Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday November 11

I start in race two, with AUNTY MO for Brendan McCarthy. She has excellent statistics at the course and distance, she is an on-pace mare who makes her own luck. She has a tendency of always hanging out around the bends but once she straightens she has good acceleration. She will be one of the main chances in this small but competitive race.

EXCLUSIVE LASS is my ride in race five, for Nigel Blackiston. She keeps coming up with outside barrier draws this whole preparation which has made it very awkward for her to get any favours in her runs. She is back in grade and she has been racing well. She has won at the track but will need some luck as it looks like she will be coming off the speed. There appears to be a lot of pressure in the race and with the rail out 7m I hope it is playing fairly and not an on-pace bias.

In race six, I ride TURFANE for Saab Hasan. He is stepping back in class to a race he can definitely win. He goes up in trip but he is a backmarker so hopefully the race is run to suit that he can make ground. If that is the case, he is one of the main chances in this race.

Racing.com Park - Preview

Thursday November 10

I start in race two, with HELMASKI for Robert Smerdon and Dalziel/Higgins Racing. Her two runs to date have seen her on the synthetic track and a Slow 5 at this venue. Tonight, she will go onto a firmer surface and gets the blinkers on. From a favourable barrier draw she should get every chance.

KING OF ENGLAND is my ride in race three, for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. His form has been franked from his last start with the winner going onto win over the Flemington carnival. He is now third up this preparation after a long layoff. He has been racing really well but has also been 716 days since he won his last race. It would be great if he could breakthrough and get that much-needed confidence boost.

Emirates Stakes Day - Preview

Saturday November 05

I start in race one, the Maribyrnong Plate with INSTITUTION for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Thoroughbreds who is having his debut run. So far in the first three days over the carnival those drawn the inside in the straight races haven’t been suited so it looks like he is disadvantaged by his barrier. He does have good speed and he is a horse with a future. If he handles the day well he is going to make his presence felt.

VERSTAPPEN is my ride in race four, the Hilton Stakes, for Danny O’Brien and Eales Racing. I was successful last time on him at Cranbourne. He is a beautiful looking horse, he has great ability but can sometimes become a bit amorous. If he handles the day well and can offset the wide draw he is going to take a lot of running down in this race.

In race five, I ride BOOM TIME for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He had a long layoff but his trial and first up run showed that he is back to his best form. He has to offset a wide barrier but he is going very well and should be closing off well.

JESSY BELLE is my ride in race six, the Matriarch Stakes for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is stepping out for the first time to this trip, she has drawn a nice but I will be mindful how I ride her in an effort so she can run out the 2000m strongly.

Race seven, the Emirates Stakes, I ride ENDLESS DRAMA for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock for the first time. I’ve worked him since arriving in Australia and he has trialled up very impressively on soft ground at Cranbourne. I’ve also worked him at Moonee Valley and there was a lot to like. He is a massive horse, weighing 560kg but he has a very good motor. His form from Europe shows that all the horses that have beaten him and been competitive with him have been Group 1 horses. He has drawn a nice barrier, the flat track at Flemington will suit him and if there is any give in the track that will only benefit him. I expect him to be one of the main chances in this strong WFA race.

Oaks Day - Flemington Preview

Thursday November 03

I start in race one, with WHIRPOOL for Peter Morgan & Craig Widdison. She is third up this preparation looking like the step out in trip will suit her. Unfortunately, she has come up with an outside barrier draw in 18 in this big field and the rail has moved out three metres. If she has luck, she will be one of the horses finishing off as she has raced well here before.

PORTION CONTROL is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I was successful on him in the Inglis Cup two starts ago at Caulfield and last time he was ridden into a position but he overraced. I thought he did well to stay on and get beaten less than three lengths. He has now come up with a more favourable barrier draw and with a truer run race I’d expect him to get a lovely run and be thereabouts at the end.

In race three, the all greys race, I ride PEPPERANO down from Eagle Farm for Liam Birchley. She has been in excellent form this preparation as she hasn’t been out of the top two placings. She is coming off two solid wins, she makes her own luck, she has come up with a favourable barrier draw and she is going to take a lot of running down.

VIOLENT SNOW is my ride in race four, for Jason Warren. She is coming off a last start win at Moonee Valley and she looks like she is in the right form to be competitive in this race. We will need a lot of luck as there doesn’t look like a lot of pressure up front and from the barrier draw I am assuming I will be asked to ride her quietly. If we are able to close the race off I expect her to be finishing hard.

Race five, I ride WARRIOR OF JUSTICE for Archie Alexander. I like that this horse is back to his own age group, he has drawn favourably and if we did get rain throughout the day and track became affected he has good soft track form. He is one of the main chances in this open race.

In race six, I ride AROD for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. He is resuming, having his first run back in Australia after disappointing last year when he was here. He has had a different preparation and is starting it off down in grade. If he has travelled over well and brings his European form he is the one they all have to run down.

