Geelong Preview

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

Race 1 is the Bet365 Odds Drift Protector 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1140 metres, my ride here is TWINS who is trained by James Cummings. This daughter of Brazen Beau is raced by Godolphin. She’s had two jumpouts at Flemington in preparation for her first race start, with the first of those being on the course proper. She showed natural speed in her first jump-out and was left alone and not placed under any pressure by her rider. Her second jump-out was on the synthetic surface and she stayed with the field as they quickened. This is a field of fillies that are mostly having their first runs, so it will be interesting to see how she performs under race conditions for the first time.

Race 3 is the Bomboras Maiden Plate over 1540 metres, my ride here is WRISTBAND who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Dansili has had 16 starts for two second and four third placings. Even though he hasn’t won a race he has been competing in benchmark races over further distance and returns to maiden company today. He has really strong form lines in Class 1 and BM70 grade and has been racing consistently at that level without winning, and even though he is a maiden he is the best performed horse in the field. He races first up today and has been unplaced from three attempts when racing fresh. He is a horse that usually settles back in the field, so if the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to make ground he will be able to finish off strongly and be right in this at the finish. 

Sale Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is CALAVERAS who is trained by James Cummings. This colt by Teofilo is raced by Godolphin. He is making his raceday debut today and I’ve watched two of his jumpouts at Flemington as he prepared for his first day at the races. His first jumpout was on the course proper and he was tailed off. His next jumpout was on the synthetic track where he showed better gate speed and was competitive in his heat, showing big improvement from his first to second jumpouts. I’m looking forward to seeing how he acquits himself under race conditions and pressure.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Maiden Plate over 1717 metres, my ride here is NOT FOR IZZY who is trained by my father and brother Allan & Jason Williams. This three-year-old gelding by Love Conquers All is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price of Price Bloodstock. He’s had three starts for two second placings, with those being at his last two runs over 1600 metres. He was beaten by 1.75 lengths by Blue Ocean last start at Werribee, with that horse franking the form by running second at Flemington in a 3YO handicap on Saturday. Not For Izzy had a recent jumpout at Cranbourne to keep him ticking over between runs and he looked to travel extremely well with no pressure. He will start from a favourable, low barrier draw and is a horse that usually races on speed. He looks well placed and will take a lot of beating today.

Race 4 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost 3YO BM64 Hcp over 1000 metres, my ride here is WITH EDGE who is trained by Doug Harrison.This gelding by Canford Cliffs had three starts last preparation for three placings and is a maiden racing in 3YO BM64 grade, first up today. The form around his last two runs is strong with the winners of those races subsequently being multiple Saturday city winners. I’m really looking forward to having my first ride on him today and seeing how he performs. It is a big ask for a maiden horse to take on 64 grade, but he definitely has strong form references to suggest he won’t be a maiden for much longer.

Race 5 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics BM64 Hcp over 1100 metres, my ride here is THE GREAT BRATSKI who is trained by Christine Sexton. This four-year-old mare by Skilled has a race record of 34 starts for four wins and 13 minor placings and is a very consistent mare who has been well managed throughout her career. This will be my first ride on her and after watching her replays she is such a dominant and competitive horse that I’m looking forward to riding today. She races here second up and although she hasn’t won second up previously, she has good form at the course and distance. She is very competitive and consistent in her races and makes her own luck in running and is a mare who loves racing on soft ground. She doesn’t look to be an overly tall mare but she is so consistent and tries hard and will be very competitive again today.

Race 6 is the Ladbrokes Switch BM64 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced having had nine starts for a record of two wins and a second placing. I’ve ridden him in his last two starts when he raced in the strong VOBIS Gold Heath under set weight and penalty conditions at Caulfield to finish just over three lengths from the winner and again at his most recent run in BM70 grade at Sandown on ground that was rated as soft, but felt more like heavy ground. I’m hoping the ground will be firmer today than last start and if he finds his best form he will take a lot of beating as he comes into this with strong form lines. This will be his first attempt over 2200 metres but he did run extremely well two starts ago over 2000 metres at Caulfield and I’m looking forward to riding him again.

Race 7 is the Ladbrokes Money Back Odds BM64 Hcp over 1600 metres, my ride here is INTO RIO who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra.This five-year-old gelding by Zacinto has had 28 starts for a record of four wins and four third placings. I’ve had one ride on him almost a year ago at Caulfield. I remember the meeting as it was late in the day and the meeting was almost called off due to poor weather and lack of lighting. Into Rio got a fair way back in running and it was hard for horses to make ground. He is a horse with nice ability but his run style is often his undoing as he needs races run to suit him. If the race works out for him and the track is racing evenly, I know he has the ability to be better than the BM64 grade of today’s race.

Race 8 is the Ladbrokes Cash In BM70 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is VICI who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This three-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Kevin Payne. He’s had 10 starts for two wins and a second placing and was trained in NSW before being transferred to Victoria for his past four runs. I started my association with him this preparation and have ridden him in both of his runs this campaign. First up we finished fourth to the promising Final Man at Sandown in BM70 grade over 1200 metres and at his most recent run we finished fourth again, this time at Cranbourne in BM64 grade over 1200 metres. After jumping from an inside barrier draw at Cranbourne we were able to travel in the box seat and follow the eventual winner, but we weren’t able to get clear running early enough to challenge the winner. He is stepping up in distance to 1400 metres for the first time today and will start from a low barrier draw. I’m hoping that he will step on terms today and can take advantage of his favourable barrier draw. He is a lightly raced galloper that has given me the feel of a quality horse and he should be too good for this field.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 9 metres with a cutaway rail in the straight on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is DECLARES WAR who is trained byMatt Cumani.This four-year-old gelding by Declaration Of War is raced by Domain Thoroughbreds and partners. He’s never raced on a heavy track before but his four runs of a soft surface have seen him net two wins and a second placing. I rode him last start in the Listed Warrnambool Cup over 2350m, he travelled well in a nice position and handled the Soft 7 conditions and once the field sprinted he was outpaced, but I felt he was really solid for the last 200 metres and through the line. He is coming back in distance and grade today and on his best form is the horse to beat, provided he handles the heavy track conditions.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is SPRINGROLLS who is trained by Tim Hughes. This daughter of Carlton House is raced by Balius Farm. She’s had nine race starts for a record of two wins. I won her maiden on her in September of last year where she beat the promising filly Lunakorn. I’ve ridden her a couple of times since her maiden win, including first up this preparation at Caulfield in a 3YO fillies handicap. I felt she would take a good amount of fitness benefit from her first up run as she pulled up having a good blow post-race and also got herself very worked up without ear muffs. She races here second up with both of her wins coming when she was second up previously, and with the ear muffs going back on. Provided she has taken natural improvement from her first up run and stays true to her second up form, she can be very competitive in this race.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is FRAGMENT who is trained by Patrick Payne. This seven-year-old gelding by Churchill Downs races in the colours of Woodlawn Park Stud. He’s a Tasmanian based horse that has been transferred to Victoria and has had two runs this preparation for Patrick Payne. He resumed at Pakenham on the synthetic track over 1400 metres to finish third. He then dropped back in distance to 1200 metres at Cranbourne on a soft surface in BM84 grade and finished the race off really well to be just under two lengths from the winner in fourth place. He is down in grade and up in distance today and has really good statistics at this distance, only missing a top three placing twice from 12 starts at this distance. He has winning form on heavy ground and will start from a low barrier draw. He looks well placed in this and will take a lot of beating today. 

