Caulfield Preview

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

Race 1 is the BM78 Bass Strait Beef Plate over 1100 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 with a record of one win and a second placing from six starts. She races here fifth up this preparation and at the start of this campaign, ran second over 1000 metres before winning her maiden at Wodonga over 1200 metres. She then stepped up to city grade for her next two starts competing in 3YO fillies BM70 races over 1400 metres, and although unplaced, wasn’t beaten far. She steps up in grade here, will carry the minimum weight and is dropping back in distance. She comes into this with a gap between runs and if she has freshened up nicely, will be able to make her presence felt in this small but competitive field.

Race 2 is the BM78 DrinkWise Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is TITAN BLINDERS who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old gelding by All Too Hard is raced by Brad Spicer and Ozzie Kheir. He’s had 17 starts for a race record of four wins seven placings. He has been in consistent form this preparation, winning first up at Ballarat over 1100 metres, before finishing second over 1200 metres and third over 1400 metres at Flemington and Caulfield respectively. I rode him last start at Caulfield and was taken by his performance and effort. I also partnered him in a recent jumpout at Flemington and liked the feel he gave me. He has drawn a wide barrier but is a horse that usually settles on-speed and makes his own luck. If he doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages from the barrier draw, he can win this.

Race 3 is the Listed Neds Blue Diamond Preview over 1000 metres for two-year-old colts and geldings, my ride here is YULONG PROGRESS who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This colt by Written Tycoon runs in the colours of Yu Long Investments. He made his debut at Flemington where he was beaten by just over two lengths. He got bumped around at the start and found himself at the back of the field and put in a good effort to close the race off nicely to finish third. Provided he has taken natural improvement from his first up run and isn’t too disadvantaged from the wide barrier draw, he will make his presence felt.

Race 4 is the Group 3 Neds Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) over 1000 metres, my ride here is DRONE STRIKE who is trained by John McArdle. This daughter of Smart Missile is raced by the Martin family. She’s had an official trial at Pakenham where she made all the running and went on to win the trial. The horse that finished second in the trial ran last night at Moonee Valley, finishing on the heels of the winner. She has drawn a favourable barrier and if she brings her trial form to the races I expect her to feature in the finish.

Race 5 is the Lamaro's Hotel Sth Melbourne Hcp over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is GRAND ADMIRAL who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This colt by Snitzel is raced by Aquis Farm and partners and runs in the colours of Yu Long Investments. He’s had one lifetime start where he was the short-priced favourite at Echuca and won his maiden over 1200 metres. After watching a replay of the race, he looked to take a lot of riding the entire time and in the end, was solid in his winning effort. He races second up here with the blinkers going on for the first time and is stepping up in grade. He is a horse that looks to have a good amount of ability and the blinkers should help him focus and he will appreciate the step up in distance. It will be really interesting to see how he performs and where he can progress to through the Autumn.

Race 6 is the BM90 The Mary Bell over 1600 metres, my ride here is KAZIO who is trained by Colin Little. This six-year-old gelding by Foreplay has had 27 starts for a consistent record of five wins and 12 placings. He races here fifth up this preparation and has been very competitive this campaign. He is competing against similar horses as in his past few runs and is better off at the weights. He will start from a low barrier draw and is racing over the 1600 metres for the second this this preparation. He is yet to win over the mile but has placed three times from nine attempts. He should gain an economical run from the draw and be right there in the finish.

Race 8 is the Listed John Dillon Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is OCEAN’S FOURTEEN (NZ) who is trained by Simon Morrish. This five-year-old entire by Ocean Park has had an interesting career to date, as he is also a stallion that serves mares during the breeding season. He had a long lay-off due to injury and resumed this campaign with a win in BM70 grade at Kyneton. I then rode him at Flemington in BM84 grade, finishing third and beaten by just over a length. At his most recent start at this course over 1600 metres he finished fourth, just over a length from the winner. He drops back in distance and weight here and will start from a favourable barrier draw. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing how he competes in Listed grade.

Race 9 is the MRC Thanks Fire Services Hcp over 2000 metres, my ride here is SIR PIPPIN (GB) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old gelding by Intello is raced by Go Racing. Two starts ago I had my first ride on him and was successful at the course and distance in BM78 grade. He then raced under handicap conditions at Flemington on soft ground to be beaten by an official margin of 0.1L. His last start effort showed me that he has taken the step up in grade and he is racing under handicap conditions again today. With good form at the track, and track and distance, he is the horse they all have to beat. 

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Race 1 is the BM78 Thank you Emergency Services Summer Stayers Series Heat 1 over 2500 metres, my ride here is RELIABELLE (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five-year-old mare by Reliable Man has been racing consistently and I’ve ridden her at her past two runs. Two starts ago she competed at the course and distance in the same grade of race, as that was a day meeting she carried the minimum of 54 kilos, and tonight she carries the minimum of 55 kilos, meeting the top weight Yulong Rising, worse off at the weights. I felt that with clear running she could have beaten him home on that occasion. Last start at Sandown she raced in BM70 grade where she was slow out of the barriers after starting from an outside draw. She got a long way back in running but made a nice run into the race and stayed on well to finish third. I’m looking forward to riding her again and hopefully I can utilise her favourable low barrier draw in the early stages. This is a small field and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper. On her best form and with luck in running she will be one of the main chances in this.

Race 2 is the Quest Moonee Valley Plate over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is STORMBORN who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Headwater made her debut at Flemington over the straight course on New Year’s Day, finishing third. She looked inexperienced in running and wanted to run left towards the running rail, but did look to have good natural speed. She has unfortunately drawn a wide barrier in this race so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are, and the benefit she has taken from her debut run. If she has luck from the draw and has taken a good amount of natural improvement, she can make her presence felt.

Race 3 is the BM78 Simpson Construction Summer Sprint Series Heat 1 over 1000 metres, my ride here is FORBID ME NOT who is trained by Symon Wilde. This five-year-old mare by Floral Pegasus is raced by Danny Rose and partners. She has been very well placed throughout her career with a race record of five wins and six placings from 19 starts. I rode her when she resumed this preparation at the course and distance under handicap conditions at the end of December. She drops back to racing in benchmark grade here and comes into this with a gap between runs. With her consistent record she looks to be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the BM78 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 10 over 955 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is WALTONIA who is trained by Luke Oliver. This daughter of Bel Esprit runs in the colours of Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm. She is lightly racing having had 13 starts for a record of three wins and two placings. She resumed this preparation with a win at Echuca over 1000 metres on New Year’s Eve and races second up here. She is stepping up in grade from her last start win and drops 5 kilos in weight. With confidence from her last start win and the drop-in weight to offset the class rise, she should be able to make her presence felt over the concluding stages.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown for the twilight meeting. The rail is out 3 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range, but there is rain and poor weather forecast. Sandown is a big open circuit and the weather conditions can alter the way the track races.

Race 1 is the Clanbrooke Racing Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Pierro runs in the family colours of Ingham Racing. He’s had 11 starts for four third placings. I had my first ride on him last start in BM64 grade at the course and distance, finishing third. I felt that with clear running in the straight he would have won, as he wasn’t beaten far. He will start from barrier 1 today but he did step slowly when I rode him last time, so I will have a better understanding of him for today’s race. With luck in running he will be winning this.

Race 2 is the Le Pine Funerals Plate over 1300 metres, it’s a maiden race for three-year-old’s, my ride here is REBEL RACER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This gelding by Rebel Raider has had one start at the course over 1200 metres where he finished second. I rode him on that occasion and he was very impressive but also very inexperienced for his debut run. He showed me good ability and will have taken a lot of natural improvement from his first day at the races. The stable has reported that the horse has trained-on well and improved from the experience. He will start from a wide barrier but I feel provided he comes on from his debut run, he will be too good for these on his way to better races.

Race 3 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is SPRINGROLLS who is trained by Tim Hughes. This daughter of Carlton House is raced by Balius Farm. Last preparation she raced first up in Listed grade before dropping back to maiden grade, where she was successful. I rode her on that occasion and she put in a dominant effort at Sale over 1400 metres. She then stepped up to a strong BM64 race where she was very fresh and aggressive in running and didn’t finish the race off and clearly wasn’t at her best. She races first up here and will wear the ear-muffs for the first time to help keep her settled. I’m looking forward to riding her again and seeing how she has matured after her break from training.

Race 4 is the BM70 The Big Screen Company Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is IGNORED (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Savabeel is raced by Waikato Stud. She’s had 11 starts for three wins, with all of her wins being in New Zealand. From her two starts in Australia she has been unplaced, without being beaten far over 1600 and 1800 metres respectively. She is stepping up again in distance and will start from a favourable barrier today. If she finds her best form she can be competitive in this.

Race 5 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is DUNS ’N’ ROSES who is trained by John Sadler. This four-year-old mare by Dundeel is raced by Owen Egan and partners. She’s had one start at this distance for a win and races here fifth up this preparation. She will start from an outside barrier and if she is able to roll forward and doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages, she will take a lot of running down.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1300 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This five-year-old daughter of Elzaam has had 18 starts for a consistent record of three wins and five placings. She races here fourth up this preparation and has drawn a middle to wide barrier. She is a horse that makes her own luck by racing close to the speed. From her four runs at this distance she has won once and placed second on another occasion. She races well on all track surfaces and can make her presence felt in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 New MRC '3 Race Day' Membership Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is JUMBO OZAKI who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old gelding by Unencumbered is named after the top Japanese golfer. He is lightly raced and has built a good record as from his six starts he hasn’t missed a top three placing. He races here first up this campaign for his new trainer and I rode him recently in a jumpout in preparation for his return to racing where he gave me a nice feel. I’m looking forward to riding him under race conditions and he finds himself in a very competitive field. I feel he is a horse with Stakes level ability and is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 9 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Cash Out Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is BIANCONI MAGIC who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This four-year-old gelding by Bianconi is raced by Graebar Park. I rode him two starts ago where we finished third in BM70 grade at Flemington over the same distance. While he hasn’t won at the distance from his three attempts, he has finished third twice. He is a lightly raced and competitive galloper with a record of 11 starts for four wins and two placings. He will start from a wide barrier draw and has the blinkers applied to his head gear for the first time. If the blinkers have the desired outcome and we have luck in running, he will be one of the main chances. 