BULLPIT is my ride in race seven, for Danny O’Brien. This is his favourite course and distance but it is a competitive race. He started this preparation off at Moonee Valley with a nice run when he wasn’t beaten far but he now gets back to his superior track and I expect him to take a lot of running down.

In the last race, race nine, I ride TWIST TOPS for Kris Lees. She is an ultra-competitive horse who comes into this race having her first run in Melbourne and down the straight. Kris has decided to take the blinkers off her. She’s an honest mare, she’s hard, she’s tough and she’s going to make her presence felt. The only reservation going into the meeting is the fact that she has drawn an inside barrier which has been a disadvantage in the first two days of the carnival as they have been winning down the outside in the straight races.

Melbourne Cup Day Flemingotn - Preview

Tuesday November 01

It’s Melbourne Cup Day – the day a race stops the nation.

I start in race one, with MARGOT for Robert Smerdon. She has had one start and finished third at Bendigo where she drew the outside and had very good speed but hang out on the turn and in the straight. I would expect her to improve from that experience and unfortunately she has drawn an inside barrier so hopefully she doesn’t hang out down the straight. She is very speedy and we have drawn next to the favourite so we can follow the right horse providing she goes straight not right.

TURFANE is my ride in race four, for Saab Hasan. I finished third on him last time and he is having a very quick back up. He has again drawn well on the very inside. He steps up in class but he continues to carry no weight and should get an economical run from the rails draw.

In race five, I ride BIASED WITNESS for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Thoroughbreds. He closed off really well on debut and the form in his previous preparation has stood up well. He has trained on nicely since his first up run. He has come up with the extreme outside barrier, or stand side, which wasn’t a disadvantage on Saturday and if that’s the case again today, he is going to be the horse they all have to beat.

FLYING JESS is my ride in race six, for John Moloney. I rode her last preparation before she won her Stakes race. She has come up with a very favourable barrier draw in gate one but she is usually slow out so I’m going to have to work on her to get her mind on the job so we can take advantage of the draw. She closed off really well last time and if we can be in a favourable position and get luck late she is going to make her presence felt.

Race seven, the Melbourne Cup, I ride QEWY for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. He will be wearing the Gold cap. He was a jumper over in England before his last two solid performances where he was narrowly denied victory. One was at Ascot over 4000m where he came from 19^th position in the run and closed off to finish second. Then he went to Goodwood where he was narrowly denied victory again where he came from midfield. A horse that was defeated 7 lengths that day has since won the Bendigo Cup impressively. Qewy has arrived in Australia and had the traditional one race lead up into the Melbourne Cup when he was successful, taking up the running in a slow run race in the Geelong Cup. He is a very straight forward horse. I have many options coming up in barrier 15. He is an out and out stayer who is going to relish the distance with no weight on his back. If we have luck in running he is going to be there in the finish.

In race eight, I ride TARQUIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He was narrowly beaten last time at Moonee Valley and now steps back in trip which looks like it should favour him. This race will be run at a very fast gallop. It is a quality field but Tarquin has no weight and a favourable barrier draw and will get all the favours for a long way.

RUETTIGER is my ride in race nine, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. I was successful on him at this course and distance at the end of last season. He has since resumed and run well at Caulfield. He has come up with an inside barrier draw, has the minimum weight and I expect him to be winning.

In the last race, race ten, I ride SILENT SEDITION for Andrew Noblet. She was narrowly defeated by Sheidel on her resumption who has franked the form by winning a Group race on Derby Day. Silent Sedition has come up with a favourable draw and I expect her to get the run of the race and even though this a strong field I expect the opposition will have to take it off her. She is such a competitive and talented mare that I expect her to be able to hold them out to round out a nice day.

Derby Day Preview - Flemington

Saturday October 29

I start in race one, the Carbine Club Stakes, with MORTON’S FORK for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is an ultra-consistent horse that had his first Melbourne run last start on a day where the wind played a lot of havoc. He was unlucky and will be suited by the step up in trip and will be one of the main chances from a favourable barrier draw.

TOFFEE NOSE is my ride in race two, the Wakeful Stakes, for Danny O’Brien. She is a maiden but apart from three horses it is a Class 1 race. It is still a competitive race and is used as a lead up to the Oaks. She will get an economical run from an inside barrier and should get every favour.

In race three, the Sensis Stakes I ride SUPER CASH for Andrew Noblet. She was impressive first up this preparation and she has won second up at this course and distance. She has come up with barrier one so it will be interesting to see how the track is playing. Historically the fence is an advantage on the first day. She has galloped well coming into this race. She was scratched at the start last time as she was lame but I have been very happy with her action and gallops leading into this. She is a main chance in this extremely even race.

