Gold Coast Magic Millions - Preview

Saturday January 14

I start in race one with TRUST ME for Brett Partelle. He has been a very consistent horse who has only been out of the top three on two occasions. He has come up with a middle gate and there is going to be a lot of pressure. He has the blinkers back on and if he has luck in running it would be a very lucrative prizemoney race to win his maiden.

RED SCARLET is my ride in race two, the Country Cups, for Helen Page. He loves this track having won his last three starts here including once at this distance and the other two up in trip over 1400m. He has only been running in small fields and he has been able to dominate those races. This is going to be a completely different scenario with a big field and a lot of pressure but you can’t knock a horse in form and one that races so well at this unique track. If he gets into his rhythm and a nice position he will take a lot of catching.

In race three, I ride PEPPERANO for Liam Birchley. I won on this mare in the Grey’s race over the Flemington carnival over seven furlongs. She was rested and on her resumption, she ran second over 1200m. She now steps out to 1300m and she has the ear muffs taken off today. She has come up with an advantageous barrier draw in four and she can make use of that and take up a forward position. She will be very hard to run down and be a strong chance in this race.

BOOM TIME is my ride in race four, the Magic Millions Trophy, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has won his last three starts in Melbourne but is having his first start right-handed. He has come up with a great barrier draw and gets in on the minimum of 54kg. He has a fantastic chance and is the one they all have to beat.

Race five, I ride CATCH A FIRE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He did finish third in the maiden on this race day last year. Her fresh form is excellent and she will make her presence felt. She will need luck form an outside barrier but I expect her to run a very forward race.

LOYALTY MAN is my ride in race six, the Magic Millions Cup, for Michael Moroney. He has won his last two starts and one of those was at Canterbury so he is effective going right-handed. This is a very competitive race with a lot of pressure and I expect him to be thereabouts with luck in running.

In race seven, the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, I ride MISS WONDERLAND for Ciaron Maher. She is a lightly raced mare who has never been out of the top three. She has great gate speed and this is the first time she is stepping up in trip. She did finish second going right-handed at her latest race start so she has had a great preparation coming into this. However, this is a very competitive race with the top weight undefeated in all five start and he has been breaking track records and Global Glamour is also engaged who is a Group 1 winner. My filly doesn’t know how to run a bad race, she has the minimum weight and does make her own luck. She will make her presence felt in this strong event.

Gosford - Preview

Friday January 13

I start in race one, with SLEEK for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She ran second at her last start and since then she has had a break. She has trialled nicely on two occasions coming into this, she has very good tactical speed and has come up with a favourable barrier in two. Gosford is a tight turning track and usually favours on pace runners. She will make her own luck and hopefully start her preparation off on a winning note.

SHE’S MAGICAL is my ride in race three, for Greg Hickman. She won at the course and distance last time where she made all the running and was strong late. She now steps up into a 65 Open race. She has a light weight and a favourable barrier draw. It is difficult for horses to win straight away after winning a maiden but she is well placed and enjoys the track.

In race four, the Belle Of The Turf Stakes, I ride ASINARA for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She is a big girl, who is drawn wide and her usual run style is to get back. As she has a big galloping action, I will have to help her around the course but on her best form I expect her to be closing rapidly late.

GRUNDERZEIT is my ride in race six, the Takeover Target Stakes, for John O’Shea & Godolphin. This horse has a great affinity with Canterbury racecourse, which is very similar to Gosford. He has come up with a bad barrier draw and will need luck in running. If he gets that luck, he will be one of the main chances.

Race seven, I ride PRECAUTIONS for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She is a 3yo filly taking on the older age horses and has come up with a favourable barrier draw in gate two. She is a horse that makes her own luck and she has only had three starts for two wins and a third, so she is consistent and will take a lot of holding out in this race on the minimum weight.

Geelong - Preview

Thursday January 12

I start in race one with JUKEBOX for Ciaron Maher. He is a Snitzel colt debuting and runs in Colin McKenna’s colours. I did his preparation work heading into the Spring when he was due to run on Caulfield Cup Day but was a scratching. He has come up with barrier two in a small but competitive field. He is a horse that gives me a feel that he has a lot of substance and a very bright future. I’m looking forward to seeing how he competes under race conditions and I expect him to run well.

In the last, race eight, I ride HARD PROMISE for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Thoroughbreds. He has had two starts for a dominant win last time out when resuming, after he was second on debut in a Stakes race during the Adelaide carnival. He now steps up in trip which he looks like he will benefit from as he was very solid and strong through the line when winning over 1000m. He has come up with a widish barrier draw but I expect him to make it two from two this preparation.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday January 7

Today’s meeting is at Caulfield and the rail will be out 3m with the meeting to be conducted in very hot conditions.

