Bendigo - Preview

Tuesday February 28

I start in race three, with TAN TAT WISH for Henry Dwyer. She is a Wanted filly having her first start. I haven’t sat on her but I’ve seen two of her jumpouts and she has reasonable speed and has been hard ridden on both occasions. This is a strong maiden and I look forward to see how she acquits herself under race conditions.

KISS ME CANDY is my ride in race four, the Colin Browell Memorial Plate for Henry Dwyer. She has been in great consistent form without winning. She has had a slight freshen up and she is back in trip. Looking at her form this looks like a race where she can breakthrough and get her first win on the board.

In race five, I ride AMADEUS for Mick Kent. He has been freshened up since his last start when he finished second at Caulfield. He has had a freshen up and he has been aimed at this race as it a heat race that leads into a final. He has drawn an outside barrier and will be giving some these horses with stronger form a head start but if the track is playing fairly that allows horses to close off, he can pick them up late. I have a lot of time for him and this race should put him in good stead for the final.

Caufield - Blue Diamond Day - Preview

Saturday February 25

I start in race one, with GOLDSTREAM for Darren Weir. He is an imported horse who should take confidence from his last start victory and he looks like his racing manners have improved this preparation having learnt to settle better. He jumps from the inside gate and I assume he will be ridden similar to last time where he can control the race on-speed and he should take a lot of running down.

GRATWICK is my ride in race two, the Zeditave Stakes for Darren Weir. I was successful on him last time at Moonee Valley where he made all the running. He has come up with the outside barrier so I will need some luck from there. Being fresh seems to be the key to his success. If he has come on from his last run, he should be able to make this next step.

In race three, the Autumn Classic, I ride TRENCHANT for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has had two runs this preparation so he should be improved with fitness and now comes back against the 3yo’s and goes up in trip which should suit. He has come up with the outside barrier so I assume I will be asked to ride him quiet and let him finish off. There does seem to be pressure in the race and if the track is playing even it will give him a chance to close off. I expect him to find his best form, and if he does, he will be very competitive.

FUHRYK is my ride in race four, the Angus Armanasco Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She has won all her starts at 1200m this preparation and she now steps up to 1400m for the first time. If she handles the step up in trip, she is the one to beat. She is a very tough and honest filly with very good ability.

Race five, the Futurity Stakes, I ride TOSEN STARDOM for Darren Weir. He has one start in Victoria last preparation and he’s very competitive at the top level. He is now resuming but has never won under 1800m but because he has been prepared in Australia for over 12 months he would have had enough barrier trials to be used to the Australian way and I expect him to be competitive at 1400m. If he is, it will place him well for the Autumn. He is a top-class horse and I’m looking forward to him running well in this quality field.

TALLY is my ride in race six, the Peter Young Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. His first up run was excellent and he now steps up to WFA company. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw which he should get every favour from and will be ridden comfortable to the pace. I expect him to be competitive in this Group 2 race with Group 1 horses.

In race seven, the Blue Diamond Stakes, I ride CATCHY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is three from three and she does remind me of Miss Finland ever since I sat on her for the first time. She is such an honest and high quality filly taking on her toughest assignment and she does have to overcome a wide barrier draw but I expect her to handle all challenges in front of her. This is a very competitive race this year and with luck form the draw she can make it four from four.

Race eight, the Oakleigh Plate, I ride I AM A STAR for Shane Nichols. I was very impressed with her first up performance. She is a Group 1 winning filly beating the older mares. Second up, she is back to a handicap where she only carries 50kg but she is taking on some quality sprinters. She will need luck from the very wide draw but if she does get some luck I expect her to be finishing off hard.

In the last race, the Mannerism Stakes, I ride SILENT SEDITION for Andrew Noblet. She is now second up after only being narrowly defeated first up. She is always competitive and never runs a bad race and she has trained on nicely. With luck from a tricky middle gate she can win.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday February 24

I start in race four, with VERSTAPPEN for Danny O’Brien. He has always shown above average ability and I felt last preparation even though he did win, I put down his disappointing last start performance down to the fact he was too colty. Subsequently, he has been gelded and I have been delighted with his attitude and his trials have been solid coming into this. He is undefeated fresh, has come up with a nice barrier draw and in this competitive race, if he brings his morning work, he should register his third career win.

GALLANT HARMONY is my ride in race five, for John Sadler. I rode him when he resumed last preparation from a long layoff over the same course and distance when he closed off well to run third. He has come up with a wide barrier draw but I expect him to be hitting the line hard. He is one of the main chances if they run at a high speed allowing him to finish off and get home over the top of them fresh.