BLACK TOMAHAWK is my ride in race four, the Lexus Stakes, for Darren Weir. He has been an ultra-competitive horse without winning. He hasn’t won for over a year. He does have to contend with some quality stayers who are trying to get into the Melbourne Cup. He has the blinkers on for the first time and has also had a freshen up coming into this race. He will need a little bit of luck from an outside draw but he is a solid stayer.

Race six, the Myer Classic, I ride PURE PRIDE for Murray Johnson. She has been very competitive and flashing home late in her races. She is up in grade and her form around French Emotion bodes well for this event. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and is a get back run on horse. If she sees daylight and the race is run to suit she has a strong closing burst.

In race seven, the Victoria Derby I ride HIGHLAD for Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman. He had two starts in New Zealand and was undefeated. Since arriving in Australia his races have been effected by mother nature and strong headwinds. He has the blinkers coming off as he overraced when he was tried to be ridden with a sit last time. Again, he has come up with a wide barrier draw. I have had a sit on him and he is a solid galloper but it is important I get him into a nice rhythm and that he doesn’t go too hard. All going well, he will take a lot of running down.

HOPFGARTEN is my ride in race eight, the Cantala Stakes, for Robert Heatchcote. Even though this is a highly competitive race, I was delighted with his last start as he had no chance from where he was positioned and never got a clear crack at them until extremely late. This time he has come up with a great barrier draw, he is well weighted and I think he is one of the main chances.

In the last race, race nine, I ride OCEAN EMBERS for Shea Eden. She is a mare of consistency. She has had a run down the straight at this meeting last year. Since then she has matured and put three wins beside her name. She is on the minimum weight, has an inside barrier draw and I expect she will hard to hold out.

Caulfield Cup Day - Preview

Saturday October 15

I start in race two, the Gothic Stakes, with TRENCHANT for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He had no luck last start and was never tested. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and I expect him to be competitive.

SUPER CASH is my ride in race three, the Alinghi Stakes, for Andrew Noblet. She was impressive on resumption winning at the course and distance. She has since trained on really well and derived a lot of confidence from winning last time. She has come up with a nice barrier draw in a very competitive race but the way she has come on, she can make it two from two this preparation.

In race four, the Ethereal Stakes I ride SAVVAN for James Cummings. She won her last start when she had blinkers on for the first time. She was still a little bit keen in the run and she now steps up in trip, so I will have to manage her speed. This is her first run left handed and we have to negotiate a wide barrier draw. If I can overcome the barrier and she races kindly for me she is going to take a lot of running down.

KENT is my ride in race five, the Ladbrokes Classic, John O’Shea and Godolphin. He was an eye catching run late at his last start at Flemington having his first run left handed. He did hang out the majority of the race until he got into the straight so I’m hoping he derives a lot from that experience and if he runs true and overcomes the wide draw, he will be finishing off well especially at the rise in trip which will suit him.

Race six, the Coongy Cup, I ride MAURUS for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. I was delighted with his last start performance in the JRA Cup and I expect him to be, in what looks to be a very competitive race, to be the one they all have to beat. I do have to be mindful he has drawn wide and the chances are drawn favourably and they will be closer to the speed. If the track is playing well, he will be winning this.

In race eight, the Caulfield Cup I ride REAL LOVE for Darren Weir. She comes into this race in good form, with a light weight and targeted for this race. All her runs this preparation have put her in line with Jameka and we meet her much more favourably on weights and the barrier draw. Jameka will be more forward and it doesn’t look like there is much pressure with Scottish likely to take up the lead so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are and how the track is playing which we’ll know by that time of the day. She is a main chance with luck and can win this edition of the Caulfield Cup.

HELLBENT is my ride in race nine, the Caulfield Sprint, for Darren Weir. I was impressed with his last start win. He steps back in trip but still carries the minimum weight. This is no doubt a step up in class of opposition but the way he won the other day he will be winning this on his way to better races in the Spring.

In the last race, race ten, the Moonga Stakes, I ride HOPFGARTEN for Robert Heathcote. I was impressed with his performance first up with the top weight. Again he has drawn a wide barrier so he will need some luck in what is a very competitive Group 3 race. The Set Weights & Penalties condition bring him in only half a kilo over the minimum so he won’t know himself carrying such a light weight. He is one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Caulfield - Preview

Wednesday October 12

I start in race one, with PORTION CONTROL for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. He was successful at his first try at the 2000m last start at this course but it was a restricted race for Inglis purchases only. He now steps back into an open grade BM78 but I expect he has derived a lot of confidence from the win.

UNBREAKABLE is my ride in race four, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is second up this preparation and his form from his first up run has been franked with the second horse narrowly being beaten at Flemington since. He has drawn ideally, has been successful at this course and I expect him to be very competitive.

In race six, the Blue Sapphire, I ride RADCLIFFE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. His two runs in Melbourne have been sound and last start he was lucky to stay on his feet. He is going up in grade but the barrier draw and his improvement is telling me he will be in the finish.

