Royal Randwick Preview

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

Bendigo Preview

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

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

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

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

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

Ballarat Preview

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Randwick

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

Sandown Preview

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

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

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

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

Rosehill Gardens Preview

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

Pakenham Preview

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

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

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

Sandown Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosehill Gardens Preview

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

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham for the night meeting. The rail is out 2 metres from the 1000m to the 400m and in the true position for the remainder with the track rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Watch Live on Sportsbet 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is PATTON who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This colt by American Pharoah is raced by Spendthrift Australia. He is making his debut this evening and I’ve ridden him in recent jumpouts in preparation for his debut. I’ve been really impressed by his attitude, style, and most importantly his performances. He has been very professional every time I have ridden him and if he brings that to the races he will take a lot of beating in this. He will start from a low barrier draw that will give him an economical run in transit. The only query with him might be the soft track conditions as I’ve only ridden him on firmer surfaces where he’s given me a good feel.

Race 2 is the OBrien Real Estate Foundation 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is MORE SECRETS who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This daughter of More Than Ready is having her first race start this evening. I’ve ridden her in a recent jumpout where I was very pleased with her effort but also felt that she will further benefit with the experience of racing. She showed nice speed from the barriers in her jumpout and was a little bit keen at times but felt solid. If she handles the exposure to raceday conditions and pressure for the first time and runs up to the feel she has given me, she will be highly competitive and hard to beat in this.

Race 3 is the Lia Spencer SGE 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. My ride here is SANTADEAL who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This three-year-old gelding by Dundeel is raced by Orbis Bloodstock. He is making his debut this evening and has been very well educated in official trials and jumpouts in both Sydney and Melbourne. He will start from an inside barrier and is racing over 1400 metres, which gives the indication that the stable feel he will develop into a staying type of galloper. This will be my first time riding him and if he runs up to his recent jumpouts I expect he will be right in this at the finish.

Race 6 is the Mathew Boore Takes On Sportsbet Class 1 Hcp over 1400 metres. My ride here is PLUCKY PIROUETTE who is trained by Caroline Jennings. This three-year-old filly by Brazen Beau runs in the colours of Kennedy Racing. She’s had 10 starts for a record of one win and three placings. Her win came last preparation at this track over 1600 metres on soft ground. I had my first ride on her at the end of her last preparation at Flemington where she finished fourth over 1700 metres in 3&4-year-old BM70 grade. I’m looking forward to seeing how she has matured from the last time I saw her and how she presents for her first-up run. She will start from a wide barrier draw and is a horse that usually makes her own luck by racing close to the speed. I will have a good understanding of how the track is playing by her race. If she returns in good order and runs up to her best form she will take a lot of running down. 

Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown for the twilight meeting. The rail is out 9 metres on the Lakeside circuit and after the recent rain, the track is rated in the soft range with further rain forecast throughout the afternoon.

Race 1 is the Ladbroke It Plate over 1200 metres for maidens. My ride here is MIRACLE DAY who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This three-year-old gelding by Street Boss is raced by Leo To. He’s had three race starts for a second placing which came in his debut run. I rode him in trackwork and jumpouts before his debut run and really liked the feel he gave me, however I was unable to ride him when he debuted at Geelong to finish second. I rode him at his next start where he bucked coming out of the gates which was very surprising as he is such a professional and straightforward horse. His effort to finish only 5.3 lengths from the winner was very good considering the way he left the gates. After having a spell, he had one run last preparation at Cranbourne where he wanted to hang out around the tight turning track to finish fourth and 2.3 lengths from the winner. He resumes here in his first run as a three-year-old and has had multiple jumpouts to prepare him for his return to the races. I’m looking forward to riding him again and the inside barrier draw will give him every opportunity to run up to his potential.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1300 metres for two-year-old fillies. My ride here is CHARITY SPIRIT who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This daughter of Cable Bay is also raced by Leo To. She is having her first race start today and has been well educated in jumpouts and has the benefit of a recent official trial at Cranbourne to have her ready for her debut. This is almost a full field of gallopers and looks to be of good quality with most of the runners having exposed race form. She will start from a wide barrier draw and wears the nose roll on her head gear. It will be good to see how she presents pre-race and handles the exposure to raceday pressure and conditions for the first time.