In race six, the Distance Final, I ride ONCIDIUM RULER for Mick Kent. He is back in grade from running a close third in Saturday company. A slight step up in trip and a favourable barrier draw is the key to seeing him winning his second race this preparation.

MAGNATTI is my ride in race seven, the Typhoon Tracy Stakes for Wez Hunter and wears the Robert Crabtree colours. She is three from three and she won here against the older mares last time. She now steps up to the 1200m for the first time but has come up with a favourable barrier draw which will give her every opportunity as she has good early tactical speed. The stable is very confident she has come on from her last performance but she will have to as this is a step up in grade and the strongest opposition she has faced to date.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday February 22

I start in race three, with DANCING HARE for Lee & Anthony Freedman. I’ve had one ride on her for a win when she was on debut at Bendigo and the stable has a strong opinion of her. She had one more run that preparation and was only narrowly beaten into third. She now resumes at 1600m, comes up with an inside barrier draw but this is a very competitive 3yo Fillies race. This will be a good guide where she fits in this Autumn Carnival with a view to running in Oaks races.

CONSOMATEUR is my ride in race five, for Mick Kent. I rode her last time when she resumed where she was slow out and outsprinted when they quickened but she really ran through the line solidly. She has the benefit of that first up runs and now steps up marginally in trip which will suit her. It is only small field but there looks to be high pressure up front which also suits as they won’t be able to outsprint her. I expect her to have come on from her last run and will be hitting the line hard. She definitely gave me the feel of a mare with very good ability.

In race six, I ride GAUTENG GAL for Rachael Cunningham. She has been very consistent this preparation. She has a favourable barrier draw and in this competitive race she will get an economical run throughout.

NEW SUMMER NIGHT is my ride in race seven, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is resuming after a light freshen up where she was very competitive through that last preparation. She is coming back in trip and the last time she won was at this course and distance. She can sometimes be very slow out of the gates so if I can be on top of her and not give away too much of a head start, I expect her to be hitting the line solidly.

Race eight, I ride QUILATE for Mick Kent. Her first up run this preparation she closed off nicely at Moonee Valley. She now steps out to a trip where she is most competitive and at a track where she has won. She has come up with an inside barrier draw, is ultra-consistent and I expect her to be no different in this small but competitive race.

Flemington - Lightning Stakes Day

Saturday February 18

I start in race one, with PURE PRIDE for Murray Johnson. She is a quality mare as we saw through the Spring when she wasn’t beaten far in the Group 1 Myer Classic. She is resuming this preparation and she has come up with a favourable barrier draw but she does get back so she will need luck. If she does get that luck, she is clearly the best horse in the race and the one to beat.

SANADAAT is my ride in race four, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She was impressive on debut when winning in Adelaide and now comes across to Melbourne. She looks a very solid filly and I expect her to have come on from last start win and be one of the main chances.

In race five, The Vanity, I ride EXTRA OLIVES for Lee & Anthony Freedman. It is a perfect time for her to target Group 3 company. She is in great form, winning her last two starts with the last one being at this trip. She drops in weight and is meeting horses with stronger form but she is fit and in form and she will be there for a long way.

MORTON’S FORK is my ride in race six, the C.S Hayes Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He will appreciate getting out in trip and to the bigger track at Flemington. He has a favourable gate in barrier two and will definitely make his presence felt.

Race seven, I ride HURSLEY for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. He has had two runs back and in a slow run race last time he wasn’t able to get out in enough time and prior to that he closed off hard at Moonee Valley. He is in great form, will appreciate the big track and he is one of the main chances.

DIVINE MR ARTIE is my ride in the last, race nine, for Brendan McCarthy. Last start was a slowly run race and he was interfered with at the top of the straight. He now steps out slightly in trip and has come up with a good draw so he should get a good run throughout. In this competitive race and with good luck he should be there at the finish.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday February 17

I start in race one, with BALLE D’OR for Robert Smerdon. She still isn’t a straight forward ride as she is aggressive in her races. She has competed well at Moonee Valley and if we do get luck from the barrier draw, with her experience from her two starts, she can win this as long as she puts it all together.

ROSE AHEAD is my ride in race five, for Mark Kavanagh. She has only had two starts where she won on debut and then I finished fourth on her last time in a very strong rating race at Sandown. She now has the addition of blinkers back on where she will make her own luck. If she has come on and the blinkers work, she is one of the main chances.

