Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday September 3

I start in race one with DULVERTON for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has been ultra-consistent this preparation since returning from Queensland. She runs really well at Moonee Valley, is suited at the distance and drops significantly in the weights. She is a get back run on style of horse and I expect her to be hitting the line. This is a winnable race for her.

MASTER ZEPHYR is my ride in race two for Darren Weir and OTI Thoroughbreds. He resumed with a very good third here last time. He does stay at the same distance, has drawn to get a nice run and the race looks like it will be run to give him every chance to win.

In race four, I ride STEGGLER for Darren Weir and Fairway Thoroughbreds. He had his first start in Australia last start and will have benefitted from the run. He drops back slightly in trip today and I thought he closed off well enough and this race looks like it will be run at a fast tempo and hopefully he can do the same.

FURNACES is my ride in race five, the McEwen Stakes for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has excellent fresh form, he is first up here and he has had one run at the track for a third. It was in this race as a youngster and it was behind Chautauqua. He has trialled nicely coming into this and the barrier should afford him every chance.

Race six, the Atlantic Jewel Stakes, I ride TAN TAT BEAUTY for Henry Dwyer. I was really taken by her last start run from the outside barrier. This time we have come up with a very favourable barrier, the inside, which she can utilise. The Set Weight & Penalties conditions means she stays at the same weight. This is a very competitive race but she is going to take a lot of running down.

In race seven, I ride SEBRING SUN for Darren Weir. He had his first run for the stable last time and closed off for a very encouraging third. He is in a very competitive race again but does drop to the minimum weight. The middle draw does give me options but he is usually a get back, run on horse. However, there does appear to be a lot of pressure which should suit. So if horse can close off on the day that will be advantageous.

JAMEKA is my ride in race eight, the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, for Ciaron Maher. I was really taken by her first up performance in the P.B Lawrence Stakes when she resumed against the older horses at same WFA conditions as today. She has come up with an outside barrier so we will need some luck but I expect her to keep progressing through her preparation and closing late.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday August 31

I start in race one with CHAMPAGNE READY for Chris Waller. She comes from the same family as the great mare Champagne. She has had one start where she closed off really well to finish second. Since then she went out for a spell and has trialled nicely in Sydney. She is having her first run in Melbourne. She looks like she has come on and this looks like a really nice race for her to start off her campaign with a win.

RADCLIFFE is my ride in race two for John O’Shea & Godolphin. His first preparation included a win and a third and then was put away. He has since trialled nicely on the artificial track in Sydney in preparation for this campaign. He has a nice barrier draw, he has never run shorter than 6 furlongs and with pressure in this race it looks like he will be closing off late.

In race four, I ride MISS GIDGET for Cindy Alderson. Since they changed her running style, riding her back she has been successful with a win at Geelong. Even though she finished at the rear last start it was a run you can forgive. She has come up with the outside barrier draw but is back in trip and I expect her to be closing off strongly on the minimum weight in this competitive race.

MAGICUS is my ride in race six, for Chris Waller. This is the first time he has been up to this distance range but when he has competed at 1400m, two starts ago, he was an unlucky behind Marwood. Again he has found a very competitive BenchMark 84 race but all going well from his draw he is the one they have to run down.

Race seven, I ride LOVEHEART LASS for Mark Kavanagh. She hasn’t won for over 18 months. She is a get back, run on mare. If the track is playing even, there looks to be nice pressure in this race that she would be closing off and run well fresh as she usually does.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday August 24

I start in race two with THE HOUSEMAID for Archie Alexander. She has been consistent at her three runs and comes off a last start victory. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and seems to make her own luck just off the speed. It is a very competitive race but with confidence from her last start win I expect her to be competitive and will give a good indication where she figures this Spring.

MUSIC TO MIDNIGHT is my ride in race three for Ken Keys. He is an out and out stayer. It’s only been a month since his last win. It is a small field void of pressure up front. He has been able to be ridden back or forward. He is very solid and versatile and will be interesting to see how he turns up and races for me.

In race four, I ride LEGAL HUNTER for Steve Richards. He has been very competitive and has found himself in a really nice race. He has drawn well and is one of the main chances.

DULVERTON is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has won at the course, distance and handles soft ground. She does have to negotiate the outside barrier draw but she is a get back - run on mare anyway. If she has luck on running she will be charging late.

Race six, I ride ROCKETS RED GLARE for John McArdle. He has been to the distance five times for two wins and a placing so the distance suits. He is coming off a freshen up which bodes well with his best form. He does step really slow and can over race so I’m going to have to get him out of the gates and manage his speed. There are a couple of horses who have strong form references but he can be very competitive against these.

