Cranbourne - Preview

Friday May 19

I start in race one, with SUBUTAI for Danny O’Brien. He has only had two starts and finished second at his last outing. He now steps up slightly in trip, has a favourable barrier draw and looks like he will take a lot of running down.

DAZZLE STREET is my ride in race two, for Mitchell Beer & Max Hinton. He has only two starts this preparation after arriving from New Zealand. He is getting better at every run but steps back slightly in trip and will need some luck from an outside barrier.

In race five, I ride HIGH LAGO for Darren Weir and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock. He steps back up to a trip where he has been successful before and is third up and appears to be improving with each run. In this small but competitive field, on his best form, he will make his presence felt.

HETUKA ZARSHO is my ride in race seven, for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra and First Light Racing. He is resuming and was ultra-consistent last preparation. After getting a win on the board he stepped up to city grade where he was very competitive. He was won fresh and has the right form to be winning this race first up.

In race eight, the last race, I ride LORD TENNYSON for Peter Chow. I was narrowly denied victory on him last start at the Warrnambool carnival but he was gallant in defeat and appeared to run into a smart horse. If he holds that form, I expect him to take a lot of running down in this.

Geelong - Preview

Friday May 19

I start in race two, with GEORGICA for Chris Waller. He is an Ocean Park colt having his debut run. He has had two unofficial jumpouts at Flemington and I wasn’t aboard him on either of those occasions but I have watched his replays. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and am looking forward to seeing him on his debut appearance.

KOTINOS is my ride in race three, for Robert Smerdon and Champion Thoroughbreds. He is resuming and has the blinkers off and winkers back on. I rode him on debut when he finished third at Pakenham. He has trialled very nicely coming into this and his form is much stronger than his opposition and this race should start him on his winning ways.

In race four, I ride SEATTLE PARK for Mick Kent. He has been very consistent in his first racing preparation finishing no further back than fourth. He has come up with a wide barrier draw, and slightly back in trip but this is a nice maiden race for him.

Morphettville - Preview

Saturday May 13

I start in race one, with NEW SUMMER NIGHT for Stephen Theodore. I rode her four starts ago when she was trained in Victoria by the Hayes stable. She has now moved to South Australia and is coming off a last start victory. She is a horse that gets back and needs a little bit of luck but she comes into this full of confidence and there looks to be nice speed up front which should suit her race pattern. If she has luck in running she will be hitting the line hard in this competitive race.

CASINO FOURTEEN is my ride in race two, the Group 3, Sires Produce Stakes for Greg Eurell and Ultra Racing. I finished second on him last start in a Listed event at Flemington over the same course. He is strong and gave me a feeling that he is a horse that will feature as a 3yo in the Spring Carnival. The stable is very pleased the way he has come on since his last run and even though he has drawn the outside, I expect him to be too strong for these.

In race three, I ride SAMARA DANCER for Phillip Stokes. She is coming right back in grade as she has only competed at Group and Listed level but with that she has to carry a big weight and coupled with a wide barrier. She was one of the favourites in her year of the Blue Diamond and if she finds that form she will be beating these.

ROCK STATUS is my ride in race four, for David Jolly. He is coming off a quick back up and is down in grade after competing at Group level where he finished last. Back to this grade and with a nice barrier draw, if he backs up, he is one of the main chances with no weight. He does need luck as he comes from midfield or further back.

Race five, I ride CAMDUS for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He has excellent form and has the minimum weight. He does get back so if they are able to make ground he will be one of the horses hitting the line hard.

PETITION is my ride in race six, the Adelaide Guineas, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is undefeated this preparation and I was very impressed with the feeling she gave me at her last outing when she won at Flemington where I felt she didn’t handle the ground but was too good for them. She now steps up in trip, has a wide gate and she will find herself midfield or worse but there does look to be a lot of pressure which should suit her. I am expecting her to be too good for these.

Race eight, the Provincial Final, I ride WILDWOOD COURT for Simon Gebert. He is coming off a last start victory at Bendigo where he was quite dominant where he controlled the race in front. He is a horse that seems to make his own luck and when ridden forward he is hard to get past and very competitive. Being a Final, this is a strong race but with a nice run from a widish draw he will be very competitive.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday May 10

I start in race two, with CROCODILE SHOES for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI Racing. He is an import having his first run in Australia. He is an intriguing runner and I’m looking forward to him resuming in this race. He has trialled at Flemington where he stayed on nicely throughout.

GIBBON is my ride in race three, for Wendy Kelly. He is third up which he has won at in the past. He has a nice middle barrier draw, a surface that he enjoys and he’s also on the minimum weight. If he finds his best form, in this small but very competitive race, he is one of the main chances.

In race four, I ride A LITTLEBITOFCLASS for Nikki Burke. She is a very consistent galloper who has had two starts the course for two seconds and she is adaptable on all surfaces. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and she has been very consistent this preparation

MADAM MOUTON is my ride in race six, for Ciaron Maher and Higgins/Dalziel Racing. She closed off well first up over 1400m at this track from a wide draw. Again, she has drawn out but her run style is usually to come from behind, so if they are making ground on the day, she will be finishing hard.