Flemington Preview

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

Cranbourne Preview

This evening I’m riding at Cranbourne. The rail is out 7 metres and the track is rated in the heavy range. This is the last night meeting at Cranbourne for the current racing season.

Race 2 is the Peter & Lavella DaRose - AFC Maiden Plate over 1600 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is STROBE LIGHT who is trained by Kasey Keys. Peter & Lavella DaRose are my Uncle and Aunty, so it would be a great thrill to be able to win a race that they sponsor. Strobe Light is a filly by Puissance de Lune. I rode her in her only start to date when she made her debt at Cranbourne over 1200 metres. She started favourite on that day and finished less than two lengths from that winner against a really competitive field. I thought that she wasn’t able to get into her rhythm and would take a lot out of that experience. She is stepping up to 1600 metres here tonight and looks to be a filly that will appreciate a softer racing surface. This is a small but competitive field and if she has taken the natural improvement needed from her debut run, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 7 is the BM70 Sky Heights Stayers Series Final over 2580 metres, my ride here is SKYWAY STAR who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by Americain has had 20 starts for a record of two wins and seven minor placings. I have ridden her on four occasions throughout her career and won her maiden on her when she was a three-year-old. She races here fourth up this preparation and has been stepped up in distance at each start. She’s only had one start on heavy ground, which was very heavy at Sandown and she struggled on that occasion against a strong field of three-year-old stayers. She looks to be progressing well this preparation and is in her right grade of race this evening. She is a mare who tends to get back in running, so we will need the race run to suit her and things to go her way. If she runs up to her best form and handles the ground, she can be competitive in this Stayers Series Final.

Race 8 is the Barton Fixing F&M BM70 Handicap over 2060 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is STELLAR IMPACT (JPN) who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This five-year-old mare by Deep Impact was imported from Japan last year. She had two runs in her first Australian preparation, winning both races in NSW before going for a spell. She resumed this campaign over 1900 metres at Canterbury finishing second by the narrowest of margins. This will be her first run in Melbourne but her early form in Japan saw her race on left handed tracks, the same as Victoria. Although she hasn’t raced on rain affected ground she has been exposed to it in official trials and performed well. Provided she handles the heavy ground under raceday conditions and pressure and maintains her consistent form, she will be winning this.

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is in the true position and due to significant rainfall overnight the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 6 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM70 Hcp over 2000 metres, my ride here is JENKINS who is trained by Matt Cumani. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Regal Bloodstock and partners. He races here fourth up this preparation and I’ve ridden him in all of his starts this campaign, since he was transferred to his new trainer for his new ownership group. I’ve been happy with all of his runs and thought that he was very unlucky last start at Warrnambool where he was a month between runs. He steps out to the 2000 metres for the first time in his career and has winning form on heavy ground. He will start from a wide barrier and some of the speed has been taken out of the race after scratchings. If he continues his consistent form and has some luck in running he will take a lot of beating in 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 1 is the Bendigo Sportsmen Association 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1100 metres, my ride here is STAR PROJECT who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Zoustar is raced by Mr Lai and makes her debut today. I’ve ridden her in a recent jumpout at Flemington in preparation for this and was impressed by the way that she went and the feel she gave me. This looks to be a competitive field of mostly first starters, but if she runs up to her jumpout effort she will take a lot of beating on debut. 

Flemington Preview

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

Geelong Preview

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

Race 2 is the Bet365 Odds Drift Protector Two-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1225 metres, my ride here is RESTARTED who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Exosphere is making his debut today and has had two recent jumpouts in preparation for his first start. One of his jumpouts was on the course proper at Flemington and at his most recent jumpout I rode him off the speed and he was a bit new being back behind horses, but he quickened up nicely when I asked him for an effort. He will have taken a good amount of benefit from that experience and if he runs up to that effort will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the Pure Wax Cup Maiden Plate over 1225 metres, my ride here is NASUKAWA who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This three-year-old gelding by Fighting Sun is well named as NASUKAWA is a famous Japanese kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price and runs in the Price Bloodstock colours. He has had a good grounding and education for his debut run and I rode him recently in a jumpout at Caulfield. I felt he went extremely well in his jumpout but he did get a little bit hot and worked-up, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the exposure to raceday conditions for the first time. If he handles the occasion and brings his jumpout form to the races he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. There are showers forecast throughout the morning so it will be interesting to see how the track plays and if there is any downgrade in conditions.

Race 3 is the BM70 MRC Foundation Hcp over 2400 metres, my ride here is BIG SUR (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This six-year-old gelding by Redwood is raced by Rod Fitzroy and partners. I rode him three races in a row earlier in his preparation. The first time I rode him he finished the race off really well and I was excited to see how he would progress through his campaign. He wasn’t beaten far in his next two starts but I felt he wasn’t as effective as he was the first time I had ridden him. He then had a month between runs and put in a disappointing performance over 1600 metres. He was then stepped up to 2000 and 2400 metres respectively and put in much better efforts, finishing second to Dark Alley last start which is a strong form reference for this race. If he runs up to his last start effort and his best form, he will be winning this.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is PLAY ME NOW (NZ) who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This four-year-old gelding by Bernardini is lightly raced having had nine starts for three wins and two placings. He won his first two races and raced consistently throughout his two preparations prior to having a spell. He races here first up today and I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race and having my first ride on him. All of his race form has been on tracks rated as Good, but he has trialled officially in previous preparations on Heavy ground, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the soft track conditions under race pressure today.