I start in race one with CATCHY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I was impressed with her debut win at Moonee Valley when she came from last. The step up in trip will only help her as will the experience. I’ve compared her to, and she has given me a feeling as Miss Finland did as a 2yo and I expect her to be winning this event.

AMADEUS is my ride in race two, for Mick Kent. He has two runs this preparation and has been going very well. He has come up with a wide draw but there is nice pressure and I expect him to be finishing the race off very strongly.

In race five, I ride ROYAL APPLAUSE for Symon Wilde. She has been in ultra-consistent this preparation. She has come up with a wide barrier draw but all going well this is a race she can put a one beside her name.

MOSSIN’ AROUND is my ride in race six, for Grahame Begg. She has excellent form and has had a freshen up coming into this race. She has competed very well at Caulfield and she is one of the main chances.

In the last, race eight, I ride NOZOMI for Lee & Anthony Freedman and Godolphin. He has had a freshen up from the Spring and has trialled nicely coming into this. He has a very favourable barrier draw in gate one and I expect him to be very competitive in this strong race.

Flemington - Preview

Sunday January 1

Happy New Year!!!!!!

I start in race one, with OUTBOARD MOTORS for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is a first starter and has improved in her trials coming into this. I haven’t sat on her before but can see her improvement from her recent jumpout at Flemington. The stable has been in exceptional form and especially has a good handle on 2yos this racing season and I expect her to acquit herself on debut.

LUNAR SPIN is my ride in race three, for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has come up with a nice barrier draw and has been very consistent this preparation. A bigger flatter track should suit him and he is one of the main chances in this event.

In race five, I ride PORTMAN for Danny O’Brien and Qatar Bloodstock. He is two for two this preparation after being gelded and has impressed. He now steps out slightly in trip and if he can get some luck from an outside barrier draw he is the horse they all have to hold out

DIVINE MR ARTIE is my ride in race six, the Standish Handicap, for Brendan McCarthy. He impressed me with his first up win at the course and distance. Unfortunately, with the weight scale it means he is meeting some higher rated horses badly at the weights. However, I believe he is a Group class horse and I will be disappointed if he doesn’t win this.

Race seven, the Bagot Handicap, I ride CRY IF I WANT TO for Mick Price. She is bred to stay and it is the first time she is getting out to this extended trip. Every time she has stepped up in trip this preparation she has improved. Unfortunately, she has come up with a wide barrier draw and there looks to be a lack of pressure in this race. She is definitely taking on more seasoned horses than herself and due to the rating situation, she does meet a few of her rivals badly at the weights.

In the last, race eight, I ride DOMINO VITALE for Colin Little. She has been very consistent and I believe stepping back to the 1600m which saw her successful three starts back, is a plus. She has drawn a middle barrier and there looks to be solid pressure. She does have the impost of the topweight but she is clearly the best horse in the race.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday December 31

I start in race one, with TULIP for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig and she races in the Coolmore colours. She is debuting but has trialled officially at Tatura where she looked to have very nice ability. She has come up with a wide barrier draw but with the rail in the True position it usually isn’t too much of a disadvantage. If she brings her trial form to the races she will be very hard to beat.

WITCHES is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She had her first run in Melbourne last time at this course and distance where I thought she was a little plain on that night. Subsequent to that, the trainer has applied the blinkers today and she has come up with a favourable barrier draw. In this competitive race, she will make her presence felt after having experience this way of going and having raced at the track.

In race five, I ride GRATWICK for Darren Weir. He has been freshened up and is back in trip. He has a very nice barrier draw and this looks like a really nice race for him to win.

QUARK is my ride in race six, for Daniel Bowman. He is a lightly raced 5yo who has had four starts with an impressive record of three wins. He has been very well placed and now steps up to a city race but unfortunately he has come up with an outside barrier draw. He is a horse that loves to be ridden forward and is very effective in doing so. If he doesn’t have to work too hard he will be there for a long way and they’ll have to run him down.

Race seven, I ride EXTRA OLIVES for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is second up this preparation, after running well first up when not beaten far on Heavy ground. She is a very consistent mare who has come up with barrier one which should give her an economical run and give her every opportunity for her to run her best race.

Happy New Year to everyone and I hope that 2017 is a safe and successful one for all.

Sha Tin - Preview

Tuesday December 27

I hope everyone had a very enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. Today I’m riding at Sha Tin, the last meeting of my short-term contract for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. I have really enjoyed my time here and especially spending Christmas with my family in Hong Kong.

I start in race four, with CATCHMEIFYOUCAN for Chris So. He has two runs and he has been finishing a fair way back. He has drawn barrier one which is favourable and should give him every opportunity to run his best race.

KING BOUNTIFUL is my ride in race six, for John Size. He is a horse that won three starts ago and is a solid staying type. In this grade, he will be very competitive but he will need some luck from an outside barrier draw but he is definitely one of the main chances in this even race.