In race eight, I ride SPANISH LOVE Darren Weir. I have won two races on her but she hasn’t won for nearly two years. She has come up with a really good barrier draw and all three runs this preparation have been excellent. She does do a few things wrong in her races by over racing and hanging in. Having her first start for a new stable, they have taken all the gear off her and I’m looking forward to see how she comes to the races from her new environment.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday August 20

I start in race one with BLACK TOMAHAWK for Darren Weir. I was really impressed with the way he felt last start when he finished second. He has had a bit of a freshen up into this and has a slight weight turnaround on Au Revoir who beat him last time and I expect him to be wining this race.

NOT A HAPPY CAMPER is my ride in race three for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. She is a consistent mare who has run well at all three starts this preparation. She has had one run at Moonee Valley but that was a forgive run as she pulled up lame. This is a very competitive race and I expect her to make her presence felt.

In race four, I ride TAN TAT BEAUTY for Henry Dwyer. She has had one start for an impressive win at Racing.com Park. I worked her on Tuesday morning and she handled the Valley nicely. She wasn’t asked to be extended, felt very professional and in good order. However, we do have to contend with the outside barrier draw. If she doesn’t have to work too hard from out there she will take a lot of running down.

TOOLEYBUC KID is my ride in race six, for Darren Weir. He had a very long spell and resumed with an eye catching second. I’ve only had one ride on him for a win over a year ago and I’m delighted to get back on board.He has great statistics over 2000m and if he has come on from his first up run he will be closing off solidly.

Race seven, I ride ZANTECA for Darren Weir. I’ve had two rides on her for two wins and would love to keep that record going but her best runs are at 2000m and beyond. I anticipate her to be running well again and set herself up for a nice staying race over the Spring.

In race eight, I ride KEEN ARRAY for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. If he turns up with his Spring form from last year he is the one they have to beat. We have to contend with a wide barrier draw but on his best form this is a great race to start off his preparation.

MAGICUS is my ride in race nine, for Chris Waller. He loves this course and distance. He has come up with a wide barrier draw but he’ll handle the conditions on the minimum weight and is the one they have to beat him.

Geelong - Preview

Wednesday August 17

I start in race one with GRIDELIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has had three runs for three seconds. She did an outstanding job last time out to stay standing on her feet and then have the tenacity to still run second. She has had a freshen up since that run, has drawn a nice barrier and it would be a nice way to start her off on her winning way.

MISSILE BOOM is my ride in race two for John McArdle. He is a very nice progressive horse who has only had the two runs and they both showed plenty of merit and ability. If he has luck from an outside barrier draw he can win this maiden.

In race three, I ride THE COOL JEWEL for Mark Kavanagh. She has always run well at Geelong. She is coming off a last start second and she also steps up slightly in trip which on her pedigree should suit. She has the outside barrier draw to contend with but the way she is going she will make her presence felt.

PAY UP BRO is my ride in race seven for John Moloney. This horse has run third in Listed company and fifth in the Derby and even though the distance is short of his best trip, he did trial extremely well coming into this. He has to contend with a wide barrier draw and top weight but he is clearly the class runner.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday August 13

I am excited to be back racing today as it is my first meeting for the new season after a two week freshen up. I’m really looking forward to the 2016/17 season and most importantly the Spring Carnival which is on our doorstep.

I start in race one with HURSLEY for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. He has been ultra-consistent since arriving in Melbourne. He has now graduated to taking on the older horses but he drops nicely in weight and is coming off a last start win. Barrier two gives me great options where he can position in running and he is proven that he is tough enough to be competitive in open age.

MAGIC CONSUL is my ride in race three for Paul Preusker. He is an ultra-consistent horse who hasn’t been out of the placings at his last three metropolitan runs. He has a very favourable barrier draw and in this very competitive BM84 race he is one of the chances.

In race four, I ride GLENBAWN DAME for Peter Robl and Segenhoe Thoroughbreds. She is having her first start in Melbourne. She has been very competitive and finished second at her last three outings. She is an on pace mare who is going to need a bit of luck from her outside barrier draw but she is going to take a lot of running down.

HIGHLAND BEAT is my ride in race five, for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. He showed good ability in his 2YO season and now steps out first up this preparation. He comes up with a very favourable barrier draw and he does race well at the course.

Race six, I ride CONCEALER for Tony McEvoy. She is an exciting filly as she won over the Spring on debut. Her fresh for is excellent. When she resumed at her next preparation she finished second over this course and distance in a Gr.2 Blue Diamond Prelude. She now resumes as a 3yo and I really look forward to see her maturing. She will need some luck form an outside draw but she has shown in the past she can get back and close off solidly.

