Moonee Valley Preview

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

Cranbourne Preview

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

Race 1 is the Browns Sawdust & Shavings Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1500 metres, my ride here is MIDNIGHT RAMBLER who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This gelding by Love Conquers All is raced by the Gorell family. He has been a model of consistency without winning in his career to date with four minor placings from six starts. He is a horse that seems to make his own luck by racing on or close to the speed with his last two starts being over 1600 metres. He drops back to 1500 metres here and he raced over this distance three starts ago at Mornington where he started from a wide barrier and wasn’t beaten far into second placing. He is a horse that races well on all surfaces and he will start from a more favourable barrier this evening, which will give him every opportunity to run his best race and hopefully win his maiden.

Race 2 is the Dirt Rock Civil Maiden Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is MIGHTY FEAT (NZ) who is trained by Peter Moody. This four-year-old gelding by Per Incanto runs in the colours of Ian MacDonald. He is lightly raced having had just seven starts and has a race record of a second and three third placings. He’s had two runs over 1200 metres this preparation before stepping up to 1400 metres last start at Pakenham. He had the blinkers added to his head gear for the first-time last start, and after making all the running was gallant in defeat to finish second. I like the fact that he is a very fit horse that’s had a run with the blinkers on and is dropping back slightly in distance. He has drawn a low barrier draw and will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 3 is the Designer Coolrooms Maiden Plate over 1000 metres, my ride here is WINSUM who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This three-year-old colt by Wandjina had one start as a two-year-old where I rode him in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield. I rode him in jumpouts and track work in preparation for his debut and felt that he had enough ability to run in the Blue Diamond. Unfortunately his racing manners let him down on raceday at that level and he wasn’t quite ready to continue on in that preparation and he was subsequently sent for a break from training. He is a horse with above average ability and if he brings his recent trackwork to the races he will be winning this.

Race 5 is the TAB Long May We Play Class 1 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is NARVAEZ who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This three-year-old colt by Vancouver has had seven starts for a record of one win and two third placings. I rode him last preparation at the end of his two-year-old year and won his maiden on him at Bendigo over 1600 metres. He then had two unplaced runs at Listed and 2YO Handicap grade at Flemington and Caulfield before being sent for a spell. I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race for his first-up run and how he has matured. If he runs up to his best form he will be very competitive in this.

Race 7 is the De Bortoli Wines BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is FIXATED who is trained by Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes. This three-year-old gelding by Hinchinbrook is raced by Mirunners Racing. He has been a very consistent galloper with a record of one win and five placings from his nine starts. He races here fifth-up this preparation and comes into this with confidence as he is a last start winner. He is a very fit horse who is dropping back slightly in distance from last start and is a horse that races close to the speed. He has drawn a wide barrier and will need luck in running, if he has luck and doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages he will be one of the main chances. 

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m heading to Bendigo for one ride. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 3 is the TAC Be Races Ready Three-Years-Old Fillies Maiden Plate over 1000 metres, my ride here is DIAMONDS INTHE SKY who is trained by Peter Moody. This daughter of Zoustar is raced by the McMaster family. She had one start at the end of her two-year-old season where she finished less than a length-and-a-half behind Parlophone at Sandown on heavy ground in fourth placing. Parlophone franked that form by going on to win the Listed Lightning Stakes in Adelaide at her next start. DIAMONDS INTHE SKY looks to be preparing nicely for her first-up run and I’ve seen a recent jumpout at Pakenham where she showed good speed and looked solid in her effort. This will be my first ride on her and I’m looking forward to seeing how she returns this preparation and, on her form, and recent jumpout she is the horse to beat. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 2 is the Class 1 IVE > Print Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is DECKER who is trained by Phil Sweeney. This four-year-old gelding by Written Tycoon is lightly raced having had just three starts, with his only win coming when he made his debut at Griffith over 1200 metres, which was his first start this preparation. He comes into this fourth-up and is stepping up to the 1600 metres for the first time. He has a barrier extension and a barrier blanket added for the first time and that’s usually something to give horses more confidence in the gates. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him and this will be his first time racing the Melbourne way of going, so I’ll be mindful of helping him around the turn and down the hill.

