Moonee Valley Preview

Monday March 14

I start in race one with TIME COMMANDS for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is an ultra-consistent mare running second at her last four starts. She has come up with a wide barrier so she will need some luck. It would be nice to get that luck and put a one beside her name and give her an overdue win that will be well deserved.

Race two I ride WAZAMBA for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I was impressed with her barrier trial a few weeks ago. She has a great attitude and nice ability. If she brings that to the race day they won’t beat here.

ROYAL APPLAUSE is my ride in race three for Symon Wilde. I was really impressed with her race two starts ago finishing second at the course and distance. Last start she wasn’t beaten far but mentally she wasn’t there and was very upset and very difficult to ride out. Again she has come up with a wide draw and the rail is out 6m so hopefully she can finish off. If she finds her right form she will be one of the main chances.

In race six, I ride FARAJA for Luke Oliver. His confidence is up after a demolition win last start. He gets back and was very solid last start. With luck in running from the outside barrier he will be competitive in this even race.

DUBROVNIK for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig is my ride in race seven. She was very upset under lights two starts ago at this course and distance. She then went to Sale for a confidence boosting win. She has come up with another outside barrier draw but if the race is run solidly and she can have luck, she will be closing off late.

My final ride is in race eight where I ride FOUND MY WAY for Shaun Dwyer. He is very consistent and has never finished further back than fifth and only finished out of the top two twice. He comes up with a favourable barrier and should have a lovely run. I expect him to be there at the finish.

Flemington Newmarket Day Preview

Saturday March 12

I start in race three with CERTAIN ELLIE trained by Paul Rocke. She has been very competitive and consistent this preparation.She drops a lot in weight and carries the minimum. Sure she is stepping up in grade but will make her presence felt for a girl in really good form.

Race four I ride HE OR SHE for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He comes back from WFA to a Set Weights & Penalties race where he is well treated on the minimum. Last time he ran here over the course and distance he was a really good close finishing 5th in the Emirates Group 1 mile race in the Spring. He is third up this preparation and I expect him to be one of the main chances.

EGYPT is my ride in race five for Mark Kavanagh in the Kewney Stakes. She has been very competitive this preparation. I had plenty of horse to offer last start but nowhere to go and felt she would have tested the eventual winner. She has come up with a middle barrier in a very competitive race but the way she is going she will be there at the finish.

In race six, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap I ride JAPONISME for Chris Waller. His two runs at the track have been excellent, winning the Coolmore in the Spring and his narrow defeat in the Lightning at WFA which puts him in good stead carrying a light weight in this race against the same horses. He gives me a feel of the same preparation Chris Waller gave Brazen Beau who won this race last year and even though he has to take on Group 1 winners Chautauqua and Delectation I expect him to be the one they have to run down.

RISING ROMANCE for David Hayes & Tom Dabernig is my ride in race seven, the Group 1 Australian Cup. She has been plagued by wide barrier draws this campaign and both her runs have been excellent. She has come up with a more favourable draw but it’s still a bit sticky and with the late scratching of Mourinho there doesn’t look to be a natural leader. She has great statistics at this course and distance and I think she is one of the main chances in a competitive addition of the Australian Cup.

My final ride is in race eight where I ride NOBLE PROTECTOR for Robert Smerdon. She won this race last year but she did have the minimum weight and was flying. She did not come up in the Spring. She has trialled well coming into this andif she can recapture her form from last year she will be winning this race again.

Randwick Guineas Day -preview

Saturday March 5

Today I head to Sydney for Randwick Guineas day.

I start in race two, the Todman Stakes with WEATHERLY trained by Paul Messara. I have been impressed with him ever since I sat on him at Balnarring trials. I couldn’t have been happier with his dominant performance in the Talindert Stakes last start. He is having his first time going right handed and has met a small but an extremely high quality field. It feels like the Golden Slipper without the first two home from the Blue Diamond. I expect Weatherly to make his presence felt.