In race seven, the PB Lawrence Stakes, I ride JAMEKA for Ciaron Maher for Colin & Janice McKenna. She would’ve been the best 3yo of last season and now she takes on the older horses. She trialled very nicely coming into this race and I expect her to be closing off this race very strongly.

GIRL GUIDE is my ride in race eight, also for Ciaron Maher and the same connections as the previous race. She got back and closed off really well when resuming this preparation. This is a very suitable race for her and her rating as she is on the minimum weight and meets Fast’N’Rocking 4kgs better off from her last outing. She is a bit of a tricky girl and if we can get the right run for her she will be winning this race.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday July 20

I start in race one with GRIDELIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has had two race starts and finished second on both occasions. She started this preparation off at the same course when narrowly defeated. She now steps up in trip and if I can manage her speed I expect her to be winning this maiden on her way to better things in the Spring.

In race two, I ride FROTHED for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is a very consistent 3yo filly taking on the older maidens. She has had five starts for three seconds. Her two runs in Melbourne have produced two seconds and she is very adaptive. She has come up with a very favourable barrier draw after scratchings and I believe the instructions will be to ride her quiet so she will have an extra kick at the end of her race. If she gets a nice run in transit she can breakthrough.

SEPTAMORE is my ride in race three for Darren Weir. He is very consistent and has only been out of the top three on one occasion. This preparation has produced a second and a dominant win last start on Heavy ground. This looks like a really nice race for him. He has drawn awkwardly but if I can have some luck I expect him to be very strong late.

In race four, I ride MY OBSESSION for Darren Weir. She is resuming and is a very consistent and competitive mare and on her best form she is one of the main chances.

ROBBIE’S STAR is my ride in race five for Peter Chow. He was important to me last year in the run home to Championship as he provided me with a winner and hopefully he can do the same today. He has been in great form and has a very favourable draw. Hopefully lightning strikes twice.

In race six, I ride PARMALOVE for Peter Morgan & Craig Widdison. The step out in trip will be an advantage for her as she was closing off well last start. She handles all conditions and I expect her to be one of the strongest horses late.

In race seven, I ride TESSABELLE for Mark Kavanagh. She resumed this preparation beaten two lengths in a strong race which produced Telopea who has since won in Saturday grade. She was very keen last start and burnt herself out so having the benefit of the run and edge off her with a good draw and minimum weight, she is going to take a lot of running down in this.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday July 6

I start in race one with SLEEPLESS NIGHTS for Leon & Troy Corstens. I partnered her last time when she came from a long way back and finished nicely for fourth. She now steps up in trip that she will relish. I’m hoping I can get her out of the gates and get her in a more forward position. If she could be handier it will give her less work to do. She has a tendency to hang in but she is a nice mare on the way up and getting out to a suitable trip.

REIGNING METEOR is my ride in race two for Matthew Williams and Darren Dance’s ATB. He was narrowly defeated last time by a smart horse. He hasn’t won for a long time but he is suited by soft ground and this looks a winnable race for him.

In race three, I ride STREAMING BY for Tony McEvoy. He won at this course two starts ago and then went up in grade last start where he ran a creditable fifth. He now drops back in grade and trip, he is a fit horse and one they all have to beat.

KINSHACHI is my ride in race five for John O’Shea & Godolphin. I was bullish about her chances when she won first up at Mornington. She handles Heavy ground, so the wetter the better for her. She has confidence from that last win even though it was narrow I felt she would derive a lot from having her first start going that direction. She has trained on nicely since then and I expect her to be hard to beat again.

Race six, I ride JUST STELLAR for Christopher Davis. She looks like a very nice progressive filly. I have been taken by all her runs and she’s definitely one of the main chances in this competitive fillies race.

In race seven, I ride MONTANA for Darren Weir. He is a consistent performer who has won at the course and distance. He is also effective on Heavy ground. It is a very competitive race but I expect him to make his presence felt after a slight let up.

Caulfield - Preview Saturday July 2

I start in race one with SPRUNG DANCING for David Brideoake. She is coming off a last start win on the Geelong synthetic. She steps up in trip which looks like it will suit her and two starts ago she finished third on a soft track. She has come up with an outside barrier draw where she will need some luck in this small but competitive race.

ALCOHOL is my ride in race two for Richard Jolly. He was narrowly beaten by Longeron last start and we get a 2kg swing in the weights on him but we have drawn a bit awkward. If he gets a bit of luck I expect to be finishing off the race well.

In race three, I ride QADIR for David Jolly. He closed off the race very strongly last start at Flemington. He is having his first start at Caulfield and he is a get back, run on horse. It is important for him that they run the race at a good tempo so he can run on as he has no gate speed. On his form and in only a half a kg off the minimum I expect him to be competitive yet again.