Race 3 is the BM64 Quayclean Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is IMPERIAL HILTON who is trained by Patrick Payne. This gelding by The Factor races in the colours of Larneuk Stud. He was dominant when winning his maiden in his only start at Ballarat at the start of the month over 1200 metres. He comes into today with confidence from his debut victory and will be more experienced from that run. He is stepping up in class and distance today and will start from a favourable barrier draw, which will give him every opportunity. This looks to be a competitive field but I was impressed with his performance last start and he should take a lot of beating in this.

Race 5 is the BM64 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is PISSARO who is trained by Michael Kent. This six-year-old gelding by Pierro races in the colours of the Montague family. He’s had 40 starts for a record of three wins and five placings and it’s nearly 12 months since he won his last race. He’s had four runs this preparation and has been racing consistently without winning. He will start from a wide barrier and there looks to be a good amount of pressure in this race, but we will still need luck in running. If he runs up to his best form he can be one of the main chances.

Race 6 is the BM64 Tile Importer Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is MATSUMOTO who is trained by Mitchell Beer. This four-year-old entire by Written Tycoon is lightly raced having had three career starts for one win. His win came when he made his debut at Wangaratta in June of this year over 1100 metres. I rode him at his second start in a 3YO Handicap at Caulfield over 1400 metres at the end of the season where he finished just under four lengths behind Mystery Shot, who remains unbeaten. He was then sent for a break from training and resumed this preparation over 1000 metres at Albury, where it looked like they went too fast for him in the early stages before he closed off reasonably well. He steps up in distance for his second-up run and will be fitter with a run under his belt. I felt that he gave me a nice feel when I rode him at the end of last season and expect that he can make his presence felt today.

Race 7 is the BM70 Thoroughbred Club Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is NOT MINE (GER) who is trained by Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes. This six-year-old imported gelding by Dabirsim (FR) started his career in Europe before racing in Hong Kong, and has had two runs in Australia. I rode him in trackwork in preparation for his first run in Australia and then rode him in his most recent race start, which was a few weeks ago at Caulfield. He was beaten by less than three lengths on soft ground over 1700 metres at Caulfield by Power Scheme, who has franked the form. I was really pleased with his performance last start and feel the change to his head gear with the winkers off and blinkers on will be an advantage to him, and he should be one of the main contenders in this. 

Kilmore Preview

Today I’m riding at Kilmore where the feature race is the Kilmore Cup. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 6 is the Listed Kilmore Cup over 1600 metres, my ride here is PANCHO who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Dissident is raced by Laurel Oak Bloodstock and partners. He comes into today with a race record of three wins and four placings from 19 starts. I rode him twice as a two-year-old at Flemington where we contested a handicap, and then a Listed race. Last year over the Flemington carnival he beat Russian Camelot in a 3-year-old 1800 metre race. The majority of his racing has been done in Sydney including four runs this preparation, with his last start being at Flemington over the Carnival in BM90 grade over 1800 metres where he finished fourth, just under three lengths from the winner. He comes into this race 16 days between runs, is dropping back in distance and carries the minimum weight of 56 kilos from a favourable barrier draw. If we have luck in running and he runs up to his best form he will take a lot of beating in this.