In race seven, I ride ENREACHING for John Size. He is backing up, after running over 1000m last start and now steps out to 1650m on the All-Weather Track. Before arriving in Hong Kong, he had placed twice on the artificial track in England, so it is a surface he is familiar, comfortable and been competitive on previously. He has come up with a reasonable barrier draw and I expect he’ll be one the main chances.

SUPER WISE is my ride in race eight, for Dennis Yip. Before arriving in Hong Kong, he has one start in Australia and raced as Southerly Wind and was trained by Mick Kent. He was very dominant in winning a 1000m race at Flemington. He has had one start in Hong Kong where he showed speed and weakened late in the race. I have sat on him in work and feel he is in good order to run a strong race but feel he will benefit from a preparation to get acclimatised to the conditions of Hong Kong. Nevertheless, he has come up with a reasonable barrier draw and he is very capable.

In race nine I ride MCQUEEN for Derek Cruz. He is third up this preparation and has a favourable barrier draw in gate one and will get every favour from there and in this competitive race he will take a lot of running down

MIGHTY MAVERICK is my ride in race eleven, for Derek Cruz. I rode him here two starts ago when I came for a one meeting visit where he came third for me and since then he has run second. He has come up with a wide barrier draw. The topweight his having first run in Hong Kong after being placed in the Rosehill Guineas and the BMW in the Autumn so this won’t be an easy assignment. This is a very competitive race but if I can get luck from the draw he will be there at the end of the race.

Happy Valley - Preview

Thursday December 22

I start in race two, with VIVACIOUS WINNER for Derek Cruz. He has been racing well, he just does a lot wrong in his races but if he finds his true form and has luck from an outside draw he would be one of the main chances in this very competitive Class 5 race.

CONFUCIUS SPIRIT is my ride in race three, for David Ferraris. He has been going extremely well and does show good versatility in the way he has won his races in the past. He can race on speed or he can be ridden back further in the field. He has come up with a middle barrier draw and he is one of the main chances in this event.

In race five, I ride TRAVEL AMBASSADOR for Chris So. I won on him last time out and he stays in the same grade, but he has gone up seven points in the rating system and he has the outside barrier draw so we will need a lot of luck. The horse is in great form and does love the track.

HO HO FEEL is my ride in race six, for Dennis Yip. I partnered this horse last time at Sha Tin over 1800m so he steps up in trip. He closed off nicely to finish third. He has very good form at Happy Valley but he has never raced at 2200m. It does look like the trip will suit him but he is a difficult horse to get out of the barriers and get him into a forward position. If I can get him out of the barriers and get him into a position handier in the run it will pay dividends in the end.

In race seven I ride LAMAROSA for Paul O’Sullivan. He won two starts ago when he drew favourably and was close to the speed. Last start, he drew wide and had to work really hard on the speed. Again, he has come up drawn one form the outside but the race looks like it will be run at high speed.

Race eight, the last race, I ride BACK IN BLACK for Paul O’Sullivan. Last season he started off in Class 4 and got Class 2 so he took huge steps last season. He is a horse that goes very well at the track. We do have to contend with an outside barrier draw but he is versatile as he has been ridden on pace form a good gate and ridden back from a wide draw. He is always competitive but he will need favours from the draw.

Sha Tin - Preview

Saturday December 17

Today, I ride at Sha Tin in a mixed meeting where there are races on the All-Weather Track (AWT) and the turf track. On the turf track the rail is in the C+3 position which is the widest possibly placement which makes the track very narrow.

I start in race three, on the AWT with EROICO for John Size. He has excellent form on the dirt as he was beaten by one of the best dirt horses in Hong Kong two starts ago. Last time at this course and distance he failed because of a wide barrier draw and a sloppy surface. Today it is a small field and he has come up with a favourable draw in barrier two. He’ll make his own luck and be the horse they all have to beat.

FOREVER ACCURATE is my ride in race four, for Dennis Yip. He was successful last time at the course and distance but he did have barrier one. Today we have to contend with a wide draw. He has trained on well as I worked him on Thursday and was happy with the way he went. If he has luck from the draw, he can make it two in a row.

In race six, I ride METALLIC STAR for Dennis Yip. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper which will suit him, as he is an on-pace runner. He is usually aggressively ridden from the start to ensure he takes up a forward position, usually leading. I expect him to get every favour from the draw and he should be hard to run down in this class.

TOP SCORE is my ride in race seven, for Paul O’Sullivan. He started his racing in Sydney under John Sargent where he was very successful and competitive. Since arriving in Hong Kong he has had one start where he finished third. I will need a lot of luck from the outside barrier and getting around the turns as he wants to hang out. If he has luck from the barrier draw he can make his presence felt.

In the last race, race ten I ride WHOOP WHOOP for Dennis Yip. He raced in Australia under the same name and was trained by Mick Price. He showed good stamina when successful in Australia. He has had one start in Hong Kong and they felt he was ridden too close to the pressure and finished second last. He has come up with a good draw and I think I will be asked to ride him a little quiet earlier and be finishing strong late.