In race six, I ride BIG MEMORY for Tony McEvoy. He was narrowly denied victory behind Chance To Dance last start and he know meets that horse 1.5kgs better off. He has won at the course and distance and races forward. If I can get him to be not too aggressive through the middle stages of the race and save some energy for the run home, he can win this solid contest.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday February 15

I start in race two, with PRINCESS TITANIC for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. She is having her first start as are four others and the raced horses have strong form references. My filly trialled nicely last week at Cranbourne where I rode her in a 990m trial. She will be improved from this experience and she gave me a feel she would be a nice 3yo. She will get into a forward position and if she handles the day well, she will run solidly.

MY SANCTUARY is my ride in race three, for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. She is having the blinkers taken off as she was keen with them on last time. She is stepping slightly up in trip for the first time, has a favourable barrier draw and on her best form she can win this.

In race four, I ride BATTLECAMP for Lee & Anthony Freedman and Eales Racing. He has the blinkers on for the first time and the stable is very confident that they will make him focus more. He has high potential but he hasn’t won for over 500 days. This is a suitable race for him with the step back in trip and class. If he wins today it will give him confidence and put him on a path to winning better races.

KISS IN THE RAIN is my ride in race seven, for Darren Weir. I rode her last time where she was very keen and didn’t get any cover form the outside barrier draw. She has a favourable draw today and will make her own luck. She is a well bred mare and it would be lovely to get her a city placing.

In the last, race eight, I ride SHOCKAHOLIC for Matt Laurie. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw but sometimes he is slow out so I will need to be right on the ball so I don’t lose that advantage. When he does find his right form, and have luck in running, he can definitely win a race of this class.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday February 11

I start in race two, with PEACOCK for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I was very pleased with his first up performance as he was taking on the WFA horses at Group 2 level. He is now second up, has come up with a nice barrier draw and is undefeated at the course and distance. In this competitive race, he is the one they have to beat.

CATCHY is my ride in race three, the Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She gives me the feel that she is in the mould of Miss Finland. She is two from two but she has come up with a wide barrier draw and I believe the instructions will be too give her a chance like her debut performance when she drew the outside and was ridden back. She has the addition of winkers going on to help her travel. The two main chances appear to be drawn in and will be riding the speed so I will be giving them a head start but I look forward to her having a target to chase and really lowering down and showing her sprinting ability. I will be disappointed if she doesn’t run them down.

In race four, the Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) I ride PROPERTY for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. He ran second to Catchy on debut and then won last start at this track. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and the stable has been happy the way he has trained on. He is one of the main chances in this open 2yo race.

FUHRYK is my ride in race five, the Kevin Hayes Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She has been ultra-consistent this preparation and is undefeated at 1200m. She was beaten last start when she went back to Flemington and back in trip. She is now back to her right distance, has come up with a nice barrier draw and with a smooth run throughout, this is another race she can win.

Race six, the Rubiton Stakes, I ride I AM A STAR for Shane Nichols. She is a lovely 3yo filly taking on the older horses. At her last start she was victorious in the Myer Classic when she beat the mares over 1600m. She now resumes and has excellent fresh form and has come up with a great draw in barrier one. I was able to ride her in a barrier trial on Tuesday and loved the way she felt and ran for me. She will get an economical run from the gate, stalking the leader which will be Wild Rain and she can win this race.

AROD is my ride in race seven, the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. I was impressed with his first run in Australia in the Spring with a big weight and being posted wide but he still stuck on for a gallant effort. Chris Waller has had him for this whole preparation and he has had two barrier trials in Sydney and now comes to Melbourne. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw in one so he will get an economical run, is on top of the ground which he loves, so hopefully we get to see him at his best. This will give us a good indication of where he goes this Autumn Carnival.

Race eight, the Carlyon Stakes, I ride DIVINE MR ARTIE for Brendan McCarthy. He had no luck last time where he couldn’t get clear, which if he had of he would’ve won. He now steps up to this Group 3 SW&P and does meet a few rivals worse off at the weights due to his rating but he always runs his best races at Caulfield. He has a nice draw and I expect him to be competitive as usual.