Flemington Preview

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

Race 1 is the Flemington Event Staff Handicap over 1100 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is PERSONAL who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Fastnet Rock is raced by Coolmore and partners. She’s had one start at Geelong where she ran over a similar distance, she was slow out of the barriers and closed the race off well to finish second. This will be her first time racing over the straight course and I expect she will have taken natural improvement from her debut run and be very competitive in this.

Race 3 is the Donate to Salvation Army Disaster Appeal over 1100 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is LUCIFER’S REWARD who is trained by Brendan McCarthy. This gelding by Reward for Effort has had 10 lifetime starts for a record of two wins and three placings. He has solid form around some nice horses from the Spring as he competed in Group 3 and Listed grade. He had the blinkers applied to his head gear last start over the same distance and he was quite keen throughout before being beaten to finish third. He races here with the blinkers removed from his head gear and the winkers go back on. He will start from a low barrier draw and races here carrying one kilo above the minimum. On his best form he will take a lot of beating in this strong race.

Race 5 is the Listed Kensington Stakes over 1000 metres, my ride here is MY PENDANT (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old daughter of Pins runs in the Waikato Stud colours. She is lightly raced and is building a very good record with five wins and three second placings from 11 starts. She has raced very well over the straight course previously but this will be her first attempt over the short course of 1000 metres. I have ridden her in preparation for her first-up run and was pleased with the feel she gave me. If she doesn’t get run off her feet in the early stages with the quick tempo, I expect she can be closing the race off strongly.

Race 6 is the BM84 Thank You Emergency Services over 1400 metres, my ride here is FABRIC (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Ocean Park is also raced by Waikato Stud and partners. From her 11 race starts she has a record of three wins and five placings and has been very consistent in her career to date. I’ve ridden her in all of her wins and she has winning form at the course and distance. She isn’t an overly big mare but she has got very good ability and tries hard with her competitive nature. She races here first up this campaign and I’ve ridden her in a recent jumpout at Werribee in preparation for her return to racing. I was impressed with her manners at Werribee and feel that she has matured mentally, as last time in she could get very hot and nervous and her attitude was much better in her jumpout. She didn’t wear blinkers in her jumpout and was very relaxed throughout. She will start from an inside barrier and if we can utilise the barrier draw with the light weight of 55 kilos, she should get all the favours and take a lot of beating.

Race 9 is the BM70 Thank You Volunteers over 1800 metres, my ride here is DONNDUBHAN who is trained by Brent Stanley. This five-year-old gelding by Monaco Consul is raced by Sona Thoroughbreds. He has been racing in solid form for his past four runs netting two wins, a second and fourth placing. He enjoys racing over this distance as from his four attempts he has recorded two wins and a second placing. He is a horse that seems to make his own luck in running and comes into this at peak fitness. He looks well placed here and if he runs up to his recent form will be very competitive in this.

Gold Coast Preview

Today I’m riding in Queensland at the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions feature raceday. The rail is out 1 metre from the 1000m - 400m then returns to the true position for the remainder of the course. The Gold Coast track is unusual as it is a tight turning circuit and there are capacity fields throughout the day.

Race 1 is the MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE over 1200 metres, my ride here is STRETTO who is trained by Matt Cumani. This three-year-old son of Nicconi had three starts last campaign for three second placings and races first-up today. He’s had two jumpouts going right-handed in preparation for this race and looked to travel nicely at his most recent jumpout. He has drawn a wide barrier so we will need some luck from the draw but if he has luck and can produce his best form, he will be one of the main chances.

Race 3 is the $1M FERRARI MAGIC MILLIONS TROPHY over 2400 metres, my ride here is IMPAVIDO who is trained by Bjorn Baker. This six-year-old gelding by High Chaparral races here fifth-up this preparation. His two most recent starts have been solid efforts from him, finishing second in both over 1800 metres. He drops to the minimum weight of 54 kilos and is stepping up in distance. He will start from a wide barrier and need luck in running. He has the bubble cheeker applied to his head gear for the first time and although this will be my first ride on him, after watching his replays he looks to be awkward to ride when he hangs, so if the bubble cheeker works and he races straight for me, he will be right in this at the finish.

Race 4 is the $1M IT'S LIVE! IN QUEENSLAND MAGIC MILLIONS SNIPPETS over 1200 metres, my ride here is MORRISSY who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old entire by Snitzel has been lightly raced throughout his career and has a race record of three wins and six placings from 13 starts. I’ve ridden him with success in a previous preparation, winning at Sandown when he was a three-year-old. His last start was at the course over 1300 metres in preparation for today’s race, he finished third beaten by an official margin of 0.80L. Unfortunately, he too has drawn a wide barrier and will need luck. He has a gear change of winkers off and the blinkers going on for the first time and is dropping back slightly in distance from his last two starts. If we have luck from the draw, I know he has the ability to win this race.

Race 8 is the $1M PACIFIC FAIR MAGIC MILLIONS CUP run over 1400 metres at Restricted Listed grade, my ride here is REDOUBLE who is trained by Bjorn Baker. I rode this six-year-old gelding by Redoute’s Choice to win this race last year. Last year he carried 54 kilos and started from an inside barrier, this year he has been allocated 58 kilos and starts from a very wide barrier. Since last year’s race he has competed with success in Group and Listed races. If we have luck from the barrier we can emulate last year’s success and I’m looking forward to riding him again.

Race 9 is the $1M RACING QUEENSLAND MAGIC MILLIONS QTIS OPEN over 1300 metres, my ride here is IN HIS STRIDE who is trained by Rex Lipp. This seven-year-old gelding by Rothesay is a horse that needs luck in his races as he settles off the speed and gets back, before making ground late in the run. He will appreciate the big field as there will be a lot of pressure and speed and with 54 kilos on his back, he will get every chance to run his best race.

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 Maiden Plate over 1140 metres, my ride here is MIRACLE DAY who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This two-year-old gelding by Street Boss is raced by Leo To. I rode him in a jump out at Sandown prior to his first up run and he gave me a really nice feel. He made his debut at Geelong on Boxing Day and was beaten by impressive winner Supreme Idea when finishing second. He started from an inside draw in his debut run and closed the race out well. He will no doubt have taken a lot of natural improvement from his first-up run and the exposure to raceday pressure. Today he will start from a wide barrier draw and finds himself in a very strong field. There are not many options for two-year-old’s at this time of year and the mid-week Geelong races will prove to be very strong form references going forward. I’m looking forward to seeing how Miracle Day presents pre-race and riding him under raceday conditions for the first time.

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Plate maiden over 1200 metres, my ride here is REBEL RACER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This three-year-old colt by Rebel Raider is having his first lifetime start. He has been very well educated having had four jumpouts in preparation for his debut run. His most recent jumpout was last week at Werribee where he had a trip away from home. He jumped out over 1100 metres and after getting back in the field closed off solidly on the inside to win his heat. Today he will start from an outside barrier in a small field and if he brings his trial form to the races, he will make his presence felt.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is RELIABELLE (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five-year-old mare by Reliable Man is lightly raced having had 28 starts for a record of four wins and seven placings. I had my first ride on her last start at Moonee Valley where she raced in BM78 grade over 2500 metres. She was very unlucky on that day and I thought she put in an excellent performance racing up in grade. She drops back in grade here and returns to racing around on a bigger track, sometimes the Lakeside track can be hard to make ground so it will be interesting to see how the track is racing by Race 4 and where she settles in running from the wide barrier draw. If she runs up to her last start performance and has luck in running, she will be winning this.

Race 5 is the BM70 Le Pine Funerals Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is AGENT OF MAYHEM who is trained by Greg Eurell. This gelding by Cluster has had four starts and comes into this a maiden. His two runs this preparation have been solid efforts in city 3YO maiden grade and he has started from outside barriers both times. Today he has drawn a low barrier and is stepping up in distance to the mile for the first time. There are very strong form lines around him from his first up effort, where he finished sixth at Sandown with a number of subsequent winners coming from that race. Even though he is still a maiden racing in BM70 grade, no doubt he can make his presence felt.

Race 6 is the BM64 The Big Screen Company Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Ingham Racing. He’s had 10 starts for three third placings and is still a maiden. He is stepping up in grade from his most recent start and drops 3 kilos in weight. He will start from a favourable barrier and even though he is still a maiden, on his best form he can be competitive against this strong field.

Race 7 is the BM70 MRC 6 Month Membership Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is PHONEME who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Choisir is raced by Grant Bloodstock and partners. As a three-year-old he raced consistently after winning his maiden at Yarra Valley. This campaign he doesn’t seem to have found that good form, but he comes into today’s race with the blinkers removed from his head gear and is third-up this preparation. He will start from a wide barrier and if the track is racing fairly and we have luck from the draw, and he finds his best form, he can be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM70 Blue Star Print Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ARGYLE BELLE who is trained by Doug Harrison. This six-year-old mare by Dane Shadow has a race record of five wins and four placings from 28 starts. I’ve ridden her with success previously at Sandown last year on the Hillside circuit over 2400 metres. She was up in grade last start and closed off solidly at Caulfield over 2000 metres. She returns to racing in fillies and mares grade and is stepping up slightly in distance from last start. If we have luck from an outside barrier and she runs up to her best form, she can make her presence felt. 