Happy Valley - Preview

Wednesday December 14

Tonight, I’m off to Happy Valley racecourse in Hong Kong where I’ll be competing under lights. It is quite a magnificent track set in the middle of high rises on Hong Kong island. The track has a tight circumference of 1400m and usually races every Wednesday night.

I start in race one, with CLOUD NINE for Tony Millard. He has come up with a very favourable barrier draw in gate one. It is a Class 4 event and he will make his own luck from an advantageous draw. He races on speed and will be one the main chances.

MALAYAN PEARL is my ride in race three, for Derek Cruz. This is a Class 5 event over 1800m, racing on the ‘C’ course which has a very sharp turn and it means the horses find it hard to stay on the rail when the turn the corner into the straight. He has drawn barrier nine and will need some luck but since he has dropped back in Class 5 he has been very competitive and will make his presence felt in this race. He is a big horse and he will take some running down.

In race four, I ride ROYALE ELEGANCE for Chris So. He has a favourable barrier draw, there looks to be a lot pf pressure which will suit him as he is a get back, run on horse. If he has luck in the straight, he will be winning this race.

TRAVEL AMBASSADOR is my ride in race five, for Chris So. He has come up with a wide draw and this looks a very tricky race as on paper as there doesn’t look to be much pressure. I saw Brett Prebble ride him two start back when he showed initiative and took off a long way from home and was only narrowly defeated. I have also seen him get back and stay on. He will need the race run to suit him from the draw but if he has luck he will be thereabouts.

Race seven I ride LITTLE ISLAND for Manfred Man. He is coming off a last start win at the course and distance. He has come up with a wide barrier draw. When he won his last start, Zac Purton showed initiative when he took off when they were going slow. Again, he is going to need some luck from an outside draw, but he is in a winning form and races extremely well at the track.

Flemington - Preview

Saturday December 10

I start in race one, with INFRA DIG for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She is having her first start down the straight and in Melbourne. She has excellent form and the stable has reported she has travelled down extremely well. The horse that beat her last start has gone on and been placed in an Open Stakes race. She is the only filly against the mares but has a nice weight, a good draw and will be charging home late.

LE BOSS is my ride in race two, for Robbie Griffiths. He has been a very competitive horse and it looks like he didn’t handle the tight turning track of Moonee Valley last time. If you forgive that run, his form reads well for this race. He has come up with an outside barrier and it will be interesting to see what my instructions are. There is no pressure up front so it will be a tactical race.

In race three, I ride DOMINO VITALE for Colin Little. I loved the way she was racing this preparation and then Colin put the Blinkers on last time for a dominant win. She is now an inform mare, drawn well, 1kg off the minimum and the one they have to beat.

DIVINE MR ARTIE is my ride in race four, for Brendan McCarthy. I have had one ride on him for one win which was over 1400m. He has since had a nice break, his first up form is solid and has trialled nicely coming into this. The only time he competed down the straight he was unlucky not to win in a very strong 3yo race over the Carnival. It is a very even race where every horse has a chance and Divine Mr Artie is one of the main chances.

Race six, I ride KHAKI for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has only had the three starts and never missed a place. He is having his first start in Melbourne and he kicked his campaign off with a confidence building win to break his maiden status. He has drawn a wide gate and by that time of the day we will know where the best part of the track is. He is able to race forward or back, has a good finish on him and he is one the main chances in this competitive 3yo event.

In race seven, I ride STAR FORTUNE for Clinton McDonald. He won first time out this preparation and ran well again last time. He noes steps out to 1400m and is drawn well to get a nice run and will make his presence felt for a long way.

ENCOSTA LINE is my ride in race eight, for Chris Waller. He is a very solid galloper in great form. He won two starts ago at Sandown when the blinkers were put on for the first time, then he backed that up with a solid run behind Boom Time who I have a very big opinion of. This is a very even race, there is no pressure up front so it will be interesting to see what the stable instructions are. He is a very solid galloper and will take running down if he has luck from the draw.

In the last race, race nine, I ride BRADMAN for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I have been successful on him at this course and distance from a similar wide barrier draw. I assume I will be asked to ride him back and to have him hitting the line hard. There looks like a lot of pressure in this race. If they are able to close off, he is definitely going to be strong late.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday December 9

The rail is out 5 metres tonight and it is usually hard to make ground and it is favourable to draw close to the rail.

I start in race one, with CATCHY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I have trialled her on two occasions coming into this debut run. They are all first starters but I have a high opinion of her and if she brings her trial form to the races she will be winning.

WITCHES is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She resumed last start and won her maiden. She is only lightly raced and has never gone left handed before as she has done all her racing in NSW. She brings confidence, has drawn favourably and is one of the main chances in this small but competitive race.