SILENT SEDITION is my last ride, in race nine, the Bellmaine Stakes for Andrew Noblet. She is a model of consistency and the last time she resumed she ran second at this course and distance. Due to her consistency, she has to carry the top weight. She is first up and has an outside draw but like always, if she doesn’t win she won’t be far away. She will improve after this run into her preparation but she doesn’t know how to run a bad race.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday February 10

I start in race two, with DISSOLUTE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a horse that I have a big opinion of but has failed to deliver on. He is now a gelding and I trialled him a couple of weeks ago, and I was very happy with his attitude. If he brings his morning form to the races and has luck from an inside barrier, we will hopefully get see his true ability and he will be winning.

VILLA ROSA is my ride in race three, for Ciaron Maher. I was very impressed with her debut win. This is a different assignment and she now steps to city grade in a very competitive race. She has also come up with a wide barrier draw but she deserves to take her place in this field.

In race four, I ride ARCTIC FLOW for Darren Weir. He is coming of a confidence boosting last start win, is on the quick back up and has come up with a nice barrier draw. In an even race, he looks like a horse that is going to be winning more races.

CRY IF I WANT TO is my ride in race six, for Mick Price. She has been closing off her races and steps up 100m from her last start performance. She has come up with an inside barrier draw and the faster they go the more it will suit her as she is an out and out stayer. It would be great to give her a confidence boost with a win as she has run some great races in good company but only has one win to date.

Race seven, I ride FIFE for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She is first up and she did trial well coming into this race but it was on her preferred soft ground which she won’t be getting tonight. She is an ultra-consistent horse who throughout her career has only missed a place once.She is a lightly raced 4yo who is very well bred and the family usually gets better with age. Her firm ground form is good enough to win this if she is forward enough and gets luck from an outside barrier.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday February 8

I start in race three, with CONSOMMATEUR for Mick Kent. She is resuming, ultra-consistent and never been out of the top three. She looks like a staying type and I expect her to have come on and improved from her first preparation.

HOT SEAT is my ride in race four, for Brian & Ashley McKnight. He has run second at his last two starts and his most recent run was at this course and distance where he put in a good performance. He has gone up half a kilo, has come up with a nice barrier draw and should be able to control the race from a forward position. The only concern would be how he backs up within seven days. If he does back up well, he is the one they will have to pass in the straight.

In race five, I ride MALAISE for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He had his first run in Melbourne this preparation when he ran second in a strong BM78 race and now he drops down to a BM70 but he is taking on the older and seasoned horse. However, he looks to have good ability and from a good draw and low weight, he can win this race.

THREE STRYKES is my ride in race six, for Simon Morrish. She is having her first start at this distance and has come up with a great draw in barrier where she will get an economical run. She is also coming back sharply in grade from a BM84 on a Saturday to a BM70 midweek. She also has a light weight being 1.5kg off the minimum. She will have every chance and be one of the main chances in this very competitive staying event.

Race seven, I ride RAPTOR for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I was impressed with his debut victory at Cranbourne. The stable has said he’s come on from that with experience and confidence. I’m looking forward to seeing how he competes in city grade at his second start.

In the last, race eight, I ride GALA MOSHEA for Brett Conlon. She is still a maiden but she has strong form around her with horses that have been competitive in city class. This is a very strong 3yo event but I expect her to make her presence felt.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday February 4

I start in race one, with HOT RUBY for Luke Oliver. She has been a model of consistency this preparation. She now has the blinkers applied again, is back in trip and has a very favourable barrier draw. If the blinkers do the trick, she’ll have a very economical run and will be very hard to hold out.

HURSLEY is my ride in race two, for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. I was very impressed with his last start at Moonee Valley and the two horses that beat him home will be favourites in the Hobart Cup tomorrow. He is back to a track that he loves, has a favourable barrier draw and does drop in weight from last time. If he brings the same performance as last start he will be winning this.

In race three, I ride ONCIDIUM RULER for Mick Kent. He drew awkward last time and didn’t have any favours in the run and was just narrowly defeated. Again, he has come up with an awkward barrier draw and in a small but competitive race he is one of the main chances.

JUKEBOX is my ride in race four, for Ciaron Maher and races in Colin McKenna’s colours. I was impressed with his debut performance at Geelong and I felt he had a lot of improvement physically to come from that success. He is a very intelligent horse, has very good ability and I expect him to make the next step and be winning this.

Race five, I ride FORMALITY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig and races in Coolmore colours. She was very impressive at Werribee and now steps up to Stakes grade. The stable is very confident with her ability and that she will measure up. She has come up with the outside barrier but she has a lot of speed and all going well it looks like she can make it two from two.