Race 5 is the BM64 Salute Frontline Workers Hcp over 1300 metres for thee-year-old fillies, my ride here is MISS LEILA who is trained by Neville Parnham. This daughter of Reward for Effort has had three starts for a record of a first, second and third placing. Her last start was at the course and distance on heavy ground, where she finished second by less than two lengths to an older mare. We will start from a wide barrier today and will need luck in running. If we have luck and she holds her form from last start she will be highly competitive in this.

Race 7 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is SEARCH SQUAD (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This nine-year-old gelding by Falkirk has been a consistent galloper throughout his career, and I rode him to his last win which was at the track and distance in June of last year. He is a tricky horse to ride as he is usually slow out of the barriers and then gets keen in running and likes to start improving when he chooses to, not when asked by his rider! He is dropping back from BM84 grade last start and he is a horse that has a great record on heavy ground. If there is good speed in this race and they go quickly, it will really help his chances. If I can find the key to him today and he works with me and runs his best race, with the drop back in grade he can be a winning chance.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced having had eight starts for a record of two wins and a second placing, with one of his wins being at this course over 1600 metres on the Lakeside track. I had my first ride on him last start when he stepped out to 2000 metres for the first time at Caulfield in the VOBIS Gold Heath, finishing just over three lengths from the winner. They went extremely fast in the early stages and he got a long way back and was chasing from a fair way out, but he was solid in his effort to the line and after having to change course with 100 metres to go managed to run extremely well under the conditions of the race against that class of horse. He comes into this a couple of weeks between runs and is dropping back in distance from last start. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit and has winning form on soft ground. On his recent form where he has been racing so consistently he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the Good range, with rain and poor weather forecast throughout the day.
Watch the video preview here:

Cranbourne Preview

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

Race 4 is the OBrien Real Estate Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is STROBE LIGHT who is trained by Kasey Keys. This three-year-old filly by Puissance de Lune is having her first race start. I haven’t ridden her but I have watched replays of her jumpouts in preparation for her debut run. She settled on speed and was solid in her effort in a Cranbourne jumpout last week. She will start from a middle barrier draw and if she runs up to her jumpout effort, will take a lot of beating.

Race 5 is the Dirt Rock Civil BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is VICI who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This three-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Kevin Payne. He’s had nine starts for two wins and a second placing and started his career racing in New South Wales before being transferred to Victoria late last year. He had two runs in his first preparation for Wendy winning first up at Seymour, before being unplaced at Moonee Valley and subsequently spelled. I rode him first up this campaign in a strong 3YO BM70 at Sandown. He finished fourth and just over two lengths behind Final Man, who has franked that form by winning again last Saturday. If Vici has trained on since his first up run, he will be the horse they all have to beat. 

Warrnambool Preview

Today I’m riding at Warrnambool for the flat racing day of the re-programmed May Carnival, with the jump’s races being held yesterday. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the TAB 2YO Handicap over 1100 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is ICANTOO (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Per Incanto makes her debut at the races today. I’ve watched replays of her two jumpouts at Flemington and she’s displayed versatility by being ridden back in the field and finishing off, and then led her heat and ran away from them comfortably on another occasion. She’s well educated for her first day at the races and if she runs up to her jumpout efforts and handles the ground, she’ll take a lot of beating.

Race 2 is the Magic Millions National Sale BM70 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is KEPI BLANC who is trained by Adam Chambers. This four-year-old gelding by Epaulette is raced by Colin and Janice McKenna and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had only four starts for a record of two wins. Both of his wins have been on heavy ground and one was at this course and distance. He races here first up today and is resuming after a long layoff. He has jumped out nicely in preparation for his return to the races and runs with a gear change of blinkers off and winkers on. There is no doubt that being trained and owned locally that he would have been targeted for this race and I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race.

Race 3 is the Callaghan Motors VOBIS Gold Strike over 1000 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is TECTONIC SHIFT who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This daughter of Brazen Beau is raced by Brae Sokolski and partners. She’s had one start where she finished fifth at Ballarat and was just over 1.5 lengths from the winner over 1000 metres. I finished second in that race on the progressive filly Wegobam, who finished third at Sandown on Saturday and was unlucky not to have won as she didn’t have clear galloping room, so that strengthens the form lines from the Ballarat race. I expect Tectonic Shift will have taken natural improvement from her first up run and she can make her presence felt today.

Race 5 is the Silvan Ridge 3YO BM70 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GOLDEN GORGE who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This gelding by Mossman is raced by David Price and Jenny Chapman in the Price Bloodstock colours. He is lightly raced and has been very well placed throughout his career with a consistent record of two wins and two third placings from his five starts. I had my first race-ride on him last start at Sandown over 1400 metres where he went forward and made all the running. He is a talented galloper and this race looks to be a nice stepping stone for him as he progresses through his career and he will take a lot of beating today.

Race 6 is the BM70 Evergreen Turf Neville Wilson Series Final over 1700 metres, my ride here is JENKINS who is trained by Matt Cumani. It’s fitting that a race on this day is named after Neville Wilson, who was not only committed to the industry throughout his successful career as a jockey, but also took over the running of the Victorian Jockeys Association. Every rider in Victoria past and present is grateful for his commitment and contribution to the industry. Jenkins is a four-year-old gelding by Pierro that runs in the colours of Regal Bloodstock. He’s had two runs for his new trainer and ownership group and I’ve ridden him in both of those starts. His first up run looked plain on face value over 1400 metres but I thought he went extremely well considering his best assets were taken away from him as the race was run at a slow tempo. He then stepped up to 1600 metres at Sandown and ran really well to finish fourth and just over half a length from the winner. He comes into this four weeks between runs and is stepping up slightly in distance. He will start from a favourable barrier draw and if he finds his best form will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Listed Midfield Group Wangoom Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is INN KEEPER who is trained by Symon Wilde. This seven-year-old gelding by Host has been a consistent galloper throughout his career and comes into this with a record of seven wins and five placings from 23 starts. He hasn’t won for over a year and has been targeted for this race being trained locally. He races here second up this preparation and will have to improve from his first up run, but he does run well second up with a record of two wins and a third placing from four attempts. If he can recapture his best form he can make his presence felt.