Ballarat Preview

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

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at Moonee Valley under lights. The rail is out 7 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the BM64 MVRC Membership On Sale Now Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is PASSIONATE LASS who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This filly by Sebring is raced by Orbis Bloodstock. She’s had one start for one win where she was dominant at Mornington over 1200 metres on a track rated as a good 4. The horse she beat at Mornington was Energy Within, who although is still a maiden has been racing consistently without winning, so that is solid form. Passionate Lass will start from a low barrier draw for her second career start and is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 6 is the BM70 HeartKids Hero Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is DIAQUIN (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old daughter of Sacred Falls has a race record of 15 starts for two wins and five minor placings and races in Ian Lewis’s colours. I rode her twice at the end of her three-year-old season, winning at Bendigo over 1400 metres on soft ground and then in the Rivette Final at Flemington where she was beaten by just over three lengths. She was then sent for a spell and resumed this preparation with a first-up run at Bendigo where she finished sixth and just over three lengths from the winner over 1300 metres. She steps up in distance for her second-up run and has drawn a tricky barrier, but we will have a good guide on how the track is playing by her race. She is a horse that usually settles in the second half of the field and makes ground late. If the track is playing fairly and allowing horses to make ground and we have luck from the barrier draw, she can be very competitive in this on her best form. 

Sandown Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at Moonee Valley where it’s the first meeting of the two-day Cox Plate Carnival. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Lockdown Legends Handicap over 2040 metres, my ride here is ONE MORE TRY who is trained by Matt Cumani. This six-year-old mare by Dane Shadow has had 21 starts for a consistent record of five wins and seven placings. She races here fourth-up this preparation and is racing over the 2000 metres for the first time this campaign. I’ve ridden her at various times throughout her career and most recently two starts ago at this course in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes over 1600 metres. She was back last in that run and closed the race off strongly to finish third to Mystic Journey. Last start she competed in Group 3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield and after starting from a wide barrier closed off well to finish just over a length from the winner. She is competing against a small field this evening and has been allocated the minimum weight of 56 kilos. She is such a consistent mare and will take a lot of beating in this race.

Race 3 is the Antler Luggage Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This six-year-old gelding by Encosta de Lago is raced by Keith and Brandon Hawtin. He is fourth-up this preparation and I’ve ridden him in his three runs this campaign, winning our last two and importantly, his last start win was at this course and distance. He is stepping up in grade from BM84 to open handicap and drops three and two-and-a-half kilos in weight from his past two runs, to the minimum in this event. He comes into this race full of confidence and if the predicted rain arrives it will be of no disadvantage to him. This race looks to set up well for him from the inside barrier draw and he could win again and graduate to open handicap company based on the way that he has been going.

Race 4 is the Chandler Macleod VOBIS Gold Star over 1500 metres, my ride here is KAZIO who is trained by Aaron Purcell. This set weight and penalty race is restricted to VOBIS Gold horses. Kazio is a seven-year-old gelding by Foreplay who has been in Aaron’s care for his three runs this preparation and I’ve ridden him on a number of occasions when he was previously trained by Colin Little. He looks like he has been building nicely throughout his preparation towards this race and the 1500 metres is a perfect distance for him. This is a small but competitive field and I know he will be there in the finish.

Race 5 is the 0 – 84 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 3 over 955 metres, my ride here is QUEEN ANNABEL who is trained by Rebecca Kelly. This seven-year-old mare by Bel Esprit races here second-up this preparation and comes into this after a solid first-up run at the course and distance where she finished just over four lengths from the winner. She has drawn a wide barrier and is a mare that usually gets back in the run. There looks to be a lot of speed and pressure on paper and if the track is allowing horses to close off from back in the field it will only enhance her chances.

Race 6 is the Sweeney Estate Agents Handicap over 1000 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is RATTLE AND BANG who is trained by Dean Binaisse. This three-year-old colt by Unencumbered is making his debut tonight. I’ve ridden him in a jumpout and he is a beautiful looking horse that showed nice ability. He will need to do everything right and have luck in running against this strong field in his debut run. I have no doubt that in time he will measure up to this grade.

Race 7 is the BM84 Seppelt Wines Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is TITAN BLINDERS who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This five-year-old gelding by All Too Hard is raced by Brad Spicer and Ozzie Kheir. He has been a model of consistency throughout his career with a record of four wins and 12 placings from 22 starts. He is fifth-up this preparation and drops nicely in weight as he is racing up in grade from his recent runs. I feel the 1500 metres is a perfect distance for him as he struggles at 1600 metres, but has won twice from two attempts over this distance. He will start from a favourable barrier and is a horse that makes his own luck in running and will take a lot of running down in this.