MORTON’S FORK is my ride in race seven, for John O’Shea. He is resuming after winning the Sandown Guineas at the end of his last preparation. He is a high quality 3yo and his usual run style at this short trip is to get back, so he will need a lot of luck from an inside barrier draw. If the race is run to suit him, I expect him to show his competitive spirit and ability and be very competitive.

LADY ESPRIT is my last ride, in race eight, for Ciaron Maher She is mare in form after winning her last two starts. She had favourable draws which she has again. She had a perfect run in her last two wins and burst through at the right time, both at Moonee Valley. She gets to Caulfield now and is up in grade but loves the distance, is a mare in form and on the minimum. With luck in running, she should be very competitive.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday February 3

Tonight, I ride at Moonee Valley with the Australian China Jockey Club in conjunction with Moonee Valley Race Club and Melbourne Football Club celebrating Chinese New Year.

I start in race two, with BELLA MISSILE for Luke Oliver. She has been very consistent as she has placed in over 50% of her nine starts. She has the blinkers going back on but does have to contend with a wide gate but if she gets luck in running it will be a nice race for her to break her maiden status

SEE WHAT I BRING is my ride in race three, for Symon Wilde. He has been a model of consistency this preparation and has run well at this course on two occasions this time in. He has a middle draw and although it’s a small field, there does look to be enough pressure to give him a chance to finish off strongly. He is clearly one of the main chances.

In race six, I ride MAGNATTI for Wez Hunter and races in the Crabtree colours. So far, she is undefeated in her two starts. She is a speedy filly resuming and is taking on the mares. I did trial her at Mornington and had a barrier incident and it was the first time she has been in behind horses but it was good to see her still finish the trial off. She has come up with the outside barrier draw but she is the one they all have to beat.

I ride SOVIET COURAGE for Chris Waller in race seven. He was disappointing on face value last time and he has come up with a wide barrier draw so I won’t be surprised if I’m asked to ride him quiet. The last time he drew out he was ridden back and was successful coming through the field at Rosehill over 2400m. He has had one start at the track and distance for a third and it is good to know he can handle this tricky course.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday February 1

Today we race at Sandown on the Lakeside track for the first time since they’ve done renovations to hopefully offset the slipping that has occurred recently. I believe they have also taken away the dip and cambered it differently, so I’m looking forward to see how it races.

I start in race three, with KOOLAMA BAY for Clinton McDonald. He has had a three week freshen up since his last run. The last time he did that he was successful at Bendigo. He now has the blinkers off, as he is a keen going horse. If I can get him into a nice rhythm in this small field, he has strong enough form to be in the finish.

AURA LEE is my ride in race six, for Robert Smerdon. It is a long time since she has won a race. She is quite an awkward filly to ride looking at her replays but hopefully she races kind for me. If she does, we can utilise barrier one and hopefully have a very economical run throughout.

In race seven, I ride ROSE AHEAD for Mark Kavanagh. She is one for one, winning her only start at Werribee. She now steps up slightly in trip but has to contend with an outside barrier. This is a very even race but if she shows improvement from her first dominant win, she will be one of the main chances.

In the last, race eight, I ride KISS IN THE RAIN for Darren Weir. It was reported she didn’t handle the Heavy 8 track last time. If I go back three starts back to Echuca when she was beaten a length running fifth, the horse that finished second in that race is topweight in this race and is one of the main chances who I meet a lot better at the weights. She will need luck form an outside barrier and if we get that, with a low weight and finds her best form she will find herself very competitive in this event.

Ballarat - Preview

Tuesday January 31

My only ride for the day is in race one, on SIAM for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I trialled him before his first race start and I liked the way he felt. He feels like a horse who is going to get out over a longer distance but he can still be a get back and run on sprinter. His first start was at Caulfield behind Catchy and Property and both of those are top of the markets in the Blue Diamond. He now has the experience and he pulled up a little distressed from that run on what was a very hot day. He has come up with a nice barrier draw but there are a lot of unknowns in the race. He has very nice ability and I expect him to show that in this race.

Ellerslie Karaka Million - Preview

Sunday January 29

I flew into Auckland this morning to ride at Ellerslie in the Karaka Million race day which is one of their main meetings of the year. This meeting coincides with the Karaka horse sales.

I start in race four, with CHARLES ROAD for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott. He looks a very exciting horse on his replays. He has only had three starts and never been out of the top two. He comes into this race on the back of a last start victory so he should have confidence. He has come up with the outside barrier draw but his usual run style is to get back. If he has luck from the barrier I would expect him to be powering home and with a view that he may be a potential Derby horse.