Race three I ride RIO PERDIDO for Kris Lees. He is an imported gelding and when he finds his right form he is very competitive at this level. He is now getting to his right distance range. If he runs well in this, expect him to be competing in better races over the Autumn at extended trips.

MONOGRAM is my ride in race four for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is an in form mare winning her last two starts in Melbourne. She has had a freshen up and back in trip. I love mares in form and expect her to be competitive in this race.

In race six, the Fireball Stakes I ride KING’S TROOP for Gerald Ryan and Arrowfield. He is a very competitive horse and has great form around him. He has come up with an awkward barrier draw and in this tough race he will be there for a long time.

DATA POINT for Mick Kent is my ride in race seven, the Randwick Guineas and we have received the visitors draw. He is a very nice progressive horse and if we can have some luck from the gate we will find out where he fits into mix with top 3yos in the Sydney Autumn.

Race eight I ride KINGLIKE for Peter Moody. He is an exciting horse who is a lightly raced 3yo. He has trialled extremely well coming into this race. He likes to get back and finish strongly and this should be a truly run race that eill suit his style.

In the last race my ride is LUCKY CAN BE for Ron Quinton. She is a very lightly raced and progressive mare. She comes in on the minimum weight and has a very good barrier draw and I expect to her to be one of the main closers in this very competitive mares race.

Cranbourne-Preview

Friday March 4

I’m looking forward to riding at Cranbourne for the first time under lights this year.

I start in race four with SILENT SEDITION trained by Andrew Noblet. I’ve trialled her on two occasions coming into this race and have a lot of time for her. I think she can graduate to a black type filly and hopefully this is a nice way to start off her Autumn preparation. She has drawn the outside and this is a very competitive maiden but I’m expecting her to be closing off really hard the way she has been trialling.

Race seven I ride LEODORO for Mick Kent. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and has never been out of the top three in his four starts. I expect him to be very competitive in this small field.

In the last race my ride is AMADEUS also for Mick Kent. I was very taken by his debut win. I’ve got a lot of time for him and expect him to figure in better races in time and this is a nice progressional race for him. He has come up with an awkward barrier and carries topweight but I would be disappointed if they were two factors that got him beaten on the night.

Sandown - preview

Wednesday March 2

I start in race one with NULLEItrained by Mark Kavanagh. If you forgive his last run, you’ll see he is always competitive and never gets beaten far. He comes into this race on the minimum in a small field and has drawn a reasonable barrier.

Race two I ride STREET SHARP for Mark Kavanagh in a 1600m maiden. He has had nine starts and nearly placed in half of them. He has drawn wide but if he has luck from the barrier hopefully he can put a one beside his name.

APOCALYPTIC FUN also for Mark Kavanagh is my ride in race three. He has come up with a nice draw in three and hopefully gets some favours from that gate.

In race five I ride CLEMENCY for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. I was very impressed with her first up run this preparation showing great acceleration late. She has drawn a favourable barrier, steps up in trip and slightly down in weight and I expect her to be the one to beat.

BASCULE for Chris Waller is my ride in race six. He has won his last two starts at this course and distance and steps up in grade again. He is only 2kgs off the minimum which I think is an advantage for him. If he gets a smooth transition throughout the race he can make it three on end.

In the last race my ride is ROSE DANCER for Luke Oliver and David Hains. I partnered her last start and was happy how she closed the race off in a small field that was run at a slow tempo. She is now taking on open class horses and if they go fast she will be hitting the line strongly.

Monnee Valley - preview

Friday February 26

I start in race two where I rideDUHALLOW for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. This filly is meeting a few of these runners much better on weights than on previous occasions. She does have the visor off for the first time. She has performed well at the track which is an advantage but does have a wide barrier so will need luck. This a very competitive race and if we get luck, she will have her chance.

