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Morphettville SA Derby Day Preview

Saturday May 14

I start in race three with MULLINGER LANE for John O’Connor. This race is on the Parks track, the inner track, which is tight turning and he has come up with the extreme outside barrier draw. He is in great form and if he doesn’t have to work too hard from the wide alley he is going to take a lot of running down.

ANTELUCAN is my ride in race four, the Adelaide Guineas, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She impressed me last time out in her attitude, mannerism and the way she won. She has trained on very well. I have partnered her in work since and the stable is very confident in her. She has come up with a nice barrier draw and I’m looking forward to her putting two wins on end together.

In race five, I ride AWARD OF MERIT for Tony McEvoy. He had 12 months off before this preparation and he hasn’t been out of the placings this time in. He is stepping up in trip and has drawn nicely in a middle gate and is going to be competitive in this even race.

NORTHERN ZHAR is my ride in race six, for David Jolly. He is coming back in class, has the minimum weight and has a favourable barrier. He is going to be one of the main chances in this.

Race seven, the South Australian Derby, I ride TARQUIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I was very impressed with his last start win at Caulfield when he beat tough seasoned, in form, older horses. This is his first go at the extended trip. He has the blinkers off and winkers on to help him conserve energy early in the race in the hope he can run out the trip strongly. If he finds his rhythm and runs the trip out I am confident of his acceleration and am confident, he can win this race.

In the last, race eight, I ride EL PRADO GOLD for Ryan Balfour. He has drawn extremely wide and he will be getting back. If the race is run solidly up front and the track is allowing horses to close off, he will be one of the horses running on late. He also carries no weight which will be an advantage.

Racing.com - synthetic Preview

Thursday May 12

I start in race one with STREETS OF DUBAI for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a lovely colt for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock having his first start. He did trial unofficially at Flemington where he finished second and looked to have nice ability.

CURVANO is my ride in race two, for Robbie Griffiths. He is a very consistent horse who has been placed in half of his race starts. He is resuming and has drawn a nice barrier to give himself every opportunity to win his maiden.

In race three, I ride CANTILLATE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has had two goes at the track and he finds himself in a soft maiden and comes up with a middle barrier draw. Hopefully I can put him in a more favourable position than last time. Getting away from the kick back may be an advantage so he can finish off.

STREET SPUN is my ride in race five, for David Brideoake. She didn’t gain a start in the Australasian Oak and finds herself back in grade and this looks like a very winnable race for her.

Race six, I ride ABSLOUTE GEM for Cindy Alderson. She has won at the course and importantly on the synthetic. Her runs this preparation have been good. She does have to contend with a wide draw but it looks like a race with plenty of pressure up front and that should suit her as she can finish hard.

KAPHNI is my ride in race seven, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. The blinkers really sharpened him up last time and saw him close the race off strongly. He steps up in trip and I expect him to be holding his form.

In the last, race eight, I ride BIZARRE for John Price. He resumed last start and was very competitive. He has drawn favourably to give himself every opportunity in this race.

Morphettville Sangster Stakes Day - preview

Saturday May 7

I start in race one with TIDY PROPHET for Will Clarken. She won the Port Lincoln Cup three starts ago on the way to a very fast finishing Adelaide Cup run. She freshened up over 1700m and finished the race off nicely last start. This looks like a really winnable race for her stepping up to the 2000m. It is a small field and she does get back so hopefully the race is run to suit allowing horses the chance to run on.

COACHELLA is my ride in race two, for Phillip Stokes. A very competitive mare who is stepping out in trip but she does have to overcome a wide barrier draw. She does get back and this race appears it may be run at a slow tempo.

In race five, the Euclase Stakes, I ride DEMONSTRATE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. His form has been solid this preparation and he has trialled very nicely coming into this race. However, he has drawn very wide but if he had luck from the outside he would be right in the finish.

SILENT SEDITION for Andrew Noblet is my ride in race six, the Australasian Oaks (which is the first Group 1 race I won). She won the traditional lead up for this event in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes last start. She finds herself with a good draw and she is very versatile which gives me great options throughout the race. With the track being firm, she is the one they all have to beat.