Race seven I ride STONE WARRIOR for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI Racing. If you can forgive his last run and the excuse was he didn’t handle the firm surface, his form is excellent. He hasn’t finished out of the top three in his previous four starts. He finds himself at the same trip as he was successful at two runs back in Adelaide. He has a wide barrier but on his best form he is the one they all have to beat.

In race eight, the last race, I ride CHAMPAGNE READY for Chris Waller. She won her maiden at this course and comes off a last start win at Kembla Grange on a Slow 5. She goes well here, has been competitive at the distance and likes the surface. She has come up with a nice barrier draw but she is a little bit awkward as she can overrace and get her head up throughout but if I can utilise the good draw and she races kindly for me, she has good acceleration at the end of her race.

Morphettville Sangster Stakes - preview

Saturday May 6

I start in race four, the McKay Stakes with RELDAS for Robert Smerdon. He is well weighted in this race as he is only 2.5kg off the minimum. He has had a gap between runs but he was due to run at Mornington on Cup Day but was scratched at the barriers. If he travels over well and handles the day, I expect him to be very competitive on his best form.

SAVVY DREAMS is my ride in race six, the Australasian Oaks, for Guy Lowry & Grant Cullen. She was very impressive in her recent runs in NZ before coming to Australia. I didn’t feel she was at her best last start and her NZ form was franked with the ATC Oaks winner coming through the same form line as this girl. She has come up with a middle gate and she does get a bit restless in the starting stalls but shouldn’t be in the barriers long. If she can get away cleanly and settle in a midfield position and finds her NZ form, she is the one they have to beat.

In race seven, the Group 1 Sangster Stakes, I ride NOW OR LATER (formally known as Now Or Never in NZ and USA) for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has competed at Group 1 level multiple times in 3yo classic races. She has had one official trial on Heavy ground. I didn’t ride her in that jumpout but I’ve ridden her on multiple occasions in trackwork and on her latest piece of work at Caulfield, if she brings that form, she is the one they have to beat.

FUHRYK is my ride in race eight, the Euclase Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. During her last preparation she wasn’t beaten at this distance. She has come up with a nice gate where she should get an economical run and if she brings her best form, she is one of the main chances in this hotly contested race.

Warrnambool - Preview

Wednesday May 3

Today I’m at Warrnambool for Day 2 of their famous May Carnival.

I start in race three, with FLAG TIME for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. He is stepping up to 1700m for the first time and he has come up with a favourable barrier draw which should give him every chance.

LORD TENNYSON is my ride in race four, for Peter Chow. He is locally trained and is second up today which he has excellent form with two wins and a second when second up in the past. His has never been out of the top two at this course and distance from his three tries. In a very competitive race he will take a lot of running down

In race seven, I ride TOFFATIN for Matthew Williams. He is only lightly raced and has shown glimpses of nice ability. He is second up and steps up in trip. He usually gets back in his races and there does look to be nice pressure up front in this. If they are able to close off, he will be one of the horses finishing hard.

TELOPEA is my ride in race eight, the Wangoom Handicap for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. She is first up and has great form when she resumes. She has only been out of the top three on one occasion at this distance. She handles soft ground, has a nice barrier and with no weight in this very competitive Listed race she is one of the main chances.

Race ten, I ride READY RIGHT NOW for Tony McEvoy. He is resuming and his first up form is his best form as he has only missed a place when first up from three tries. He has the blinkers off for the first time, has an outside barrier and on his best form he will be there at the finish.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday April 29

I start in race one, with WINKELMANN for Danny O’Brien. She is a lightly raced 3yo who has had five starts for two wins. In her most recent start she was successful at Pakenham, so she comes to this race with confidence. She is quite versatile as she has been able to be successful making all the running as well as last time coming from back in the race and finishing strongly. This is the first time she will step out to 1800m and in this very even race she will be one of the main chances.

HURSLEY is my ride in race two, for Chris Waller & Qatar Bloodstock. He has only been unplaced once at this course and distance. He likes the track, has come up with a favourable barrier draw and he loves soft ground. He can carry the weight and he is the one they have to beat.

In race three, I ride DANE THUNDER for Shane Bottomley. His first up run was nice where he wasn’t beaten far. he is now up in grad but he will have improved fitness and stays at the same trip. In this grade he will be very competitive.

MENABREA is my ride in race four, for Colin Scott. She is a lightly race Magnus filly that handles all conditions. Her first up win was at Kilmore where she was a little keen through the race and that is probably why they have dropped her back in trip. There appears to be a lot of pressure in this so it should help her relax and give her more strength at the end of the race. It is a step up in class but she does have the minimum weight.

Race five, I ride AL PASSEM for Ken Keys. He has had two starts for two wins. He won at the track last time and now steps out slightly in trip. He has come up with a wide barrier draw so if we don’t have to do too much work early, he will be strong late. Horse no.1 will be very hard to beat as he was very impressive on debut but it will be a good test to see where these horse shape up looking forward to the Spring Carnival as this is a very strong race.