In race seven, I ride CHOUX DIVA for Simon Morrish. I have had one ride for one win on her and would like to keep the 100% strike rate up but she will have to improve as she has finished last and second last at her two runs this preparation.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday December 7

I start in race three, with ASTLEY for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I rode him last time and he was never fully tested as we never got clear running. He has been a very consistent horse and we need to negate an outside barrier draw but with luck and not having to do too much work this is a race he is good enough to be winning his maiden in town.

RELAUNCH is my ride in race six, for Mark Kavanagh. She is coming off a confidence boosting decisive win by 3 lengths last start. She steps up to 1300m and does have an outside barrier draw to contend with but she is one of the main chances in this even contest.

In race seven, I ride MY SANCTUARY for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. She was bred in Europe and brought across to Australia start her racing. She is only a lightly raced 5yo mare by Oasis Dream. She has won at the track and has won second up. She is second up here after a nice run first up over 1400m and steps up to a mile here. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw where she should get every favour and she should be hard to hold out in this race.

In the last race, race eight, I ride CONCUBINE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She has been a model of consistency this preparation. She is ultra-consistent and if she hasn’t been in the top three or wining she hasn’t been far away. She is a big strong mare who has come up with a wide draw which shouldn’t be a disadvantage and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure in this race. She looks very solid and she showed that last time at the same course and distance. The horse that beat her last time was Yogi and you will be hearing more about him. She is definitely the horse they have to beat.

Pakenham - Preview

Saturday December 3

I start in race two, with EXCLUSIVE LASS for Nigel Blackiston. I finished fourth on her last time and she finished off really well. She now steps up in trip but again she has drawn an outside barrier draw. Although it is a small field, it looks quite tactical and from the draw she will need a little bit of luck but it is Pakenham and it has such a long run in and usually wide barriers here aren’t as much a disadvantage as other tracks. With luck from the gate and all going well she is one of the winning chances.

TANGO ROCK is my ride in race three, for Mick Kent. He is resuming, he has been gelded and has excellent form and will appreciate the long run in. In this even race, he is one of the main chances.

In race four, I ride MATERNAL for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She has been in excellent form this preparation. She now comes back to 1400m where she has won at the course and distance. She has a nice middle barrier draw and she is well weighted only 2kg over the minimum and looks to be the winner.

SNITZSON is my ride in race five, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He resumed with an impressive off the pace win at Cranbourne. I love the way he closed off and if he has come on with that confidence, he can make it two in a row.

Race seven, the Pakenham Cup, I ride SWACADELIC for Aaron Purcell. He is coming into this race with excellent form as he was narrowly defeated by Qewy in the Sandown Cup who I ran fourth on in the Melbourne Cup. He does come back 700m from his last outing. He is a get back run-on horse so if the track is racing fair he is going to have a real good closing finish. The two main opposition look like they will be running first and second so we will be giving them a head start but the times he can run, he can give them a start and a beating.

In race eight, the VOBIS Gold Bullion, I ride GRANDE ROSSO for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He was very impressive resuming for his first start with the new stable but looked disappointing last time but he did have an excuse with the vet report revealing he was lame. In this even VOBIS race, from a nice barrier, he is going to be very competitive.

In the last race, race nine, I ride GALLIC CHIEFTAIN for Darren Weir and OTI. He is an import that has two runs in Australia. He was strong through the line last time and steps out in trip which will be to his benefit. He doesn’t look like he has the tactical speed to make the most of the barrier draw but he is going to be one of the strongest horses late.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday December 2

I start in race one, with HEATHER HONEY for Simon Morrish. Her last two starts she has finished second. She has come with a favourable barrier draw, is up in trip and this looks like a race she can start her winning ways.

ROYAL APPLAUSE is my ride in race two, for Symon Wilde. If you can forgive her last run, she has been very consistent at her prior three starts – winning at Warrnambool, then spelling and coming back and running two seconds. On one of those occasions she was beaten by a horse called Ruthven who subsequently went on and ran second in the Sandown Guineas. She has an inside barrier, out to the 1600m which has seen her successful before and if I can manage her speed she is one of the main chances.

In race three, I ride FOUR CARAT for Chris Waller. He is stepping back in grade from his last two starts and one of those was in the Sandown Cup behind Qewy who ran fourth in the Melbourne Cup. He does have the impost of the top weight but with the minimum of 55kg it puts other horses close to him. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and it looks like a suitable race for him to win. He hasn’t won for over a year so it would be nice to give him a confidence boost.

PONTE ROMA is my ride in race four, for Robert Smerdon. She is resuming and has a change of footwear. Robert Smerdon is racing her in tips for the first time, which is a light bar across the front of their hoofs. She has a nice barrier draw, is ultra-consistent and will be well suited back in grade against the fillies.