PRINCESS RIHANNA is my ride in race five, the Karaka Million, for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott. She has two runs to date. She won on debut by controlling the speed of the race and was quite dominant. Last start she was slow and received pressure and found herself back in the field. With that experience it should help her in this big field and competitive race. She has come with a very favourable barrier draw and if I’m able to utilise that she is going to give herself every possible chance. It is a strong edition of the Karaka Million but she is one of the main chances.

Ellerslie Karaka Million - Preview

Sunday January 29

I flew into Auckland this morning to ride at Ellerslie in the Karaka Million race day which is one of their main meetings of the year. This meeting coincides with the Karaka horse sales.

I start in race four, with CHARLES ROAD for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott. He looks a very exciting horse on his replays. He has only had three starts and never been out of the top two. He comes into this race on the back of a last start victory so he should have confidence. He has come up with the outside barrier draw but his usual run style is to get back. If he has luck from the barrier I would expect him to be powering home and with a view that he may be a potential Derby horse.

PRINCESS RIHANNA is my ride in race five, the Karaka Million, for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott. She has two runs to date. She won on debut by controlling the speed of the race and was quite dominant. Last start she was slow and received pressure and found herself back in the field. With that experience it should help her in this big field and competitive race. She has come with a very favourable barrier draw and if I’m able to utilise that she is going to give herself every possible chance. It is a strong edition of the Karaka Million but she is one of the main chances.

Flemington - Preview

Saturday January 28

I start in race one, with PEARL CONGENIAL for Robert Smerdon and she races in the Pearl Bloodstock colours made famous by Caulfield & Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden. She has been very well placed and is undefeated this preparation. She now steps up in trip and has found herself in a very winnable race again. She has had experience down the straight which will hold her in good stead and the conditions of this race finds herself only 1kg over the minimum. She is clearly one of the main chances in this race.

CAT’S WISH is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She has had two starts this preparation and both in Melbourne. I rode her first up where she wasn’t beaten far at Moonee Valley but she did struggle to get around the tight turning track there. Since then she went to Flemington when up in trip and made all the running and wasn’t beaten far. She has come up with a wide draw and they have changed her gear around and put on the full blinkers instead of the one cup that she was racing in. In this even race I expect her to be extremely competitive.

In race three, I ride LYCURGUS for Danny O’Brien. He was very impressive on debut when he won at Bendigo beating a strong field. Since then he has been consistent and competitive without winning. He has come up with a nice draw where he should get an economical run. This is a very competitive 3yo event but he does have the minimum weight and should make his presence felt.

SAVANNA AMOUR is my ride in race six, the Inglis Dash, for John & Chris Meagher. She has been targeted for this race but she has never seen the straight so I will be mindful of helping her. She has shown very good form in Queensland. In this highly competitive race, if she handles the straight, she is one of the main chances.

Race seven, the Kensington Stakes, I ride SUPER FUN for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has been a very consistent horse in Adelaide and on his resumption he raced well when not beaten far at this track and distance. He should benefit from that experience down the straight and he has the minimum weight so expect him to be there a long way.

DIVINE MR ARTIE is my ride in race eight, for Brendan McCarthy. He was scratched from Caulfield Thursday and saved for this. This is down in grade from his last run at Listed level. He has got a nice barrier draw and there looks to be nice pressure and on his best form he will be winning this race.

In the last, race nine, I ride BATTLECAMP for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He was hopelessly unlucky last start when I rode him at Pakenham. He now steps up in trip and having the experience of riding him last time should pay dividends coming into this. He hasn’t won in over 480 days but he has the ability to win at Group level but is still a work in progress as I found out last time. All going well and he handles the extended trip I expect him to be winning this.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday January 27

I start in race two, with BALLE D’OR for Robert Smerdon. She has had one start and ran into a very smart one and wasn’t suited that day to the straight course at Flemington. I like the way she trialled coming into this where she showed good gate speed, was able to settle and showed nice acceleration late. If the race is run to suit her she can run well, bearing in mind the rail is again in the true position as it was seven days ago, so it will be interesting to see how the track plays. I would expect her to be competitive but there is a lot of unknowns with half the field being first starters.

PETITE’S REWARD is my ride in race five, for Brendan McCarthy. She is an ultra-consistent mare who loves the course and distance. She has a lot of speed and has come up with a favourable barrier draw in gate two. She makes her own luck and even though she is a small mare, she has won with this weight previously and will be there for a long way.