MAKATITI is my ride in race four for John Sadler. He has been ultra-consistent this preparation and hasn’t been out of the top three, comes up with a favourable barrier draw and comes back against his own age group. He is on the minimum weight and will make his own luck.

Race five, I ride MAGICUS for Chris Waller. He is a very exciting horse who has never been out of the top two placings in his four starts. He has trialled very nicely coming into this race and I have had one ride on him for a win. I do have to navigate from a wide draw but if he has some luck from there he will be too strong for these horses.

In race six, I ride BRADMAN for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I was successful on him last time out and now he steps up in grade but drops handsomely in weight. He has come up with a nice barrier draw but he will need some luck. With confidence from last start I’m hoping he can take the next step up in this competitive race.

HURSLEY is my ride in race eight for Chris Waller and Qatar Bloodstock. He closed the race off solidly last time over 1600m and steps back out to 2000m today which looks like it will suit him. The track should have some wear and tear by this time of the day and I was successful on him over the Flemington carnival on a Heavy track at the end of last year so the wetter the better. I believe he has changed his training this week and has been over a couple of jumps to make him sharper. From an inside barrier draw he is one of the main chances.

In the last, race nine, I ride KANSAS SUNFLOWER for Luke Oliver. She is an ultra-consistent mare. Her last three starts she has finished second but she hasn’t won for over a year. She has come up with an inside barrier which by the end of the day may be a disadvantage. She is very versatile and very competitive and if she gets luck at the right time it will be nice to put a win against her name.

Bendigo-Preview Thursday June 30

I start in race one with FALLACY for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is having her first start. She has trialled twice officially, once on soft ground. Since then she has had a let up, a couple of jump outs and has continued to improve. She has a nice barrier draw, is very well educated and she will make her presence felt.

MAROON is my ride in race two for Matthew Leek. He is a horse having his first go out at a trip. All three starts this campaign have been on a synthetic track. He has also had a jumps trial this preparation giving the indication he is destined to go over the jumps shortly.

In race three, I ride SUGARLAND EXPRESS for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I rode this horse on debut who got back and had no luck and I felt I had a lot of horse to offer. He is by Zabeel, he steps out in trip and they usually handle soft conditions. All going well and if he has improved from his first run he will be hard to beat in this race.

LADY BRAVE is my ride in race four for Robert Smerdon. On debut she was back and never got into the race. She now steps up in trip which she is bred to do and she should find her best form when she gets out to extended distances.

Sandown Hillside - Preview Wednesday June 29

I start in race one with GRIDELIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has trialled nicely on soft ground coming into this event. When she had her first race start she was beaten by Zamzam who subsequently went on and ran third in the Blue Diamond, so it is good form for this. She has come back very strong and she is a very determined filly and will be very hard to beat in this.

SENTFROMTHESTARS is my ride in race two for Matthew Ellerton & Mark Zahra. She has excellent form at the distance and she has come up with a nice barrier draw. She looks like she will be able to close the race off strongly.

In race three, I ride DULVERTON for Robert Smerdon & Qatar Bloodstock. She is coming back in class and a long way back in trip. She does handle soft ground and if she has freshened up nicely from Brisbane she will be finishing off the race very strongly.

RISING STOCK is my ride in race four for Mike Moroney. He has won his last two, is in great form, handles soft conditions and won here last start. He has also come up with a favourable barrier draw in an even races and looks like he can take the next step.

Race five, I ride KING WAY for Shea Eden. He is an American bred, imported horse from France. He has been ultra-consistent horse since arriving in Australia. I have seen his only win which he won at Longchamp in France on Heavy ground over 2400m. So he finds a race that is identical to that win. He looks really solid and I wouldn’t be surprised if he took a lot of running down.

In race six, I ride CHARLIE GARCON for Robbie Griffiths. I rode him last time at Moonee Valley where he had the blinkers on for the first time and he found the pressure too much. Since then he is coming back in trip, has the blinkers off and is down in grade. He handles Heavy ground and is back to the distance we saw him victorious on when he won his maiden. By late in the day, I assume the inside will be a disadvantage so it is my job to get him into the best ground. It is a very even race but on his best he can win this.

ZA ZA ZOOM is my ride in race seven for Tony Noonan. She has been very consistent this preparation, handles Heavy ground and has also been very competitive over further. She is in great form and I expect her to get every chance from a favourable draw.

In the last, race eight, I ride JIMIVAG for Terry & Karina O’Sullivan. He has won his last two races on Soft and Heavy ground. He looks to be in great form and the conditions and favourable barrier draw will suit him. He looks well on his way to making the next step up in grade.