HIGHLAND BEAT is my ride in race six, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. When you look back through his form he has been beaten by some good horses who performed well over the Spring at the top level as well as himself competing in Group races. He has excellent first up stats as he has only been out of the top three on one occasion, he races well at the track and when I rode him I liked the way he finished off. The stable like to ride him with a sit so the wide barrier should mean he can be ridden to his usual pattern. If he comes into this with the form he has previously shown, he is a main chance in this strong event.

In race seven, I ride AEGEAN SEA for Danny O’Brien. She is resuming under Danny O’Brien for the first time. Last start she competed at Group 1 level in the Oakleigh Plate. She now steps back to this mares contest and even though she has to carry 58.5kg she has been successful carrying 61kg before so carrying this weight is no problem for her. She is a quality mare and if she brings her best form they will all have to beat her.

Race eight, I ride HEART STARTER for Darren Weir and wears the famous Bob Peters colours. To send him over to the East, they must have a lot of time for him. He has won at Group 3 level and his form suggests he has good ability. He has excellent form at 1400m and usually runs well first up. On his best form, he is one of the chances.

Sandown - Preview

Wednesday April 26

I start in race two, with WILLI WILLI for Craig Widdison. He has one start finishing fifth and the winner of that race has been a stakes filly. He has since had a spell, a nice trial without too much pressure and resumes today. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw but it is a very strong maiden but he looks like a horse with nice potential.

HOT RUBY is my ride in race three, for Luke Oliver. She is now back in grade and despite carrying 58.5kg, she is well treated at the weights and on her best form and on a soft track it looks like another race she can win.

In race seven, I ride FIFE for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has been looking for soft ground and has come up with a nice barrier draw. The step back in trip should be to her liking and she has worked well at the track in the past. She gets the right conditions, is on the minimum and she is the one they have to beat.

Flemington - ANZAC Day Preview

Tuesday April 25

Today is ANZAC Day, traditionally run at Flemington, and a great day we can reflect on servicemen and servicewomen past and present that give everyone a great opportunity in Australia.

I start in race one, with TOM MELBOURNE for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI. If you forgive his last start run which was in a Group 1 at WFA level, his best form is too good for these. He is usually an on pace runner who creates his on luck free-rolling in front. Even though it is a small field, there are two other horses in the race who have similar run styles but on his best form he will run these into the ground.

PETITION is my ride in race three, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is a very exciting filly that is lightly raced and she has never finished further back than fourth. She started this preparation with an impressive victory and even though she has come up with an outside barrier draw she is a very progressive filly and with luck in running she will be too good for these.

In race four, I ride CASINO FOURTEEN for Greg Eurell and Ultra Racing. He has had one start for one win where he was impressive without being pressured. He now steps up to Listed grade but the stable has a very big opinion of him and if he can take the step up the plan is to head north to Brisbane for Group races during their win carnival. He is a big strong horse who looks like he makes his own luck and I’m looking forward to sitting on him.

AMARELA is my ride in race five, for Nigel Blackiston. She has won and been placed at the track. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and I like the way she finished off last start. In this very competitive race she is one of the main chances.

Race six, the VRC St Leger, I ride HIGH MODE for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He looks like an out and out stayer. This race looks to be a very open edition of the St Leger. Even though his form doesn’t look as strong as others in this race, I’m confident the distance is in his favour and he will be competitive in this.

SPANNER HEAD is my ride in race seven, for Archie Alexander. She was narrowly defeated at her only start at Flemington and her two wins at 1600m have both produced wins. She looks like a lovely filly that will get every favour from barrier one, she stays on the minimum weight but in this very competitive weight she is one of the main chances.

In race eight, I ride CORAM for John Sadler. He is a very consistent horse and has been racing well with his runs spaced. He has come up with an inside barrier draw and by the last race of the day everyone will know what part of the track will be the place to be. He usually gives them a head start and hits the line hard. This is a very open race and with luck in running and on his best he will be one of the main chances.

Sandown - Preview

Monday April 17

I start in race one, with LILAS for Robert Smerdon. She has had multiple trials coming into this and had the blinkers on in one of those outings. She will have to improve on what she’s shown at those trials but she has drawn well in gate one.

PENTHOUSE POET is my ride in race two, for Robbie Laing. This horse is eligible for a maiden but he has shown solid form in his trials and in his first run behind Verstappen. It does look like he has the ability for this class and if he shows that with the blinkers on first time then he will make his presence felt.

In race three, I ride ALASKAN SUN for Robert Smerdon. She was successful at this course and distance two starts back and last start she had no favours from the top of the straight but closed off quite well. Again, she comes up with a big weight and the outside barrier draw so she will need some luck. If the track is playing even and you can make ground from behind, she will be doing that.

FABULONH is my ride in race four, for Colin Scott. He closed off well in his first up run when it was hard to make ground. He has had three runs second up for two seconds and a third so he is ultra-consistent. He now gets to a distance that he has been successful at and a track he was won at. He has a middle barrier draw and is one of the main chances.

Race five, I ride NAPOLEON’S WAR for Andrew Noblet. He’s been very consistent and has won this preparation. He does have the blinkers on for the first time but he has raced in visors before. He has an outside barrier draw so if he doesn’t have to use too much energy he should be there for a long way.