In race six I ride RAGGLE VARR for Stephen Brown in the Typhoon Tracy Stakes. This is a very high quality 3yo fillies race and I am sure whatever wins will be able to emulate somewhat of Typhoon Tracy’s success. This filly has only had 2 starts and resumes here. She does have a wide draw to overcome but she has nice gate speed and has trialled well leading into this. This will tell us where she fits in with the 3yo fillies this Autumn carnival.

In the last, my mount is MICK’S HUSTLER for the Ellerton & Zahra stable. He has come up with the outside barrier draw and will need some luck. I will have to work hard to get him out of the gates as he usually steps slow but always catches the eye, finishing hard in his races. If the race is run to suit and horses can run on he will be the one making ground late.

Sandown - preview

Wednesday February 24

I start in race one with QUILATEtrained by Mick Kent. She is a nice filly that always finishes her races off well. She is second up and the step up in trip is going to be in her favour. If the race is run at an even tempo she will be hitting the line hard.

Race two I ride ACHI BABA for John O’Shea and the Godolphin camp. This 2yo colt is having his first start after trialling twice in Sydney where he looked to have nice ability. He has drawn wide and will need a bit of luck on debut.

ROYAL APPLAUSE for Symon Wilde is my ride in race three. I was impressed by her last start performance at Moonee Valley and feel she is still learning and will have derived a lot of benefit from that experience under lights. She has drawn a wide barrier in a race where there doesn’t look to be a lot of pressure. She has really nice ability and expect her to be staying on well in this competitive race.

In race four I ride SMOKIN’ BELLA for Wez Hunter. She is a very consistent filly who was narrowly defeated at Sandown last start. She should get every favour from a nice barrier and is going to make her presence felt in this competitive Fillies & Mares race.

HONOURABLE TYCOON for Mark Kavanagh is my ride in race five. This gelding is ever consistent and has put together a string of thirds. He comes up with a wide barrier draw and hopefully things can go his way and we can put a first beside his name.

In race seven my ride is TOSS AND TELL for Chris Waller. He is having his second run in Melbourne and has come up with a nice barrier. He would be one of the main chances in this competitive race.

Flemington Preview

Saturday February 20

Looking forward to Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Day at Flemington today.

I begin my day in race two riding WEATHERLY who is trained by Paul Messara and is a very exciting two-year-old. He was scratched from the Blue Diamond Preview due to mucus and now he ventures to the Flemington straight for the first time. I've trialled and also partnered him on debut and I feel he is going to make the top grade. Hopefully he will show everyone his quality.

Race three I ride SWEET EMILY who is trained by Phil Sweeney. I rode her in this race last year and she finished third and it was the only time she had been down the straight. She'll be better from that experience, she's very a pretty consistent mare and if you take out Estaminet it's very even.

In race four I'm aboard PIN YOUR HOPES who is trained by Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and we should be able to utilise this to give him every possible chance. He is racing really well and he's going to make his presence felt.

Race five I ride last start winner EGYPT for trainer Mark Kavanagh and now has confidence from her last start win. In this preparation she has been ultra consistent. She has come up with a nice barrier and she should get a lovely run. This race will tell us where she is destined to go to throughout the Autumn Carnival as the race is full of quality fillies.

In race six I ride the Michael Moroney trained TIVACI and he is a very nice progressive type. He has started this preparation off with a dominant win at Pakenham. He steps up against the top three-year-old colts and I had a sit on him earlier this week and I couldn't be happier with how he felt.

In race seven, the Group One Black Caviar Lightning Stakes I ride the Chris Waller trained DELECTATION. It's a small but high quality field and it looks like it's going to be very tactical as there is only one lead horse. I'm very happy with Delectation, I trialled him down the straight recently which gave me a good feel for him. He responded well to my riding and I'm going into this feature very confident. We do need a little bit of luck from the wide barrier but if we can offset that in running he will be finishing hard.