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Race 1 is the BM78 $99 Summer Membership Handicap over 2500 metres, my ride here is RELIABELLE (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This five-year-old mare by Reliable Man has had 27 race starts for a record of four wins and six placings. Three starts ago she won a BM64 at Moe over 2050 metres and since then she has raced twice over 2400 metres at Sandown, finishing third and second respectively. She is stepping up to BM78 grade today and drops to 54 kilos, she doesn’t look to be an overly big mare so the weight drop will be to her advantage. On her recent and consistent form, she should be able to make her presence felt.

Race 2 is the Antler Luggage Plate over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is LARIMER STREET who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This colt by Brazen Beau runs in the colours of Des Pope. I rode him in a jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday in preparation for his debut run and was impressed with his attitude and the way he performed. He will start from a wide barrier draw but if he runs up to his jumpout on Monday, he will take a lot of beating. From what I have seen of him to date he is a nice horse with a promising future and I expect him to acquit himself well on debut.

Race 3 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 2040 metres, my ride here is THE LORD MAYOR (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old gelding by Rock ’n’ Pop is lightly raced having had 24 starts for a record of six wins and two placings. He started his career off racing in New Zealand before being transferred to Sydney. As he progressed through his grades he has beaten and competed against some very good Group class stayers. While he hasn’t won a race since May this year, it looks like he is building towards his next victory. He meets a small field and no doubt tactics will play a part in the way the race is run and won. He placed second at his only attempt around the circuit and from his seven runs at the distance has won three races and been placed on two occasions. If he can re-produce his best form he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 4 is the BM78 Chandler Macleod Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is RAPID ROMANCE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Fastnet Rock is raced by Uluru Stud. From her five race starts she has recorded one win and two second placings, with those being at her past three starts. She won her maiden two starts ago and then stepped up to 3YOF BM64 grade at Caulfield and closed off well from an outside barrier to finish second. She stays at the same distance as last start and has drawn a more favourable barrier. If I can utilise her low barrier draw she will take a lot of beating in this competitive race.

Race 7 is the BM70 Leneva Park Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is POUTING LIPS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Hinchinbrook is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. She hasn’t missed a top three placing from her three career starts and has a race record of one win and two third placings. I had my first ride on her last start at Sandown when she resumed over 1000 metres and feel she will benefit from the step up in distance today. She gave me a nice feel last start and I’m looking forward to seeing the natural improvement she has made from that run. With luck from the barrier draw she will be one of the main contenders in this.

Race 8 is the MF Freight Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is FORBID ME NOT who is trained by Symon Wilde. This five-year-old mare by Floral Pegasus is raced by Danny Rose and partners. She is lightly raced for her age and has displayed good ability throughout her career, producing a race record of five wins and six placings from 18 starts. She placed second at her only attempt at the course and distance and from two attempts at the distance has placed twice. She races here first up and her record when racing fresh is two wins and a third placing from three attempts. She is a very consistent and competitive horse who has jumped out nicely in preparation for her return to racing. With luck in running and on her best form she looks well placed to continue her consistent record in this.

Race 9 is the BM70 New Years At Legends Handicap over 1000 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is NEUROTIC who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old mare by Nicconi runs in the colours of Emmanuel Bloodstock. She races here third-up this preparation and is dropping back in distance from her past two runs which have been over 1200. She had the blinkers applied last start and travelled keenly, so the drop back in distance should help her today if she races in the same manner. She will start from a wide barrier draw and we will need some luck in running.

Caulfield Preview

Merry Christmas to all! Today I’m riding at Caulfield for the Boxing Day meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the BM84 Catanach's Jewellers Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is NEIGHBOURHOOD who is trained by Enver Jusufovic. This four-year-old daughter of Street Boss is lightly raced having had six starts for a record of three wins and a second placing. She has won both of her races this preparation with her latest victory being over this distance. She has drawn an outside barrier in this small field that looks to be void of early speed, and she is a horse that generally gets back in the early stages. Provided the track plays fairly and she handles the Caulfield circuit, she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 2 is the BM70 Joe Brown Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is MATADOR who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Darbernig team. This gelding by Sebring runs in the colours of Devitt and Gordon. I rode him when he resumed this preparation as a gelding, winning his maiden at Sandown over 1300 metres. His next start saw him compete over the same course and distance as his first up run, he finished second after being ridden off the speed from an outside barrier. He steps up in grade and slightly in distance here and will start from an outside barrier in a small field. If he runs up to his two runs this preparation he will be one of the main chances in this small but competitive field.

Race 3 is the BM78 Dennis Hanrahan Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is SIR PIPPIN (GB) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old imported gelding by Intello is raced by Go Racing and partners. He’s had 17 starts for a record of four wins and three placings and is a very consistent galloper. He has had one start for one win around the Caulfield circuit. He races here fifth up this preparation and is stepping out to the 2000 metres again. He has drawn an outside barrier and carries the top weight with his rating of 77. He is a horse that usually settles in the mid to second half of the field and if the track is racing fairly and the race is run at a solid tempo, I expect him to be finishing off strongly.

Race 4 is the BM70 Frank O'Brien Handicap over 1200 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is CURIOUS HEART who is trained by Doug Harrison. This four-year-old daughter of Kuroshio has had 10 starts for a record of two wins and three placings. I rode her at the start of her last preparation and she put in a solid effort on heavy ground at Sandown to indicate she would be in for a good campaign, unfortunately at her next two runs she pulled up with issues. She then had a spell and resumed this campaign in winning form at Kyneton in what was a dominant effort at BM58 grade. She steps up in class here and is stepping up slightly in distance from her first-up run. She is a mare that makes her own luck by racing close to the speed and on her best form she should make her presence felt, she also comes into this with confidence from her last start win.

Race 6 is the Listed Ladbrokes Lord Stakes over 1700 metres, my ride here is ODEON (NZ) who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This six-year-old gelding by Zacinto has a racing record of six wins and nine placings from 35 starts. He is a very consistent galloper but he hasn’t won for more than two years. I’ve ridden him once under race-day conditions where we were narrowly beaten in a handicap at Flemington. He races here third-up this preparation and has won twice from three attempts at the distance, with one of those being at the course and distance. He has drawn a favourable barrier and should get every opportunity from the low draw. It would be great to be able to give him another win and a well-deserved confidence booster and this is a race he is capable of winning.

Race 7 is the Listed MRC Christmas Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is MYSTYKO (NZ) who is trained by Trevor Rogers. This six-year-old gelding by Sakhee’s Secret runs in Richie Anderson’s colours. He’s a very consistent galloper who has a record of nine wins and 14 placings from 32 starts. He races here fifth-up this preparation and hasn’t finished further back than third in his past three runs. I’m looking forward to him racing around a turn again as last start at Flemington he raced over the straight course, finishing third and I felt he would be better back around a bend. He has drawn a wide barrier but with the rail in the true position and a long run to the home turn, it should be no disadvantage. He runs here with 1 kilo above the minimum weight and on his best form will be very hard to beat.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ken Sturt Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is TITAN BLINDERS who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old gelding by All Too Hard is raced by Ozzie Kheir and Brad Spicer. He’s had two runs this preparation for a first up win, followed by a second placing at Flemington over 1200 metres in BM70 grade. He steps up in distance and has placed once from two attempts over the 1400. He has drawn a favourable barrier and is a horse that races close to the speed, there looks to be a lot of speed on paper and the quicker they go should suit him. He is racing in good form and if that continues he will be one of the main contenders in this. 

Flemington Preview

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

Race 1 is the Christmas Carols Handicap over 2500 metres, my ride here is VALAC (IRE) who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This eight-year-old gelding by Dark Angel has had 31 starts for a record of eight wins and 10 placings. I’ve ridden him four times for two wins in Group 3 and Listed company. He comes into this after running fourth in the Pakenham Cup last start and meets a small but very competitive field of stayers. On his best form he will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM84 Festive Season Sprint over 1000 metres, my ride here is BOLD STAR who is trained by Gordon Richards from Morphettville. This four-year-old gelding is by one of the leading stallions in Tasmania, Needs Further. Bold Star is a very consistent horse that has been well placed throughout his career as from his 14 starts he has recorded five wins and three second placings. He resumed this preparation in Melbourne where I had my first ride on him, winning over 955 metres at Moonee Valley. He’s had a gap between runs and trialled nicely in Adelaide recently in preparation for his second up run. This will be his first attempt racing over the straight course and he goes up 3 kilos in weight from his last start victory. I was impressed with his performance last start and if he runs up to that again and handles the Flemington straight, he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 4 is the BM70 Santa's Stable Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is BIANCONI MAGIC who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This four-year-old gelding by Bianconi is very lightly raced for his age having had only nine starts. From his nine starts he has a race record of four wins and one third placing. He races here third-up this preparation and is stepping up slightly in distance from last start where he raced over 1300 metres. He has drawn a low barrier and carries the top weight of 61 kilos with his rating of 72, but the horse at the bottom of the weights is carrying 56 kilos. He will gain an economical run in transit from the draw and looks to be one of the main contenders in this.