In race six, I ride THESPINIS for Darren Egan. She was narrowly defeated last time at a similar distance, she has come up with a middle barrier draw in this even race and on her best form she is going to be competitive.

PEACOCK is my ride in race seven, the Group 2 Australia Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. He is an ultra-consistent horse who is only lightly raced and only missed the placings twice. Taking on the older horses at Weight-For-Age tells me they think a lot of this horse but this is a very competitive race and will be an indication where he finds himself through the Summer and Autumn carnivals.

Caulfield Australia Day - Preview

Thursday January 26

Today is Australia Day with the traditional meeting being held at Caulfield. The jockeys on horses wearing saddlecloth number one have the privilege of wearing the Australian Flag silks.

I start in race one, with ROYAL APPLAUSE for Symon Wilde. She has been ultra-consistent without winning. She now steps up in trip which should be favourable to her and she still has a light weight, good barrier draw and I would love to get her a well-deserved confidence boosting win in this.

PROPERTY is my ride in race three, the Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. He was supported on debut and ran into the smart Catchy when finishing second. He now has that experience under his belt and he comes back to his home track. He did hang out on debut so hopefully he has learnt from that and trained on well. He has had a nice barrier trial and gallop at Moonee Valley coming into this. This will be a good guide to see where he fits in the Blue Diamond picture.

In race four, the Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) I ride TULIP for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She was very impressive on debut coming from back in the field when she drew wide. She has come up with a favourable draw in three and the stable is very happy the way she has trained on. I expect her to be showing her class yet again.

DODGING BULLETS is my ride in race five, for Symon Wilde. He has been a model of consistency his whole career and his run style, barrier draw looks like it will pan out well for him. He has a lightweight, is a tough horse and one of the main chances in this small but competitive race.

Race six, I ride HARD PROMISE for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. He has won his last two starts and he now steps up again in trip. I was impressed with his last performance at Geelong when beating the older horses and I felt he would appreciate firmer footing which looks like he will get those conditions here. I expect him to take the next step.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday January 21

We had a lot of rain yesterday leading into the meeting and I’m looking forward to walking the track and seeing how it plays.

I start in race one, with GRATWICK for Darren Weir. I rode him last start finishing third in a strong VOBIS Gold race. The first two home were too strong but he beat the rest home comfortably. Again, he has come up with a favourable barrier draw in three and he makes his own luck. In this small but competitive race, he will be one of the main chances.

LA SPECIALE is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I rode this horse three starts ago when she resumed for the new stable. Since then she was narrowly denied victory two starts back, then last start, she closed off nicely from a wide barrier. Today we have the inside gate and there appears to be good pressure up front. She seems to get back in her races and needs luck in the run to get home. If she gets that in the last half of the race, she will be winning this event.

In race three, I ride BLUE OCEAN for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She was very dominant in winning her last start at Kilmore. She now steps up in trip and she is well bred out of Special Harmony. She should have confidence form her last start but she will need luck from the draw.

HARD CALL is my ride in race four, for John Salanitri. He had the blinkers applied last start and won very impressively. He now steps up in trip and this is a very competitive race but he will be one of the main chances.

Race five, I ride DOMINO VITALE for Colin Little. I scored an impressive win on her last time. She has been well placed by her trainer. After taking on the Fillies & Mares last time, she now takes on the Open horses but gets in only 1.5kgs above the minimum. She stays at the same trip, there is a lot of pressure but she should settle in the first four and this is a great race for her to put consecutive wins on the board.

In race six, I ride HURSLEY for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. I worked him on Tuesday morning and feel he has come on since his first up run. He seems to save his best racing for Melbourne and he is getting out to a more suitable trip. He does have an outside barrier draw to contend with but I expect him to run well and come out of this race with improvement going through his preparation.

ANGRY GEE is my ride in race seven, for Jerome Hunter. He has been a consistent horse through his whole career. Running so well at this course and distance last time holds him in good stead for this race. This a competitive race but 2kgs off the minimum and a nice draw should see him sit on the leaders and be right there at the finish.

Race eight, I ride EXCLUSIVE LASS for Nigel Blackiston. For the first time since I’ve ridden her, she has come up with a nice barrier draw and should find herself in the first half of the field to take away potential bad luck. She has been successful when winning her maiden at this course and distance. Any give in the track will only benefit her chances.