Flemington - Preview Saturday June 25

I start in race one with COLONEL CLINK for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. I rode him on debut and I was very happy with the way he closed the race off without much luck. He has come up with a wide barrier draw and the track will be affected which he has performed on at his only run and his trial. He is a horse with a good future. He also has the addition of blinkers fir the first time today.

NIMINYPIMINY is my ride in race two for Russell Cameron. She finished second in this race last year. She loves rain affected ground, gets in on the minimum, is in great form and is going to be one of the main chances in this small field.

In race three, I ride TURBO STREET for Tony McEvoy. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw. When he ran at Flemingotn first up he wasn’t beaten very far in a very competitive race. This again is a very competitive BM78 race but with a good draw I expect him to make his presence felt.

SPIETH is my ride in race four for Bryce Heys. He started his career off in Melbourne where I was successful on him. This preparation he has been back in Sydney and has won two out of his three starts. He is a horse with a future and if he handles the straight, he is the one to beat.

Race five, I ride SHE’S CLEAN for Chris Waller. I rode her last start in a similar race. Three of the horses in this beat her home but she does have a marginal weight advantage on all three. It is a small field which will be tactical. She will get back as per her usual style but she does save her best runs for Melbourne.

In race six, I ride LUNAR SPIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has been very consistent this preparation. He had the blinkers taken off last start and ridden a bit more conservatively and closed the race off nicely. He comes into this very competitive open 3yo race with a great barrier draw, in form and will be very competitive.

AWARD OF MERIT is my ride in race seven for Tony McEvoy. I was successful on him in Adelaide last start in May. He now comes across after a short layoff. He has had a nice trial win leading into this, carries the minimum weight. I expect him to keep progressing through the grades and be very competitive in this

In race eight, I ride UNGRATEFUL ELLEN for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. She is coming off a slight layoff. Last start she ran into Zanteca which is a strong form reference for this. She will need a little luck from an outside draw but she will handle the soft conditions, is well weighted and is one of the main chances.

In the last, race nine, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien. He has come up with an inside barrier which might be a disadvantage by that time of the day but he does have excellent gate speed and I will just have to navigate a course to find the best ground. He is ultra-consistent and races extremely well down the straight and he has a 2kg weight pull on the horse who beat him last time.

Bendigo-Preview Thursday June 23

I start in race one with ALL WELL for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a jumper in the making and this is a nice stepping stone. He gets out to 2400m, handles soft ground and drops back to maiden grade. He should be there for a long way.

FRENCH SNITZEL is my ride in race two for Danny O’Brien. This Snitzel gelding is having his first run as are most of the field. He trialled nicely on soft ground at Werribee and the conditions will be similar to that. If he handles the day well I expect him to be competitive in this open race.

In race three, I ride MATE’S REWARD for Robert Smerdon. He is also having his debut run. There are a lot of unknowns in this race also. I have seen him trial unofficially where he had early speed but was found wanting a little bit late. He is bred to get through the wet conditions.

BERNING DESIRE is my ride in race seven for Robert Smerdon. This is the first time he has been out to this distance. He is now fourth up and has won on soft ground. It’s not an overly strong race and he doesn’t have to lump a huge weight. He should be in it for a long time.

Race eight, I ride SAVATONE for Danny O’Brien. He has been very consistent this preparation. Even though he hasn’t been in the top three at his two soft track runs he has closed those races off very strongly for fourth on both occasions. He is building towards a win but he is a get back, run on horse and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of pressure up front. Hopefully the race is run to suit his style.

Racing.com Park - synthetic Preview Wednesday June 22

I start in race three with FLEURIEUfor Heath Conners. I actually partnered this horse on debut over 12 months ago at Scone and I thought she showed enough promise when closing off for a nice third. She has only had one start since. This is her first run for Heath Conners and going in the Melbourne direction. She has drawn the extreme outside draw so she will need some luck but if she has come up on from what she did over a year ago she should be competitive in this.

OSCAR’S MY MATE PA is my ride in race four for Eric Musgrove. He is an ultra-consistent horse who has only been out of the top three on one occasion. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw. This is his first start on the synthetic track but if he handles it, he is going to be very competitive in this very strong BM70.

In race five, I ride DARCY’S LAW for Robbie Griffiths. She is resuming, she has excellent form and has won on the synthetic track before. She will take a lot of running down in this first up run.

BOX OF FROGS is my ride in race six for Scott Brunton from Tasmania. Her has decided to bring him across to target the Winter Championship Final as this is a heat of the series. His recent form is outstanding as he has dominated all of his wins by an extended margin. His last two runs have been on a Heavy 8 & 9 and this is his first go on the synthetic. All being equal, he is the one they all have to beat especially as he gets in only 1.5kg off the minimum.