Race 3 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Split Multi Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old gelding by Helmet has had 16 starts for a record of two wins and four placings, and I’ve ridden him in both of his wins with one of those being at this course and distance. He races here fifth-up this preparation and was narrowly beaten last start at Wangaratta where he finished second to Fontein Diamond, who has franked the form by winning the County Mile series final at Moonee Valley last start. If Translator runs up to his best form he will take a lot of beating in this as he is a horse that I have always had a lot of time for.

Race 5 is the BM64 The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old fillies. My ride here is LITTLE MISS GUTSAA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This daughter of So You Think has had four starts for two placings and is still a maiden galloper. I had my first ride on her last start at Ballarat where she had the blinkers on for the first time. She jumped well and went forward to control the race but was vulnerable over the concluding stages. I rode her very positively last start and felt that the 1500 metres was just a bit too far at this stage of her career. I like the fact that she is dropping back in distance today and she should be able to make her presence felt in this BM64 race.

Race 6 is the BM64 Tile Importer Handicap over 2100 metres. My ride here is RIPPA CHOICE who is trained by Sarah Zschoke. This six-year-old gelding by Delightful Choice is lightly raced for his age having had 14 starts for a record of one win and four placings. His win came in April of last year and one of his second placings came last start at the same course and distance of this race. He is racing on a seven day turn around and this will be his second start with the blinkers off. His run style is usually to settle in the second half of the field so he will need the race run to suit him with speed-on and the track to be racing evenly allowing horses to make ground. If things go his way this is an achievable race to give him his well-deserved second win.

Race 7 is the BM70 IVE > Print Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is JOHANDOUGH who is trained by Thomas Carberry. This four-year-old mare by Turffontein is lightly raced with a record of 17 starts for two wins and eight placings. She had been racing really consistently without a win for some time until last start, when I was able to win her second race on her when she returned after a nine-week let up. I’ve got no doubt that her last start win will give her so much confidence leading into this race. She is a tricky mare to ride and can get herself very worked up pre-race but she seems to be a lot more settled after some changes to her head gear. She is a mare I know well now having ridden her in her past three runs. If she runs up to her dominant effort of last start she can win again today. 

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Pakenham Preview

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

Race 1 is the Watch Live on Sportsbet 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. My ride here is PITCHANUN (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Savabeel is raced by Robert Anderson. She is lightly raced having had just two starts and made her debut last year before being sent for a break from training. I rode her when she resumed this preparation over 1200 metres at this course two weeks’ ago. She went forward and in a slowly run race was able to settle on-speed but was outsprinted, before doing her best work over the concluding stages. The step up in distance and natural fitness improvement will both be in her favour and if we have luck in running from an outside barrier she will take a lot of beating in this. I really liked the way she found the line last start and that the best part of her race was through the line.

Race 6 is the Declan Murphy Takes On Sportsbet BM70 Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is COCHADA who is trained by Alexander Rae. This six-year-old gelding by Von Costa de Hero is lightly raced for his age having had seven starts for a record of two wins and three minor placings. He is a horse that I have a lot of time for and I did all of the early work and racing on him and he has always shown above average ability. I have ridden him in all but one of his race starts with the highlight being winning the final of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final at Flemington over the Carnival in 2018. He had two unplaced runs in 2019 and this will be his first run since September 2019. He has the cross-over noseband removed from his head gear for his first-up run. If he can recapture his earlier form then he will be too good for this field, but he has had a long time away from the races. I’m really looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race and riding him again.

Race 8 is the First Light Racing Class 1 Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is PORT ROYAL who is trained by Alexander Rae. This five-year-old gelding by Captain Gerrard has a race record of one win and three third placings from seven starts. I rode him in a Listed race at Flemington when he was having only his third start and we finished 5.25 lengths behind Vow And Declare over 1800 metres in 2018. He had three runs which included winning his maiden in 2019 and resumed again last start after a long layoff at Cranbourne over 1300 metres. He settled last in his first-up run but closed the race off really well to finish fourth and only two lengths from the winner. He races here second-up and is racing over the same distance that saw him win his maiden. If he holds his first-up form or has improved, then he will take a lot of beating in this. 

Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown for the twilight meeting. The rail is out six metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the BM70 IVE > Print Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is MOSTLY SUNNY who is trained by Patrick Caboche. This four-year-old mare by Akeed Mofeed is lightly raced having had 14 starts for a record of two wins and six placings. She is racing first-up today and has placed once from two attempts when racing fresh. From her four runs at the distance she has placed three times. I’ve had two rides on her, both at the end of her last preparation and it’s good to have had experience on her as she can move about a little bit in running and be a bit tricky. She has also been ridden effectively both on and off speed, so first up today from an outside barrier draw gives her options depending on how the track is racing. There looks to be a good amount of pressure on paper and in this small field I expect she can make her presence felt.

Race 4 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Split Multi Handicap over 1400 metres. My ride here is SONAREE who is trained by Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes. This seven-year-old gelding by So You Think runs in the Woods family colours. He’s had 26 starts for a record of five wins and eight second placings. He is a horse that makes his own luck by racing on-speed and is racing third-up today. He is racing up in grade from last start but carries less weight to offset the class rise. This is a small but highly competitive field and if he runs up to his best form he will take a lot of running down.

Race 7 is the BM64 Tile Importer Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is INKSLINGER who is trained by Brian McGrath. This five-year-old gelding by Akeed Mofeed has had 24 starts for a record of two wins and eight placings. He is deep into his racing preparation and has been racing consistently at this level. He has the blinkers added to his head gear for the first time today and if they have the desired outcome he can make his presence felt.

Race 8 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Blended Multi Handicap over 2100 metres. My ride here is SWELTER MAGIC (NZ) who is trained by Kevin Corstens. This three-year-old filly by Ghibellines has had six starts for two wins. Two starts ago she won a BM58 at Stony Creek over this distance against the older horses with 61 kilos. She then travelled to Tasmania to run in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks against her own age and sex where she finished fourth, seven lengths from the winner. She is dropping back to BM64 grade today and is racing over the same distance of 2100 metres as her last two starts. She normally makes all the running and races on-speed, but there does look to be more pressure on paper today. If she doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages she will be in this for a long way. 

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown for the twilight meeting. The rail is out three metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Switch Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-olds. My ride here is ENGAGE who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This three-year-old filly by So You Think is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. She is making her raceday debut today and I’ve ridden her in two jumpouts in preparation for today. The first time I rode her in a jumpout was at Flemington and I rode her again last Friday at Werribee. She is a filly with good natural speed and has been very well educated by the stable. If she brings her jumpout form to the races she will make her presence felt against this small field.

Race 3 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Hcp over 2400 metres. My ride here is BEAU BALMAIN (GER) who is trained by Jim Conlan. This imported galloper by It’s Gino (GER) has had 23 starts for a record of three wins and six minor placings. When he first arrived in Australia he was tested at stakes level and produced some good runs without winning. His only win in Australia has been over the jumps where he won his maiden hurdle at Ballarat over 3400 metres at the end of his last preparation. He’s had two runs this campaign and is stepping up to 2400 metres today. He is racing up in grade from last start and drops in weight to the minimum of 54 kilos. No doubt he will be on a path towards targeting jumps racing again this season as he seems to be talented over the hurdles.

Race 4 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is PALE KING (FR) who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This four-year-old imported gelding by Dabirsim (FR) is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. He’s had two starts and is undefeated in his career. He made his debut in England on the synthetic at Lingfield over 2400 metres where he was impressive in winning. He made his Australian debut in BM64 grade at Kembla Grange over 1600 metres in October of last year where he won by an official margin of 0.2 of a length. I rode him in a jumpout on Friday in preparation for his return to the races and it was good to have a sit on him prior to raceday. He will start from a wide barrier in this small field and is a horse that will naturally be better over further distances than the mile of today, but he certainly looks to be an exciting horse with a good future. If he runs up to the feel he gave me in his jumpout he should be able to remain unbeaten.