Race 8 is the Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup over 2350 metres, my ride here is DECLARES WAR who is trained by Matt Cumani. This four-year-old gelding by Declaration Of War is raced by Domain Thoroughbreds and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had 15 starts for a record of four wins and four placings. I’ve only ridden him once and that was at the end of his three-year-old year in the Group 1 Queensland Derby, finishing 8.4 lengths behind Mr Quickie and Vow And Declare. He’s had four runs this preparation and they have all been solid efforts from him and he hasn’t been beaten far. He steps up in grade today and carries the minimum weight of 56 kilos. He should get every chance to run out the trip from a favourable barrier draw and provided he runs out the trip solidly, he can win this.

Race 9 is the Cally Hotel BM78 Handicap over 2350 metres, my ride here is GLORIOUS SINNDAR (FR) who is trained by Symon Wilde. This nine-year-old gelding by Sinndar runs in the colours of Australian Bloodstock. He had a long layoff and since resuming this preparation with his new trainer finished second when racing first-up in the Edenhope Cup. He ran second-up at Sandown over 2400 metres and the race wasn’t run to suit him. He races third-up today and competes and over a similar distance to last start. He comes into this with the benefit of a recent hurdle trial under his belt and I’m looking forward to seeing how he performs third up this preparation. 

Sandown Preview

Craig rides at Sandown today. The rail is out 6 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated a Heavy 9.
Watch the video preview here:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit. The rail is out 12 metres and the track is rated in the soft range. There has been rain overnight and there is further rain forecast throughout the day so there could be a track downgrade.

Race 1 is the Long Fine Plate over 1300 metres, it’s a maiden race for three-year-olds. My ride here is HIGH FASHION who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This daughter of Animal Kingdom is raced by Kevin Payne. She’s had two race starts and started favourite at her debut when racing on soft ground at Bendigo over 1100 metres where she finished fourth. I had my first ride on her last start at Pakenham over 1200 metres. She was slow out of the barriers but got into a forward position and when the field quickened she was a bit lost and when she did get balanced, had a lot to offer with limited galloping room. I like the fact that she is stepping up in distance and based on her breeding she will appreciate the rain affected conditions. She gave me the feel of a filly that has the ability to win a city maiden of today’s standard.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is ICANTOO (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Per Incanto makes her debut at the races today. I’ve watched replays of her two jumpouts at Flemington and she’s displayed versatility by being ridden back in the field and finishing off, and more recently led her heat and ran away from them comfortably. She’s well educated for her first day at the races and if she runs up to her jumpout efforts and handles the ground, she’ll take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1000 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is LA ZOLA who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This daughter of Written Tycoon is lightly raced having had only eight starts for a record of one win and three placings. I rode her at the end of her last preparation in two race starts before she was sent for a break from training. Two starts ago she contested a strong 3YOF BM78 race at Caulfield where she was ridden off the speed and with limited room in the straight finished off well to be 2.5 lengths from the winner in third placing. At her next start she ran under lights at Moonee Valley over 1000 metres where she finished third behind Ms Catherine, who is now a Group 3 winner. LA ZOLA runs first up today and has jumped-out at Cranbourne recently in preparation for her return to racing. She has raced twice first-up for one second placing and from her four attempts at the distance has placed twice. If she runs up to her best form she will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1300 metres for male horses, my ride here is REBEL RACER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This three-year-old gelding by Rebel Raider has had four starts for a record of one win and a second placing and I’ve ridden him in all four starts. He races first up here and displayed good natural ability last preparation but was also very raw and new to it all. The stable has a good opinion of this galloper as he contested the Group 2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield at the end of his last preparation in what was only his fourth start. I’m hoping that he has learnt a lot from last campaign and looking forward to seeing how he has matured and developed. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing the levels he can reach this preparation.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is GLASSEY MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This daughter of Glass Harmonium has had three starts for one win, with her win coming when she won her maiden on debut at Hamilton last year. She resumed this preparation at Sandown in 3YO BM64 grade over 1300 metres where she finished just over a length from the winner. I then rode her last start at Geelong over 1400 metres against a strong 3YO BM64 field. She was slow away from the barriers and was ridden off the speed at the back of the field, they went extremely slow in running which didn’t make it easy for horses to make ground and she still managed to finished fourth, just over 2.3 lengths from the winner. She gave me the feel of a filly with really nice ability and I’m looking forward to riding her for the second time today. If she’s progressed and come-on again for her third-up run today and appreciates the step up in distance as I expect her to, she will be very hard to beat.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is HIGH ’N’ DRY who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This five-year-old gelding by High Chaparral is lightly raced for his age having had 11 starts for a record of one win and three placings. He had a long period away from racing due to an injury and has returned this preparation with two solid runs over 1400 metres. He is a horse that tends to get back in his races so his wide barrier draw shouldn’t be that much of a disadvantage. If the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to close off from back in the field I expect he can be very competitive. 

Geelong Preview

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

Race 5 is the Rex Gorell Volkswagen BM64 Handicap over 1412 metres, my ride here is FORTUNE ROSE who is trained locally by Jamie Edwards. I’ve ridden this four-year-old mare by Helmet in her two runs this preparation. First-up she ran well enough in a strong F&M BM70 race at Sandown over 1200 metres and was placed really well second-up at Geelong where she stepped up to 1300 metres and dropped back to BM64 grade. She started from a wide barrier at Geelong and was able to settle nicely off a solid tempo and really let down well to win with authority. She will have confidence from her last start win and will be fitter again for her third-up run today. Hopefully she can settle into a nice rhythm against this field as the race looks like it will map differently to her last start. If she races kindly for me and the race is run to suit her she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 6 is the McGrath Real Estate BM70 Handicap over 2418 metres, my ride here is DARK ALLEY who is trained by Paul Preusker. This four-year-old gelding by Lucas Cranach is lightly raced with a record of two wins and a second placing from seven starts. He won his maiden three starts ago at this track over 1700 metres before stepping up to and winning in BM68 grade in Adelaide over 2043 metres. He then contested the Group 2 Adelaide Cup over 3200 metres, finishing fourth and only 6.7 lengths from the winner who was impressive. He comes into this almost seven weeks between runs and there is no doubt that he will have taken good benefit from his Adelaide Cup run exposing him against a competitive field over the two miles. He returns to benchmark grade today and I’m really looking forward to having my first ride on him as he is a developing stayer with a lot of potential that should be too good for this field. It will be interesting to see what path he takes over the Autumn and Winter months and the level he can reach in the Spring.

