the smallest of margins, before going for a spell. This will be her first time racing around a turn and with race experience on her side and from a favourable barrier draw, will take a lot of beating in this if she has taken natural improvement from her first racing preparation.

Race 7 is the Listed Polytrack W.J. Adams Stakes over 1000 metres, my ride here is ENCRYPTION who is trained by James Cummings. This 3 year old colt by Lonhro is raced by Godolphin. Although the favourite has been scratched from this race, we still face the highly talented 3 year old in Written By, who is the Group 1 Blue Diamond winner from last year. ENCRYPTION has a 3 kilo advantage here on Written By and when they last met in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes he finished a length behind him on level weights. He races here first up for the preparation and had a recent official trial at Randwick to have him ready for this assignment. He will start from an outside barrier and knowing the horse well, I expect we will be back in the field throughout the early stages and closing off strongly. If the track is racing evenly and the race is run to suit him, he can finish off over the top of them to win.

Race 8 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes Manfred Stakes over 1200 metres for three year olds, my ride here is POISED TO STRIKE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. He’s a gelding by Akeed Mofeed (GB) that races in the colours of Goldin Farms. I’ve had one race ride on him where we were successful when winning first up at Flemington. He comes into this 6 weeks’ between runs and if he produces the same form as last start he is the horse to beat, as he was very impressive in what has proven to be a strong form race.

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at the Moonee Valley meeting. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Schweppes We Get Golf Plate over 1000 metres, it’s a race for two year old fillies that have not won a metropolitan race and my ride here is KIBIBI, who is trained by James Cummings. This daughter of Exceed And Excel is raced by Godolphin. She had one start last preparation where she ran in the Group 3 Gimcrack, which was the first 2 year old race of the new season. She was disappointing in finishing last, but it was noted that she had a slow recovery. She commences a new campaign here and this will be her first time racing the Melbourne way of going. I’m looking forward to seeing her in the mounting yard and how she performs at her second lifetime start. 

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Racing.com Park, Pakenham, at the twilight meeting. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is LANDSTRASSE who is trained by James Cummings. This two year old colt by Sepoy is raced by Godolphin. He has had one lifetime start at Geelong and although he finished 7^th, he was less than two lengths from the winner and finished the race off strongly. He had no early speed when he jumped from the barriers and wasn’t able to take advantage from his inside barrier draw. I expect he will have taken natural improvement from his first up run and if I can utilise his favourable barrier draw and have him close to the speed throughout the early stages, I expect him to be very competitive in this.

Race 7 is the Superior Food Services F&M BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is CATARACTA (NZ) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. I’ve ridden this four year old mare by Niagara some 6 months ago, when winning her maiden at Sandown over 1200 metres. She is lightly raced and from her four lifetime starts has recorded one win and a second placing, both of those being in her first racing campaign. This preparation she has had two starts and it seems she hasn’t recaptured the good form she displayed in her first campaign. She races here in the right class and grade for her and is stepping up to the 1400 for the first time. She will start from an outside barrier and if we have luck in running and she can find her best form, which has been on soft ground so the cushion surface that Pakenham provides should benefit her, she can be competitive.

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Plate over 1200 metres for two year old fillies that have not won a metropolitan race, my ride here is REWARD who is trained by Michael Kent. This daughter of Reward for Effort runs in the colours of Joan Walker and is a half-sister to Amadeus. She has had one start at Flemington where she finished six lengths behind Jedastar, who finished second in the fillies Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield on Saturday. In preparation for her second up run I rode her for the first time in an official trial at Pakenham over 1000 metres on January 15^th. She was very professional with a good attitude and I felt she would benefit from the step up in distance and will appreciate the 1200 metres of this race.

Race 2 is the Mypunter.com Plate over 1200 metres, it’s a maiden race for three year old’s and upwards, my ride here is VICTORY KINGDOM who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Animal Kingdom (USA) is raced by Team Valor and wears the colours made famous by her father, Animal Kingdom, who was a champion dirt horse in America and also the winner of the 2013 Dubai World Cup at Meydan. VICTORY KINGDOM has had one start where I rode her at Moonee Valley, she jumped in the air and bound at the start on that occasion and closed the race off extremely well to finish in second placing. The horse that beat her at Moonee Valley has franked the form, running well at his next two city appearances. I feel she will have taken a great deal of natural improvement from her first up run and has the addition of blinkers to her head gear. If we can utilise her inside barrier draw and she jumps cleanly from the barriers, then she will be winning.

Race 4 is the BM78 Spicer Thoroughbreds Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is PURE SCOT who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. I’ve ridden this four year old mare by Purrealist in her last two starts, finishing fourth at Flemington before winning last time out over the same course and distance. She goes up in grade and drops half a kilo in weight from her last start victory. She meets a small field here and tactics will play a big part throughout the early stages. She comes into this a mare who is racing in consistent form, full of confidence and is one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Race 6 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is FREE FLY TOO who is also trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This lightly raced four-year-old gelding by Teofilo (IRE) is raced by Eric Wong. I rode him first up this preparation at Caulfield over the same distance where he got back in the field and I felt he would benefit from having clearer galloping room, as he didn’t appreciate racing behind and inside of horses, when he gained room in the straight he closed the race off very well. Having taken natural fitness benefit from his first up run, he comes into this with a great second up record and from a nice middle barrier will make his presence felt.