Race eight I ride UNDERESTIMATION (pictured) who is trained by Tony McEvoy who won at the course and distance this preparation with his best form being at Flemington. If we can find an excuse for his last start finishing fourth it could have been he doesn't run his best races at Caulfield. He stays on a minimum weight but we just need to offset a tricky draw. If we can do that he'll be competitive.

In the final race, race nine I ride TANSY who is trained by Byron Cozamanis who has been very competitive this preparation. I rode him last year and when he performed well down the straight. His closing sectionals last start were very good so if he holds that form I expect him to run well.

Moonee Valley Preview

Friday February 19

Tonight under lights we race at Moonee Valley and I begin the night in race one riding DUBROVNIK who is trained by John O'Shea. I was pleased with her last performance, the step up in trip will be an advantage and she meets Tears Of Joy 3kgs better on weight. She has come up with a wide draw in a small field however there does not look to be much pressure on paper so it looks like it might be a tactical affair.

Race two I'm aboard DODGING BULLETS who is trained by Symon Wilde. He is lightly raced and been ultra competitive, only out of the top two once and that was last preparation. Tactically, barrier two would be an advantage for him and if he finds his usual form he's going to take some running down.

In race five I ride the Mick Kent trained SUPIDO (pictured) who I rode to his last start win. He is a very exciting horse and I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs at Moonee Valley. I think he has been well handled and placed by his trainer and I know eventually SUPIDO will definitely find himself in Black Type races. This will be another good stepping stone for him.

In race six I ride the Chris Waller trained DANJEU who has been narrowly beaten in his last three starts. He again will tackle a similar competitive group. He stays down on the minimum and has come up with a good draw. He has also performed very well at the course which is a positive in an even contest.

Racing.com Park Preview

Thursday February 18

At Racing.com Park, a twilight meeting, I start off in race one aboard TYCOON BEAUTY trained by Amy Johnston. Her debut run was very good and closed off really well. That race has since stood up in form but she has had an operation since and has been away from the racetrack for sometime. She has trialled really nicely coming into this at Cranbourne and from the good barrier draw she should give herself every chance.

In race three I ride MEADOW SPRITE for Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra, she is a three-year-old Artie Schiller filly having debut run. Her jump out down the straight looked ok so I am looking forward to seeing her walk in the yard and how she performs.

I ride CLEMENCY who is trained by Robert Smerdon and owned Qatar Bloodstock in race six. I have trialled this mare coming into this run and felt she has really matured and I expect her to be very hard to beat.

In between races I will also be galloping SCISSOR KICK for Paul Messara as he is preparing to run in the Futurity Stakes the following Saturday. He is a Group One horse and has been off the racetrack for sometime. I am looking forward to putting him through a serious workout before he resumes in the Group One at Caulfield the following Saturday.

Sandown Preview

Wednesday February 17

I'm looking forward to returning at Sandown after my week out of the saddle.

I start my day in race two riding RUSHMORE trained by Brain Gentle. He's very consistent and steps up in trip. He has to overcome a wide barrier but this looks like a suitable race for him to break his maiden status.

In race three I ride the Luke Oliver trained ROSE DANCER. She hasn't been placed at her two outings at Sandown but she's handled the course and raced very well. She has come up with a wide barrier so we are going to need a little bit of luck but she looks like she is finding her form.

In race five I'm riding INNER CIRCLE trained by John O'Shea. He now steps up to 1400m and has come up with a really good draw. I was happy with how he had come on from his first to his second up run. This is a very competitive three-year-old benchmark 64 race and whoever wins this will definitely be in for better things over the Autumn Carnival.

Race six I'm aboard last start winner BASCULE trained by Chris Waller. Everything went to plan last start and he got his head out in front right on the line. He should derive a lot of confidence from his narrow victory. He has found himself again in another very competitive race but hopefully he'll be able to put two together like he did last year.