Race 8 is the Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is KEMENTARI who is trained by James Cummings. This six-year-old gelding by Lonhro is raced by Godolphin and I will wear the white cap to distinguish me from their other runner, Trekking. Kementari is a Group 1 winner who has been racing consistently at the highest level. He comes into this race second-up and has won and placed twice from six attempts second-up. The blinkers are going back on his head gear and he is a horse that we know has really good ability, and it will be my job to coax it out of him and get his head in front at the right time. There is no doubt on his best form he can win this and it would be a great outcome to see him back in the winners stall. 

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong where it’s Geelong Cup Day. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range. It’s one of the last chances for horses that win the main race to incur a weight penalty to get them into the Melbourne Cup field.

Race 3 is the Geelong Australia BM64 Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is THE ASTROLOGIST who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old gelding by Zoustar runs in the colours of Bennett Racing. He is lightly raced having had seven starts and has a record of two wins and three minor placings. His two-year-old form was very good with both of his wins being as a younger horse. He had two runs at the end of last season as a three-year-old and even though he didn’t win, both of his runs were solid efforts in finishing third on heavy ground. He resumes for his new trainers today and I’ve watched replays of his recent jumpouts in preparation for his first up run, where he has gone very nicely at Flemington. He has drawn an outside barrier and carries the top weight of 62.5 kilos, but if he finds his best form he will take a lot a lot of beating.

Race 6 is the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers Geelong Classic over 2200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is ROUSSEAU who is trained by Chris Waller. This is one of the lead-up races for the Derby which is held at Flemington over the carnival. Rousseau is a colt by So You Think that is raced by Star Thoroughbreds and partners. He comes into this a six-start maiden with a second and third placing and had been racing in strong company in Sydney earlier in his preparation before having his last three runs in Melbourne. I had my first ride on him two starts ago at this course over 1700 metres where we finished fifth and less than two lengths from the winner. I learnt a lot from riding him that day as he did a few things wrong from the wide barrier and was a little bit colty. He will start from a low barrier draw today and has the benefit of an extra run under his belt. If my horse does everything right and things go his way from the more favourable barrier draw, he will be very competitive.

Race 7 is the feature of the day, it’s the Group 3 bet365 Geelong Cup over 2400 metres, my ride here is ASHRUN (FR) who is trained by Andreas Wohler. This five-year-old imported entire by Authorized is raced by Australian Bloodstock & Stall Turffighter. He’s had 11 starts for three wins and three placings. He has serious staying form in Group races in Europe and looks well placed should he make the Melbourne Cup field on his low weight. His two runs this preparation have both been over 3000 metres in France where he finished second in both races in Listed and Group 2 company. Last start he contested the PRIX KERGORLAY, which has been a strong form reference for horses then travelling to Australia. The report from his trainer has been positive and that he has similarities to Protectionist, and that gives me confidence leading into today’s race. He is a versatile horse with his racing pattern and he is a genuine stayer. There doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper, so that might work against him from his wide barrier draw in a small field. He is a class galloper and if he runs up to his best form, I expect him to be hard to beat today and I’m looking forward to riding him.

Race 8 is the Listed Bennett Racing Black Pearl Stakes over 1200 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is KALKARNI ROYALE who is trained by Kevin Corstens. This four-year-old mare by Nicconi is raced by the sponsor of this race, Bennett Racing. She is lightly raced and has a good record, winning three times from seven starts. Her two runs this preparation have seen her finish fourth in strong company. I rode her at her most recent start at Cranbourne and even though she was beaten by six lengths, she bumped into a horse that really dominated the race. I felt that she struggled to get around Cranbourne with the pressure of that race and thought she was going to be tailed off, but once she got balanced up really closed the race off nicely in the straight. She is stepping up in distance today and will start from an inside barrier. She will make her own luck in running and will be very competitive in this.