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield where it’s the Australia Day meeting. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the good range. All of the horses racing in Victoria with the number one saddle cloth are honoured with their riders wearing the Australia Day colours.

Race 1 is the Cape Grim Beef Plate over 1100 metres for three year old fillies, my ride here is EMBRACE ME (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. She’s a lightly raced filly by Shamexpress (NZ) that is building a progressive record and from her seven career starts has won on three occasions. She has won her last two starts with both being over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley. She drops back slightly to 1100 metres here and will carry two kilos less than her most recent run, due to the set weights and penalties conditions of this race. She does have to beat the favourite in Crack The Code, but with luck in running she can continue her good form and make it three wins in a row.

Race 2 is The Mary Bell handicap over 1100 metres, it’s a race for fillies and mares, my ride here is QUEEN ANNABEL who is trained by Rebecca Kelly. This five year old mare by Bel Esprit has been racing well this preparation although we had no luck last time out when racing over the same course and distance on January 5^th. She comes into this three weeks between runs and will start from a low barrier draw, and if she can find her best form she will make her presence felt.

Race 4 is the Listed Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview over 1000 metres, it’s the colts and gelding’s division, my ride here is LODESTAR who is trained by Colin Little. This two year old colt is by the highly popular stallion in Zoustar. I’ve ridden him twice in the lead up to his debut run, once in a jumpout at Caulfield and most recently in an official trial at Werribee on Tuesday where she showed vast improvement. He is an amorous colt with his trainer stating “if he performs half as good as he thinks he is, he will be winning this”. I expect him to be very competitive from a favourable, inside barrier draw but his chances will depend on how he copes with the raceday experience and how he handles himself pre-race. He has shown me very good ability and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the mounting yard and riding him under raceday conditions for the first time.

Race 5 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview over 1000 metres for fillies, my ride here is SHIH TZOU who is trained by Michael Kent. This two year old filly is also by Zoustar and is having her first lifetime start. This looks to be a very strong edition of the Fillies Preview with five of her rivals having been to the races before and all are coming into this from different form lines. I have ridden SHIH TZOU recently in an official trial at Pakenham where she was professional and she showed me very good ability. She will start from the widest barrier and we will need some luck in running. If she produces her trial form on raceday, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 7 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is AL GALAYEL (IRE) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. I’ve ridden this five year old gelding by Zoffany (IRE) in his past two starts at Mooney Valley over 2040 metres and have been successful on him both times. He has been very well placed and carries 1.5 kilos above the minimum here. He is a horse that appreciates his races being spaced out and races here four weeks between runs, which is the same formula that saw him successful last time out. He is a horse that has a few tricks up his sleeve and even though he faces a small field here, it will be a tactical race. I expect he will have taken a great deal of confidence from his last start victory and if he has taken the improvement required, I am confident he can make it three wins on end.

Moonee Valley Preview

Tonight I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the Crown Resorts VOBIS Gold Carat over 1200 metres, my ride here is JARMANAGIC who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This race is for three year old’s and is restricted to VOBIS Gold qualified horses only. I’ve ridden this gelding by Starspangledbanner twice, with both being in his first up runs in his last two campaigns. He was beaten when racing fresh last start at Sandown over 1300 metres by just over a length, finishing third. He drops back to 1200 metres here and meets Hawkshot, who finished second in that race better at the weights. JARMANAGIC is a horse that gets back in his races and needs luck in running but if he has luck throughout and things go his way, he will make his presence felt.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown where it’s a twilight meeting on the Lakeside circuit. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 5 is the Spicer Thoroughbreds Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is SO BELAFONTE who is trained by Dan O'Sullivan. I rode this five year old gelding by Medaglia d’Oro (USA) two starts ago on the Hillside course at Sandown over the same distance. He over-raced on that occasion and was gallant in his effort to finish in second placing, half a length behind the winner. His most recent start was at Geelong where he dropped back in distance and had the blinkers removed and ear muffs applied. He controlled the race at a slow tempo and looked to be more settled but obviously the stable feel he didn’t perform at his best as he has a gear change and will wear the ear muffs pre-race only with the blinkers staying off. He will start from a high barrier draw and if he can relax and conserve his energy and returns to his form from two starts ago, he will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is The Big Screen Company BM78 Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is TEA FOR CHOUX (NZ) who is trained by Greg Eurell. She’s a five year old mare by Jimmy Choux (NZ) that is lightly raced having had only 16 starts in her career and she has won or placed in eight of those. She has had four runs this campaign and is stepping up to a distance range where she is very effective, having had two runs for a win and a second placing. She will start from a middle barrier and is a mare that races close to the speed and will give herself every opportunity to continue her solid form over the distance. She comes into this carrying half a kilo above the minimum and is one of the main chances.