LOPARTEGA is my ride in race six, for Doug Harrison. She closed her race off nicely first up. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw and she looks like she will make her own luck. On her consistent form, she is one of the main chances.

In race nine, I ride RECALCULATE for Colin Scott. He is first up and he has won twice when resuming previously. If Colin is confident, I expect him to be a good chance and one of the horses finishing hard as there looks to be a lot of pressure up front.

Randwick - Preview

Saturday April 15

I start in race two, with ALMIGHTY GIRL for Joe Pride. She started her career in Melbourne and I had a big opinion of her as a 3yo. She has two runs in Sydney for a third and fourth and her latest was on a Heavy 10. She is back in grade and if she gets through the ground and handles her big weight, on her best form they all have to beat her.

SANTA ANA LANE is my ride in race four, the Hall Mark Stakes, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He has been very competitive when he raced in Sydney as a 3yo. He has had one run this preparation where he finished fourth at Moonee Valley. He stays at the same trip and the race looks to have a lot of pressure which usually suits him. If he has a little bit of luck from the wide draw I expect him to be finishing off fast.

In race five, the JRA Plate, I ride ASTRONOMOS for John Thompson and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a deserved favourite in this race, his form is excellent, he loves wet ground, has 53.5kg and is in outstanding form this preparation. He doesn’t seem to make his own luck as he always gives them a head start and this race does look to be void of pressure. If he can work with me and make use of his good barrier he might be in an advantageous position and be more effective. If he is, he will be wining.

ONE MORE HONEY is my ride in race six, the Group 1 Champagne Stakes for 2yo, for John Thompson. This the furthest 2yo’s have run this season and it is a very competitive race with plenty of questions marks with them getting out to this trip. My filly looks like she will relish the journey, is in great form, relishes a wet track and has drawn a favourable barrier. She is one of the main chances.

Race seven, the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, I ride REDKIRK WARRIOR for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a very impressive horse when he gets conditions to suit as he did when he won impressively to win the Newmarket Handicap on resumption. Last start he was out in trip and on a Heavy 10. He looks like a horse that would appreciate if the track did dry out through the day and get firmer footing. On his best ability, he is one of the main chances but I will need to help him handle the conditions.

INVINCIBELLA is my ride in race eight, the Carr Stakes, for Chris Waller. She is second up and in her other two second up runs, she hasn’t missed a place. She closed off well last start from a wide draw and she now steps out to a trip that saw her successful at the same course and distance last preparation. It looks like it will be run at a solid tempo which should help her relax and have a strong finishing burst.

In race nine, I ride DUCA VALENTINIOS for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He is resuming and comes off the back of two good trial runs on Heavy ground. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw, his form is very strong and he is definitely one of the main chances on what he has been showing in his trials.

Randwick - The Championships Day 2 - Preivew

Saturday April 8

Today I’m riding at Royal Randwick for the second day of The Championships. Sydney has had fine weather towards the end of this week but the track remains in the soft range. The rail will be out 4 metres and it will be very interesting to see how the track plays, as last week it was a Heavy track and very hard for horses to make ground.

I start in race two, with TRVANCORE for Bryce Heys. This is the first time he steps up to 1400m and after watching the replays I’m going to have to get a good bond fast with this colt as in many races he gets his head up and overraces. He has come up with the outside barrier draw and he usually gets back. I will have to work in well with him so I don’t use too much energy so he can have a finishing burst. If the track is playing fairly it will give him a chance to finish off.

FORMALITY is my ride in race three, the Percy Sykes Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She races in the colours of Coolmore and is a filly with plenty of potential. Her only disappointing performance was last start when she was well beaten on a Heavy 10 in the Golden Slipper. If she handles the conditions of the track and shows her usual ability, she is one of the main chances.

In race six, the Group 1 Australian Oaks, I ride WAKING MOMENT for John Thompson. She comes into this race after winning her last start in the Group 3 Adrian Knox. She handled soft ground, appreciated the step up in trip and comes up with a good middle gate today. This looks like it will be run at a solid tempo and she will make her presence felt.

HARLEM is my ride in race six, the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. Everyone is taking on Winx in the feature race of The Championships. He is an imported horse and at his first start in Australia he finished third in a very competitive Blamey Stakes. He is now having a traditional Hayes Autumn campaign and will have two runs before being spelled for the Spring. He has very strong international form and I’m looking forward to getting a feel for him with a view to the Spring Carnival.

Race eight, the Group 1 Sydney Cup, I ride BIG DUKE for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. My last two rides on him have been victorious and both have been in Sydney. He now steps out to the two miles for the first time which I think he’ll enjoy but more importantly he drops from 58kg to 52kg. He has come up with a nice middle barrier draw, has confidence from his last two outings and handles soft ground. If he brings the same form he has at his last two runs, they will all have to beat him.

SILENT SEDITION is my ride in race nine, the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes at WFA for Fillies & Mares, for Andrew Noblet. She is a model of consistency and never knows how to run a bad race. She is coming off winning a Group 1 at her last start and now comes back to her own sex. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw, will have confidence from her last outing and she always tries her heart out. If she handles the ground, they won’t run her down.