In race eight I ride CORDOBA trained by my father Allan and brother Jason. He ran really well last start at Moonee Valley but unfortunately, once again, he has come up with the outside barrier. He will need some luck so I'm hoping he'll be able to close off. If that's the case he'll be very competitive in this grade.

Caulfield Preview

Saturday February 6

I start in race one COMMANDING TIME trained by Brendan McCarthy. I was very happy with his last start performance. He goes down in grade and up in distance and this looks really winnable.

Race Two I ride DANJEU for Chris Waller. He has a gear change with blinkers off and the visor on and after partnering him for the second time, I feel that the experience I have had on him has helped me understand his character which will pay dividends in the race today.

PURE KARMA for SAAB HASAN is my ride in race three and he was impressive in winning last start. He's really matured and racing very well. He steps up in trip and I expect him to be hard to beat again. He should make it two in a row with luck in running.

In race five I ride LESSYD for Tony McEvoy. I thought he was solid in winning down the straight at Flemington last start. He'll have confidence from that win and I felt with that race and experience under his girth I am looking forward to seeing how he's progressed.

Race six I ride UNDERESTIMATION again for Tony McEvo. He impressed with his first up win and Tony is given him plenty of time in between runs to have him fresh. It looks like a very competitive race however he has confidence and also a low weight.

Race eight I ride the Peter Moody trained GOLD SYMPHONY and he looked a little bit disappointing on face value last start. Other than that he has been a very consistent performer. They have opted to put blinkers on him for the first time and we just need a little bit of luck from the outside barrier draw but on his best form its a winnable race.

In race nine I'm partnering BOUNDARY who is trained by Heath Conners. She has raced well her last two starts with a narrow defeat last time at the course and distance. She has again drawn favourably and she meets the horse that just beat her home last start much better on weight. The way this race will be run (with more pressure) should be in her favour.

Moonee Valley Preview

Friday February 5

Moonee Valley night meeting and the rail is out 7m which usually makes it favourable to horses on pace.

In race one i'm riding HIPSTER GIRL for Jason Warren, she has blinkers back on and has been very consistent this preparation. It is a small field and there'll be no pressure up front so I'm looking forward to seeing how it unfolds and knowing that I have a solid girl with blinkers again.

In race three I ride BRITTANY for John O'Shea, a two year old fillies race and there is only one horse in the field that has raced before. BRITTANY is a first starter and I saw her trial up in Sydney at the start of the year where she closed the race off nicely. She has drawn barrier one and hopefully I can use that to our advantage.

Race four I ride WAXING for Darren Weir and he comes into this race with confidence and a significant weight drop and I expect him to be very competitive.

In race five I'm aboard SNIP OF MAGIC for Kym Healy, he is a sprinter from Adelaide and is perfectly suited to the 955m as he looks like he has a lot of speed.

I ride MAGICUS in race six for Chris Waller who was impressive on debt at Sale. He is having his second start and if I can utilise barrier one and get around Moonee Valley he is going to be a major player.

Racing.com Park Preview

Thursday February 4

In race one I'm riding the Mick Kent trained HATTORI HANZO. He's come up with a really good barrier draw and has trialled well coming into this. He has been gelded and I expect him to be one of the main chances.

Race three I am riding AMADEUS also trained by Mick Kent. It would mean a lot for me to win this race for the Walker family as my father rode successfully in the same colours. I have seen Amadeus trial last year and I know he has ability. It is his first day at the races and if he handles the day he's going to be competitive.

In race five I ride MYSTIC trained by John O'Shea. I feel that having the run at 1600m last time will strengthen her up. She has a favourable draw in three and it gives me many options. Her form makes her one of the main chances in this race.

Race six I'm aboard REBEL RISING trained by Clinton McDonald. He has caught the eye in his past three starts by the way that he closes off. He is back in grade and it is definitely a race he can win and he will be suited by this spacious track.