Race seven, the Robert Sangster Stakes, I ride GRIANTE for David Brideoake. I partnered her in a gallop between races at Mornington on Monday and she was blistering in her acceleration. She has come up with a good draw and this race is usually won by a seasoned mare. All she needs is a bit of luck late and if that is the case, this is a really nice race for her.

In the last, race eight, I ride FRENCH EMOTION for Chris Waller in the Queen of the South Stakes. She was a maiden before this preparation. She has been extremely well placed and her form is great winning three and twice placed in her five runs this campaign. She is having her first go at the mile and she does have to contend with an outside barrier draw. All being equal she will make her presence felt in this race.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday May 11

I start in race one with MY RUNNING MATE for Kelvin Southey. In his three career starts he has placed twice so he is a very competitive horse. He is coming back in trip and drawn a favourable gate to give himself every opportunity.

LUNAR SPIN is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I am impressed with his progression with his two starts for two wins this preparation. This is a slight step up in grade and he has to contend with a wide draw but he has been very dominant and he is the one they have to beat again.

In race three, I ride FIFE for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has trialled well in soft ground leading into this. She has two starts for a win and third in soft ground so the conditions will suit her. She has drawn a nice gate and is back in class and I expect her to be very competitive.

In race four, I ride DAME LARGO for Andrew Sawden. She has been an ultra consistent girl without winning. She is stepping up to a BM64 but with a step up in grade she drops nicely down to the minimum with no weight on a rain affected track which she is bred to handle.

ARTESIAN is my ride in race five, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is stepping up in trip after finishing behind Silent Sedition in a Group 3 race and that form has since been franked. Two starts back she was beaten by Cool Chap who is one of the favourites for the SA Derby this weekend. She has great form but she is taking on older horses. In her favour, she has a light weight and she makes her own luck and she will be hard to hold out in this race.

Race six, I ride THE RUMOUR FILE for Chris Waller. He is having his first run in Melbourne. He is an imported horse who did his racing in France. The stable has a remarkable record in getting these imported horses to perform in Australia. He has a favourable barrier draw and is stepping out to a more suitable distance.

In the last, race eight, I ride MINIVER for John O’Shea and Godolphin. We tried to ride her to suit the race conditions last start with the strong breeze in the Back straight. If the track is playing even, then she can utilise her good barrier draw. She has never raced on soft ground but her two trials starting this preparation were and I was very happy with the way she went. I expect a real forward showing and expect to be one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday April 30

I start in race one with ANTELUCAN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She drops back to her own age and has the run under her belt where she was a bit aggressive from a wide draw. She is drawn more favourably today and this looks like a nice race for her.

TARQUIN is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I was really pleased with his last effort and he steps up in trip here which is a bonus. He has worked really well coming into this race. Even though he is taking on the older horses he has weight relief as he gets 1.5kg off the minimum. He is a nice progressive staying type and he is going to be hard to beat.

In race three, I ride NIMINYPIMINY for Russell Cameron. It was reported that she pulled up lame from her first up run so you can forgive that run. On her best form she is going to be very competitive.

SHE’S MISS DEVINE for Chris Waller is my ride in race four. She never runs a bad race and was very impressive winning last time. She has a favourable draw and is back in trip to help her settle. She does have a tendency of hanging so if I can manage and help her around Caulfield she is the one to beat.

Race five, I ride DISSOLUTE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a very exciting horse and was really pleased with his first up run in Melbourne. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw, has trained on well and I think he is a smart horse in the making.

Race six I ride AMADEUS for Mick Kent. I have had two rides on him for two wins. He has had a freshen up after running second to Silent Sedition in the Bendigo Guineas who franked that form winning a Group race last week. He is a lovely horse to ride and loves to win so looking forward to riding him.

In race seven, I ride UNBREAKABLE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has been competitive this preparation and he steps up in trip and I just have to contend with a wide draw. The way he is going though he should be able to overcome that.

LONGERON for Team Hawkes is my ride in race eight. He is resuming and has a very good record first up as well as at the distance as well as never missing a place at Caulfield in two tries. He las a lot of things in his favour as well as a light weight and nice barrier. This is going to be run at a solid gallop and he will make his presence felt in this competitive race.

In the last, race nine, I ride HOLLYWOOD BOUND for Chris Waller. He has been racing well since arriving in Melbourne. We do have to contend with a wide barrier draw but with the likely pressure on up front they should spread out so hopefully the barrier won’t be such a disadvantage.