Race six, I ride LUNAR SPIN for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He was beaten by the track pattern last time at Pakenham but I loved his attitude where he was lovely and relaxed. He is now third up and if he parades relaxed he can win this.

In race seven, I ride TICKED for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She is coming here after winning her maiden at Cranbourne. She was very solid late and now steps up in trip and has to contend with a wide barrier draw. It does look like it will be a competitive and solid run race which will hopefully spread them out which will make the draw a lot easier. I expect her to be closing off late.

In the last race, race eight, I ride CAT’S WISH for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is resuming and having her first run for the new stable. This is also her first start left handed as she has done all her racing up in NSW. She has very solid form and is always competitive. She has a gear change, putting the one-eyed blinker on her. She can sometimes be a bit nervous prior to her races so it will be interesting to see how she has trained on with the new stable and how she handles night racing. She has a middle draw that gives me options. In this competitive race, she is one of the main chances on her best form.

Bendigo - Preview

Wednesday November 30

I start in race one, with PRESSCOTT for Chris Waller and he wears the colours made famous by Winx. He has had two starts and then was spelled. He is resuming this preparation and he has had three trials leading into this first up run over 1600m. He also has the blinkers applied for the first time, has a favourable barrier draw in gate one and I expect him to show something today.

STONE WARRIOR is my ride in race two, for Lee & Anthony Freedman in the OTI colours. He is only lightly raced and has been placed in half of his runs and has shown good ability and has run into some strong opposition. He is first up today and his best runs have been when fresh. He has trialled nicely at Cranbourne, has drawn a nice middle barrier and I feel looking at his races he appreciates having room and racing on the outside of horses. If he puts it together, he will be winning this maiden.

In race four, I ride KING OF ENGLAND for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is having his second run up to this extended trip. He ran very well on a firm track from an outside barrier last time and feel he only has one horse to contend with and that is Dreaded (2) which only beat him home by a nose last time and I meet him one kilo better off. It is only a small field and it will be a lot more tactical than last start. This horse is going very well and if he puts it together he will be winning this race.

LA SPECIALE is my ride in race six, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig for Darby Racing. She is a lightly raced 5yo mare which excellent credentials as she has only missed the place on one occasion. She is resuming and for a new stable and having her first go left handed. On her form, she is the one they all have to beat.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday November 26

The rail is in the true position so it will be interesting to see how it plays. My horses have drawn wide so it wouldn’t be a disadvantage if it races normal where horses can swoop and make their runs wide and away from the rail.

I start in race two, with BANDIPUR for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He looks like a very professional Commands colt. In his official barrier trial, he had good speed and won impressively. He has also galloped at Moonee Valley to give him a good look at the track. He has come up with an outside barrier draw and having his debut run he will need a bit of luck from there. If he has luck from the draw he looks good enough to win this competitive race.

VERY CHOOSY is my ride in race three, for Robert Smerdon. She has won twice at the distance. She has had two first up runs for two wins and she has also won at the track. She is resuming this preparation and has great stats first up at this track and distance. I did work her at Sandown leading into this and was very pleased the way she felt. She is an on-pace mare who has great tactical speed and is one of the main chances in this small and select field especially as she has the minimum of 54kg in the race.

In race six, I ride DULVERTON for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She is coming back from her last three starts at Group 3 level to a Benchmark 84 contest at a distance she likes and a track that she races well at. She has come up with an inside barrier draw but she is usually a get back run on mare. If she is able to utilise that draw and with being only 2.5kgs off the minimum she is one of the main chances.

BOOM TIME is my ride in race seven, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has two runs for the stable for excellent performances. He was impressive winning last time of the Flemington carnival where we had to ride him back from an outside draw. Again, he has come up with a wide barrier draw, goes up in distance and he has competed very well at Moonee Valley at his previous preparation. I expect him to be one of the horses flashing home late in this race, which is in preparation for an upcoming Magic Millions assignment.

Race eight, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien. He hasn’t been getting beaten far in his three runs this preparation. He is a very good sprinter, has run well at the Valley before but unfortunately he has come up with a wide barrier draw. There is a lot of pressure and it will be interesting to see what my instructions are as they will be going very quick in this.

In the last race, race nine, I ride BROCKHOFF for Ciaron Maher and races in Colin McKenna’s colours. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw. He is an on-pace horse stepping up in trip. He has had three runs at the track and never missed a place. When he competed at this course and distance last time as a 3yo he was beaten by a subsequent Group 1 winner in Holler so he has excellent form. He is going great this preparation and is only half a kilo off the minimum and is going to take a lot of running down.

Cranbourne - Preview

Friday November 25

I start in race one, with PEARL CONGENIAL for Robert Smerdon and she carries the Pearl Bloodstock colours made famous by Dunaden. She was a very speedy 2yo who failed to come up last preparation. She is resuming and I’m looking forward to when she steps into the yard to see how much she has grown. On her best form, she can break her maiden status.