In race ten, the Sapphire Stakes, I ride HIEROGLYOHICS for Anthony & Edward Cummings. She has come up with a wide barrier draw, has the minimum weight and she is quite versatile in the way she has been ridden and successful this preparation. I will be looking to see how the track will be playing by this stage of the day. I have options to follow one of the main chances if we go back but if the instructions are to go forward, she has natural speed. A lot will depend on the track patter and how she begins but on her best form she can make her presence felt.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday April 5

I start in race one, with MARK’S MAHA for Aaron Purcell. He has won three of his last four starts and finished third in the other. He is a very solid stayer in good hands with Aaron Purcell and he comes to this small but competitive race over 3400m. He seems to make his own luck, drops nicely in weight and will take a lot of running down.

MULK is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has had three starts but is yet to win. He comes into this race second up, having his first run in Melbourne and has the blinkers off. From the outside barrier, I will probably be asked to ride him quietly and asked to finish off.

In race four, I ride HOT RUBY for Luke Oliver. Last time I rode her I was successful over the same distance at Caulfield. Since then she has had a freshen up and wasn’t beaten far at her latest outing. She has come up with a favourable draw and in this very competitive Mares race she is one of the main chances.

ALASKAN SUN is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon. I was successful on her last start over this course and distance so she comes into this race with confidence. She goes up in weight with the impost of 60kgs so she will need some luck from an outside draw. In this very competitive and solid race, she is a chance to make it successive wins.

Race seven, I ride LOST COMMAND for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. She has been ultra-consistent this preparation since moving to the stable. They have taken the blinkers off and she was very solid in defeat last time at Flemington. She is a very honest and solid performer, does a lot of her racing on speed and it takes a nice horse to run her down. This is race that does look to have solid pressure on paper but that should play to her strengths as tough racing suits her run style.

PRESSCOTT is my ride in race eight, for Chris Waller in colours made famous by Winx. I have had one ride on him when he won his Maiden at Bendigo last year. He is second up from a freshen, has a nice inside draw which should see him have an economic run. In an open race, he is one of the chances.

Randwick - The Championships Day 1 - Preivew

Saturday April 1

Today I ride at Randwick for the first day of The Championships. Sydney has copped a lot of rain this past month and today’s meeting will be conducted on a Heavy track.

I start in race three, the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap, with BIG DUKE for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. I was successful on him last start in the Manion Cup at Rosehill on a Heavy 10 where he relished those conditions. He was on the minimum weight of 54kg and now he goes up 4kgs. He rises in trip to 2600m and he is the horse they all have to beat. I expect him to have gained confidence from his last start win and the stable has reported he has thrived since then. This is a great stepping stone and historical lead up for the following week’s Sydney Cup, where he is the early favourite.

NIC’S VENDETTA is my ride in race four, the Country Championships Final, for Todd Howlett. The final is a culmination of many heats throughout country NSW and it is a great concept and to see trainers from all around the state converge in a final on the big stage. As you had to run first or second in the heats it is an extremely competitive race. I am very fortunate that my horse has soft track form, has come up with a favourable barrier draw and seems to make his own luck as he races close to the speed. In this very competitive final he is one of the chances.

Race eight, the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes, I ride REBEL DANE for Gary Portelli. He has Heavy track form but will need luck from the outside barrier but on his best day with luck he can make his presence felt.

Mornington Cup Day - Preview

Saturday March 25

I start in race one, with PINK PERFECTION for Nikki Burke. I rode her for the first time last start when she was beaten just over half a length at Flemington. I think she will benefit with coming back in trip and going around a bend. This is a very competitive race and if she holds her form she is one of the main chances.

GOLDEN MANE is my ride in race three, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He ran third in this race last year. He has come up with an outside barrier draw and his usual run style is to get back and run on late. It is a very competitive race and he will need a lot of pressure up front and that the tracks allows you to come from behind. If you can, he will be closing off late.

FIFE is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. Her first up run she really didn’t handle the racing under lights at Moonee Valley. Since then she has had a lot of time between that run and today and she has trialled extremely well at Cranbourne at her latest official trial. If she finds her right form and if the track has any give in it, it would benefit her chances.

Race six, the Hareeba Stakes, I ride RELDAS for Robert Smerdon. He has had two runs this preparation and both have been good. He has come up with a very favourable barrier draw and if he has any luck in running he is one of the main chances in a race where every horse has a solid chance of winning.

THE GOLDEN TRAIL is my ride in race seven, the Mornington Cup, for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. In Europe he is known as Gold Trail. He has won his last two starts at this distance and at his latest he won at Meydan in Dubai. The horse he beat, went on to defeat the highest rated horse in Europe. If he brings that form to Australia which looks like he has in his work, he is the horse they all have to beat. The winner of this race, is exempt from the ballot for this year’s Caulfield Cup which was the idea of the trainer to target this particular race.