SEBRING SUN is my ride in race seven, for Darren Weir. He has been very competitive this preparation and he has come up with an ideal barrier draw, has the minimum weight and I expect him to be hard to hold out.

In the last race, race eight, I ride DULVERTON for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. I have been delighted with her last two performances at Moonee Valley. She now comes to Caulfield where the track will be a lot firmer. If that’s not a problem in this ultra-competitive Mares race she has the right form to be winning.

Cranbourne Cup Day - Preview

Sunday October 9

I start in race one, with VERSTAPPEN for Danny O’Brien and Eales Racing. He was dominant and impressive on debut on the synthetic track. He was a forgive run next time out when he stepped up to Listed class as he pulled up lame after that event. He has trialled nicely for me coming into this race. It is a small but select field and I expect he’ll be the one they have to beat.

ARTISTIC DESIGN is my ride in race two, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. This Master of Design gelding is debuting and he has trialled up nicely at Cranbourne in preparation for his first run.

In race four I ride ALL THAT I KNOW for Robert Smerdon and Fairway Thoroughbreds. Her best performances have been at this track, this distance and slightly longer. I’ve trialled her coming into this event and felt she is very one paced and looking at her replays it looks like she performs better on race day than in her morning work. If she has matured and come on and keeps her affiliation going with this track she is going to be very competitive especially from the inside barrier draw.

THE CHAIRMAN is my ride in race seven, for Mick Price. He is second up which has seen him successful before and he has also won at this trip. He closed off very nicely first up and I expect him to be riding the speed as he is a very strong galloper which should give himself every chance of winning the race, as the tight turning Cranbourne track will suit his run style.

Race eight, the Cranbourne Cup, I ride BRING SOMETHING for local trainer Ken Keys. It is both our home town Cup and it would be a great thrill for both of us if we could win it. He resumed with an excellent run at Caulfield after being off the scene for almost a year. He had trialled well leading into that and if he has come on from that run he is going to be one of the horses closing off late.

BULLPIT is my ride in race nine, the Apache Cat Classic, for Danny O’Brien. He is a very good sprinter. He has trialled very nicely coming into this but he has drawn an outside barrier. Being only 2.5kgs off the minimum gives him a nice weight pull off some of his rivals. There is a lot of pressure in this race but if he gets a nice run he will be there in the finish.

In the last race, race ten, I ride FIRST COURSE for Ken Keys. He is a very solid galloper. He hasn’t won at the trip but he has been placed at half of them. He is always a bold running horse that puts himself forward in his races and he will be there for a long time.

Caulfield Guineas Day - Preview

Saturday October 8

I start in race two, the Herbert Power Stakes with BIG MEMORY for Tony McEvoy. He was successful in this race two years ago. He has two runs this time in and he steps up to a trip where you see him run his best races. He is on the minimum weight and he is one of the main chances in this small but competitive race.

CONCHITA is my ride in race three, the Thoroughbred Club Stakes, for Paul Perry. She is having her first run this preparation and first run in Melbourne. She has excellent form as a 2yo. She has trialled impressively coming into this winning her trial by 10 lengths. I will have to manage her speed as she is first up at the 1200m but if I can get her into a good rhythm and not do too much work from a widish draw she is a horse they’re going to have to run down.

In race four, the Weekend Hussler Stakes I ride RAGEESE for Darren Weir. I think he is a very exciting horse. His first up run he closed off nicely and now steps up to a trip he enjoys. He has come up with an outside barrier draw but there looks to be a lot of pressure that hopefully offsets that and he will be closing off fast.

SILENT SEDITION is my ride in race five, for Andrew Noblet. She resumes this preparation and I’ve been very happy with her two trials coming into this race. She has shown really good acceleration and freshness in her work and in this very competitive race I expect her to show a matured 4yo Stakes class mare.

Race six, the Caulfield Stakes, I ride HE OR SHE for David & Ben Hayes &Tom Dabernig in this intriguing three horse race. He finished second to Black Hart Bart last start but we have never run into Winx. It is going to be an exciting race and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

In the last race, race ten, I ride STAR TURN for Team Hawkes. This is a WFA contest and being a 3yo he gets big weight relief from the older horses. His form is excellent especially this preparation and he has also performed well at Caulfield. I expect him to be winning this race.

Bendigo - Preview

Thursday October 6

I start in race three with WINE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has the blinkers back on. He has come with an outside barrier draw and steps up slightly in trip. I am expecting the blinkers to really sharpen him up as he stayed on strongly last time but lacked a little bit of dash. I am really looking forward to see how he competes third up, and if he performs well, as expected, this could springboard him into some staying 3yo features during the Spring.

WANTED TO SING is my ride in race five for Matt Laurie. I was impressed with her last performance. She handled the soft ground and I thought she was dominant without having much pressure put on her. She now steps up to a graded race against seasoned horses but the inside barrier draw gives her a favourable run for the first ¾ of the race and if she gets a run late I expect her to put back-to-back wins on the board.