Race 6 is the BM70 Candy Cane Lane Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is ANTAGONISER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This colt by Excelebration is raced by Eales Racing and partners. He’s had three lifetime starts with all of those being in his first racing preparation. He won his maiden at his second start at Bendigo before putting in a very good effort to finish a narrow second in 3YO BM70 grade at Flemington over 1400 metres in August on a heavy track, before going for a spell. He comes into this race with solid Winter form references behind him and has jumped out nicely in preparation for his return to racing. This will be his first attempt racing over the straight course and provided he has taken natural improvement from last preparation and on his best form, he can be there in the finish.

Race 7 is the Yuletide Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is KAZIO who is trained by Colin Little. This six-year-old gelding by Foreplay is raced by Andrew Harcourt. From his 25 starts he has won 5 races and been placed a further 11 times and is a very consistent galloper. He races here third-up this preparation and is racing over the same distance as his last start where he finished third, but drops 3 kilos in weight. The 1400 metres is his preferred distance range, as from his 10 runs at this distance, he has a record of four wins and six placings. He looks well placed today and will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 8 is the BM84 #LOVETHEHORSE Trophy over 1600 metres, my ride here is OCEAN’S FOURTEEN (NZ) who is trained by Simon Morrish. This five-year-old entire by Ocean Park is lightly raced for his age having had only 10 starts. He is a talented galloper with a race record of three wins and four placings and had more than a year off due to injury. He resumed after his long lay-off with a first up win at Kyneton over 1450 metres on soft ground in BM70 grade. He is stepping up in distance for his second up run and has won over the 1600 metres previously at his only attempt. I expect he will have taken fitness benefit from his first up run and recent jumpout and he comes into this full of confidence. He goes up in grade and drops in weight here and I expect he will be very competitive in this as he continues to progress through his grades.

Race 9 is the BM78 Mrs Claus Bakery Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is SEBRAKATE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This three-year-old colt by Sebring is raced by Seymour Bloodstock and partners. He has had 11 starts for a record of three wins and four placings. I’ve ridden him with success at the course and distance when he was a two-year-old. He races here first up against the older horses and has trialled nicely in preparation for his return to racing. If he brings his best form he will run very well and be hard to beat. 

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield, this meeting was originally scheduled as a twilight meeting but due to the forecast hot weather the starting times were moved forward to beat the heat. The rail is out 14 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is a maiden for horses three-years-old and upwards over 1200 metres, my ride here is LITTLE STEVIE who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This three-year-old filly by Dream Ahead has had five starts for a record of three second and two third placings. She races here fifth up this preparation and is dropping back slightly in distance from her most recent run. She has drawn a low barrier and in this small field tactics will play a part in the way the race is run. She is such a consistent filly and it would be great for her to win her maiden at this mid-week metropolitan meeting.

Race 2 is a maiden for three-years-old’s over 1440 metres, my ride here is ZOURIANA who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Zoustar runs in the colours of Werrett Bloodstock. She’s had seven starts with five of those being when she was a two-year-old. She resumed this preparation as a three-year-old in Sydney before racing the Melbourne way of going for the first-time last start. She generally settles well off the speed and last start went forward from an outside barrier to race on speed when she was stepping up in distance, finishing three lengths from the winner. She steps up to this distance for the first time and will start from an outside barrier where we will need a lot of luck in running. If she runs up to her best form, she can make her presence felt.

Race 3 is the BM64 over 1440 metres for horses three-years-old and upwards, my ride here is KING KOHEI who is trained by Michael & Luke Cerchi. This six-year-old gelding by Foxwedge has had 34 starts for a record of five wins and seven placings. He comes into this race with confidence from his last start win at Tatura where he won a BM70 race. He is dropping down in grade here from that run and goes up in weight. He has drawn to gain a favourable run in transit from a middle barrier draw and I expect he can run a competitive race again today.

Race 4 is the BM64 over 1000 metres for horses three-years-old and upwards, my ride here is MONTENEGRO MAN who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. He is well named being out of the mare ‘Any Destination’ and is part owned by sports broadcaster Bruce Mcavaney. He’s had eight lifetime starts for a record of one win and five placings, only missing a top three placing twice. I’ve had three rides on him for three placings and rode him in his last two runs at the end of his last campaign before he went for a spell. He resumes here and if he brings his best form and has luck from a wide barrier, he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is the BM64 over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is BOWNESS (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This daughter of Redwood is still a maiden and comes into this race for her third lifetime start. She has the blinkers added to her head gear for the first time and the ear-muffs have been removed. She will have to improve from her two previous performances and hopefully the gear changes can help her against this BM64 field.

Race 6 is the BM64 over 1600 metres for horses three-years-old and upwards, my ride here is JUST LIKE MUM who is trained by Matthew Brown. This five-year-old mare by Reset has a race record of three wins and three placings from 15 starts. She races here fourth up this preparation and has been racing consistently this campaign and hasn’t missed a top three placing. She will start from a low barrier draw which is in her favour as she is a mare that makes her own luck by racing close to the speed and there doesn’t look to be much speed on paper. She will be given every chance to utilise her favourable barrier draw and hopefully she can maintain her recent consistent record.

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington for the Saturday twilight meeting. The rail is out 10 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the BM84 Off The Track Program Sprint over 1110 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is OUR CAMPANA who is trained by Colin Little. This four-year-old mare by Bel Esprit is raced in partnership with good family friend, Todd Shelton, included in her ownership. I’ve ridden her once previously last preparation where we won at Sandown when racing on a heavy track. She races here second up this preparation and at her only other attempt second up, she placed second. She is a very consistent mare with nice ability, as from her nine lifetime starts has a record of three wins and three placings. She will have taken benefit from her first up run where she finished second at Pakenham and even though she is up in grade from that start, she drops in 4.5 kilos weight. This will be her first time racing over the straight course, and if she handles the straight and brings her best form, she will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM70 Christmas Giving Tree Plate over 1720 metres for three and four-year-old’s, my ride here is SOVEREIGN AWARD who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Shamus Award is lightly raced having had seven starts for a record of three wins and two second placings, and on the two occasions she missed a placing she wasn’t beaten far in both. She is very consistent and seems to make her own luck in running but can be awkward and aggressive to ride, which I found out after riding her to victory last start at Moonee Valley. She comes into this with confidence from her last start win over the fillies and mares in the same grade of race and takes on the boys here. If I can get her to conserve her energy throughout the early stages she will take a lot of running down.

Race 4 is the BM70 December Twilight Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is NICCONI STORM who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This colt by Nicconi is raced by Flying Start Syndications. He’s had five starts for one win and a third placing. I rode him three starts ago in the Listed Gothic Stakes at Caulfield where he was only 2.55 lengths from the winner. He then dropped back to maiden grade and didn’t handle the heavy track conditions at Ballarat. He had a gap between runs and won his maiden by over 4 lengths at Benalla on November 22^ndover 1406 meters. This is a strong field and if we have luck from the barrier draw, he can be one of the main chances.

Race 5 is the Living Legends Trophy over 1110 metres, my ride here is MYSTYKO (NZ) who is trained by Trevor Rogers. This six-year-old gelding by Sakhee’s Secret runs in the colours of Richard Anderson. He is a horse with very good ability and has been really consistent throughout his career with a record of nine wins and 13 placings from his 31 starts. I had two rides on him last preparation with the first of those being at this course over 1000 metres, I didn’t have any luck and couldn’t get a clear run on him and felt that he would have gone close to winning. I rode him at his next start seven days later when he backed up to win the Abell Stakes at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres. He’s had three runs this preparation with his last two starts on good tracks being very pleasing efforts. The step up slightly in distance from his most recent run will be in his favour and he has the benefit of having raced over the straight course previously. On his best form he will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 7 is the BM78 Summer on The Roof Garden Handicap over 2530 metres, my ride here is SUKOOT (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old gelding by Savabeel is raced by Uluru Stud. He is bred to race over ground being by Savabeel out of a Montjeu mare and this will be his first test over the extended distance. He is deep into his racing preparation and his five runs this campaign have seen him finish in the top three placings in all of his starts and he is racing very consistently and competitively, only being narrowly beaten in his past four runs. He is up in grade and distance here but drops nicely in weight. If the race is run to suit him and the track is racing fairly I am confident he will run out the distance and be very competitive with the light weight.

Race 9 is the BM84 The Lounge Trophy over 1400 metres, my ride here is MORRISSY who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old entire by Snitzel is raced by the Morrissy family. I’ve had three rides on him for a win, second and fifth placing. He races here third-up this preparation and he seems to have matured from his last campaign. He is stepping out to the 1400 metres for the second time in his career and I expect him to run a lot better than he did at his first attempt when he was a three-year-old, as he is doing things a lot better this time in. He has drawn a nice middle barrier and there looks to be a lot of pressure on paper which will help him to gain an economical run in transit. This is a very competitive BM84 race and he is one of the main chances. 

Doomben Preview

Today I’m riding at Doomben. The rail is out 3.5 metres and the track is rated in the soft range. After dealing with very dry and testing weather conditions, the track received a downpour of rain earlier in the week that now sees it rated as a soft 5. I’m in QLD today to ride two two-year-old’s for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace who are on a path towards the Magic Millions raceday in January.

Race 5 is THE SPIRIT OF BOOM PHELAN READY STAKES over 1110 metres, it’s a Listed race for two-year-old colts and geldings. My ride here is RATHLIN who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This colt by Fastnet Rock is raced by Aquis Farm and partners. He’s had two starts and made his debut in the Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington where he was beaten by less than three lengths. His next start saw him contest the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic on Ballarat Cup Day which gave him the experience of racing right-handed, he was beaten by the narrowest of margins to finish second. He races here third-up and has the benefit of racing experience on his side. He will start from an inside barrier and in this small field he will take a lot of beating.