KISS THE STARS is my ride in race seven, for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He started his racing career in Japan and is typical of a Japanese horses being tough and solid. His last two starts have been very competitive with one of those being at this course and distance. The rail is out 7m and by this time we will know the pattern. If there is no disadvantage to be away from the rail his wide draw shouldn’t pose any problem. This is a very even and competitive race but he is clearly one of the main chances.

Bendigo - Preview

Thursday November 24

I start in race two, with DANCING HARE for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is a first starter by Fastnet Rock who has trialled nicely at the official trials at Cranbourne. She has come up with an outside barrier draw and she looks a really nice filly that can win on debut.

PORTMAN is my ride in race three, for Danny O’Brien and Qatar Bloodstock. He hasn’t raced since February and he comes into this gelded and with the blinkers off. He is a horse I’ve always had a high opinion of and the horses that have beaten him at his three starts have all gone on to win Stakes races. It is a bit short of his best trip but I expect him to be hitting the line hard and hopefully kick his campaign off on a wining way.

In race five, I ride GAGOSIAN for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He’s second up this preparation and his only other second up run resulted in his only victory. He did close off last start but this is a different race as he goes up in trip, has drawn an inside barrier and there looks to be no pressure up front. It will be interesting to see what Lee & Anthony want me to do from the good draw. All going well I will be disappointed if he doesn’t make it two from two second up.

SOLID ROD is my ride in race six, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. His only win was his first race start and he resuming. He has trialled nicely at Cranbourne coming into this, he has the blinkers off and in this even race if he finds his first up form he is one of the chances.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday November 23

I start in race one, with HOT SEAT for Brian McKnight. The rain overnight will enhance his chances as he won on debut on a Heavy 8 and has only contested on soft ground. He has won one for two starts and resumes today. He has barrier one and races on speed and although this a small field it is an extremely competitive event.

SO BELLE is my ride in race four, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She looked like she was dropping out last time when she stepped up in trip but closed the race off extremely well after having an economical run. She is stepping up in trip and does have to contend with an outside barrier draw but the way she closed off this So You Think filly looks like she will appreciate the step up in trip. It is a maiden and if she has come on from her last run, she will be one of the main chances.

In race five, I ride SISTINE SPIRIT for Andrew Noblet. She has won at the course and distance. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw and is racing in good form this preparation. I expect her to be competitive again.

CHAMPAGNE READY is my ride in race six, for Chris Waller. She is having the blinkers on for the first time, is back in trip and even though it is still a Benchmark 70 which she competed in last start, it is a lot weaker than competing over the Flemington carnival. Her only win I won on her at this course and distance on a Soft rated 5. I expect her to be winning her second race.

In the last race, race eight, I ride SAVATONE for Danny O’Brien. If the track is really soft or Heavy it will enhance his chances as I have won on him on a Heavy 8. He is first up and so far, he has won one of two runs first up. If the stable is confident, gets luck in running and conditions to suit he will definitely make his presence felt.

Railway Stakes Day Preview - Ascot

Saturday November 19

I start in race five, the Placid Ark Stakes, with LEITFADEN for Daniel Morton. She is lightly raced, very consistent and stepping back in trip is going to suit her. The stable is delighted the way she has galloped coming into this race and she gets in on the minimum with the special weight conditions. She is a major player in this very competitive Listed race.

LUSAHA is my ride in race seven, the WA Guineas, for Daniel Morton. He is a tough on pacer stepping up to the distance for the first time, drawn a nice middle gate and he looks solid enough to be one of the major players in this Group 2 event.

In race eight, the Railway Stakes I ride HE OR SHE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He originally started his racing over in Perth where he has been successful six times at this course and three at the course/distance. This preparation has been excellent and all at Group 1 level including behind superstar Winx. He does have to contend with the outside barrier draw but in this very even race he is definitely one of the winning chances.

Racing.com Park - Preview

Thursday November 17

I start in race one, with KOTINOS for Robert Smerdon. He is on debut who is a nice speedy type who has come up with a favourable barrier draw. I have trialled him coming into this and he gave me a feeling that he would be very competitive at his first race start.

QUEEN OF KANDY is my ride in race two, for Robert Smerdon. She has only had the one race start and steps up sharply in trip and has come up with a favourable barrier draw. It is not a strong race and if she has come on and suited by the trip she can be competitive.

In race five, I ride ASTLEY for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has been a very consistent colt since coming down to Melbourne for this preparation. He has come up with a nice barrier draw and should get a lot of favours from there and be hard to beat.