Flemington Turnbull Stakes Day Preview

Sunday October 2

I start in race one, the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes with SPLASHETTE for Jarrod McLean. She has trialled nicely coming into this race and I am looking forward to how she handles down the straight for the first time.

TRENCHANT is my ride in race two for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I expect him to be much improved from his first up run where it was reported he didn’t handle the straight. He has come up with a very favourable barrier draw and at a track and around the bend which saw him win his last two starts of last preparation. I am expecting a much improved effort and for him to be in the finish.

In race three, the UCI Stakes I ride POSITIVE CARRY for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. His win was better than the margin shows at his last start win at Sale. I have had the experience on him and the step up in trip will benefit him. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and I expect him to keep improving with the confidence and experience. This will find out where he sits on his path towards the VRC Derby.

STRATUM STAR is my ride in race four, the Gilgai Stakes, for Darren Weir. He always races well fresh, he has been down the straight before and he is a Group 1 winner. He is well placed in this Set Weights & Penalties race being only 2kgs off the minimum and I expect him to be one the main chances.

Race five, The Bart Cummings, I ride ZANTECA for Darren Weir. She has been a very consistent mare for me where I have had three rides on her for two wins. In her shorter races this preparation she has galloped solidly but that is usually after the winning post. Every time she steps up to this trip she is always at her best and I expect this to be no different here. We do have to negate the outside barrier draw but hopefully we can slot into a nice position.

I ride CLASSIC DIVA in race six, the Edward Manifold Stakes, for Robbie Griffiths. She was beaten two starts ago in a Maiden at Sale but the winner subsequently came out and won a Group 2 race at Caulfield. She then won her Maiden on a Heavy track where she would have gained confidence and experience. The barrier draw should afford her an economical run. The step up in trip will suit her and this race will tell us where she is at for the Spring Carnival.

RAW IMPULSE is my ride in race seven, the Turnbull Stakes for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. He is a very exciting horse stepping up to a Group 1 race for the first time. He comes to this race full of confidence after impressively winning a Listed race in Adelaide last start. He has a wide barrier draw and he is a get back, run on horse and there doesn’t look like there is much pressure in the race, so that could be a concern. I’m confident the times he has run before gives me many options though. This will be a good guide where he fits in the Spring Carnival but I have no doubt he is up to this.

Race eight, the Blazer Stakes, I ride ROCKOLICIOUS for Darren Weir and ATB Thoroughbreds. She has come up with a very favourable barrier draw and any rain would only enhance her chances. She is going to make her own luck from where she will be positioned and this is a great race for her to get some black type.

In the last race, race nine, I ride HOPFGARTEN for Robert Heathcote. The stable is very pleased with his preparation. He has very good first up form and at the distance. He is a quality horse but we will need some luck from a wide draw but he is good enough to carry the top weight and win this event.

Randwick - Preview

Saturday October 1

I start in race two, the Breeders’ Plate with THE MISSION for Paul Perry. It is always an exciting race to see the 2yo colts step out for the first time. My horse has trialled nicely but he was slow to step into stride but I loved the way he lengthened and stretched out at the end of his trial. He has a nice draw and if he handles the occasion I expect him to be in the finish.

OCTAVIAN AUGUSTUS is my ride in race four, the Dulcify Quality for Chris Waller. This a Class 1 race for 3yo, it is very competitive and my horse has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. He has been consistent through his whole career and I would expect him to be hard to hold out in this event.

In race eight, the Metropolitan, I ride GRAND MARSHAL for Chris Waller. He is a great campaigner getting out to his right trip. Barrier one should see him get an economical run. He hasn’t won for a while and seems to mix his form but on his best form and out to 2400m he can win this race.

AMOVATIO is my ride in race nine, the Premiere Stakes for Chris Waller. Her is resuming and has excellent statistics first up and at the distance. He does have to negate an outside barrier draw but by the end of the day I’ll know if there is any track pattern. I expect him to be hitting the line very hard as he always does.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday September 30

I start in race one with ZAHSPEED for Danny O’Brien. He’s won at the distance and at Moonee Valley before and I expect him to be improved from his first up run.

DISSOLUTE is my ride in race two for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has come up with a more favourable barrier draw second up and he worked strongly at Moonee Valley leading into this event. He is a horse I had a lot of time for as a 2yo and I’m looking forward to seeing his progression into his 3yo season.

In race three, the JRA Cup, I ride MAURUS for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a really nice horse. I trialled him on soft ground leading into this race and he gave me a very nice feel. If we get some rain and the track becomes affected that would only enhance his chances. He has come up with an outside barrier draw but I would expect him to be hitting the line solidly.

GALLANT HARMONY is my ride in race four for John Sadler. He has excellent first up form. He has won at the track and twice at the distance. He has come up with a middle barrier draw and I expect him to be competitive in this even race.