Race 6 is the Listed BOOMER BLOODSTOCK CALAWAY GAL STAKES over 1110 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is AWAY GAME who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This daughter of Snitzel is having her second lifetime start here after making her debut in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown. She wore the blinkers in that run and wasn’t the fastest away from the barriers but mustered good speed to lead the field, she was unbalanced around the bend and was solid in her effort to be beaten by less than two lengths. This will be her first attempt racing right-handed and she will start from a middle barrier draw. She races here with the blinkers off and I expect she will have taken natural improvement from the experience of her first start. This race will provide a good guide as to where she fits into the picture for Magic Millions Day in January. 

Ascot Preview

Today I'm riding DUBIOUS in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot over 1200 metres. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Plate over 1300 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is MATADOR who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This gelding by Sebring runs in the colours of Devitt & Gordon. He’s had four lifetime starts finishing out of the top three on all occasions, with all of his runs being when he was a two-year-old colt over two preparations. He races here first up as a three-year-old gelding and has jumped out well in preparation for his return to racing. He will start from a low barrier draw and I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Plate maiden over 1400 metres, my ride here is DESSERT TIME who is trained by my father Allan & brother Jason Williams. This three-year-old gelding by Choisir is raced by David Price and Jenny Chapman of Price Bloodstock Management. He makes his debut here and has trialled up nicely in his three educational trials. It looks like the 1400 metres will suit him and he has made nice progression throughout his education and has been exposed to firm and heavy surfaces under trial conditions. If he brings his trial form to the races I expect him to run very well today and make a good impression on debut.

Race 3 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1000 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is POUTING LIPS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Hinchinbrook runs in the colours of Emmanuel Bloodstock. She’s had two career starts both being last preparation, winning on debut at Echuca and then stepping up to listed grade in Adelaide where she placed third over 1400 metres. She runs first up here and has trialled nicely at Cranbourne in preparation for her return to racing. She has drawn a favourable barrier draw and it looks like she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 4 is the BM64 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is EXPLICITLY who is trained by Robbie Laing. This five-year-old gelding by Snitzel has had 23 starts for a record of three wins and seven placings. He races first-up here and his record when racing fresh is one win and one placing from four attempts. He has been unplaced at both his attempts at the track and distance but wasn’t beaten far in his most recent attempt where he finished sixth and 2.5 lengths from the winner. He will start from an outside barrier and if he runs up to his best form can be very competitive in this.

Race 6 is the BM70 Le Pine Funerals Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is TOUCH OF MINK who is trained by Matthew Smith. This five-year-old mare by Not a Single Doubt has had 21 starts for a record of two wins and eight placings. She is based in New South Wales and has competed once in Victoria when she was a three-year-old, finishing third in a Group 2 at Moonee Valley over the Cox Plate carnival. She has been racing consistently recently and returns to Melbourne with a gear change of the near side blinker being removed from her head gear. If she reproduces her best form she can be competitive today.

Race 7 is the BM64 Blue Star Print Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is IMPERIAL DAWN who is trained by Scott Cameron. This four-year-old mare by High Chaparral is lightly raced having had only six career starts and has recorded two wins. She races here fourth up this preparation and is dropping back in distance from her most recent start. First-up this campaign she looked a little bit plain over 1200 metres before winning second up over 1400 in a strong Class 1 race at Ballarat. Her most recent start saw her compete at Flemington through the carnival racing over 1700 metres where she was beaten by 3.10 lengths, in what is proving to be a strong form reference. She will start from a wide barrier and if we have luck in running she will take a lot of beating.

Race 8 is the BM64 MRC 6 Month Membership Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is DUKE OF MAGNUS who is trained by Shea Eden. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus has a race record of one win and four placings from his 12 career starts. As a three-year-old he had very good form references around horses like Mr Quickie, Grinzinger Star and Tarwin, which are solid lines of reference. He resumed this campaign on a heavy track over 1400 metres where he was beaten by 14 lengths. He races here second up, is dropping back slightly in distance and returns to racing on a firmer surface. He can be a little bit keen in his races, so if he relaxes for me and we have luck from a wide barrier draw he will take a lot of running down and be in this for a long way. 

Seymour Preview

Today I’m riding at Seymour for the Kilmore Cup meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 8 is the bet365 Kilmore Cup over 1600 metres, my ride here is A SHIN ROOK (JPN) who is trained by Anthony Freedman. This six-year-old gelding by Heart’s Cry was imported from Japan. He has been extremely consistent this preparation and won the Gold Nugget second up at Ballarat over this distance. He is a horse that races well on all surfaces and the firmer surface will be to his liking. His most recent run saw him finish fourth and only half a length from the winner in Listed grade over 1800 metres at Flemington with yesterday’s Ballarat Cup winner Kiwia also coming through that race. He gets into this race 2 kilos off the minimum weight because the top weight is a highly rated horse and it pushed horses below mine outside the handicap, so he is very well placed and weighted in this race. He can be a tricky horse to ride as if he gets to the front too early he seems to wait for other horses, so I’ll have to get my timing right on him. If I can get a smooth run in transit from the low barrier draw he is the horse they all have to beat. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat for the feature meeting of the year, the Ballarat Cup. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is The Haymarket Ballarat Mares BM78 over 1200 metres, my ride here is NEUROTIC who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old mare by Nicconi is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. She is lightly raced for her age having had 14 starts for a record of three wins and two minor placings. She races here first up this preparation and has won two of four starts when racing fresh. Her three wins have all been on tracks rated in the good range and she is a track and distance winner. She has trialled up nicely in preparation for her return to racing and on her best form she will be making her presence felt.

Race 3 is the Global Turf BM78 Handicap over 2600 metres, my ride here is CREEDENCE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five-year-old gelding by Helmet has been racing in consistent form this preparation, with the only time that he hasn’t finished in the top three placings in his last five starts being two starts ago when he contested the Group 3 Bendigo Cup, he finished tenth and only five lengths from the winner. Since then I rode him at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day over 2800 metres where he put in a solid effort to finish second. He is dropping back in distance and grade here but goes up 5.5 kilos in weight. He will have an economical run in transit from the inside barrier draw and he will take a lot of beating in this grade.

Race 5 is the Magnum Equine VOBIS Gold Eureka Stockade over 1400 metres, my ride here is CAN’T BE DONE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This race is for VOBIS Gold three-year-old horses only. Can’t Be Done is a gelding by All Too Hard that’s had six lifetime starts for a record of two wins and three second placings, and the only time he missed a top two placing was when he finished fourth at the end of his last preparation. He races here second up this campaign and comes into this following on from a solid first up effort at Flemington. This will be my first ride on him and I’ve only picked up the ride as his regular rider Jamie Mott is unfortunately out injured. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him as he is such a consistent and very tough galloper that makes his own luck by racing close to the speed. He will start from a low barrier and will take a lot of beating in this restricted VOBIS Gold race.

Race 6 is the BM78 Suez McKellar Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is BUMPER BLAST (NZ) who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This four-year-old gelding by Ocean Park is raced by David Price and Jenny Chapman of Price Bloodstock Management. He is a lightly raced and progressive galloper that has had three starts for a record of two wins. I had my first ride on him two starts ago when he was dominant in winning his maiden over 1400 metres at Sale and in doing so produced very good sectionals for the day. The confidence from the stable was justified when he stepped up to restricted BM90 grade at his next start at Flemington on Oaks Day and was dominant when winning by 1.5 lengths, but he still did a few things wrong. His rating has increased to 78 so he carriers the top weight of 60 kilos today. He steps up an extra 200 metres in distance from his most recent start and comes into this race with more experience under his belt and confidence from that win. If we can offset his slightly wide barrier draw and he has taken improvement from his last start, he is the horse to beat. I’m really looking forward to riding him again as he is a promising horse that looks like he has the natural ability to continue to progress through his grades.

Race 7 is the Goldenvue Estate BM84 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is THUNDER CLOUD who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This six-year-old gelding by Manhattan Rain is raced by Manfred Krauser and partners. He races here first up and has changed stables since his last preparation. He hasn’t won when racing fresh but put in an eye-catching run first up last campaign at Flemington over 1400 metres. I had my first ride on him at this next start and we won second up at Flemington over 1600 metres. Today he will start from an inside barrier draw and he comes into this race with several gear changes, including the pre-race ear muffs and nose-roll going on and the visors being removed. If he is able to utilise his barrier draw and has an economical run in transit I’m sure he will be competitive against this big field of handy gallopers.

Race 8 is the Listed Sportsbet Ballarat Cup over 2000 metres, my ride here is DR DRILL (GB) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five-year-old gelding by Dansili is raced by Glenvallen Investments. Since arriving to Australia from Europe he has been very consistent in his efforts. I’ve had three rides on him with good success and haven’t missed a top two placing on him from my three rides. He’s won his last two starts and I partnered him again last start at Cranbourne over 2000 metres where we won the Cranbourne Cup. He carried 54 kilos last start and he goes up two kilos in weight. He’s drawn a good barrier that will afford him an economical run in transit and he is a horse that seems to appreciate his races being spaced out. This is a very competitive race and he will take a lot of beating in this feature race.

Race 9 is the Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic over 1100 metres, my ride here is KING OF HASTINGS who is trained by Anthony Freedman. This race is restricted to Magic Millions Series qualified horses only. King Of Hastings is a three-year-old gelding by Ilovethiscity. He’s had five career starts for a record of two wins and three second placings. I rode him at the end of his last preparation in the Winter when he was a two-year-old, he was very solid beating Sizzlefly over 1200 metres at Caulfield. He’s had two runs this campaign finishing second in both, first up he finished behind subsequent Group 1 winning colt Super Seth and at his most recent run was only narrowly beaten. He comes into this with his runs spaced and had a recent official trial at Cranbourne to keep his fitness levels up to the mark. With luck in running and on his best form he is one of the main chances.