In the last race, I ride MOSSIN’ AROUND for Grahame Begg. The blinkers have gone back on her today after a disappointing run when resuming but she did lose a shoe and pull up scratchy after running on the firm surface. If we can put that behind her, her form is good enough to be one of the main chances in this.

Cranbourne - Preview

Friday January 20

I start in race two, with WAZAMBA for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is an ultra-consistent filly who has had five starts for three seconds. She has a lot of speed and has come up with a favourable gate in one and her first up form has seen her runner-up twice. I expect her to utilise her speed and good barrier on this tight turning track and kick her campaign off with a win.

RAPTOR is my ride in race three, for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He is a Medaglia D’oro gelding having his first run. I haven’t been on his back but I have seen him trial officially at Cranbourne and have a jumpout at Flemington. I noticed he didn’t have blinkers on in either trial and he does tonight and the sire’s progeny do perform better with blinkers applied. He has come up with a wide draw and will need luck.

In race six, I ride COHESION for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has been gelded and resumes tonight. Forgetting his last preparation, he is a horse that has won a Blue Diamond preview. He has a lot of speed and he looks like he has trialled nicely in preparation for this. If he finds his original form, they will find him too slick over the five furlongs tonight.

Pakenham - Preview

Thursday January 19

I start in race one, with ESHTIRAAK for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig and Shadwell Stud. On debut, once he got balanced after getting down the hill he hit the line very strongly. I expect him to come on with that experience and the big, flat track and addition of the winkers should have sharp enough to win this race.

BATTLECAMP is my ride in race six, for Lee & Anthony Freedman and Eales Racing. He hasn’t won for over a year. He has the addition of blinkers and does step up to a mile for the first time. He has drawn a favourable barrier in one, and there looks to be good pressure in this small field which should help him to relax as sometimes he has the tendency to get keen and overrace. If he turns up with his best form, this is a race that he can break his drought.

In race seven, I ride SHARIF for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is undefeated from two tries at this track and he has won first up before. He has come up with a wide barrier draw, so if they are able to close off from back in the field that will enhance his chances. It is a competitive race but hopefully he remains undefeated at this track.

In the last, race eight, I ride HIGHBALLING for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. His only win has been at this course but it was on the synthetic track and over six furlongs. He has come up with the outside barrier draw and will need some luck in this race.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday January 18

I start in race two, with RODIN’S DOLL for Robert Smerdon. She has been closing her races off really strongly but she now steps back in trip but has the addition of blinkers. There doesn’t look to be too much pressure in the race and tactically she gets a fair way back. I’m hoping the blinkers can make her focus a lot earlier and if she can do that and not give herself too much to do in the final 200m, she will be winning this race.

PEPPERMINT LANE is my ride in race three, for Dean Krongold. She last won nearly 12 months ago, so she seems to find form this time of year as well as last time. When she last started to put a sequence of wins together it was fourth up like she is this time. If she finds her right form, she will be competitive in this.

In race four, I ride CARUSELLE for Ian Hutchins. He has been a very consistent horse this preparation and his only defeat he had blinkers on and he did a lot wrong. He was a very good second last time and has come up with a favourable barrier draw. If he runs his usual consistent race he is one of the main chances in this competitive event.

WITCHES is my ride in race five, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I thought she ran a reasonable race left handed two starts ago and thought she would benefit from that outing. She was then given a couple of weeks into her next assignment with the blinkers on and it was a much improved effort up in trip. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw and there looks to be a lot of pressure in this very competitive race. With luck in running she should be able to win her first race in Melbourne

Race seven, I ride CRY IF I WANT TO for Mick Price. I rode her last start in a Listed race and she closed off nicely to finish fourth. She has drawn a wide gate again and the usual instructions are to ride her back. There does look to be nice pressure up front which will suit her run style. Even though she is back in grade, this is still a very competitive race but she has the advantage of a mare in form and she also has a very lightweight of 54.5kg. All going well, and they are able to close off on the day, she will be finishing hard.

Mornington - Preview

Tuesday January 17

I’ve just picked up a ride in race two at Mornington for Ciaron Maher on VILLA ROSA who races in the Pope family colours. I’ve seen her trial officially at Cranbourne last year on Heavy ground where she was slow out but trialled nicely late. This year she has had a jumpout at Caulfield and looked to trial very smartly without any pressure. I’m looking forward to riding her and she has come up with a good gate in barrier one. All going and she brings her trial form to the races she should be winning.