Race 9 is the No Fuss Event Hire BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is NOVEMBER DREAMING who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Tavistock is lightly raced for her age having had 10 starts for a record of two wins and six minor placings. I rode her throughout most of her last preparation before she raced in Group company in Adelaide over 1600 metres, and in one run upon her return. She is a filly I know well and have won on. She has got really good form and rounded out her last preparation with a good effort to finish third at Flemington over 2000 metres. She is a promising mare who I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents pre-race for her first up assignment. If she has luck in running, I know they will find her hard to beat today. 

Caulfield Preview

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

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield where it’s the middle day of the three-day Caulfield carnival. The rail is out 10 metres after racing in the true position on Saturday and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the Group 3 Neds Coongy Cup over 2000 metres, my ride here is MONGOLIAN MARSHAL (NZ) who is trained in South Australia by Stuart Gower. This six-year-old gelding by High Chaparral has had 28 starts for a record of five wins and eight placings. I rode him twice when he was a three-year-old in Sydney over their Autumn carnival when he was trained by Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman. I ran fourth on him in the lead up to the ATC Derby and then ran eighth on him in the Group 1 ATC Derby. He is fifth-up this preparation and is stepping out to the 2000 metres for the first time this campaign and drops three kilos in weight from his past two starts. On his rating he is badly handicapped in this small but competitive field. If he runs up to his best performances he will be able to make his presence felt.

Race 3 is the BM78 BECK Probuild Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is LOOK SHARPISH (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old mare by Pins is lightly raced for her age having had nine starts for a race record of two wins and four placings. I rode her in her first ever race start at Geelong in 2019 where she was very green and new to it all. Since then she has progressed nicely in her next campaigns and has had the blinkers added and removed from her head gear. She won her maiden at the end of her last preparation and rounded out that campaign by finishing second in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks. She resumed this campaign on heavy ground with the blinkers off at Sandown over 1300 metres and was disappointing. She then stepped up to 1600 metres and had the blinkers back on for her next run, where she gained a confidence boosting win in BM64 grade at Benalla on a firmer surface. She then competed in F&M BM70 grade at Bendigo over the same distance to be narrowly beaten and finished second. She is racing up in grade again today and against the boys, and drops in weight from her last run. She will start from a nice barrier draw which will offer her every opportunity to run her best race.

Race 5 is the BM84 Hyland Race Colours Handicap over 2407 metres, my ride here is MASTER SHUHOOD (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported six-year-old gelding by Tamayuz has a race record of six wins and nine placings from 33 starts. I won on him last start at Bendigo in BM78 grade over 2200 metres on September 16^thand I’ve ridden him in a recent jumpout and felt that he has gained confidence from his last start win. He will start from a low barrier draw and because he is racing up in grade he drops a kilo-and-a-half in weight from last start. He is a horse that seems to make his own luck in his races and by the time this race jumps we will have a good understanding of how the track is racing with the rail out 10 metres and I know that he is a solid galloper who can be ridden with versatility.

Race 6 is the Listed Neds Village Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is CADOGAN (NZ) who is trained by Kevin Corstens. This seven-year-old gelding by Smart Missile races in the colours of Brae Sokolski. He started his in career in New South Wales and has also raced in Queensland for his former trainers and owners. While he has been racing competitively since arriving to Victoria he hasn’t finished closer than fifth in his six starts here. He is resuming today and is poorly weighted on his rating of 76 under the conditions of this race. It gives me confidence that his trainer is running him first-up a Listed race and I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him and seeing how he performs.