Racing.com - synthetic Preview

Thursday April 28

I start in race two with THE WEALD for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I ran second on him last time in a very soft maiden. He is stepping up in trip and has worked well coming into this race.

CANTILLATE is my ride in race three for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He wasn’t beaten far last time when he resumed and he will have derived benefit from that outing. He is stepping up in trip and if I can get him out of the gates and get him into a nice position he is going to be competitive again.

In race six, I ride LUNAR SPIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I was impressed with his first up win last time out at Cranbourne. He had the blinkers on, had worked really well coming into it but most importantly was very strong late. He is getting out in trip and should have good confidence from last start. He should find himself in a nice spot and be hard to beat again.

SEE LINE WOMAN for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig is my ride in race seven. This is her second run for the stable. She is back in trip and back in grade and I think both these factors will suit her.

In the last, race eight, I ride KAPHNI for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He resumed at the course and was disappointing. He has two gear changes coming into this. The barrier extension has been added as he is such a big horse and found these stalls on the synthetic track too small for him, subsequently he wasn’t able to hold a forward position. He also has the blinkers on first time to make him sharp as he didn’t close off. I expect an improved performance from him.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday April 27

I start in race two with PAJADOS for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and having his first run in Melbourne. He has had a couple of barrier trials and I expect him to be one of the main chances.

WEATHER THE STORM is my ride in race three for Robert Kingston. She has very solid form running into Risque in group company and Silent Sedition when going back to maiden class. She is coming off her first win last start so confidence will be up and she will take a lot of beating.

In race four, I ride CHOUX DIVA for Simon Morrish. She is a very consistent mare who has a nice barrier draw and is down in the weights. On her best form she is going to be very competitive.

MINIVER for John O’Shea and Godolphin is my ride in race seven. I was pleased with her first up run this preparation. She drops 2kgs in weight and has a favourable barrier draw. She makes her own luck and will make her presence felt in this competitive race.

In the last, race eight, I ride THE BANDIT for John Sadler and Waratah Thoroughbreds. Since arriving in Australia he has produced eye catching runs every start and has been very competitive. He has won at this track and the step up in trip looks like it will suit him. He is the one they have to beat.

Flemington ANZAC Day Preview

Monday April 25

Today is a very special day, ANZAC Day, a day above all, where we remember the sacrifices of the servicemen and women and the thousands of horses that played their part in giving us the opportunity to have the freedom and the country we have today.

I start in race one with SARASWATI for Saab Hasan. I was very impressed with her debut win at Kyneton. She has had a couple of weeks coming into this and has trialled extremely well on soft ground at Werribee. In this competitive race I expect here to be right there at the finish.

PYX CHAMBER is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is coming off a lasts start win. He has worked extremely well coming into this race and you can feel his confidence from that victory. He has a got a favourable draw and I expect him to be very hard to beat,

In race three, I ride LOVEITT Tony McEvoy. She won last start and gets in on the minimum here. She is a girl that gets back in her races and there looks like plenty of pressure in this race to give us an opportunity to be closing off.

IRON BOSS for Mark Kavanagh is my ride in race four. His trials leading into this race to start off his campaign have been very strong. He comes up with a wide draw which is favourable to his run style and I expect to him to be hitting the line hard.

Race five I ride ETYMOLOGY for John O’Shea and Godolphin in the VRC St Leger. His form is far superior than his rivals. The weight conditions suit but we do have to overcome an outside barrier draw but if gets luck he should be too strong for this field.

Race six I ride PARADANZA for Tony Noonan. She has been in career best form this preparation. She has come up with a good draw and I expect her to be competitive in this strong staying event.

In race seven, I ride INSPECTOR for Peter White. His two runs this time in have been solid. We do have to overcome a tricky draw but with the horses drawn around him to push forward, hopefully we get some favours. If he has luck, with no weight and the way he has been going he is going to be competitive again.

Morphetville Preview

Saturday April 23

I start in race one with SURVIVED for Archie Alexander. He carries topweight and is stepping up to a favourable trip. His form is solid this preparation in Australia and is one the main chances in this small field.

HARD PROMISE is my ride in race two, for Phillip Stokes & Ultra Thoroughbreds. He is having his first start and he has trialled nicely when winning in fast time. He looks to be one of the main chances in this very competitive race.