Race 5 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1300 metres. My ride here is CELESTIAL SOL who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old colt by Fighting Sun has had eight starts for a record of one win and two minor placings and races first-up today. I know this horse really well as I rode him in his last four starts at the end of that preparation where he competed in Group and Listed company and I was impressed with his performances. He races first-up today and drops back in grade to Class 1 company. This looks to be a nice, winnable race for him and I’m looking forward to seeing how he has matured from last campaign. If he returns and runs up to his best form, he is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 6 is the BM64 Tile Importer Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old fillies. My ride here is LADY DEVEREAUX who is trained by Clinton McDonald. This daughter of Pierro is raced by Dominic Romanelli and partners. She’s had four starts for one win which came in Maiden grade at Mornington last preparation over 1500 metres on heavy ground. She is a filly that the stable must have a high opinion of as she was tested in Group 2 company at the end of her last preparation in the Spring where she ran in the Wakeful Stakes. She runs first-up today and her recent jumpout in preparation for her return looked to be a solid effort. She is a horse that gets back in the field, so will need the race run to suit her racing style and the track to race accordingly. I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race and having my first ride on her.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Hcp over 1400 metres. My ride here is FARETTI who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible has had 10 starts for a record of two wins and two third placings. He’s done most of his racing in Sydney but resumed this campaign in Melbourne. He’s had two runs this preparation in Melbourne, finishing unplaced and just over 3.5 lengths from the winner over 1200 metres at this course first-up, before winning last start in BM64 grade at Sandown on the Hillside track over 1300 metres where he looked good in his effort. He will have taken a good amount of confidence from his last start win and will be at peak fitness third-up. He is a horse in-form that makes his own luck by racing on-speed and he will take a lot of beating in this. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is in the true position and after recent rain the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the PipePro Directional Drilling Two-Years-Old Fillies Maiden Plate over 1100 metres, my ride here is BELLE SAVOIR who is trained by Nick Ryan. This daughter of Not a Single Doubt is raced by the Saunders family. This will be my first time riding her but I’ve seen two of her jumpouts at Caulfield where she looked very professional on the course proper. It gives me confidence that her dam, Rathsallagh, was placed on soft and heavy ground throughout her successful career which included her running second in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks in 2008. She will start from a wide barrier however the field size has been reduced due to scratchings, and at this course and distance there is a long run in to the turn, so it’s not too much of a disadvantage. If she brings her professional attitude to the races and runs up to her jumpout efforts she can win this.

Race 4 is the Cervus Equipment Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1500 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is LITTLE MISS GUTSAA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This filly by So You Think has had three starts for two placings. She made her debut as a two-year-old with an unplaced effort at Bendigo. She returned as a three-year-old and after starting from an outside barrier over 1200 metres at put in a solid effort after being ridden back in the field to finish third at Kilmore. At her next start at Pakenham over 1400 metres she sat outside the leader to finish second, less than two lengths from the winner. She will start from a favourable barrier today and steps up slightly in distance from last start. If she continues her consistent form this preparation she will be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the Hygain Winners Choice Class 1 Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is JOHANDOUGH who is trained by Thomas Carberry. This four-year-old mare by Turffontein has had 16 starts for a record of one win and eight placings. She races first up here and from her four attempts racing fresh has placed twice. The conditions of this race are favourable to her overall profile and she looks well placed racing on her home track. I had my first rides on her at the end of her last preparation where she finished second on both occasions at Sandown in BM64 and F&M BM70 grade. She has a versatile racing pattern and is able to settle in a forward position or be ridden back in the field. I’m looking forward to her resuming today, she is a very quirky mare pre-race so it will be interesting to see if she has matured mentally and how she returns this campaign. On her best form she clearly has the ability to win this. 