In race eight, the Mornington Guineas, I ride RED IS THE ROSE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She was ultra-impressive winning her maiden two starts ago at Sandown. She then stepped up to Group 2 company and was only beaten less than two lengths behind I Am A Star. She has come up with an outside barrier draw but if she doesn’t have to do too much work she is going to take a lot of running down.

Race nine, I ride MATERNAL for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I have only ridden her once which was last start for a victory and she went for a spell after that run. She was ultra-competitive last preparation.and she has trialled twice in Sydney leading into this run and did close off nicely at her latest one. She has had three runs first up for a win and a second. This looks like the right distance range and if she brings her usual competitive form to the races she can start this preparation off on a winning note.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday March 24

I start in race two, with MURAAQEB for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He was very impressive on debut at the same course when he stormed home late and won in a dominant fashion. Since then he has competed in the Group 3 Black Opal in Canberra and was disadvantaged by a wide draw. He has come up with a very favourable draw in gate one and I’m hoping I’m instructed to use the good barrier and hold a forward position if he is comfortable in doing so, as to take a lot of luck out of the equation. I’m hoping he’s too good for these but the two above him do have strong Sydney form and have to be respected

DEMOLITION is my ride in race three, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a very consistent horse as he has won half of his race starts and was undefeated last preparation. He has had three barrier trials leading into this first up run so he is extremely fit and ready to go. They have sent him down to Melbourne as he is looking for dry ground but he has come up with the visitor’s barrier, drawing the outside gate. It is a small field and the draw is a big negative but if he can have some luck he will be in the finish.

In race four, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien. He is coming off a last start second at Flemington where he seems to run his best races of late. He has drawn wide and is an on-pace horse and has to be ridden that way. It always means he is working from outside draws but he is speedy and on his best from he will be competitive.

FRAGNARD is my ride in race five, the Alexandra Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has had two runs this preparation and has come up with a favourable barrier draw. She controlled the race and led all the way first up this preparation. Since then she came to Melbourne and ran well in the Kewney Stakes at Group 2 level. She steps up to 1600m for the first time and I expect her to make her own luck and be there for a long way and hold off the rest.

Race six, the Sunline Stakes, I ride CIRCULAR for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is coming into this race with confidence after winning her last start at Flemington at the same distance. She was treated well with the barrier and race conditions last start. Tonight is at Weight-For-Age (WFA) level against similar types of mares and she has come up with an outside barrier draw. If she gets luck from the draw and horses are able to close off on the night, then she will be finishing strongly

HOOKED is my ride in race seven, the Group 1, William Reid Stakes for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. He resumed with a narrow defeat first up. He now steps back in trip, steps up to WFA company and has come up with a wide barrier draw but he has won at the track as well as the distance. If he doesn’t have to do too much work from the draw he will be there for a long way.

Sandown - Preview

Wednesday March 22

I start in race two, with ART SHE QUICK for John Sadler. She is still a maiden after five starts. She has come up with a favourable draw and she is quite keen in running. She has been very consistent without winning and this will be a good race, all going well, to start her off on her winning way.

ALASKAN SUN is my ride in race three, for Robert Smerdon. She was successful at her first race start and since then she has been very consistent without winning. It looks like she is building to a win this preparation and has come up with a nice barrier draw. There looks to be nice pressure which suits her as she is a good closer and she should make her presence felt in this grade with no weight.

In race five, I ride OUTDONE for Richard Laming. He won his first start this preparation in a dominant all the way victory at Kyneton. Since then he has been on speed until his latest run when he closed off really well when ridden differently. It will be interesting to see what instructions I’m given as he is versatile and has come up with a good barrier draw.

SACRED SHAM is my ride in race six, for Danny O’Brien. He trialled extremely well on soft ground before he won on debut at Kyneton where he was impressive. Even though it is difficult to win two races in a row when heading to the city at your second start, he has been placed well as this is a BM64. He has great scope and looks like a horse that could be two on end.

Race seven, I ride GOLD SEAL for Paul Preusker. He has been a very consistent horse this preparation and he gets to a trip that he has had one start for one win at. He has performed very well at Sandown and with luck in running he will be competitive again.

Sha Tin - Hong Kong Derby Day Preview

Sunday March 19

Today I’m in Hong Kong and riding at Sha Tin. It is there biggest local day with the Hong Kong Derby being run.

I start in race two, with WINNER ST PAUL’S for Dennis Yip. He is dropping down in grade and has to carry a big weight. If I get luck from the barrier draw, with the drop in grade, he is good enough to win this Class 5 race.

G-ONE LOVER is my ride in race six, for Danny Shum. He is in great form as he won by three lengths last Saturday. He stays in the same grade, but goes up in weight and he has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. He led and made all last week and if I can use the draw and not have too much pressure, he should take a lot of running down.

In race seven, I ride STAR MAJESTIC for Paul O’Sullivan. He has been a very consistent performer. He won four races three seasons ago, won one last season and this season he has just dropped into a grade he has won at before. He does have a big impost of topweight but the step up to 2000m will suit him. He has come up with a nice barrier and if I can have him forward in a nice position, he should be there for a long way.