Race 10 is the Hertz Ballarat Tonks Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is ESPERANCE who is trained by James Cummings. This five-year-old gelding by Bernardini is raced by Godolphin. He’s had 13 starts for a record of four wins, three second and two third placings. I’ve ridden him twice throughout his career for a win and third placing. He races here third-up this preparation and his two runs this campaign have seen him finish second in both. He is stepping up slightly in distance today to a range that has seen him record one win and a placing from three attempts. He can be an awkward horse to ride as he can step slowly from the barriers then over-race. He will start from a low barrier draw and if he races kindly for me and we have luck over the concluding stages, he will be hard to beat. 

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at Moonee Valley. The rail is out 5 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the BM64 $99 Summer Membership Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is COVERT MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by High Chaparral is lightly raced having had just 12 starts for a record of three wins and two placings. She races here third-up this preparation and is dropping back slightly in distance from her two runs this campaign. She hasn’t raced over the 1000 metres previously but she has won twice over 1200 and once over 1100 metres. Her two runs this campaign have been pleasing over 1100 metres and she was dominant last start when winning by 6 lengths in a small field where she had the perfect run in transit from a wide barrier draw. She steps up in grade here and will carry 59.5 kilos. She has drawn a wide barrier and sometimes with this rail placement it can be hard to make ground. Hopefully the track will race fairly as there looks to be a lot of pressure on paper which will help her to be finishing off strongly. I also love the fact that she comes into this race full of confidence from her dominant effort last start at Warrnambool.

Race 3 is the BM70 MLA Holdings Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is SOVEREIGN AWARD who is trained by Danny O'Brien. A long-time supporter of mine in Viv Oldfield is included in her ownership. This four-year-old mare by Shamus Award is lightly raced having had only six lifetimes starts and has a record of two wins and two second placings. She races here third up this preparation and is dropping back slightly in distance from her last start which was over 1700 metres at Flemington. Her most recent run was in a strong race over the Flemington carnival and she got back in the field for the first time and raced quite well. She usually makes her own luck by racing close to the speed and after watching her replays looks to be a little bit aggressive in her races. There looks to be a lot of speed and pressure on paper in this race and if she races kindly for me and we can utilise her low barrier draw, she will take a lot of running down in this.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 6 over 955 metres, my ride here is BOLD STAR who is trained by Gordon Richards. This four-year-old gelding is by Needs Further who is a leading sire based in Tasmania. Bold Star is a lightly raced four-year-old having had just 13 starts, he is very consistent having won four races and placed second on three occasions and doesn’t run a bad race. He finished sixth in his most recent start which was in Listed grade in Adelaide in July where he was only 3.2 lengths from the winner, Assertive Approach and the second horse home was Behemoth, who is very talented. He races here first-up and even though he hasn’t won when racing fresh, he always runs very well. He has drawn a low barrier and will gain an economical run in transit from the draw. There looks to be a lot of speed in this race and I expect him to be one of the main contenders.

Race 6 is the Class 1 Ranvet Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is SANTORINI SUMMER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This gelding by Eurozone has had three lifetime starts for a win and second placing, with both placings coming in his first preparation in Adelaide. I rode him in two jumpouts in the lead up to his first up run this campaign and felt his first jumpout was excellent and his second was also pleasing. I rode him when he resumed at Flemington during cup week over 1000 metres in the 3YO race and felt that he was extremely lost and didn’t handle racing over the straight course and after being slow out from the barriers, when placed under pressure wanted to hang badly to the left and I wasn’t able to ask for his full effort to the line. He races second up here and returns to racing around a bend. He will start from the inside barrier and will have every opportunity to return to his best form and if he runs up to his best form will be one of the strong chances.

Race 8 is the BM78 Christmas Functions at The Valley Handicap over 2040 metres, my ride here is ARCTIC SHOCK (NZ) who is trained by John & Chris Meagher. This four-year-old mare by Shocking is stepping up in grade here and is taking on the open age horses after competing in fillies and mares grade last start, which will be of benefit to her as she drops 5 kilos in weight from that run. She has the visors added to her head gear for the first time and will start from a tricky barrier draw. If we can offset the tricky barrier draw she will be the horse they all have to beat.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is in the true position on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the good range. The Lakeside track hasn’t been used for some eight weeks and usually it is a track that can be hard to make ground on from back in the field, and in particular today where we have small fields some of that may be tempo related.

Race 1 is a maiden race for three-year-old’s over 1300 metres, my ride here is HOROWITZ who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This gelding by Written Tycoon runs in the colours of Emmanuel Bloodstock. He’s been to the official trials twice this preparation to prepare him for his debut run and his most recent trial was his best performance. He will start from a wide barrier in a small field and it will be interesting to see how he handles the occasion and measures up under raceday pressure and conditions.

Race 2 is the Le Pine Funerals Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is LUNASNIT who is trained by Danny O'Brien. I rode this daughter of Star Witness when she made her debut as a two-year-old where she finished less than four lengths behind Kooweerup and was subsequently sent for a break from training. She returned as a three-year-old and has had two runs this preparation, she resumed starting from an outside barrier draw at Bendigo where she was ridden off the speed and flashed home to finish second by 0.1 length. At her next start she raced close to the speed on a heavy 8 track at Ballarat over 1200 metres and was beaten by 5.25 lengths to finish second. She seems to be a versatile filly in her racing pattern that races well on all surfaces. She has again drawn an outside barrier and on her best form she is one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the BM64 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SKY CALL who is trained by Mitchell Beer. This four-year-old mare by Domesday is lightly raced having had nine starts for two wins and four minor placings, only missing a top three placing on three occasions. She races here third-up this preparation and her two runs this time in have seen her win first-up and last start she finished a narrow second at Bendigo in a F&M BM70 race. She is dropping in grade, is up slightly in distance and will start from a good barrier draw. There looks to be a lot of pressure in this race and she is a mare that is adaptable in her racing style as she has been ridden with success on speed, and last start ran very well when coming from last position. She looks well placed here to continue her good form and can be very competitive in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 Santa's Magical Kingdom Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is BATTLECAMP (NZ) who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This seven-year-old gelding runs in the colours belonging to Eales Racing, who also raced his sire Shocking, in the same colours. I’ve ridden him previously with success when he was a younger horse, some two-year ago at the course over 1600 metres. He runs first up here and his record when racing fresh is very good reading two wins and three placings from seven attempts. He has had two runs at the track and hasn’t missed a top three placing and from his nine attempts over the distance has recorded three third placings. He has been working nicely in preparation for his first up run and hopefully we can take advantage of his good barrier draw. On his best form he has the ability to make his presence felt in this grade.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown for their feature meeting of the year. There are 10 races on the card and all are black type races. The rail is in the true position on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the good range. Sandown is an amazing track for the industry as it hosts a lot of winter racing on its two tracks, Hillside and Lakeside.

Race 1 is the Listed Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper Stakes over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is GEIST who is trained by James Cummings. This daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is raced by Godolphin. She’s had one jumpout in Sydney where she was slow out of the barriers, she settled out wide and travelled nicely to the line under light riding. She starts here from an outside barrier in a big field and if she has taken improvement and experience from that jumpout and runs up to her best, she can make her presence felt.

Race 2 is the Listed Ladbrokes Sandown Cup over 3200 metres, my ride here is WALL OF FIRE (IRE) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This seven-year-old gelding by Canford Cliffs started his career racing in Europe before being imported to Australia where he runs in the colours of Ozzie Kheir. He races here fourth up this preparation and has been building in distance at each of his runs this campaign. I’ve ridden him previously in the 2017 Melbourne Cup where he had good form and there were high expectations of him leading into the race, however he pulled up lame post-race. His first two runs this campaign have been solid without winning and at his most recent start the winner was very impressive and he ran fairly. He is stepping up in distance from 2500 metres last start and the blinkers have been removed from his head gear. He carries half a kilo above the minimum weight and if he can reproduce his best form against this small but competitive field, he should be in this for a long way.

Race 3 is the Listed MRC 6 Month Membership Twilight Glow Stakes over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is PALURIEN who is trained by James Cummings. This daughter of Reset runs in the colours of Godolphin. She’s had six lifetime starts for a record of two wins and two placings. Five of her six starts have been this preparation and she comes into this a last start winner in BM70 grade. She is stepping up in grade today and will start from an inside barrier draw and carries the minimum weight. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race as in her recent starts she has been ridden off the speed from wide barrier draws, but there doesn’t look to be much pressure in this race and she has drawn a low barrier. She is racing in consistent form and it would be nice for her to gain black-type status as a lightly raced three-year-old filly.

Race 4 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes Sandown Stakes over 1500 metres, my ride here is MUSIC BAY who is trained by Phillip Stokes. This four-year-old mare by Choisir has had 14 starts for a record of three wins and six placings. I rode her when she was a three-year-old when she first came to Victoria from South Australia. She put in an excellent first up performance at Flemington to finish second in Listed grade, before tapering off in her subsequent runs in Group 1 and 2 company before being sent for a spell. She raced much more consistently in her next preparation and I was re-united with her at the end of that campaign where we won the Group 2 Queen Of The South in Adelaide. She’s had three runs this preparation and all have been good efforts from her. She is taking on the boys today and carries the minimum weight of 54 kilos. She is a horse that like to settle close to the speed and has drawn a favourable barrier draw. On her best form she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 5 is the Listed Clanbrooke Racing Doveton Stakes over 1000 metres, my ride here is VIRIDINE who is trained by James Cummings. This five-year-old gelding by Poet’s Voice also runs in the blue colours of Godolphin. He has had three runs this preparation, his first two runs were very good in stronger grade and he finished not far behind Nature Strip in Group 1 company and then Group 2 company under WFA conditions behind Trekking. He is dropping back in distance from his most recent start at Flemington where he pulled up with EIPH, so had excuses for that run where he finished last. The last time I rode him he was a colt and we finished second in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley behind Nature Strip. He is horse that will appreciate the drop back in distance and quick tempo as he can over-race and do things wrong. If we have luck late in the race and he brings his best form he will be the horse to beat.