Race 7 is the Geelong Homes BM70 Handicap over 1212 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This five-year-old mare by Elzaam has been a model of consistency throughout her career with a record of four wins and seven placings from 24 starts. I’ve had three rides on her for a win, second and a third placing with her second and third coming from her past two starts at Sandown. We had no luck at all last start and after being wide throughout, she still had the tenacity to finish just over half a length from the winner. We will start from a wide barrier today and even though she is yet to win at the distance, she has placed three times from six attempts. If we have luck from the tricky barrier draw and she holds her consistent form, I am sure she can return to the winners stall today.

Race 8 is the Bet365 Racing Refunds BM64 Handicap over 1715 metres, my ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This three-year-old gelding by Helmet won his maiden first-up last start when I rode him at Sandown over 1600 metres. He comes into this with confidence from his first up win and I thought his effort was solid as he was able to sit on the speed in a slowly run race and maintain his gallop through the line after being out-sprinted when the field quickened. He was tested in Listed and Group 1 company last Spring so the stable clearly have a good opinion of him and it was pleasing to see him return this preparation in great order. He has a lovely action on him and is an exciting prospect being a lightly raced three-year-old with plenty of upside and should be hard to beat today.

Flemington Preview

Craig rides at Flemington today for the Anzac Day meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated a Good 4.
Watch the video preview here: 

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham. The rail is out five metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com Maiden Plate over 1000 metres, my ride here is SECRET SAUCE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Brazen Beau is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. She had one start as a two-year-old where she finished third in Adelaide before having a break from training, and runs first-up tonight. While I haven’t ridden her, I have watched a replay of her jumpout at Flemington and although her effort didn’t standout to me on face value, her debut performance in Adelaide last preparation in what is proving to be a strong form race certainly did. If she runs up to her exposed race form, she will be too good for this field.

Race 3 is the Nine Mile Fresh Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is THEE ONE (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She’s had four race starts for a record of three seconds and a third placing. I’ve ridden her a lot throughout her career in trials and have always felt that she is a filly capable of achieving black type status. She is still a maiden after four starts but all of her performances have been solid efforts and she hasn’t been beaten far. I rode her for the first time under race conditions last start at Pakenham on a heavy track and felt that she didn’t appreciate the conditions and failed to show her good acceleration in that ground, making her effort to finish second and only 0.3 of a length from the winner even more credible. She is a filly with above average ability who will appreciate racing on a firmer surface tonight and if she holds her form, no doubt she can win this on her way to better races through the Autumn and Winter months. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is out three metres from the 600 to the winning post and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Racing – We’re in this Together 2YO Fillies Maiden over 1000 metres, my ride here is WEGOBAM who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Sebring is raced by the Morrissy family. I’ve watched a replay of her recent jumpout at Flemington where she jumped and led all the way under no pressure and quickened nicely. If she runs up to her impressive jumpout effort in her debut run today, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is The Haymarket F&M Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL who is trained by Colin Little. This three-year-old filly by Toronado has had seven race starts for a record of one second and a third placing. At her last run at the end of her previous preparation she finished second and beat home a subsequent Group 2 winner in Nonconformist. She races here third-up this preparation and stays at the same distance as last start. We will need some luck from the wide barrier and she is a horse that usually races off the speed. On her overall form she should be too good for this field with luck in running.

Race 5 is the Porter Plant BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is JEALICE who is trained by Archie Alexander. This three-year-old filly by Hinchinbrook is raced by Austin Miller. She is a lightly raced filly that comes into this with a race record of one win and two placings from seven starts. Her maiden win came last preparation at Warrnambool over 1400 metres on good ground where she was dominant in her effort to win by an official margin of 2.25 lengths. I rode her when she resumed this campaign at Sandown in a strong 3YO Fillies BM64 over 1300 metres and she put in a solid effort to finish 2.25 lengths from the winner. At her next start she stepped up to 3YO fillies handicap at Caulfield where she was disappointing and beaten by 9 lengths on heavy ground. She returns to racing on a firmer surface today and is racing on her home track which will both be in her favour. If she runs up to her impressive maiden win from last campaign and runs up to her first-up run from this preparation, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 6 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is SUPER GIRL who is trained by Josh Julius. This five-year-old mare by So You Think has had 15 starts for a record of two wins and six placings and is a consistent galloper. Her wins have both been at 2400 metres so this race will be short of her best distance. She races here second up this preparation and first up was beaten by less than a length over 1400 metres at Sandown where she was an eye-catching fifth. She is a mare that seems to get back in her races and isn’t straight forward to ride and tends to hang in under pressure. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and seeing how she performs for me. If we have luck in running and the race is run to suit her, she has the ability to win this on her way to racing over more distance throughout her preparation.

Race 7 is the Sportsbet – The Money Men Podcast BM64 Hcp over 1600 metres, my ride here is NEGASI who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five-year-old gelding by Desert King has had 14 starts for a record of three wins and three minor placings. He raced first up on heavy ground this preparation over 1600 metres and was well beaten but he is a genuine staying type with his three wins all being over 2400 metres. He stays at the same distance as his first up run and returns to racing on a firmer surface and he also has an inside barrier draw in his favour.

Race 8 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is RUSHIN’ RHONDA who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by Kuroshio has had seven starts for a record of one win and three placings. She found form last preparation and raced consistently at her four starts in that campaign. She races here first up this preparation and will start from a low barrier draw. I’ve watched replays of her recent jumpouts and she looks to be going nicely to resume today.

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range. There is rain predicted throughout the day so it will be interesting to see if it arrives and how it alters the racing surface. Today features several races for VOBIS qualified horses only with great prizemoney on offer.