Race five, the Stutt Stakes, I ride TESSERA for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is coming into this race with the blinkers off. I rode him last start at Flemington and I was delighted the way he went and felt he would derive a lot of improvement from that outing having his first time left handed. He has also galloped solidly at Moonee Valley in preparation for tonight. I expect him to take up a forward position and be very hard to run down.

In race six, the Stock Stakes, I ride CLEMENCY for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. Her first up run was nice and she has won at the course and distance. It is important for her to get some black type but this is a very strong race and the WFA conditions suit the top rated horses but my horse will get a lot of favours from the gate and have an economical run. The blinkers go back on as well.

SIR BACCHUS is my ride in race eight for Chris Waller. He is clearly the best horse in the race but is having his first run in Melbourne. He is a get back, run on horse so he will need a lot of luck from the inside barrier draw. If he does get the luck, he will be winning this race.

Geelong - Preview

Sunday September 25

I start in race one with WANTED TO SING for Matt Laurie. She has been a very consistent filly. Last start she showed her versatility when ridden back where she closed the race off well. She has drawn a wide gate and it will be interesting what instructions I get but since she is adaptable it gives me great options. This looks like a competitive race but she gets a good chance to break her maiden status.

TOFFEE NOSE is my ride in race two for Danny O’Brien. On debut she ran at the same course and now steps up slightly in trip. She was closing off rapidly up the inside and if she has derived good experience from that, she will be hard to hold out.

In race three, I ride WILLING ACCOMPLICE for Danny O’Brien. He was ridden on speed last time and was very gallant. In his two maiden runs, he has run into some very talented horses which should hold him in good stead for today’s race.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday September 24

I start in race one with SUPER CASH for Andrew Noblet. She has got excellent first up form and at the distance. She has trialled nicely coming into this and it looks like a really nice race to start off her Spring campaign.

THE BANDIT is my ride in race two for John Sadler and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is stepping up sharply in trip from his fast finishing run over the mile. He is a Japanese bred and prepared horse and if anyone can get this horse to step up to this trip at this level it would be John Sadler. He is on the minimum weight and this will shape his Spring carnival program.

In race three, I ride NOZOMI for Lee & Anthony Freedman and Coolmore. Unfortunately, he keeps drawing wide gates but I was a really happy with his last start performance. There looks to be strong tempo so the field should string out and hopefully that gives me the chance to negate the barrier. I expect this horse to be closing off well.

PORTION CONTROL is my ride in race four for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. He has been competing consistently over in Adelaide and his overall form shows he is never far away. It is the first time he is going to step up to 2000m. He has come up with a nice barrier draw and this is a Class 2 race.

Race five, the Thousand Guineas Prelude, I ride SEBRING DREAM for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. She has excellent form and I love the way she closed off her first up run at Moonee Valley. She now steps out to a bigger track and steps to a distance which she has won at. She has come up with a nice barrier draw and I expect her to be one of the main chances.

I ride ARCHIVES in race six, the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I was very happy with his first up run where he had the blinkers on first time and was fired up and fresh in the early stages but was still able to close the race off at the end. He is a very solid galloper and I expect the turn would be in his favour. We will need some luck from an outside barrier but I expect him to be strong at the end of this.

COUNTERATTACK is my ride in race seven, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes for Chris Waller. His first up run he closed off really well and I expect him second up, stepping to 1400 and with a lightweight, will give him a good opportunity to win a Group 1 race. His overall form is excellent and coming off his Group 2 victory in the Brisbane carnival has him well placed in this.

Race eight, the Underwood Stakes, I ride HE OR SHE for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. I was delighted that he was able to be more tactical and closer to the speed last time. He has come up with a favourable draw again in barrier 1 which should give him all the favours to have an economical run and he should figure in the placings at the end of this competitive WFA race.

In the last race, race nine, I ride HELLBENT for Darren Weir. He has had three runs for the new stable for two wins. He would have derived a lot of confidence from his last start win as he was impressive. He steps up in grade and has a very wide barrier draw but if the track is playing even and there is no disadvantage out there, he is the one they have to beat on the minimum weight.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday September 23

I start in race two with STRINDBERG for Team Hawkes and Vinery Stud. This is the first time he will be tested at this trip. He has come up with an outside barrier draw. He started his racing in Victoria before going to Sydney. This is his second run back and off his last start fourth that should hold him in good stead for this race. He is up in grade but down on the minimum weight which should be to his advantage.

DULVERTON is my ride in race three for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She was successful at this course and trip at her latest start. Again she has come up with an outside barrier draw but this time the rail is out five metres and it is usually hard to make up ground. She is a get back, run on horse so I’m hoping the track plays fair so she gets her chance. She also gets in very well at the weights, only carrying half a kilo above the minimum.