PRAWN BABA is my ride in race eight, the BMW Hong Kong Derby, for John Size. He was impressive winning his last start and for that he received a boost of 11 points which got him into the race today. He has always been a very competitive horse who was originally trained in Australia by Darren Weir and was called Get the Dukes Out. Since being in Hong Kong he has only missed a top two finish twice. He has come up with a nice barrier draw, he is very solid, and looks like the 2000m will suit him. If horse 1 & 3 don’t show up it becomes a very open race on form. My horse should be very competitive and he does come into this race with confidence off his last start victory.

Race nine, I ride HANG’S DECISION for Chris So. His form this preparation has been excellent. If he can have luck from an outside draw he will be one of the horses charging home late. He is competing in a very strong Class 3 sprint race but all going well he is a horse who will be strong late.

In race ten, the last race, I ride WATER DIVINER for Francis Lui. When I was in Hong Kong at the end of last season, I was successful on him at the International meeting. He has had a couple of runs since then and ran well. He is also up in grade since then but he does drop nicely in weight, has come up with a favourable barrier draw and I expect him to be competitive.

Rosehill - Golden Slipper Day Preview

Saturday March 18

Today is Golden Slipper Day and they have had a lot of rain over the last two weeks and will be racing on a Heavy track.

I start in race one, the Manion Cup, with BIG DUKE for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. He is coming off a last start win in the Launceston Cup. He has had three starts on soft ground and hasn’t missed a place so he should handle the conditions. He has been competitive since arriving from Europe and is one of the main chances with a light weight.

RAIMENT is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is a 3yo filly taking on the older girls. She has the minimum weight, has excellent form and has trialled nicely coming into this. She has drawn wide but she seems to overcome bad barriers with her good tactical speed and she will take a lot of running down.

In race three, the Darby Munro Stakes, I ride GENERALISSIMO for Garry White. He is a consistent horse and I’ve had the opportunity of riding him last year. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and ha won on Heavy ground. There looks to be nice pressure up front which should give himself every chance.

COMIN’ THROUGH is my ride in race six, the Rosehill Guineas, for Chris Waller. Comin’ Through is Criterion’s brother and I was able to ride him in work on Tuesday and get a better understanding of him. He is going very well, he can get through Heavy conditions. He is in really good order and his form is strong enough to win this.

Race seven, the Golden Slipper, I ride CATCHY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I love the way she won the Blue Diamond and she is undefeated, four form four. I was really taken by her performance and how dominant she was late last start. She hasn’t had the opportunity to go right-handed but I feel she is smart enough to adapt quite well. She has come up with a middle barrier draw but there is a query if she will handle the wet track. Her mother, Cat’s Whisker, was successful on wet ground and she was by Fusaichi Pegasus, who could run on all surfaces. My feeling is even if she doesn’t handle it, she only knows how to do her best and loves to compete. If I went to war with a horse, I would love to go with her. I’m really looking forward to this race.

SUPIDO is my ride in race eight, the Galaxy, for Mick Kent. He now steps back to handicap conditions where he is very well treated with a low weight. He has come up with a great inside barrier draw, he handles heavy ground and there looks to be high pressure in this race which should suit him. He is one of the main chances in this Group 1 handicap.

In race nine, the Black Epona Stakes, I ride GABELLA for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I was pleased with her first up performance, she now goes back to mares grade and is well treated at the Set, Weights & Penalties conditions carrying only 1kg over the minimum. This is a race that she can win in the form that she is in. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw, should be able to find herself close to the speed and does have Heavy track form.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday March 17

I start in race one, with EXPLOSIVE WITNESS for Greg Eurell. He is having his first race start. He did trial officially last year and was gelded after that. I have jumped him out on two occasions this preparation and have been impressed in how he has gone. If he brings his trial form to the races, he will be starting his racing career off with a win.

DEMONSTRATE is my ride in race six, the Abell Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and even though he hasn’t won at his first four first up attempts he has only missed a place once. He has won at the track and three times at the distance. He has come up with a nice middle barrier draw, has trialled nicely coming into this and on the minimum weight, he is the one they have to beat.

In race eight, I ride TAN TAT BEAUTY for Henry Dwyer. Her only disappointing run was last time when she pulled up with throat issues. She is now resuming and she has raced well at this course and distance before. I’m looking forward to seeing how she has come back after her rest and it will be a good indication of where she is going. I have felt she is a black type filly and if she has come back and improved she should make her presence felt and be one of the main chances.

Sandown - Preview

Wednesday March 15

I start in race one, with CHERON WARRIOR for Peter Healey. He has been knocking on the door to win his maiden this preparation with two placings. He had the blinkers on when he resumed and was a little wayward and then they were removed last start where he closed the race off well. He now steps up in trip and has the blinkers back on. He has a favourable draw in barrier one and if the blinkers sharpen him up he is one of the chances in this competitive maiden.

RIBBON OF CHOICE is my ride in race four, for Brian Gentle. He is a very consistent horse but only has one win to date. Again, he has come into quite a strong BM70 3yo race but I’m hoping he can use the inside barrier draw to his advantage and be competitive with luck in running.