Race 7 is the Group 3 Catanach’s Jewellers Ladies’ Day Vase over 1600 metres for mares, my ride here is FABRIC (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old daughter of Ocean Park runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She’s had 19 starts for five wins and six placings and has been well placed and managed throughout her career. I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden her in all of her five wins and she is a mare that I know well. She resumed this preparation at Moonee Valley finishing third by an official margin of 0.2 length over 1200 metres. She then stepped up in distance to a BM90 over 1400 metres for mares at Caulfield and put in a pleasing effort to win the same race she had won 12 months earlier. Her most recent run saw her finish fifth and 2.25 lengths from the winner in Group 2 mares company at Flemington over 1400 metres. She has drawn a wide barrier today, and if we have luck in running she will be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM84 Nick Johnstone Real Estate Hcp over 1400 metres, my ride here is VIRAL who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old gelding by Al Maher is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. He’s had 18 starts and comes into this meeting with a record of five wins and four minor placings. I had three rides on him last preparation for a second placing and two wins, with one of those wins being at this course and distance. He races here first up today over the 1400 and even though he has only won once from six attempts at the distance, some of his runs as a younger horse saw him finish just outside of the placings. He has jumped out recently in preparation for his return and I have been really pleased with the feel he has given me. If we have luck from the tricky barrier draw and he runs up to his best form and recent jumpout’s, he will be making his presence felt. 

Cranbourne Preview

Today I’m riding at Cranbourne for their feature race meeting of the year, where it’s Cranbourne Cup day. This is the second day of their two-day carnival with the Pinker Pinker Plate for fillies and mares being held on Friday night. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range. The Cranbourne Cup has been a good race for me having won it four times previously, including last year on the same horse that I’m riding today.

Race 2 is the Wilson Medic One Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is NOT FOR IZZY who is trained by my father and brother, Allan & Jason Williams. This four-year-old gelding by Love Conquers All is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price of Price Bloodstock Management. He’s had five starts for three second placings with all of those being last preparation. I’ve ridden him once previously at Sale where we finished second over 1700 metres, he then had one more run and was subsequently sent for a break from training. He races here first up today and has the visors removed from his head gear. He has jumped out nicely in preparation for his first up run and if he can bring that form to the race, and we have luck from a wide barrier draw, he will be very competitive in this.

Race 6 is the Procon Developments Apache Cat Classic over 1000 metres, my ride here is KALKARNI ROYALE who is trained by Kevin Corstens. This four-year-old mare by Nicconi is raced by Bennett Racing. She is lightly raced for her age having had six starts for a record of three wins. She has winning form at the track when she raced over 1200 metres and won on debut at Mornington over this distance when she was a three-year-old. She races here second-up this preparation after a really good first up effort at Caulfield where she finished fourth and half a length from the winner in BM90 mares grade. She will start from a wide barrier against this small field and is a mare that has natural speed. If we have luck in running and she has trained-on since her first-up run she will be one of the main chances in this race.

Race 7 is the De Bortoli Wines BM78 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GOLDIFOX who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This five-year-old mare by Foxwedge also races in the Bennett Racing colours. She races here third-up today and I had my first ride on her last start where we were successful at Bendigo over 1300 metres in F&M BM70 grade. She steps up a grade today and drops three kilos in weight and the nice gap between runs should suit her as she is very good fresh. I rode her in a recent jumpout in preparation for this race and could feel the confidence she gained from her last start win. She will start from a favourable barrier and steps up slightly in distance from her last run. This is a very competitive field but I like the feel she gave me in her recent jumpout and she should be right in this at this finish.

Race 8 is the Listed TAB Cranbourne Cup over 2025 metres, my ride here is DR DRILL (GB) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This imported six-year-old gelding by Dansili runs in the colours of Glenvallen Investments. He races here third-up and I have ridden him in both of his runs this preparation. First-up at Caulfield he put in a really solid effort from a wide barrier to finish less than two lengths from the winner over 1700 metres. Second-up we didn’t have any luck from a low barrier draw and I ended up three wide with no cover over 2000 metres, he did have excuses with the run that he had but for a horse of his calibre and ability he was still well beaten finishing last. The stable has reported that he has worked well since then which gives me confidence leading into this race. He will start from barrier one and there looks to be a lot of pressure in this race and he should be afforded every opportunity to gain an energy saving run throughout. On his best form he can go back-to-back in the Cranbourne Cup. 