Race 1 is the BM78 Neds Same Race Multi Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is JUMBO OZAKI who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old gelding by Unencumbered has had nine starts for a terrific record of three wins and six placings, he has good ability and has been very well placed in his career and hasn’t missed a top three placing. I’ve been very lucky to partner him twice out of his three runs this preparation after being transferred to Danny’s care. I rode him in his first two runs this campaign for a second at Sandown over 1200 metres and at his next start we won over 1400 metres at Flemington in BM78 grade. His next start saw him compete in BM90 grade at Bendigo and he was beaten by just over two lengths behind Big Night Out to finish second. He comes into this three weeks’ between runs and that timing between his races seems to suit him. He drops back in grade and goes up three kilos in weight from last start and will start from a middle barrier draw. It will be interesting to see how the track walks pre-race as the last couple of meetings it has been hard to make ground away from the running rail. He has a versatile racing and training pattern and I have confidence that he can be ridden effectively close to, or off the speed. This is a very competitive field but he is a talented and consistent horse in his right grade and is clearly the horse they all have to beat.

Race 2 is the Blue Gum Farm VOBIS Gold Distaff over 1400 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 is by Purrealist. I’ve ridden her before with success and in February of last year we were successful at Flemington over 1600 metres in fillies and mares grade, before going on to place at Group 3 level. She raced over an unsuitable distance first-up this preparation and last start I rode her to finish fourth in the VOBIS Gold Bracelet at Bendigo. She will get every possible chance to run her best race today from a low barrier draw, but she is badly treated under the weight scale and penalty conditions of this race, so she will need to at her best to overcome that.

Race 3 is the Spendthrift Australia VOBIS Gold Sprint over 1200 metres, my ride here is MISS VIXEN who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This five-year-old mare by Foxwedge has had 23 starts for a record of four wins and seven placings and finished second in this race last year. After finishing second in last year’s edition of this race, I then rode her at her next start to finish second in fillies and mares Group 3 company in Adelaide. She races here second up this preparation and has the blinkers going on for the first time. She has drawn a favourable barrier draw and comes into this race carrying 55 kilos and no weight penalties. This is an extremely strong field with the top two horses being consistent and competitive at the highest group level. On her best form Miss Vixen can be thereabouts against this strong field.

Race 4 is the Surewise VOBIS Gold Heath over 2000 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced for his age having had seven starts for a record of two wins and a second placing. He’s had four starts this preparation and two starts ago won at Sandown over 1600 metres and last start he finished second at Sandown over the mile. He steps up to the 2000 metres for the first time and will start from a wide barrier draw. The set weight and penalty conditions of this race are against him with his rating of 66, but he is racing in consistent form and I expect he will acquit himself well today, provided we have some luck from the barrier draw.

Race 5 is the IRT VOBIS Gold Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is ICONOCLASM who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old entire by Toorak Toff is raced by Rosemont Stud & Fern Vale Farm. I won the sprint race on him last year when he was having his first run for his new trainer. He’s had two runs this preparation both in Listed grade and last start he finished second over the mile at Bendigo. He seems to have a good affinity with this track as from his five runs at the course has only missed a top three placing on two occasions and has the same statistics at the distance. I rode him first-up this preparation at Flemington over 1400 metres where he was slow away from the barriers and didn’t run up to his best on that occasion. Second-up, he stepped up to the mile and showed good speed from the barriers and put in a good effort to finish 1.75 lengths from the winner in second placing. He is a bold front running horse who usually makes his own luck and will take a lot of beating here today.

Race 6 is The Showdown for two-year-old’s over 1200 metres, my ride here is CHROME ANGEL who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This daughter of Street Boss is raced by Hesket Bloodstock. She’s had one start where she was dominant when winning over 1000 metres at Bendigo on soft ground. I expect she will have taken natural improvement and confidence from that win coming into this race. She has drawn a wide barrier, but if we have some luck in running she will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Listed Neds Bel Esprit Stakes over 1100 metres, my ride here is FROM WITHIN who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Not a Single Doubt is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock & Raffles Thoroughbred Racing. Her recent racing has been in QLD under the care of Toby & Trent Edmonds and this will be her first start for her new trainer. Her recent jumpout at Flemington in preparation for her first-up run looked solid and she has only missed a top three placing once from four attempts when racing fresh. She is a course and distance winner with all of her winning form on good and soft tracks. We will start from a wide barrier and will need some luck in the early stages to take up a forward position as she usually races on-speed. If she doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages and she runs up to her best form, she will take a lot of beating.

Race 8 is Avenel Equine Hospital VOBIS Gold Dash over 1100 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is KNOWLES who is trained by Jason Warren. This daughter of Starspangledbanner is raced by Rosemont Stud. She’s an imposing filly in stature who looks to have a good amount of natural ability. From her eight career starts she has a consistent record of two wins and three placings. She won first up this preparation at Ballarat over 1000 metres in 3YF BM64 grade. Second up she raced at the course and distance and defied the track pattern on the day to finish second and was gallant in defeat after starting from a wide barrier draw. She will start from a more favourable barrier today and if we can take advantage of the draw, she will be very competitive against this strong field. 

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham. The rail is out two metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is HIGH FASHION who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This filly by Animal Kingdom is raced by Kevin Payne. She started favourite in her only race start which was at Bendigo last Tuesday where she was beaten by just over three lengths. I felt after watching her replay that she will have taken a lot from that experience and will appreciate the slight step up in distance today. If she’s come on from her first-up run she will be hard to beat in this.

Race 3 is the Ultrasigns Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is PRINCESS KEZ who is trained by my brother Damien Williams. This five-year-old mare by Danerich is lightly raced for her age as she’s only had three race starts, with two of those being this preparation. I rode her last start at this course over 1200 metres and she steps up an extra 200 metres in distance tonight. I felt she handled the soft track conditions really well last start when we finished less than four lengths from the winner. The step up in distance will be to her advantage and she will be fitter for her recent racing. This is a very strong maiden field and I’m looking forward to seeing how much she’s come on from last start and how well she competes against this competitive field.

Race 4 is the Wise Choice Catering Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is CHOOKSTER who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Brazen Beau has had three starts, with two of those being in this preparation. I had my first ride on him last start at Sandown and even though we finished third last, the run was much better than it looks on paper. He steps up in distance to the mile for the first time which should be of benefit to him and will start from the inside barrier draw. He looks well placed here and will be one of the main chances.