In race four, I ride REGAL MAGNUS for Daniel Clarken. She should have confidence after winning last start. He has a favourable barrier draw, races on pace and has a light weight. She is one of the main chances and can hopefully make it two in a row.

NEAPOLITAN for Phillip Stokes is my ride in race five. She’s not a big horse but is such a competitive horse. She is a versatile horse as she has made all and come off the pace. She doesn’t know how to run a bad race and this is a very competitive stakes race but she is one of the main chances.

Race six I ride RUNWAY STAR for Phillip Stokes and Vinery Stud in the Irwin Stakes. She won her last start having her first start for the stable. She comes up with a favourable barrier draw and is one of the main chances.

Race seven I ride SILENT SEDITION for Andrew Noblet in the Schweppervescene Stakes. She is a very exciting filly. I feel she is a group filly and this is her lead up to the Australasian Oaks. She has come up with a widish draw but under the conditions she is only one kilo off the minimum and I expect her to be the one to beat.

In race eight, I ride COCOA DOLL for Phillip Stokes in the Redelva Stakes. She is coming off a last start win and carries the minimum weight. She makes her own luck and this is a high pressure race as a lot horses like to press forward. She looked very solid and will have confidence from her win last start.

Cranbourne Preview

Friday April 22

In race two I ride SPIRAL for John O'Shea and Godolphin. He has been very competitive this preparation. He does have the addition of blinkers tonight and a slight step up in trip. He has come up with a very favourable barrier and is one of the main chances in this very competitive maiden.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday April 20

In the last race I ride RED SPYDER for John Salanitri. He has the blinkers on for the first time, he is an ultra consistent horse but will need a bit of luck from a wide gate. He never runs a bad race and I expect him to be competitive in this even race.

Racing.com Preview

Sunday April 17

I start in race one with FLYING JESS for John Moloney. She closed off really last start and was only narrowly defeated. She has a favourable barrier draw and if I can utilise that it is a winnable race for her.

INTEGRATED is my ride in race two, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is having his first start. Trialled him twice coming into this. I like the horse and he has a lot of raw talent. If he puts it all together, he will be winning this race.

In race three, I ride CANTILLATE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw in a small field. If he steps away he can utilise his draw, if not he has closed off well previously. He is resuming and has a great chance in this tactical event.

MYSTIC for John O’Shea and Godolphin is my ride in race six. She won impressively last start back in Feb. She has had a freshen up and it is the first time she is on the synthetic track. She has trialled well on soft track at Werribee and I expect her to be very competitive here.

Race seven I ride KAPHNI for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a very consistent horse. He has only had three starts and never missed the place. He is a big horse and has run second before on this track and surface. He is resuming and I expect him to be very competitive.

Caulfield Preview

Saturday April 9

I start in race two with DISSOLUTE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and I have trialled in preparation for this and he has given me a really nice feel. We will just need some luck from a wide draw.

ANTELUCAN is my ride in race three, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is resuming and she has won first up before but she will need luck from the outside draw.

In race four, I ride SABKHAT for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I partnered him first up in Sydney where he wasn’t beaten far. His second up record is excellent and he has come up with a nice barrier draw and he looks like one of the main chances.

TARQUIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin is my ride in race five. He won his last start at Mornington from a rearward position and stormed home late. He has come with a favourable barrier draw in a competitive race and he goes into the race with confidence and meets some of these horses better at the weights for their recent outings.

Race six I ride MISS PROMISCUITY for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is an ultra-consistent mare who comes into this race with confidence after winning last start. Her form at Caulfield is excellent and she is treated well with the conditions of this race.

Race seven I ride SPUR ON GOLD for Pat Carey. Stepping up to this distance will suit. The conditions of this race don’t suit his rating and he has come up with a wide draw. However, I do expect him to be competitive in this race.

STAVIVA for Matt Laurie is my ride in race eight. He is coming into this after winning first up and he is freshened after a few weeks break. He has a nice middle gate and it looks like the race will be run at a quick tempo and I expect him to be finishing the race off strongly to be one of the main players.

In the last, I ride SUNDAY ESCAPE for Andrew Murray. This is a perfect race for him as he has come with a great draw and he gets in well for his rating and if I can manage his speed, as he is quite a competitive horse, I expect him to be winning the last race.