Race eight I'm riding INNER CIRCLE trained by John O'Shea and he ran well first time at Moonee Valley. He steps back into a rating race and has drawn nicely so this will be a telling race in regards to the direction in where he will be placed this summer/autumn period.

Sandown Preview

Wednesday February 3

I start my day at Sandown in race one on PORTMAN trained by Danny O'Brien. He's now second up and has blinkers on for the first time and steps up in trip. Drawn favourable, i'll be disappointed if he doesn't win this maiden. I have a lot of time for him and I know he is destined for better things.

In race two I ride BELCREST LADY trained by Heath Conners who I rode last start on a day it was really hard to make ground. She was back last and I thought she stayed on really well. I have a bit more of an understanding of her and while this is a small field, it is a tricky tactical race and if she steps well from the outside draw she may give me another option than just getting back and coming home. It is good to note she has been at the distance three times and she has blinkers off for the first time today.

In race three I'm riding MALABAR MAN who is resuming from a spell and is trained by Michael Kent. He does appreciate getting out in trip and he has performed well and won first up. It is a small field and if run at a true gallop it will suit him as he is a staying horse.

In race four I'm riding the John O'Shea trained DUBROVNIK who is having her first start in Melbourne. She has shown versatility in her races and when she won on speed last start she came from last and closed off really well. She has come up with a wide barrier draw and by race four I will have an understanding how the track is playing.

Race six I'm partnering POPOVICH who is trained by Robert Smerdon. He is a very exciting horse who was impressive on debut. Since then he has trialled very nicely. This is a very competitive three year old race and I expect him to show his class.

I ride EGYPT who is trained by Mark Kavanagh in race seven and she has been ultra consistent this preparation without being out of the top three. She has drawn a wide barrier however she is a get back and run on type of horse so hopefully the race is run to suit for her to finish off.

In the last race, race eight, i'm aboard the Chris Waller trained BASCULE. He now steps up to his favoured trip of 1400m. He has drawn a little bit wide which I think will suit his race style as he hasn't been able to get into races when I have ridden him at his last two starts. All going well he'll be right in the finish.

Flemington Preview

Saturday January 30

Race One I ride SUPIDO trained by Mick Kent who is an exciting lightly raced Sebring colt. The last time he competed was the middle of last year at the same course and distance and he put in a dominant performance. I jumped him out on Monday and was delighted with how he went. I feel he has come on well from his long lay off. He has plenty of potential who will measure up in some good races and I’m looking forward to getting him back to the track to begin his Summer/Autumn preparation.

In race two I ride HAVANA who is trained by Paul Messara and is resuming from a spell. When he is on his best he can beat these horses.

Race five I’m aboard ALUCINARI who is trained by John O’Shea and I was impressed by watching her replays. She is versatile in her races and can be ridden on speed or behind and has very good acceleration in both cases. This is the first time she will be racing down the straight. If she handles the straight she will be one of the main chances in a very strong three year old event.

In race six I’m riding METIER who is trained by Tony McEvoy. Last time we saw him he closed off really well where he had blinkers on for the first time at Ballarat. He’s had a freshen up and if the track is playing even he will be closing off late.

Race seven I am back on last start winner BULLPIT who is trained by Danny O’Brien. I was very impressed with Bullpit’s performance last time at the course and distance. This is a different affair and we have drawn a low barrier number so hopefully the straight is favourable to the barrier. There will also be more pressure around him but he will have derived so much confidence from his impressive win and I’m looking forward to him stepping up to this grade to see where sits this Summer/Autumn.

In race eight I ride CAMDUS who is trained by Darren Weir and owned by Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a very exciting horse who has only had one defeat. He has come up with a really nice barrier draw and has dropped down to the minimum weight and he looks like a horse with plenty of promise.

Race nine I ride the Darren Weir trained FALAGO, he is now third up this preparation and is stepping out to a trip that he enjoys. He looks like he is really coming to hand, he loves racing at Flemington and has come up with a really nice barrier draw. If I’m able to utilise the gate he’s going to be a major player.