FILLE CHAMPAGNE is my ride in race six, for Pat Hyland. Since Pat has put the blinkers on there has been a sharp improvement in form where she has been ultra-consistent bar her one blemish when she stepped up to Group 3 level. She makes her own luck and is one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Race seven, I ride POPOVICH for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. He started his career with two impressive wins and then stepped up to Group 3 company and has had a long layoff since. I have trialled him and he has gone extremely well coming into this event. He is a horse that usually begins slowly so it will be important that I can get him away cleanly. If he has luck in running, he is clearly the class horse in this race.

In the last race, race eight, I ride LUNAR SPIN for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He started off this preparation with a nice run. He is now second up, has a nice barrier, steps to a distance he has won at and has won at the track. He will be very competitive in this even contest.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday November 16

I start in race four, with THE TINKER for Byron Cozamanis. He’s had one start at the course and distance and finished third. His statistics at the distance are solid and he’s coming to a very even contest. He does get a bit keen in his races so subject to how the race is run, hopefully he runs well for me and I can get him nice and relaxed throughout. I know he is a solid horse to close the race off.

SAVAJU is my ride in race five, for Shaun Dwyer. She backed up her solid trial with a win first up at her home track of Bendigo on Heavy ground. She then stepped up to Group 3 company and closed off nicely. She now drops back in grade but this is still a very competitive race especially with those horses at the top of the weights. She has come up with a nice barrier draw and expect her to be very competitive.

Zipping Classic - Sandown Preview

Saturday November 12

I start in race one, the Merson Cooper Stakes, with MALZOOM for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a first starter Stratum colt who has trialled nicely unofficially at Flemington. If he handles the day, he looks like a horse with good ability.

REDKIRK WARRIOR is my ride in race two, the Sandown Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He had very strong form references in Hong Kong. He’s now returned to Australia after a long lay off and resumed with an eye catching second. He has had a setback going into this as he was meant to run on the last day of the Flemington carnival. I assume all has gone well since, with him running here. On his great ability and with no weight he is the horse they have to beat.

In race three, the Sandown Cup I ride BRING SOMETHING for Ken Keys. Qewy is the short priced favourite, who I finished fourth on in the Melbourne Cup and is the one they all have to beat. Apart from him it is a very even line up. Bring Something is fourth up this preparation, stays well and will be fighting out the placings.

BULLPIT is my ride in race four, for Danny O’Brien. He has come up with an outside barrier draw, which suits him. He has won at the course and distance and has the minimum weight. I expect him to be there for a long way.

Race five, the Twilight Glow Stakes, I ride ANGHARAD for John O’Shea & Godolphin. She has come with an outside barrier draw where we will need a little bit of luck but by that time of the day we will know if it is hard to make ground and favouring on pace runners. She is quite versatile as she was ridden on speed before coming down to Melbourne. She has run well at her two Melbourne runs. On her best form, she would be one of the main chances in this event.

In race six, the Sandown Guineas I ride MORTON’S FORK for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I was very impressed with his second in the Carbine Club at Flemington. The winner had better acceleration at the top of the straight but I loved the way he kept fighting to the line. He gave me a feel of a horse that will be good enough to target races like the Guineas and Derby in the Sydney Autumn. He has pleased the stable since his last run and I believe he is the horse they all have to beat.

SO SI BON is my ride in race seven, the Zipping Classic, for Robbie Laing. He is a 3yo taking on the older, seasoned horses. As it is Weight-For-Age he gets a handsome weight relief, and gets in with the lightweight of 50.5kg and gets 8.5kg relief off all his rival apart from Beautiful Romance where he gets 6.5kg. He does add intrigue into this race being a 3yo against his older rivals. He has shown he has very good stamina as shown in his last start fourth in the VRC Derby and has quality when beaten less than two lengths in the Caulfield Guineas. He has come up with the outside barrier draw but there looks to be solid tempo and he is a main chance and I have no doubt he will measure up to this class.

Race eight, the Kevin Heffernan Stakes, I ride SUPER CASH for Andrew Noblet. She was great in winning first up at Caulfield and then last time at Flemington she drew the inside and beat the horses on her side easily and I felt if she drew that outside she would have won. She does step to WFA and up in trip and has is a strong addition of the race with two Group 1 winners engaged. However, she will make her presence felt.

In race nine, the Eclipse Stakes I ride JACQUINOT BAY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is an ultra-consistent war horse who has come up with a nice draw. There doesn’t look to be too much pressure so he should be able to make his own luck and he does race very well at the track. He is such an honest horse and I expect him to run well again.

In the last race, race ten, the Summoned Stakes, I ride SILENT SEDITION for Andrew Noblet. She has been ultra-consistent this preparation without winning. She has come up with an outside barrier draw and does have to carry the topweight. We do have to turn the tables on Shillelagh (12) who beat us home last time and does meet us better on the weights. By the end of the day, we will have to work out what the tactics are but she is very versatile and does have tactical gate speed and can make her own luck or can come from behind. She is such a highly competitive mare with great ability and if we can get a touch of luck from the gate I expect her to be going very close to winning.