In race five, I ride JILEKS SPUR for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a 4000m winner and has only won between 2000m & 4000m so this trip is in his winning distance range. Obviously, he is heading towards a jumping campaign and these marathon races have a very competitive group of horses he should make his presence felt.

GOOD OH is my ride in race six, for Mick Kent. I was impressed with her performance when she won on debut at this track. She now steps slightly up in trip and she still has a lot of natural improvement and experience to come from her first outing. If she has come on, she could make this two from two but it is a very strong race.

Race seven, I ride UNBREAKABLE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and has trialled up nicely coming into this race and if he brings his good fresh form he will be going close in this.

In race eight, I ride DANCING HARE for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is a 3yo filly taking on the older horses but it does fit well into her preparation. If she measures up, she is on a South Australian Oaks path. She has the addition of blinkers but does have a wide barrier draw to overcome. I expect her to improve from her first up run where she ran well and I’m hoping the blinkers sharpen her up but she will need some luck form an outside gate.

Canberra Black Opal Stakes - Preview

Sunday March 5

Today I fly to Canberra for their major meeting of the year to compete in the 2yo Black Opal Stakes.

My ride in the race is CHAUFFEUR for Gerald Ryan. He was a very expensive yearling, where he sold for $1.6 million. He has had three starts and never missed a place. His latest effort was a fast finishing second to Houtzen in the Magic Millions. He has had a freshen up and finds himself in this competitive race having drawn barrier three. He is a horse that always seems to have a very good acceleration at the end of the race and I’m really looking forward to the ride.

Flemington - Australian Guineas Day Preview

Saturday March 4

I start in race one, with PINK PERFECTION for Nikki Burke. She is a very consistent mare who hasn’t won for over a year but she is usually very competitive. Away from the top three rated horses the race really falls away. She is weighted 1kg off the minimum, she has a nice barrier draw and should be competitive again

RELDAS is my ride in race two, for Robert Smerdon. He resumes here and has very good fresh form. He has competed well down the straight before and if there is any chink in Heatherly’s armour he could be the one finishing hard.

In race three, I ride SEIZED for John Sadler. He debuted with a second behind a very smart horse at Moonee Valley. I have ridden him in a piece of work leading into this and he is a very intelligent, competitive horse and I expect him to handle the straight course. This is a very competitive race but I expect him to be one of the main chances.

PORTMAN is my ride in race four, for Danny O’Brien and Qatar Bloodstock. He has had four runs this preparation for three wins and a second. He has had a freshen up and trialled extremely well coming into this. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and has been well placed again as he is on the minimum weight. He also goes up in grade but I expect him to handle that and he is the one they all have to beat.

Race five, the Group 3, Frances Tressady Stakes, I ride TURBO MISS for Darren Weir. She is up in grade but does have the minimum weight. She has drawn a favourable gate and should see herself in the first four in an evenly run race. Her last win was over this trip and she should be very competitive.

MORTON’S FORK is my ride in race seven, the Group 1, Australian Guineas, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. The last time he was at this trip he ran second in the Carbine Club and then won the Sandown Guineas. He has had two runs this preparation and raced well and I expect him to run better stepping up in trip and he will be fitter. Unfortunately, he’s drawn the outside barrier and he will need some luck. In this very open and competitive addition of the Guineas, with luck on his side, he will be there at the finish.

In race eight, the Roy Higgins Quality, I ride POST D’FRANCE for Stephen Brown. He beat me last start when I rode Hursley and he had great acceleration late. This is the first time he is out to this extended trip but his trainer is very confident that he will handle the trip and is happy how he has come through his last start win. He has the minimum weight, has a reasonable barrier draw and should be competitive in this strong staying race.

Race nine, I ride MR SNEAKY for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He has been a very consistent horse his whole career. Even though he has drawn a wide gate, the less time in the barriers, I’m hoping he can begin fast and put himself in an advantageous position handy to the speed. He will still need some luck but if he doesn’t have to do too much work I expect him to be strong late.

Sandown - Preview

Wednesday March 1

I start in race one, with GOOD OH for Mick Kent. She is a Duporth filly on debut. I always respect when Mick Kent starts his maidens in the city. I haven’t seen any official or unofficial barrier trials so I am looking forward to the ride.

ELIZA’S VISCOUNT is my ride in race two, for Robert Smerdon. He Is now fourth up this preparation and has also had a jump trial in between runs. He will strip a lot fitter, has a favourable barrier draw, has the minimum weight and is a stayer who will make his presence felt. He should be there for a long way

In race five, I ride NEMRUD for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He won first up this preparation. The extended trip of today should benefit him. I have ridden him in work at Moonee Valley and feel the big track of Sandown will suit him. If he runs up to his Dulcify run, he will be winning this.

HEZA DUDE is my ride in race six, for Udyta Clarke. He is a very consistent horse who has come up with a favourable draw in only a small field. He usually gets back off a hot pace but it doesn’t look like that scenario bur he never runs a bad race and I expect that again today.

In race eight, the last race, I ride ATLANTIC CITY for Mark Kavanagh. He only has six opposition, he is in great form, has the minimum weight so he can make his own luck and I expect him to be winning.