Cranbourne Preview

Friday April 15

I start in race two with LUNAR SPIN for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is having his first start this year. I have trialled him twice coming into this race and am happy with the way he’s going. He also has the addition of blinkers for the first time. He has a nice gate and is going to take a lot of running down.

SUNSHINE EXCEL is my ride in race five, for my brother Damien Williams. She resumed with a fast finishing third. The horse who finished in front of her has since been narrowly been beaten franking the form. It is a very competitive race and she will need some luck from the draw but she does look to have come nicely.

In race six, I ride NAT’S THE BOSS for John Salanitri. He’s been consistent and not finished out of top 3 in all five starts. He has come up with a nice barrier draw but he does get back in his races but is always finishing off very strongly and is sure to be very competitive again.

Ballarat Preview

Wednesday April 13

I start in race five with MINIVER for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is resuming this preparation and has very good first up statistics. I have trialled her on two occasion leading into this and she gives me a really nice feel and am looking forward to her getting back to the races.

My other ride, in race six, is STREET SHARP for Mark Kavanagh. He has won his last two starts and is full of confidence. He steps up in grade which gives him a really good weight relief getting in on the minimum of 54kgs. There is a lot pressure in this race and he has come up with a nice inside barrier draw to get an economical run. It looks like he is going well enough to make this next step.

Randwick - The Championships - Day 2

Saturday April 9

I start in race two with PURITAN for Jason Warren. He had his first run going right handed last time. He has the blinkers off today as he was very aggressive last start and he steps out in trip. He has come up with the extreme outside draw but if he has any luck in running and relaxes he will be finishing the race off very strongly.

GRETNA is my ride in race four, for Chris Waller. She has a great chance from the draw. She has never raced in Sydney but did trial twice in Sydney before coming down and debuting in Melbourne. She has excellent form, comes in with the minimum weight and I give her a great chance.

In race five, I ride COUNTERATTACK for Chris Waller in the Arrowfield Sprint. He has the blinkers back on and the last time he had them on at the course and distance he was victorious. It is a very strong race and it looks like it will be run at a high tempo which should suit him and I expect him to be running on well.

HONESTA for John Thompson is my ride in race six, the Group 1 Australian Oaks. She will really appreciate the soft track and the step up in trip. Last time we saw her at this distance she ran second in the VRC Oaks. She feels like she isn’t as sharp throughout her races and gets outsprinted but she is still closing off really well and is a main chance in this.

Race eight I ride NOBLE PROTECTOR for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock in the Group 1 Coolmore Legacy Stakes. She has drawn a really favourable barrier if we can use it. She has been very fractious in the gates this preparation so if she can stay calm and utilise the draw and find a spot in the first four she will take some running down.

Race nine I ride WEARY for Chris Waller in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He has drawn well and really likes soft ground and if he gains a start he should be very competitive in this.

In the last, race ten, I ride GRIANTE for David Brideoake. I was successful last start on her in the Galaxy. She did run second in this race last year and I feel she is going much better this year. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw, the soft conditions will suit her and she is flying.

Kyneton Preview

Thursday April 7

I start in race two with UNREALISTIC for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has come up with an outside barrier draw so he will need some luck as his dangers are drawn close to the rail but this definitely looks like a winnable race to start him on his way.

Race three I ride THE WEALD also for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has been placed twice from his eight starts. He is a get back horse but after scratchings this race has been depleted and this looks a perfect race for him.

SHAMPION is my last ride in race four, for Danny O’Brien. He is lightly raced, coming off a slight let up and has blinkers on for the first time. His first up run he wasn’t beaten far and if can emulate that he is going to be competitive in this.

Sandown Hillside preview

Monday March 28

From seven rides I’m down to three after scratchings.

I start in race five with LUCHADOR for Bev Lechmere & Alisa Vermay. His first up run was good and the form has been franked as it has been proven to be a very solid form race. He has come up with a nice barrier, makes his own luck and I expect him to be very competitive in this race.

Race six I ride TESSABELLE for Mark Kavanagh. She will get a long deserved confidence boost after winning her maiden last start. This is a nice one step up in class to a 64 rating race. She still carries a low weight, is drawn favourably and I expect her to take the next step.