Race 5 is the Gippsland Premium Quarries Class 1 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is NOVEMBER DREAMING who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Tavistock is lightly raced having had six race starts and hasn’t missed a top three position, with a record of one win and five placings. I had my first ride on her last start at this course over 1200 metres where she was racing first-up for this preparation. She ran really well in the heavy track conditions to finish second to Final Man, who has franked the form by winning again at Sandown on Monday. She steps up sharply in distance second-up this evening and raced very kindly for me last start over the 1200, with Danny O’Brien reiterating his instructions that it was important that she settled for me, as it was his plan to step her up in distance at her second-up run. If she races kindly for me again and runs up to her form from last start, she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 7 is the GG Engineering BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres for colts, entire and geldings, my ride here is BY A WHISKER who is trained the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This three-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock is a full brother to Catchy, who I won the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes on. I’ve had one ride on him which was when he won his maiden two starts ago at Sandown over 1300 metres. He was able to settle on-speed and controlled the race from the front and just held on to get the win. He finished last at his next start over 1400 metres and is dropping back in distance this evening. He comes into this race five weeks’ between runs and it will be interesting to see how he performs after his freshen-up with the drop back in distance. 

Geelong Preview

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

Race 1 is the bet365 Odds Drift Protector 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is KUKERACHA (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This colt by Night of Thunder is raced by Neville Morgan. He’s having his first race start today, as are the majority of his opposition in this field. I haven’t ridden him before but I have watched a replay of his recent jumpout at Flemington where he looked to go nicely. If he reproduces his jumpout effort under raceday conditions and pressure he will make his presence felt.

Race 3 is the Bendigo Bank Maiden Plate over 1700 metres, my ride here is THE MOCKINGBIRD who is trained by Symon Wilde. This three-year-old filly by Dissident has had six starts for a record of a second and three third placings. She is a filly that always jumps slowly from the barriers and closes out her races strongly. She races here fourth up this preparation and is stepping up slightly in distance from last start where she finished fourth and only a length from the winner over 1600 metres at Sandown. She has exposed form on good and soft tracks so the going today won’t be a worry for her. My job will be to make sure she jumps on terms with the field and is travelling in her comfort zone before asking her for an effort. She looks well placed to win her maiden here and will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 5 is the APCO Service Stations 3YO BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GLASSEY MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This daughter of Glass Harmonium has had two starts and is showing good promise as a lightly raced filly. She won impressively on debut at Hamilton in October of last year over 1100 metres and was then sent for a spell. She resumed at Sandown earlier this month over 1300 metres in 3YO BM64 grade, finishing sixth and 1.35 lengths from the winner against a strong field. She looks to have come back in good order and will have benefited from the experience gained in her first up run where she had to go inside of runners, compared to her debut where she went to the outside. If we have some luck from the wide barrier draw she can be competitive here and she looks to be one of the main chances against this strong field. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her as she looks to be a progressive filly with plenty of upside.

Race 6 is the BM64 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is MONAAFASAH (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old imported mare by Cape Cross is raced by Go Racing and partners. She’s had five starts for a record of one win and a third placing, with both of those being when she raced in Europe. She’s had two starts since arriving in Australia and was beaten by an official margin of 5.55 lengths at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres in F&M BM70 grade in her first-up run. She then stepped up in distance to 2060 metres at Cranbourne in BM70 grade and finished 8.5 lengths from the winner on soft ground. She drops back in grade, is stepping up in distance and will start from a middle barrier draw today. I’m looking forward to seeing an improved performance from her third-up with the step up in distance to her advantage as she won her maiden over 2300 metres.

Race 8 is the Shojun Concrete BM64 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is FORTUNE ROSE who is trained locally by Jamie Edwards. This four-year-old mare by Helmet has a racing record of three wins and three placings from 16 starts. I rode her first up this preparation when she resumed at Sandown in F&M BM70 grade over 1200 metres. She was slow out of the barriers and was solid in her effort to be just over four lengths from the winner. She races here second-up and has won once from two attempts when racing second-up. She should appreciate today’s track conditions and has winning form over this distance range. She will start from a wider barrier draw and if the track is racing fairly and evenly and she can find a nice rhythm, she will be one of the main contenders in this. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Long Fine Maiden Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is DEEP BREATH who is trained by Greg Eurell. This three-year-old gelding by Choisir has had seven starts for a record of two seconds and a third placing. He races here sixth up this preparation and stays at the same course and distance as his last start. If we have luck from the outside barrier draw his form is good enough to be winning his maiden today.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 1200 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is MASSEUSE who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This daughter of Rubick is raced by Halo Racing Services and partners. She’s a very consistent filly that has been placed in all three of her runs, including two seconds and a third placing. I rode her two starts ago in Listed grade at Caulfield over 1000 metres where we finished second. At her next start she contested the VOBIS Gold Rush at Bendigo over 1000 metres and finished off strongly into third placing. She now steps up to the 1200 metres for the first time and carries the top weight of 61 kilos, which is only 3 kilos above the minimum. On her best form and with luck in running she will be winning this.

Race 3 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is VICI who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Kevin Payne. He’s had eight starts for two wins and a third placing and races here first up this preparation. From his three attempts when racing fresh he has won once, and he’s won once from four attempts at this distance range. He jumped-out at Cranbourne recently and looked to go extremely well in preparation for his return to racing. This is a high-quality field of three-year-olds and this race will stand him in good stead for his Autumn targets.

Race 4 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is REFLECT THE STARS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old daughter of Starspangledbanner is raced by Rosemont Stud and Nigel Austin. She’s been racing very consistently of late and comes into this with a racing record of two wins and six minor placings from 15 starts. Four starts ago she won over 2000 metres at Warrnambool, her next three starts have all been over 2400 metres and she’s been very competitive in city grade. I rode her two starts ago at Caulfield where she put in a gallant effort to finish second by an official margin of 0.3 length. She is an extremely fit mare who is dropping back in distance today and on her recent and consistent form is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is MOUNTAIN BREATH (GB) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported mare by Bated Breath is raced by Vinery Stud. Her last two starts have been over this distance and at this course, on the Hillside and Lakeside circuits. I rode her last start in BM70 grade where she carried 59.5 kilos, she steps up in grade today and drops in weight to the minimum of 56 kilos and will start from an inside barrier. This is a very competitive field but I expect she will appreciate the drop-in weight and favourable barrier draw and she looks to be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Multi Builder Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. I’ve had two rides on this five-year-old mare by Elzaam for a win and second placing, with both being at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. Our second placing came last start where she settled outside the leader and was beaten by three-quarters of a length by a promising horse in Open Minded. We will start from a wide barrier draw again today and there looks to be a lot of pressure on paper, so it will be interesting to see where she settles in running. We will know how the track is playing by her race and if there is any track pattern or bias. She is a mare in good form and can make her presence felt again today. 