Race seven, I ride PARALLEL LINES for Jason Warren. This is the first time she has been stepped up in this distance and the trip is extended from the original plan as they have added an extra 200m to the race due to the race being transferred from Cranbourne to the synthetic. She has the blinkers off for the first time and I expect her to be one of the horses to be closing off strongly.

In the last race, race eight, I ride ROBERT DE HERO for Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This preparation he has been ultra-competitive and broke his maiden status two starts ago. All his form this preparation has stood up to be competitive in town. He has the blinkers on for the first time, takes up a forward position and seems to make his own luck.

Moonee Valley - Preview Saturday June 18

I start in race one with TRENCHANTfor John O’Shea and Godolphin. I’m confident you’ll find a different horse second time out as he is back on soft ground which he trialled really well on. He has come up with a good barrier draw and has galloped nicely at Moonee Valley coming into this race. I expect him to be showing more of his ability today.

ALCOHOL is my ride in race three for Richard Jolly. He seems to leave his best form for Moonee Valley. He has great statistics at the course and distance and for Richard to bringing him across the border from Adelaide I expect a forward showing from him

In race four, I ride SOLAR BURST for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. She has been a very consistent mare without winning of late. She does love soft ground and with likely pressure up front in this race, that should suit here.

WORLD OF HOPE is my ride in race five for Dean Binaisse. I think she has a great chance of winning this race. She loves soft ground, and has come with a wide barrier draw but that isn’t a huge disadvantage from the 1000m. She is quite tough but she is not the easiest ride. She looks a bit awkward but if I can get her to relax, keep her head down and keep her action nice and smooth, I expect her to take a lot of running down.

Race six, I ride BELLA CAPRI for Luke Oliver. She is an ultra-consistent mare who loves the track, has a favourable barrier draw and has soft track form. If she gets luck late she can be winning again.

I ride CHARLIE GACON in race seven for Robbie Griffiths. I’m very confident this horse is going to have a forward showing in this very competitive 3yo handicap. He has the minimum weight and trialled excellent at the start of this preparation on Heavy ground at Cranbourne and I expect the conditions to be no different to that. There is an impressive horse coming down from Sydney for the Hawkes camp in First Hand which will be hard to beat but if there is an upset I’m sure Charlie Garcon can be the horse to do it.

CLOUDSCAPE is my ride in race eight for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. This race, the Travis Harrison Cup is named in honour of the late Travis Harrison, my cousin. Unfortunately, Cloudscape is going to have improve a lot and recapture his European form to be able to honoured in winning this race for Travis but I will be giving it my best shot. David and Tom have taken the blinkers off him and if he finds his European form he will be competitive in this.

In the last race, race nine, I ride KIEVANN for Steven Brown. He is a very consistent horse who loves the track and distance. He just needs a bit of luck from the outside draw but if the track is chopped up by the last race it might not be such a disadvantage to be away from the rail. All going well he is going be competitive on the minimum weight.

Ballarat - Preview Thursday June 16

In race seven, I ride SAN AMARO for Cindy Alderson. I trialled him twice coming into his first up run and I was really pleased how he trialled on very Heavy ground. He now has the run under his belt, drops back in grade and has come up with a nice barrier draw and will take a lot of running down.

In the last race, race eight, I ride DOWNING STREET trained by my father Allan & brother Jason and owned by my mother Glenda – so the pressure is on!!! He is now third up this preparation, loves soft ground and the form around his last start third has stood up. He has drawn favourably, makes his own luck and is going to take a lot of running down.

Sandown Hillside - Preview Wednesday June 15

I start in race one with KEY EVIDENCE for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. She is resuming and being part of the Smerdon camp I’m assuming part of her preparation would have been to gallop at the course, so she would have had a good look at the track. She has come up with a nice draw and she has trialled on soft ground coming into this.

TESSABELLE is my ride in race two for Mark Kavanagh. She is starting this preparation back at the track she has been successful at in her two wins. She has a nice barrier draw in this very competitive race, has the minimum weight and she seems to strike form early in her preparations.

In race three, I ride SLEEPLESS NIGHTS for Leon & Troy Corstens. Unfortunately, she always draws wide gates and she has done so again today. She will need a little luck from the draw but in a strong maiden her form should stand up.

FOUR CARAT is my ride in race six Chris Waller. This distance suits him and If he finds his form from the Spring Carnival he will be winning this race.

Race seven, I ride TYKIATO for John Price. She is a very consistent mare and she finds the 1000m to her liking. She hasn’t missed a place in soft ground and this looks a very good race for her.