SPUR ON GOLD is my ride in race eight, for Pat Carey. He is dropping 3kgs in weight. He is a get back horse who runs on. It is a step up in trip so would need a solid pace and will need a lot of luck from the extreme outside draw.

Rosehill Preview

Saturday March 26

I start in race one with SABKHAT for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is resuming and has a good first up record. He goes well at the distance and has had a couple of trials coming into this and expect him to be competitive in this as he has good fresh form.

Race two I ride WINE also for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He comes up with a nice barrier draw and also has blinkers on first time. He looks like a very nice strong Street Cry colt who should get plenty of favours from the draw and be competitive in this even race.

ZARZALI is my ride in race three, the Neville Selwood Stakes for James Cummings. Her chances would be enhanced if it is a rain affected track. She has the blinkers on for the first time. She did trial extremely possessing good acceleration in the trial leading up to this race. She is a get back type and if the blinkers work hopefully this will help her finishing burst.

In race four, I ride UNEQUIVOCAL for Noel Mayfield-Smith in the Star Kingdom Stakes. I partnered her in Qld at the end of last year. She is coming into this race after a last start win which will have boosted her confidence. She is also back in trip and is a get back horse so the faster they go the better for her. She is very consistent but does need a lot of luck due to her racing pattern.

TORGERSEN for Chris Waller is my ride in race five, the Tulloch Stakes. He is building up to his right trip now. At the end of his last preparation he put two strong wins together. Has drawn wide and looks like he will settle back but the 2000m is right up his alley.

Race six I ride HONESTA for John Thompson in the Group 1 Vinery Stakes. I finished second on her in the VRC Oaks. She is stepping up to her right trip and if the track is rain affected it would enhance her chances. She has come up with a wide draw and will probably get back and need luck but I expect her to be one of the main chances in the race and she will be finishing hard.

Race seven I ride RISING ROMANCE for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig in the Group 1 BMW. Her runs have been excellent this preparation. Now moving up to Sydney for the first time this preparation she has drawn perfectly and should be able to ridden quiet for the first ¾ of the race. She has excellent stats at the distance and if there is any horse that could knock off Preferment I hope it’s her.

LADY LE FEY is my ride in race eight, the Emancipation Stakes for Chris Waller. She started her career off in NZ. She came to Australia late last year and was very competitive without winning. She has strong NZ form and comes in with a minimum weight and I expect her to be very competitive.

In the last, race nine, the Doncaster Prelude. I ride RUDY for Helen Page. He finished fourth in last year’s running of the Doncaster so if he finds that form he is really going to make his presence felt in this race

Monnee Valley Willaim Reid Stakes - preview

Thursday March 24

I start in race one with CLEMENCY for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has been nothing short of impressive in her two runs this preparation. She has come up with a nice barrier draw and this race looks like it will be run at high speed. She drops nicely in weight and hopefully she can make it three from three this preparation.

Race two I ride TOSS AND TELL for Chris Waller. He has been building up to a win since arriving in Melbourne. He has been a bit slow out of the gates at his last two starts so I will need to work on this to get him into a nice position. He handles all conditions and drops 5kgs in weight. It will be run at a good gallop and that should suit his style.

JACQUI’S JOY is my ride in race four, the Alexandra Stakes for Mitchell Beer & Max Hinton. She has really been an ultra-consistent horse since arriving from NZ, only being defeated once. She was a nice closing run last start in the Kewney Stakes and she meets a few of the same horses from that race here and she has come up with a more favourable barrier. She never runs a bad race and is going to be one of the main players.

In race five, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien in the 55 seconds challenge. This is the last chance to win the car and on paper they will give it a good shake as it will be a furious tempo. This is the first time we see Bullpit back around the bend after three straight runs. He has come up with a nice barrier draw but there is going to be a lot of pressure in this race.

GREGERS for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig is my ride in race six, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes. She has come up with the outside barrier but that doesn’t look too much of a worry as she and Holler should control the race up front. Her best stats are at this track and she likes room in her races which she will get that from her draw. This s is a very competitive race but she is always honest.

Race seven I ride NOBLE PROTECTOR for Robert Smerdon in the Sunline Stakes. I plan to stay on her back this time after she dislodged me out of the gates last run. She is having a stallion chain applied to get her manners in control prior to the race. This is a very strong addition of the race but if she finds her form from this time last year she will take some running down.