In race six, I ride GRETNA for Chris Waller. She won her maiden at this course and drew wide last time. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw tonight. There is a lot of pressure in this race and that should suit her run style as she can be keen. She has worked well at the Valley coming into this race and if she has luck, she is one of the main chances in this extremely competitive event.

RESORT is my ride in race seven for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is coming into this race full of confidence as he dominated his maiden victory last time. He now steps up in trip and if he doesn’t have to do too much work from an outside draw, he is going to be there at the finish.

I ride CHAMPAGNE READY in race eight for Chris Waller. I was successful on her last time at Sandown. She was in an unwinnable position but was still able to get up. She is a mare with a lot of ability and I expect her to be a Stakes horse in the future but she is still learning her craft. She also comes back in trip and she worked at Moonee Valley this week and it took until the last 100m of her work to find her rhythm and then she was really strong to the line. If she handles the night and gets a lovely run throughout then she will be hard to beat. I feel she has a big future.

Mornington - Preview

Thursday September 22

I start in race one with WINE for John O’Shea & Godolphin. The stable has a big opinion of this colt and expect him to be one of their Derby contenders. He now steps out in trip having his second start in Melbourne and second run this preparation. He will need a lot of luck from his outside barrier draw but I expect him to be there at the finish.

CONCIOUS is my ride in race two for Troy & Leon Corstens and Pinecliff Racing. She is stepping back in grade to a maiden but this is no easy race. The stable applied ear muffs and pacifiers on her last time and she relaxed well and finished the race off nicely. She steps up slightly in trip and with the experience from last time I expect her to be hard to beat in this.

In race three, I ride EXCLAMATION for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I was happy with his debut run. The winner from that race has franked the form by running well yesterday at Sale. I expect him to have trained on and if the rain doesn’t come and there is a firmer surface I think that would be too his advantage. This is also a competitive maiden but I expect him to be winning this.

Sale - Preview

Wednesday September 21

I start in race one with POSITIVE CARRY for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. He closed the race off nicely on debut and it looks like it was a very solid maiden. I expect him to improve from that outing, he steps sharply up in trip, he has a nice barrier draw and I expect him to be winning on the way to being a possible Derby contender.

SWITCHBACK is my ride in race three for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He was solid winning on debut at Moe. He is in a very small but competitive 3yo BM64. The topweight ran the same day winning his maiden running six lengths faster so we have to improve on the clock. I do expect him to improve and have confidence from that victory.

In race four, I ride SAVVY BANDIT for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. He has had two starts and never been further back than second. He won his maiden last time over 2000m. He steps up in trip again and takes on more experienced horses but he looks like a horse who will keep stepping up to the grade.

UNBREAKABLE is my ride in race five for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He is resuming, has a favourable barrier draw and his form in the Autumn suggests he is a horse that will be competitive throughout the Spring. I’m looking forward to his first up run and seeing where he will be placed for the next few months. He is a very versatile horse and it will be interesting to see how the track is playing and what my instructions will be.

Race eight, I ride LADY SKILLS for Matt Laurie. She is a 3yo taking on the older mares. She has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. She closed her race off last time at the track. She has the minimum weight and she will be having a very economical run and will need a little bit of luck late. If she gets this she will be competitive.

Racing.com Park synthetic - Preview

Sunday September 18

I start in race two with DELICIOUS IRONY for Darren Weir. She debuted with a nice run at Bendigo. Since then she has had a break and resumes today on the synthetic surface. She has drawn the outside barrier but it looks like she ability and can overcome the trick gate.

OM NOM is my ride in race four for Michael Kent. The trainer obviously has an opinion of this horse as he started off her career in a Group 3 race at Caulfield. She then stepped out to 1400m where she wasn’t beaten far and then went for a break. She resumes here and this is the first time she has been on the synthetic surface and has come up with a good barrier draw. She has a light weight as she is a 3yo taking on the older horses but looking where the trainer started her off I know the trainer has a good opinion of her. She is one of the main chances in this competitive maiden.

Randwick - Preview

Saturday September 17

I start in race two with STEGGLER for Darren Weir and Fairway Thoroughbreds. He goes up to Sydney where he’s shown in Europe he has gone well right handed. I rode him last start at Moonee Valley and felt he would benefit with the outing as he got very hot before the race and still finished the race off nicely. He has drawn well to get every favour. This is a very competitive BM84 race and I expect him to be one of the chances.

GENERALISSIMO is my ride in race three for Garry White. He has won his last two starts and now steps up in grade. He has come up with a middle draw in a competitive race but he is in winning form and this race will be a gauge where he ends up during the Spring.

In race four, I ride SEZANNE for Chris Waller. She is very well bred and I won on her sister at Sandown. She is two from two this preparation but is up in grade here but she can acquit herself well to the challenge.

HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME is my ride in race seven for Con Karakatsanis. He is resuming and has very good first up statistics as he’s only been out of the money on two occasions and twice at this distance. He has a nice barrier draw and I expect him to be competitive.