In the last race, race eight, I ride STREET SHARP for Mark Kavanagh. He is resuming after putting together two wins on end last preparation. He has been successful at the track but will need a lot of luck from an extreme outside barrier.

Mornington - Preview Monday June 13

I start in race two with SUGARLAND EXPRESS for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is debuting and by Zabeel, so on pedigree the soft ground shouldn’t be a problem. He does have to contend with a wide barrier and I will be waiting to see my instructions from David and Tom.

QUEEN OUIJA is my ride in race three for Darren Weir. She is a lightly raced filly who has shown very good ability and has form on soft ground. She is a staying type who is having her second run this preparation and she looks to be in good form.

In race four, I ride SHANDAARA for Robbie Laing. She has come up with a good barrier draw who closed off we last time and should make her presence felt in this race.

DIAMBRA is my ride in race five for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is having her first go Melbourne direction. She has soft track form and if she has luck from her draw she is going to be in contention for a long way.

Race six, I ride KINSHACHI for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I have been very pleased with her trials leading into her first up run this preparation. She has excellent form and in this competitive race I expect her to be the one they have to beat.

VIRGINA WATER is my ride in race eight for Mick Kent. Her two runs this preparation have been excellent, winning first up on a Heavy 10 and then wasn’t beaten far stepping up to 2200m last time. She is having a quick back but if she maintains her form she’ll be the one they have to beat, especially with the soft track and minimum weight.

In the last race, race nine, I ride RIYADH for Peter Healey. Since returning from Hong Kong he has been ultra-consistent who has been effective on slow ground to date and it looks like a very winnable race for him.

Flemington Preview Saturday June 11

I start in race one with MILLINERYfor David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is having her debut run and has come up with barrier one. She has trialled nicely coming into this and will make her presence felt at her first race start.

THEMIS is my ride in race two, for Gai Waterhouse. She has come down with strong Sydney form and is having her first Melbourne run. She controlled the race and won nicely last time but she does have to navigate from a wide draw. If she doesn’t do too much work she is going to be strong at the finish.

In race three, I ride CHASE THE HORIZON for Henry Dwyer. He is a nice horse who resumed with an impressive win. He is ultra-competitive and I expect him to be the same today.

QADIR is my ride in race four, for David Jolly. The last time we saw him at Flemington he was victorious. He is down in grade and he is a get back horse but if the race is run truly and they finish off he will be one of the closers late.

Race six, I ride TORELLI for Darren Weir. He has been impressive since the blinkers were applied for his last two wins. He is a dominant style horse who has come up with barrier one and is going to take a lot of running down.

SHE’S CLEAN is my ride in race seven, for Chris Waller. She always runs very well in Melbourne and if she can have a bit of luck and they are able to close off she will be one who will be finishing off late.

Race eight, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien. He’s been in excellent form this preparation. He is coming off a freshen up which usually serves him well. His form at 1000m and down the straight is excellent.

In the last race, race nine, I ride BRADMAN for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has been in really good form and this is a really good rating race for him but he has come up with the extreme outside barrier draw. If he can have some luck form that draw he is going to be competitive in an even race.

Sale - Preview Wednesday June 8

I start in race one with COLONEL KLINK for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. He is on debut and I have trialled him on Heavy ground coming into this race. He gave me a really nice feel and I think he is a horse who has plenty of scope and I expect him to be extremely competitive at his first run.

FAST AND FURIOUS is my ride in race two, for Dean Binaisse. He is having his first start taking on older horses. He has come up with a wide barrier draw but he has trialled very nicely twice for me and one of those was on Heavy ground. He has very good scope.

In race three, I ride for SOLAR BURST for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. She is a mare who loves the soft ground. She has been very competitive this preparation who never runs a bad race and I expect her to be the same in this event.

VALLEGRANDE is my ride in race four, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He had the blinkers applied for the first time last time and was victorious over this journey on soft ground. He has come up with the extreme outside barrier draw so he will need some luck as the 1400m start at Sale has a short run to the first turn. He will confidence up from his last start victory and should co close to winning.

Race five, I ride NIGHTSPUN for Clinton McDonald. She has excellent Heavy track form and she was a hard finishing third last start. She looks like she is coming into form, she has no weight and I expect her to be hitting the line hard again.

PENNY TO SELL is my ride in race seven, for Mick Sell. She is a get back, run on mare. There looks to be nice on pace pressure in this race and she has had one start on a Heavy track for a win. If she finds her best form, she is going to be finishing hard.

In the last race, race eight, I ride for KISS THE STARS for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a Japanese horse who has had one start in Australia. Since that run, I have trialled him on Heavy ground at Cranbourne where he impressed me. If he brings that performance to the races he can win this race.