Flemington Preview

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

Cranbourne Preview

This evening I’m riding at Cranbourne for the night meeting. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 5 is the TAB Long May We Play BM64 Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is WINSUM who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This three-year-old gelding by Wandjina has had three starts and I’ve ridden him in all of those. He made his debut in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude as a two-year-old where he finished unplaced but only three lengths from the winner. He raced greenly on debut and subsequently pulled up shin sore and was sent for a break from training. He returned in November of last year and was successful at tonight’s course and distance in maiden grade. He raced greenly throughout but had too much class going on to win impressively by two lengths. We then went to Caulfield on December 16^th for a Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres and finished second to Impecunious (NZ). He did a few things wrong again at Caulfield and I was disappointed in his racing manners and the outcome, even though he finished second, as we have a high opinion of him. He has since been spelled and gelded and this will be his first run for the preparation and as a gelding. I rode him on Monday and was pleased with the feel he gave me and his attitude. He is a horse with a plenty of upside that I have a lot of time for and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t win, or go very close to winning this evening. 

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham for the night meeting. The rail is out six metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the Superior Food Services Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is PITCHANUN (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Savabeel is raced by Robert Anderson. She is lightly raced having had one start which was in October of last year where she finished fourth and less than five lengths from the winner. She is resuming this evening and I’ve ridden her in her most recent jumpout at Flemington on the course proper in preparation for her return to the races. I felt she jumped-out very well and if she brings that form to the races she will be very competitive in this maiden. 

Sandown Preview

This afternoon I’m riding at Sandown for the twilight meeting. The rail is in the true position on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is MONTANA FLASH who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This colt by Star Turn is raced by Rupert Legh and partners. He’s had three lifetime starts in Sydney and this will be his first run in Victoria. He has been competing in strong form races in Sydney and comes into this at peak fitness having had two runs this campaign. If he runs up to his recent form he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 4 is the BM64 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is BIANCONI MAGIC who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This five-year-old gelding by Bianconi has had 22 starts for a record of four wins and five placings. I rode him last start at Sandown on the Hillside track where we finished unplaced but only three lengths from the winner over 1300 metres in the same grade of race, and he drops half-a-kilo in weight from that run. He’s had five runs at this distance for three wins, so this is definitely his most preferred racing distance. There looks to be a good amount of speed on paper and when racing on the Lakeside track it can be hard to make ground, which would be a disadvantage to his run style in this race from his wide barrier draw. If horses are able to close off and make ground from back in the field today, then he has the ability to win this.

Race 7 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is RULE THE WORLD who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by Hallowed Crown is raced by Gooree Stud. He is lightly raced and has a consistent record of four wins and two placings from 11 starts. I’ve had two rides on him, winning at Caulfield in BM78 grade over 1400 metres in January in what has proven to be a strong form race. He’s had three subsequent runs since that win and I rode him again last start at Flemington over 1600 metres where he started from a wide barrier and after settling back in the field produced a solid effort to finish third and less than a length from the winner. He will start from a wide barrier again today and provided the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to make ground, and he runs up to his consistent form, he will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is the BM78 MRC Members Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is BARBIE’S FOX who is trained by Louise Bonella. This four-year-old mare by Foxwedge is lightly raced having had 14 starts for a record of two wins and four placings. She won first-up last preparation and in doing so beat horses that went on to be very competitive at stakes level. She races here fourth-up this preparation and is racing at the same distance as her past two runs. She is a horse that appreciates give in the tracks, with her wins being on soft and heavy ground, but she has placed on tracks rated as good. She has been racing really consistently of late and if she holds that form she will be very competitive today if the race is run to suit her racing pattern of settling back in the field. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is out two metres from the 1600 to the 800m and eight metres for the remainder, with the track rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Happy Birthday Macey 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1100 metres, my ride here is GLITTER ‘N’ GOLD who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This daughter of Choisir is raced by Rosemont Stud and partners. She’s had one official trial at Cranbourne in preparation for her raceday debut where she was ridden back in the field and stayed on nicely. I rode her in a recent jumpout on the course proper at Flemington from the 2000 metres around to the 1200, it was a beautiful surface but it can be hard to get a guide on horses as there is no designated finishing post and most horses get a bit lost being out wide on the course proper. I liked the way she felt in her jumpout and she was very professional in her attitude. If she brings her jumpout effort to the races she will take a lot of beating today. 

Flemington Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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