Race eight, I ride FEDERAL for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and should get every favour. He resumed with a fast finishing second and now drops to the minimum weight and I expect him to go close to winning.

In the last race, race nine, I ride NO DOUBT for Anthony Cummings. He has had two starts for two wins and looks like a very nice progressive horse. Anthony has chosen to step him up to this race so they must have a big opinion of the horse. He has drawn a nice gate and I hope to keep him on his winning ways.

Flemington - Makybe Diva Stakes Day Preview

Saturday September 10

I start in race one with BLACK TOMAHAWK Darren Weir. I finished second on him at his last two starts. He is well suited to the compressed weights with the topweight accepting and being scratched. I think this is a race he can win and would give him confidence after his consistent performances recently.

CONSCIOUS is my ride in race two for Leon & Troy Corstens. Her straight form is excellent when she was beaten on debut by Weatherly. First up this preparation she overraced and didn’t look like she enjoyed racing inside horses. She is back to the Flemington straight and I have trialled her coming in to this and she has a lot of ability but is still showing signs of immaturity in her mannerisms. To counter that today they have put on ear muffs and pacifiers to try and get her to relax. If she runs up to her debut run she can win this on ability.

In race three, I ride TESSERA for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has excellent form and this is his first start in Melbourne and has come up with a very favourable barrier draw. I believe this is a step back in class from his first up run against horse that are competing in the Group 1 race in Sydney today.

BON AURUM is my ride in race four for Ciaron Maher. He has come up with an outside draw but interestingly two of his three wins have been from wide draws and racing wide. He doesn’t seem disadvantaged covering ground as he can use his long stride and keep his momentum going. His first up run was excellent and I’m looking forward to him getting out to the trip on a track he has won at before.

Race five, the Danehill Stakes, I ride ARCHIVES for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He has blinkers on for the first time, he is first up and having his first start in Melbourne. I did trial him with blinkers on coming into this race and was very happy the way he performed. He is a very solid horse and being down the straight six requires a strong horse and he definitely fits that bill. I expect him to be very competitive and this will give us an indication where he will fit in during the Spring.

I ride GENERALIFE in race six, the Bobbie Lewis for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He performed very well down the straight last Spring. First up he closed off nicely and if runs to his best in this he can win this race.

HE OR SHE is my ride in race seven, the Makybe Diva Stakes for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. I’ve won on him at the course and distance in the Autumn. His first up run at WFA he closed off very well. He does appreciate the big straight of Flemington and if he continues on from his first up run I would expect him to be very competitive in this even contest where most horses come out of the same race.

Race eight, the Let’s Elope Stakes, I ride EGYPT for Mark Kavanagh. I was delighted with her performance in the Autumn which showed she could measure up to Spring class. On her resumption, I thought she was an excellent un closing off late. She has performed well at Flemington and the extra distance will definitely suit her.

In the last race, race nine, I ride TALLY for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He resumed last start at WFA and it was very hard for horse to close off in that race. He now steps back to Handicap class, has come up with a wide barrier draw and there doesn’t look to be genuine speed in the race so it will be interesting what tactics John instructs me and we’ll know by the end of the day how the track is playing. Clearly on his Autumn form he will be one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday September 7

I start in race one with WINE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a horse the stable has a high opinion of and hopefully will feature in better races through the Spring. This is a nice race to start him off having his first run in Melbourne. I would expect a forward showing as he has trialled really nicely down the straight at Flemington.

SO SI BON is my ride in race four for Robbie Laing. He is a horse that has been very competitive at his two starts and will appreciate a favourable barrier draw and I expect him to be there at the finish.

In race five, I ride NOT A HAPPY CAMPER for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra and First Light Racing. I finished fourth on her last time and she drops back in grade here. She has been very competitive this preparation and I have had a ride on her now so I have a better understanding of her. This is not an easy race but I expect her to be one of the main chances.

DEMONSTRATE is my ride in race six, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has showed very good ability and shown he is a Group horse in his 3yo career. He is resuming and has great statistics first up. From the draw and the way race looks like it will be run I would be very disappointed if he didn’t start this preparation with a well deserved win.

In race eight, I ride WHIRLPOOL for Peter Morgan and Craig Widdison. She was Stakes placed last preparation. She now resumes her Spring campaign off the back off a very solid trial victory. She does seem to get back and close off. If the race is run to suit I expect her to be hitting the line the hardest.

Moe - Preview

Tuesday September 6

I start in race three with EXCLAMATION for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is having his debut run. He has had a handful of official trials in Sydney. He is having his first try in Melbourne. He looks like a very exciting horse, is well bred and I expect him to be very competitive.

SWITCHBACK is my ride in race five for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is another having his first start. He has only trialled officially once where he was ridden back and finished off nicely. That was on the artificial surface so I am looking forward to how he performs on the turf, with the cut of the ground and going left handed for the first time.