Caulfield Preview

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

Flemington Preview

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

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at Moonee Valley. The rail is out seven metres and the track is rated in the good range. With the rail out seven metres the field sizes are reduced and it makes for tricky racing where good barrier draws matter and horses that can handle the unique Moonee Valley circuit are advantaged.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 2 over 955 metres, my ride here is DANE CLIPPER who is trained by Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes. This four-year-old mare by Danerich has had five starts for a win and third placing, with all of her runs being in her first racing preparation last year. She started her career off with a strong win a Pakenham on the synthetic surface where she won by 4.75 lengths. She then competed in a BM64 for three-year-old fillies at Flemington where she finished third and less than two lengths from the winner. Her next three runs were all at this track over 1000 and 1200 metres. I rode her in a recent jumpout in preparation for her first-up run and she was extremely speedy and gave me a good feel. She has drawn a wide barrier in a race where there looks to be a lot of speed on paper. If we have luck from the wide draw and she runs up to her recent jumpout, she will be very hard to beat.

Race 8 is the BM78 BCNA Pink Lady Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is TITAN BLINDERS who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This five-year-old gelding by All Too Hard is raced by Ozzie Kheir and Brad Spicer. I had two rides on him at Caulfield at the end of his last preparation where we finished third and second over 1400 metres in this grade of race. He raced close to the speed the first time I rode him and we made all the running next start, to be narrowly defeated. He races here fourth up today and has finished second in his three runs this preparation and has been racing so consistently. He steps up in grade and distance from last start and has placed once from three attempts over this distance range. He has drawn a middle barrier and there looks to be a lot of pressure in this race. If he runs up to his consistent form he will take a lot of beating in this and I’m looking forward to riding him again.

Race 9 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1000 metres for mares, my ride here is WRITE ENUFF who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This five-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon has had 14 starts for a record of two wins and six placings. I rode her in her first ever start at Warrnambool where we won the VOBIS Gold Strike, and again when she was a three-year-old, so it’s been just over two years since I’ve ridden her. She raced really consistently last preparation and showed that she had matured nicely, from her four runs in that campaign she produced a win, two seconds and a fifth. She races here first-up this evening, has good form when racing fresh and has placed five times from 11 attempts on tracks rated as good. By this race we will know how the track is playing and if she runs up to her previous first-up form she will be very competitive.

Mornington Preview

Today I’m heading to Mornington for the one ride. The rail is out two metres and the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 7 is the Jack Dow Memorial over 1500 metres for entires, colts and geldings, my ride here is FORMENTERA who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This three-year-old colt by I Am Invincible runs in the colours of Emirates Park. He is lightly raced and hasn’t missed a top four placing from his four starts and has winning form on heavy ground. He is taking on the older horses first up today and this is also his first time racing the Melbourne way of going. I had my first ride on him in a track gallop at Moonee Valley on Monday morning and felt that he is a lovely big horse with a strong action. This will be his first attempt racing over the 1500 metres and he has the blinkers added to his head gear again. I’m looking forward to seeing how he acquits himself on raceday and his performance here will help plan his path forward to the feature races through the Spring, as he holds nominations for the Caulfield Guineas and Victoria Derby. 

Caulfield Preview

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

Moonee Valley Preview

This evening I’m riding at Moonee Valley where it’s the first night meeting of the new season, featuring the Group 1 Moir Stakes. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range, but there is rain and poor weather forecast throughout the day, so it will be interesting to see if and how that alters the track conditions.