In the last, race eight, I ride NULLEI for Mark Kavanagh. I finished second on him last time, in what was a big form turnaround. The trainer is very confident he has him back in great order and if he holds that form he is going to be very competitive.

Sandown March 23 suspension

Wednesday March 23

I start in race two with SPIRAL for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He made his debut run in the middle of last year in Melbourne. Since then his preparation has been in Sydney. He has been gelded and has been trialling well. This looks like a winnable race if he gets luck from a wide draw.

Race three I ride ABBEY MARIE for Mick Kent. She is having her first race start and hasn’t trialled officially. She is well bred, drawn well and from in an in form stable. For the trainer to target a city race on debut gives me the feeling she has ability.

HIPSTER GIRL is my ride in race four, for Jason Warren. I have partnered her at her last two starts. This is a perfect race for her. She drops marginally in weight and this is a weak race. If she brings her best form she will be winning this staying event.

In race five, I ride MACARUTHUR for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He ran a very solid second last start. He stays at the same trip and if he gets a nice run from the outside draw he will be very competitive again.

ZAPURBLY for Lee & Anthony Freedman is my ride in race six. She has got very solid form. She drops marginally in weight and comes up with a nice middle barrier draw. Interesting to see, they’ve dropped her back in trip to a distance she has won at previously. On her best form she will be winning this.

My final ride is in race seven, where I ride SCOONER for Chris Waller. He is an English import having his first run in Australia. In the UK, he won his race at Wolverhampton which is an all- weather track and has been competitive at Salisbury and solid meetings at Goodwood. He has always been ridden by leading riders in England so it gives you a feel he has very good ability. The trainer has been very successfully with imported horses. I’m looking forward to seeing him when he walks into the mounting yard.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday March 23

Moonee Valley Preview

Friday March 18

I start in race two with SEE WHAT I BRING for Symon Wilde. he has been ultra-consistent this preparation. The 1600m looks an ideal trip as he can get keen in his races. He has raced on tight tracks like Moonee Valley so hopefully that puts him in good stead as it is his first time at the track. There is one runaway horse in this race so there should be a good solid tempo and he should be one of the main chances as he is so consistent.

Race three I ride GLORIETTE for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has had a couple run back in Melbourne and she has a favourable and should get every chance from there.

LOVING HOME is my ride in race four for Chris Waller. He is an imported horse really finding his form. He won two starts ago and comes back in trip from his last outing, so he is fit. He should get a lovely run from a good draw and be very competitive in this race.

My final ride is in race six, the Alister Clark Stakes where I ride TALLY for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He has done everything right for three wins from three runs this preparation. He has won at the track and the 2040m is an ideal step up for him. He will need a bit of luck from a tricky outside barrier draw but I am confident he can put another picket in the fence.

Sandown Lakeside - Preview

Wednesday March 16

I start in race one with TESSABELLEfor Mark Kavanagh. I partnered her mother Varevees in a Melbourne Cup. She is a very consistent girl having been placed on four of her seven starts. It would be nice to give her a well deserved maiden victory and this looks a nice race to do it.

Race three I ride SPUR ON GOLD for Pat Carey. He has very good first up form, has a big weight but is a very strong horse and I expect him to be finishing off hard in this race.

HONOURABLE TYCOON is my ride in race four for Mark Kavanagh. He got a well deserved confidence boost when he won at the track last start. He is stepping up to the 1600m for the first time, has a very favourable draw and this looks like another winnable race.

In race six, I ride VORSPIEL for Mick Kent. He is a consistent horse who has drawn a middle gate. He is coming back from Adelaide where he wasn’t beaten far. He will make his own luck and be competitive in this even contest.

ROSE DANCER for Luke Oliver in the famous Kingston Park colours is my ride in race seven. I’ve partnered her the last two starts and have been happy with her closing runs. She can be a bit temperamental in the gates and do a few things wrong in the run. If she gets a smooth transition and nice run, this looks like a very winnable race for her.

My final ride is in race eight where I ride RAGGLE VARR for Stephen Brown. She is back in grade, has come up with a very nice barrier and in this very competitive race she is going to be hard to hold out.