Geelong - Preview Tuesday June 7

I start in race one with SIENNA SYMPHONY for Luke Oliver. She has had two seconds in two starts. She is resuming and the horses around her have gone on to be competitive in the city. I think this is a race where she can start of this preparation with a win.

CHATUCHAK is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is having her first race start. I did trial her on Heavy ground at Cranbourne coming into this and she closed that trial off nicely. She does have to contend with the outside barrier draw but expect her to be hitting the line hard.

In race three, I ride FROTHED for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has been competitive in three starts. She is having her first run in Victoria and I have been very pleased with her two barrier trials. She is quite a dominant filly and this is definitely a winnable race for her.

TUSCAN RED is my ride in race seven, for Enver Jusufovic. He won on debut at this course and distance and this is a nice stepping stone for him and he looked like a horse that can make it two wins on end.

Race nine, I ride SPIRAL for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is coming into this race with the blinkers coming off and slightly back in trip to the distance he won his maiden start at. He is going to get a nice run from the draw and it looks like a winnable race for him.

Ortensia - RIP

I was saddened by the news of the passing of Ortensia. She was a great mare to me and we were successful throughout Australia and around the world. My thoughts go out to her owners Alistair and Emma, her two trainers Paul Messara and Tony Noonan as well as her groom Leah. She had amazing acceleration on the racetrack and when you got to understand her mannerisms she was a darling to do anything with. Thank you for the memories.

Morphettville Goodwood Day Preview

Saturday May 21

I start in race one with DISSOLUTE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. His two runs this preparation have been solid and he had excuses last time as he got interfered with. He has galloped really well coming into this and despite the outside barrier draw I think he will be too good for these.

ZANTECA is my ride in race two, for Darren Weir. The last time I rode her we were victorious at Geelong before she was just beaten in the Group 3 Lexus, so on her best form she is going to be very competitive in this tough race. She is in on the minimum and is fourth up this preparation and importantly she has won fourth up at her last few preparations.

In race three, I ride A LITTLE LOOSE in the SA Fillies Classic for Mick Kent. She is a lovely staying filly and if she finds her best form she will be very competitive in this race.

GABELLA is my ride in race four, the Centaurea Stakes for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is a French import who has had three runs in Australia and she is building up to a win. She has the blinkers applied for the first time. She has been getting back in her races and this race looks like being slowly run so it will be interesting to see the tactics and how she handles the tempo of this race.

Race five, the Lee Stakes I ride QADIR for David Jolly. The Set Weights & Penalties conditions of this race make it a bit awkward for him at his rating but on his best form he can be competitive.

PRIVATE SECRETARY is my ride in race six, the Proud Miss Stakes, for Gregory Hickman. She is back in grade and her last start she closed off really well in the Sangster. She has the blinkers applied for the first time and I expect her to be hitting the line really hard.

In the last, race eight, I ride AMICONI ORIGINALE for Tony McEvoy. He is resuming and he has very good stats first up and at the distance. On his form, he will be very competitive in this race.

Racing.com Park - synthetic Preview

Thursday May 19

I start in race one with SUNSHINE EXCEL for my brother Damien Williams and owned by my Mum and close family friends so the pressure is on!!! She has fallen into a really nice race to win her maiden. She is having the ear muffs on for the first time just to give her a little more confidence in the hope she relaxes. If all goes well, she should be winning.

PERSEVERANCE is my ride in race two, for Clinton McDonald. He improved sharply with the blinkers on last time. He has drawn a wide gate but is one of the main chances and hopefully can breakthrough for his maiden victory.

In race three, I ride MRS MARTIN for Clinton McDonald. She is a 2yo taking on the older horses. She closed off very nicely on debut behind some strong two year olds throughout the Autumn. She resumes after a nice trial and will be one of the main chances in this race.

DAME LARGO is my ride in race four, for Andrew Sawden. I had my first ride on her last time in a rating race and she finds herself back in a maiden with a really good barrier draw. I have good knowledge of her now, she is ultra-consistent and if we can utilise the good draw it will be nice to win her maiden tonight and get her on her winning way.

Race six, I ride CORDOBA for Damien Williams. It is his first time on the artificial surface. In a small but very competitive race he will be one of the horses closing off late.

In race seven, I ride ORUJO for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has excellent form and if he recaptures any of that he will be winning this race and the inside barrier should provide him with a cushy run.

In the last, race eight, I ride INTRIGO for Saab Hasan. She has been in great order this preparation and should have good confidence after winning her last start. She hasn’t raced before on the synthetic surface but she is trained at Flemington and they do have the option of working on that every morning so that might not be a concern.