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield for the Easter meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. The weather forecast for today may impact the way races are run and won, with strong wind and showers predicted throughout the day. Caulfield is an unusual track that can really be affected by the direction of the wind, so that is something I will have to be mindful of over the course of the meeting.

Race 1 is the Take It To The Neds Level Handicap over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is D’ARBANVILLE who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This filly by All Too Hard is raced by Murray Thoroughbreds. She’s had three starts for a win and third placing and I’ve ridden her at her past two starts. Her only unplaced run was on soft ground at Flemington in Group 3 level where she finished fifth, two starts ago. I rode her in that race and she settled on-speed and wanted to get the race over and done with too quickly and got tired late. She then dropped back in grade at her next start, winning a two-year-old fillies handicap at Sandown over 1300 metres. She was ridden off speed and was dominant in her winning effort. She drops back slightly in distance today and hopefully there is enough speed and pressure in this race so she can settle and relax through the early stages, and show her great turn of foot. If the track conditions and race is run to suit her, she can win this.

Race 2 is the BM90 Neds Same Race Multi Handicap over 1100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ACTING (NZ) who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This three-year-old daughter of Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She’s had eight race starts for three wins and last Spring won the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield, before contesting the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, where I had my first ride on her, finishing fifth and just under three lengths from the winner. She’s had three runs this preparation at Group 3, Group 2 and Group 1 level respectively. Last start she contested the Coolmore Classic over 1500 metres in Sydney against the older mares and was well beaten on a heavy 9 surface. It was reported that she pulled up with two shifted plates post-race and sustained a puncture wound to the sole of her foot in the process. She’s had a nice gap between runs and is dropping back in distance from last start. On her best form she will be one of the main chances in this.

Race 3 is the Neds Extra Head Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is HIGHLAND JAKK (NZ) who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This promising three-year-old gelding by Jakkalberry is lightly raced having had four starts for a record of one win and three third placings. He had four runs last preparation, winning his maiden impressively over 2000 metres at Seymour before stepping up to 3YO Listed grade over 1800 metres at Flemington, where I had my first ride on him to finish third. He had the blinkers added to his head gear for the first time when I rode him and we finished just over a length behind Pancho, with the very promising Russian Camelot finishing second. He gave me a really good feel at Flemington and I’ve been waiting for him to resume this preparation as he is a lovely staying type of galloper. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing how he has matured and developed from last preparation and he has the ability to make his presence felt today.

Race 4 is the BM78 Neds Toolbox Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is REDCORE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This five-year-old gelding by Choisir runs in the colours of Lionel Krongold. These colours were made famous in 1992 with Soho Square winning the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap. I’ve ridden Redcore twice throughout his career and won on him over 1000 metres at Sandown in February of last year. He trialled officially at Cranbourne before resuming this preparation and was really impressive in his effort with no blinkers on. He resumed this campaign at Bendigo over 1100 metres and after settling on-speed was beaten by just under three lengths. Even though he is yet to win when racing second up, I feel he will have taken natural fitness benefit from his first up run coming into this. If we have luck in running and he runs up to his best form, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he won this.

Race 5 is the Neds Galilee Series Final over 2400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is BELLX who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. I had my first ride on this daughter of Rock Hero last start at Bendigo in the 3YO handicap over 2200 metres which was a lead-up race for today’s assignment. She put in a pleasing effort to finish fourth and just under a length from the winner. Having ridden her before gives me a good insight into her and I feel that she will only continue to improve with racing and age. I know she will be able to run out the distance strongly, and the only unknown with her will be the ground if it deteriorates by her race. On her recent and consistent form, she should make her presence felt.

Race 6 is the Neds Bet Back Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is VASSILATOR (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This four-year-old gelding by Zacinto has had 18 starts for a record of two wins and two minor placings. Even though he hasn’t got the best strike rate he has been competing at the top level and as a three-year-old finished second to The Autumn Sun in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, so on his day he has produced some very good form. He races here first up this preparation and has the blinkers removed from his head gear. Even though I haven’t ridden him on raceday, I have ridden him in jumpouts sometime ago and liked the feel he gave me. I have watched replays of his two recent Caulfield jumpouts and thought the he looked impressive in his first jumpout with no pressure applied, and at his second effort he looked to go nicely behind some fast horses over 800 metres. He will start from a wide barrier draw today and is a horse that usually settles back in the field. If the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to run-on from back in the field, he will be finishing off strongly.

Race 7 is the Group 3 Le Pine Funerals Easter Cup over 2000 metres, my ride here is STAR MISSILE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This four-year-old gelding by Smart Missile is raced by Hancox Racing. I rode him here last Saturday in BM90 grade over 2000 metres and he is stepping up to Group 3 company today. Last week he did an extremely good job to come from well back in the field on heavy ground to finish third, only 1.5 lengths from the winner. If he brings his form from last week and the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to make ground, I expect him to be one of the main contenders in this Group 3 feature.

Race 8 is the Group 3 Elvis Thurgood 40th Anniversary Cup over 1400 metres, my ride here is CARZOFF (FR) who is trained by Chris Waller. This seven-year-old gelding by Zoffany has had 32 starts for a consistent career record of six wins and ten minor placings, winning over $600,000 in prizemoney. Even though his winning form is over 1800 to 2300 metres, he has run extremely well over 1400 metres and also runs well fresh. He races here first up today and from the wide barrier draw I expect he will settle off-speed, which might make it hard for him depending on how the track is racing and how much pressure there ends up being. He handles all racing surfaces and if the race is run to suit him, he can be very competitive in this.

Race 9 is the Neds Price Boost Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is KAONIC (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old gelding by Savabeel runs in the Morgan family colours. He comes into this with a race record of five wins and two placings from 20 starts and has competed at the highest level throughout his career. I rode him earlier this year in jumpouts at Flemington while he was gaining fitness and I’m looking forward to seeing him at the races for his first-up run. While he has done most of his racing in New South Wales, he has raced twice previously in Victoria with winning form at Flemington. He has drawn a wide barrier so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race, but he is a horse that usually gets back in the early stages. From his five first up efforts he has recorded one win and a third placing. He has winning form on soft ground but is unplaced from four attempts in heavy conditions. On his best form he will be one of the main chances in this.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Easter.