Race 1 is the Lloyd Williams Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-old colts and geldings, my ride here is EXTRA TIME who is trained by Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas. This gelding by Shooting To Win has had seven starts for a record of one win and two second placings, with his win being in a Group 3 race at Morphettville at the end of his two-year-old season.He resumed this preparation against the older horses in the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Morphettville. He wore blinkers in the Spring Stakes and after being slow out of the barriers and over-racing badly put in a solid effort to finish 6.4 lengths from the winner. That race is proving to be a strong form reference with the winner, Behemoth, remaining unbeaten this preparation and is now a dual Group 1 winner at Caulfield. Extra Time had the blinkers removed for his next start which was at Caulfield where he was narrowly defeated by less than half a length in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes for three-year-old’s. I rode him for the first time in his most recent start at Flemington over the straight course in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes, he was beaten by just over three lengths and felt a little bit lost racing over the straight course for the first time. He will start from a low barrier draw and is well treated under the set weight and penalty conditions of this race. I’m looking forward to riding him again and he will take a lot of beating in this on his best form.

Race 2 is the BM84 MSC Signs Lockdown Legends Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This six-year-old gelding by Encosta de Lago is raced by the Hawtin family. He races here third-up this preparation and has won four of his five races over this distance. He comes into this race full of confidence as a last start winner when I rode him at Geelong in BM78 grade over this distance. He has drawn an outside barrier this evening and we will need luck in running. If we have luck and if he runs up to his consistent form, he can win this.

Race 4 is the Group 2 E.J. Whitten Time to Test Stutt Stakes over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is CROWN MINT who is trained by Gordon Richards. This gelding by Hallowed Crown has had six starts for one win and four placings, only missing a top three placing once in his career which was last start when I had my first ride on him in the Listed Exford Plate at Flemington over 1400 metres. We had no luck in running and followed the favourite into the race, who was disappointing. I was so pleased with my horse when he did get room how strongly he finished off and the acceleration he displayed to finish fourth and less than three lengths from the winner. The step up in distance should be to his advantage and he comes into this race with a gear change of blinkers off and winkers on. He has stepped slowly from the barriers with the blinkers on, so if the gear change can help him to jump on terms he shouldn’t be far off the leaders and settle in a nice position. If he handles the tight turning circuit of this course, that will help to keep his options open going forward to possibly the Vase, and potentially the VRC Derby. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing how he measures up to this grade and I’m confident he can be one of the main chances.

Race 6 is the Group 3 Ladbrokes JRA Cup over 2040 metres, my ride here is MANTASTIC (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported seven-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock is raced by OTI Racing and partners. He has been a consistent galloper throughout his career with a record of five wins and seven placings from 21 starts. He has been building up nicely though this preparation and races here fourth up this campaign and is stepping up in distance from 1700 metres last start. He drops to the minimum weight of 55 kilos and will start from a middle barrier. He is a horse that usually settles in the second half of the field in running, so providing the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to make ground, and the race is run to suit him, I expect he can make his presence felt.

Race 7 is the feature race of the night, the Group 1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes over 1000 metres, my ride here is BOLD STAR who is trained by Gordon Richards. This five-year-old gelding by Needs Further has had 24 starts for a record of seven wins and six minor placings and is a really consistent race horse. I’ve ridden him with success when he has competed in Victoria previously and have ridden him in both of his runs this campaign at Caulfield and Flemington where we finished fourth and sixth respectively, without being beaten far. I felt he was disappointing last start, and even though his run was excellent, I felt he wasn’t at his best. He is third-up tonight and is dropping back in distance after racing over 1200 metres last start. He will start from a wide barrier and this race looks like it will be run very quickly, which will suit him providing the track is playing fairly. If he runs up to his best form look for him to be finishing off really strongly over the concluding stages.

Race 8 is the Group 2 Four’N Twenty Stocks Stakes over 1600 metres for mares, my ride here is ONE MORE TRY who is trained by Matt Cumani. This six-year-old mare by Dane Shadow is lightly raced for her age having had 19 starts for a record of five wins and six placings. She races here second-up this preparation and has good form second-up with a record of two wins and two second placings from five attempts. She is a versatile mare who races well on all surfaces from good through to heavy, so if the track deteriorates it will be no disadvantage to her. On her rating she is not well treated under the weight for age conditions of this race as she carries the same weight as the highest rated horse, but she is very consistent and competitive and I expect she can continue her good form second-up and run well.