Race 6 is the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes over 1300 metres, my ride here is ORDER OF COMMAND who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old gelding by Squamosa is an honest and consistent galloper with a race record of six wins and six placings from his 18 starts. I’ve ridden him once previously with success, winning on him at Caulfield last preparation. This will be his first start at Sandown and third run over the distance, he is yet to win at this distance from his three attempts but has placed twice. He races here fourth up this campaign and comes into this off a Group 2 second placing at Flemington over 1200 metres during Cup week. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit from the low barrier draw and he is such an honest horse, I am sure he will run very well again and can definitely make his presence felt. Under the Weight For Age conditions of this race some of his rivals are better treated at the weights than him due to their high rating.

Race 7 is the Group 2 Ladbrokes Sandown Guineas over 1600 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is BANQUO who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Written Tycoon is raced in partnership with Waikato Stud and several high-profile owners. He’s had five lifetime starts for two wins and a second placing, with his two unplaced runs being in his first campaign as a two-year-old. He has won his last two starts and most recently won at Flemington over 1400 metres at Listed grade where he was dominant in his effort. He has drawn a wide barrier and I expect the step up in distance will be to his benefit. He comes into this race full of confidence from his recent racing and is colt that looks to be very progressive. If he doesn’t have to work too hard from the barrier in the early stages and runs out the mile strongly, then he will take a lot of beating against this small but extremely competitive Group 2 field.

Race 8 is the Group 2 Quayclean Zipping Classic over 2400 metres, my ride here is GALLIC CHIEFTAIN (FR) who is trained by Archie Alexander. This race is named after the very good galloper Zipping who competed in our feature races for many seasons and won this race four times. GALLIC CHIEFTAIN is a seven-year-old entire by Tamayuz who was imported from France and races in the colours of OTI Racing. He has been racing consistently this preparation without winning and is dropping back in distance from 2600 metres last start. He’s had nine runs at this distance for a record of two wins and four placings and this is a distance he enjoys racing over. He has drawn a favourable barrier draw and with luck in running and on his best form he will be hard to beat.

Race 9 is the Group 3 Le Pine Funerals Summoned Stakes over 1500 metres, my ride here is ONE MORE TRY who is trained by Matt Cumani. I’ve ridden this five-year-old mare by Dane Shadow a couple of times towards the end of her last preparation. This campaign her first two runs were excellent and her most recent run at Flemington was a solid enough effort. She races here with the blinkers going back on, will start from a low barrier draw and carries the minimum weight for this race. If she brings her best form she will be one of the main chances.

Race 10 is the Group 3 The Big Screen Company Eclipse Stakes over 1800 metres, my ride here is PLEIN CIEL (GER) who is trained by Anthony Freedman. This seven-year-old gelding by Mamool is raced by Australian Bloodstock and partners. I’ve ridden him once under race conditions, winning the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield over 2000 metres. I rode him in an official trial before he resumed this preparation and he trialled nicely to finish third behind Harbour Views and Mr Quickie. His three runs this preparation have been solid without winning. Unfortunately, he has drawn an outside barrier so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race as he can be ridden effectively on and off the speed. On his best form and with luck from the barrier, he will be winning this. 

Singapore Gold Cup Preview

Today I’m riding in Singapore for the Gold Cup meeting.

Race 9 is the Group 1 DESTER SINGAPORE GOLD CUP over 2000 metres, my ride here is MR CLINT who is trained by Lee Freedman. This five-year-old gelding by Power is raced by the Oscar Racing Stable. He won the Group 1 Singapore Guineas as a three-year-old and as a four-year old finished a narrow second in the Singapore Derby over 1800 metres in July of this year. He is a consistent galloper with a record of four wins and eight placings from his 22 starts. He has been racing well in the lead up events to this feature and finished second by an official margin of 0.1 lengths in the Raffles Cup over 1600 metres with his only disappointing run being last start where it was reported that he pulled up with excuses post-race. There are storms and rain forecast throughout the day and on his form, the more rain that comes the more it will enhance his chances. He has drawn a low barrier and is a horse that usually gets back in his races. When he competed in this race last year he started from a wide barrier draw and raced close to the speed and wasn’t beaten far. With an economical run in transit and returning to handicap conditions where he carries 53 kilos, on his best form he is the horse they all have to beat.

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s Stakes Day and the last day of the VRC Spring Carnival. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the good range, but there is poor weather predicated throughout the day.

Race 1 is the BM90 Cup Week Radio Trophy over 1600 metres, my ride here is HUNAMOSA (NZ) who is trained by Luke Oliver. This seven-year-old gelding by Alamosa has had 44 starts for a record of nine wins and four placings and is a consistent galloper. He has been racing in good form recently and although not winning, hasn’t been beaten far. He is horse that races close to the speed and makes his own luck. This will be my first ride on him and after watching his replays he looks like he can get his head up at times, so it will be important for me to get him into a smooth rhythm and relax. If he can take up a forward position from his barrier without doing too much work in this small field and races well for me, I’m sure he will be in this for a long way.

Race 2 is the BM90 Very Special Kids Pin and Win Plate over 2000 metres, my ride here is SNITZEPEG who is trained by my father Allan & brother Jason Williams. SNITZEPEG races in colours that were designed by my wife Larysa, so there is a strong family connection and a lot of pressure on me! He is a five-year-old gelding by Snitzel who has a race record of five wins and six placings from his 30 race starts. If he finds his form from Caulfield in July where he ran a solid third under open handicap conditions, he will be very competitive in this. He is a versatile horse that races well on all surfaces so if the rain arrives it won’t be a disadvantage to him.

Race 3 is the Listed World Horse Racing Springtime Stakes over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is KNICKPOINT who is trained by James Cummings. This colt by Carlton House is raced by Godolphin. He’s had two career starts for two wins, both being in NSW. He won at his debut run on a heavy 9 track at Hawkesbury before being having a break from training. He resumed this preparation racing on a good 4 surface and was dominant in his effort over 1200 metres in BM64 grade. This will be his first race in Victoria and he will start from a wide barrier draw. He looks to be an exciting horse with good promise and if he puts it all together today taking the step up in grade, he will be very hard to beat.

Race 4 is the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2600 metres, my ride here is MAURUS (GB) who is trained by John Thompson. This nine-year-old gelding by Medicean is raced by Paul Fudge of Waratah Thoroughbreds. The last time I rode him was at the end of his last preparation where we finished second in the Group 3 Premier Cup in Queensland. He races here fifth up this campaign and his last two runs have seen him finish third and second in Group 3 and Listed grade over 2400 metres, respectively. He is stepping up to the 2600 metres for the first time today and carries 54 kilos. It would be very meaningful for me to win on him at Flemington for his owner Paul Fudge.

Race 5 is the Group 1 Darley Sprint Classic over 1200 metres, my ride here is LOVING GABY who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.

Race 6 is the Group 2 TAB Matriarch Stakes over 2000 metres for mares, my ride here is MISS SISKA who is trained by Grahame Begg. This six-year-old daughter of So You Think runs in the Davenport family colours. She ran second in this race last year finishing less than half a length behind Kenedna. Her last start saw her compete in Group 1 grade over 1600 metres so she is dropping back in grade, going up in distance and meets some of her rivals better at the weights under the conditions of this race. She has drawn a wide barrier and with some luck in running she can go close to winning again in this year’s edition.

Race 7 is the Group 3 Network 10 Chatham Stakes over 1400 metres, my ride here is ADMIRAL’S JOKER who is trained by Kylie Vella. This seven-year-old gelding by Bel Esprit is raced by the Butler family. He is very lightly raced for his age and has been well managed by Kylie and her team, as from his 13 race starts has a record of six wins and four placings to his name. I’ve really enjoyed being associated with him and he is such special horse to Kylie and Steven and is a part of their family. He has been dominant this preparation and has won his past four starts and the last time he was beaten he finished second to Mr Quickie, who then went on to win the Group 1 Queensland Derby. Admiral's Joker won the Listed Seymour Cup last start in what was a very impressive effort over 1600 metres, he settled back in the field in a slowly run race and sprinted quickly when asked for an effort. The stable have reported that he has improved again from that run and I’m excited to be riding him again in this race. We were hoping that he would have made the field for the Group1 Mackinnon Stakes today, but unfortunately, he didn’t make the field. I thought he would have made his presence felt in the Group 1 race and on that, he should be winning this.

Race 8 is the Group 1 Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes over 2000 metres, my ride here is ARISTIA who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra.

Race 9 is the BM80 Seppelt Drumborg Grand Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is MORRISSY who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. I’ve ridden this four-year-old entire by Snitzel previously, winning on him during the Winter at Sandown over 1200 metres and again when he resumed this campaign at Moonee Valley last start over 955 metres, finishing second and was unlucky not to win. He is stepping up slightly in distance here and has raced over the straight course previously. He is a much more mature horse this preparation and I’m excited for him to be my last ride for this year’s Flemington Carnival and if we have luck in running, he will be winning this.

Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s Oak’s Day, Ladies Day. The rail is out 6 metres, out 3 metres further from Tuesday’s meeting, and the track is rated in the good range but there is rain and poor weather forecast for later in the afternoon. I’m still very much on a high after winning Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup on Vow And Declare. It is an amazing feeling to have won our greatest race and is truly life changing. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages and support.

Race 2 is the Group 3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate over 1000 metres for two-year-old, my ride here is JERLE who is trained by James Cummings. This colt by Exceed And Excel is raced by Godolphin. He is the omen horse in the field as he is raced by Godolphin, with the sponsors of this race being their breeding operation, Darley. He’s had one start at the course and distance where he finished second, beaten by an official margin of 1.5 lengths. It is a huge advantage for two-year-old’s to have had previous experience racing over the straight course and he comes into this fitter for his debut run. He also has the blinkers applied to his head gear for the first time. If the blinkers have the desired outcome and he has taken natural improvement from his first up run, he will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM90 Off The Track Subzero Handicap over 1400 metres for grey horses only, my ride here is BUMPER BLAST who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This four-year-old gelding by Ocean Park is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price of Price Bloodstock Management. It is a great spectacle to see a race with only grey horses taking part. Bumper Blast has had two career starts and I rode him last time out at Sale over 1400 metres where he dominated and won his maiden by 6.75 lengths. He was ridden on-speed that day and his times showed some of the quickest splits throughout the meeting. He is stepping up significantly in grade, but it is a restricted race. He drops to the minimum weight of 54 kilos and comes into this race with confidence from his last start win. He has drawn an outside barrier and if we have luck in running, he can definitely take the step up to this grade and win.

Race 4 is the BM70 Bumble Trophy Race over 1700 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is METRONOME who is trained by Michael Kent. This four-year-old mare by Helmet has had 14 starts for a record of two wins and six placings. She won last start in BM64 F&M grade at Ballarat over 1400 metres, so comes into this race full of confidence. She is stepping up in distance which looks like it will suit her and will start from a middle barrier draw. She drops 1 kilo in weight from her last start as she is up in grade. This is a competitive field and she should be able to make her presence felt as she is racing in consistent form.

Race 5 is the Listed G.H. Mumm Century Stakes over 1000 metres, my ride here is SOOTHING who is trained by James Cummings. This five-year-old mare by Lonhro is raced by Godolphin. She’s had 17 starts for a record of six wins and three placings. Two starts ago she won in Listed grade in Adelaide over 1100 metres and last start she ran well to finish 2.3 lengths from the winner, in a strong race at Caulfield. She’s had two runs at this distance for a win and I’ll be mindful that she hasn’t raced over the straight course before, so I’ll help her as much as I can. There is a lot of speed in this race and she is a horse that will be looking to finish off over the top of them.

Race 6 is the BM80 Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final over 1600 metres, my ride here is STAR MISSILE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This race has been a great initiative by Racing Victoria and the VRC to run heats for this race all around the state for horses trained outside of the metropolitan area, with the first two horses over the line gaining a start in today’s final, which is worth $500,000. I won this race last year on Cochada and he came through the same form references. Star Missile is a four-year-old gelding that is raced by Hancox Racing. He resumed this preparation with a dominant and impressive win when I rode him at Sale where he carried 60.5 kilos. He sat wide throughout and settled just off the speed and gave me a great feel when he was asked to extend. He has drawn a very wide barrier today and drops 2.5 kilos in weight. We will need luck from the draw, but if we have luck and he can reproduce his first up effort, he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Race 7 is the Listed TCL TV Stakes over 1800 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is HIGHLAND JAKK (NZ) who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This gelding by Jakkalberry has had three starts and hasn’t missed a top three placing in his career to date. He was successful last start over 2015 metres winning his maiden at Seymour and is dropping back in distance today, with the blinkers going on for the first time. He comes into this with good confidence levels and will have taken experience from his recent racing. He is horse that looks like he gets back in the field and if he races kindly for me and has luck from the barrier and the blinkers sharpen him up for the drop back in distance, he can win this. This is also the race that Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare won as a three-year-old. 

Melbourne Cup Day Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington where it’s the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup! This race is a target around the globe for horses as we can see by the internationals in today’s field. The rail is out 3 metres after Derby Day and the track is rated in the soft range. I’m looking forward to walking the track to see how it may race throughout the day as there will be some wear to the surface after Saturday’s card.

Race 1 is the Group 3 Darley Ottawa Stakes over 1000 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is WILD CHERRY ROAD who is trained by Dean Krongold. This daughter of Holy Roman Emperor is having her first lifetime start today. She comes into this as a well-educated filly and I’ve ridden her in an official trial at Cranbourne. She did a lot of things right when I rode her at Cranbourne and showed good natural speed and gave me the feel that she has nice ability. If she brings her trial form to the races and she doesn’t get over-awed by the big crowds, she will be very competitive.

Race 2 is the BM90 Grinders Coffee Roasters Trophy over 1400 metres, my ride here is PHAISTOS who is trained by James Cummings. This four-year-old gelding by Helmet is raced by Godolphin. He is a lightly raced horse having had only nine career starts and he is a horse that knows how to win, having won four races and placed a further three times. He races first up here and is two from two when racing fresh, but they have been over less distance than today’s race. He has raced over the 1400 metres once previously and finished second. He has drawn a wide barrier and if the track is racing evenly and we have luck from the draw, he looks like the horse they all have to beat.

Race 3 is the TAB Trophy over 1700 metres for mares, my ride here is EXTREME PRIDE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by I Am Invincible has had nine starts and has won on four occasions, winning her last four races. She comes into this in great form and with high confidence levels. I’ve ridden her in her last two starts and at her most recent run she contested BM80 grade carrying 54.5 kilos, she steps up again in grade today and drops half a kilo in weight. She is racing over the same distance as last start at Caulfield and has drawn an economical barrier. She is a tough mare that makes her own luck by racing on-speed and looks like she will take a lot of running down on her home track.

Race 4 is the BM96 The Macca's Run over 2800 metres, my ride here is CREEDENCE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Darbernig team. Creedence is a five-year-old gelding by Helmet who has had 23 starts for a record of three wins and eight placings. I rode him two starts ago over 2400 metres at Caulfield where he was beaten by Shared Ambition, who he meets again today, with Shared Ambition meeting us better at the weights for beating us on that occasion. Creedence ran most recently in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup last Wednesday where he finished five lengths from the winner. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit and I expect he can make his presence felt and he is a horse that is versatile on all racing surfaces.

Race 5 is the Schweppervescence Plate over 1000 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is SANTORINI SUMMER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This gelding by Eurozone has had two starts in Adelaide for a record of one win and a second placing. He ran second on debut on heavy ground where he was narrowly beaten and at his second start, he won beating Garner, who he meets again here today. Garner has since franked the form from that race as he resumed his next campaign in Adelaide with a win before travelling to Melbourne and winning again at Caulfield. I’ve ridden Santorini Summer in two jumpouts at Flemington in preparation for his return to racing and I’ve been happy with him in both. He will start from a middle barrier draw and will take a lot of beating in this big field of competitive gallopers.

Race 6 is the Group 3 Jim Beam Stakes over 1400 metres for mares, my ride here is DUNBRODY POWER who is trained by John Thompson. This four-year-old daughter of All Too Hard has been very competitive in her career and is lightly raced. From her 12 starts she has a record of three wins and seven placings and on the two occasion she has missed a top three placing, she finished fourth and fifth, so she is a real competitor. She comes into this a mare with good confidence levels after her last start win at Warwick Farm and is stepping up in distance for her first Victorian run. She has drawn a low barrier and carries the minimum weight of 55 kilos in this Group 3 contest. With her consistent form and competitive nature, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the feature race of the day, the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup over 3200 metres.

Race 8 is the Listed Furphy Plate over 1800 metres, my ride here is LOOKS LIKE ELVIS who is trained by Bryan Dais. This five-year-old gelding by All American has had 32 starts for a record of eight wins and 11 placings. He is visitor from Queensland who has had his last 3 runs in Melbourne. He competed in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes where he was beaten by 3.55 lengths, finishing sixth. He then contested the Cranbourne Cup to finish 5.55 lengths from the winner over 2000 metres and last start dropped back to 1500 metres in the VOBIS Gold Star race at Moonee Valley where he finished third, in a strong field. He drops to one kilo above the minimum weight today and has drawn an inside barrier which is to his advantage, as he usually races close to the speed and will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 9 is the Listed MSS Security Sprint over 1200 metres, my ride here is SMART COUPE who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This five-year-old mare by Smart Missile is raced by First Light Racing and partners. She races here second-up this preparation and has winning form at the track. Her form at the track and distance is a second placing from two attempts and she has won three times over the 1200 metres. She resumed this campaign with a dominant win in Listed grade on Geelong Cup day, so she comes into this race with confidence from that win and is dropping to the minimum weight of 54 kilos as she is a mare taking on the open aged sprinters under handicap conditions. This is a strong field but I’m sure she can make her presence felt and run a competitive race.

Race 10 is the Listed The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is EXCUSED who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Darbernig team. This daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is raced by Darren Thomas of Seymour Bloodstock and Colin and Janice McKenna. She is lightly raced and from her five starts has a win and two placings to her name, including running second two starts ago in Listed grade at Caulfield. Her last start was at Flemington in Group 2 company where she went forward and raced too keenly over 1600 metres and did a good job to be beaten by only 4.5 lengths. She comes into this off a freshen up and is dropping back in distance. If she has freshened up well and brings her best form, she will take a lot of beating in this and I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race.