Moonee Valley Preview

Friday January 29

Moonee Valley racing tonight and I begin in race one on THE SQUATTER trained by Brian Gentle. She is a lightly raced four year old and has been closing off very well in her two runs to date. She usually gets back and with the rail out five meters I hope it's a night where closers can figure.

In race two I’m riding a lovely New Approach filly for Godolphin called GRIDELIN trained by John O’Shea. She has trialled well coming into this race. I have ridden her in a piece of work and was very happy with the feel she gave me. She is a girl with a lot of ability and all going well she is the one to beat.

Race four I’m aboard WEE FRANKIE, an imported horse trained by Chris Waller. He’s getting out to a trip that he appreciates. He just needs to have luck from the outside barrier draw.

In race six I am riding ROYAL APPLAUSE trained by Symon Wilde. This horse is going to need a lot of luck from an outside draw. She steps up in trip and she does look like a filly that is going to be winning her fair share of races. She will need the race run to suit to give her the best chance.

Race seven I am riding CORDOBA trained by Allan & Jason Williams. He is stepping up to a mile and is never far away from the finish. Like always he will need luck in running and if so will be competitive.

EQUIETTO trained by Darren Weir for ATB is my ride in race eight. He was very impressive on debut at Horsham. He will find a lot more pressure here compared to his debut but he does look like he has a lot of scope.

Moonee Valley Preview

Saturday January 23

In race one, the Think Big Handicap I’m riding MONOGRAM (pictured). She was impressive in her last start win. She stays down on the minimum weight, she has confidence from her recent success and she’s performed well at Moonee Valley. We will need a little bit of luck from an outside draw in a small but very competitive fillies and mares race.

In race two the Hillie’s Home Extension Handicap my ride is INNER CIRCLE another John O’Shea trained horse. He starts this preparation with a clean slate. He is having his first run in Melbourne. He has been gelded and has the blinkers off. He’s also had a look at Moonee Valley in which I rode him in trackwork, he was quite lost, but when I asked him to extend I was happy with his response. He will be ridden conservatively from the gate and if the race is run to suit I expect him to be closing off strongly.

In race three the Cube Finance Handicap over 1200m I ride CALAVERITE, my third O’Shea trained horse. She has been impressive at the course and distance. She worked here leading into the race and I couldn’t be happier with the way she felt. She has come up with a good barrier draw, she makes her own luck and is going to be a great chance.

In race six, the Campolina Handicap I’m aboard BULLISH STOCK who is trained by David Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He’s been racing very consistently. He comes up with a wide barrier draw and he’s going to be a really strong chance in this open benchmark 78 race.

In the Jeep Australia Stakes, race seven, I rode HOLLER, another trained by John O’Shea. He was very dominant in his last preparation at the course and distance against his own age. He’s worked well coming into the race and if he can have a little bit of luck from a wide draw I expect him to be there at the end.

Caulfield Preview

Tuesday January 26

Australia Day is always a great race day at Caulfield. In all the races the horses with the number one saddle cloth get to wear the Australian Flag colours.

I start off in race one riding BOUNDARY and she has drawn perfectly to get every chance from an inside barrier. It is a small field but every runner can win if they have luck on the day.

In race two I’m riding COMMANDING TME and he’s getting out to a trip that he likes. There doesn’t seem to be too much pressure on paper so if he can utilise his gate he should find himself in a threatening position and I expect him to run well as he usually does at Caulfield.

I race three we see the first batch of two-year-olds targeting the Blue Diamond in the Blue Diamond Preview for colts and geldings. I ride WEATHERLY and he is having his first start. I have trialled him at Balnarring and he has given me a feel of a very smart horse. He is still learning his trade so he’ll need a little bit of luck but he is a horse of high potential.

In race six, i’m riding LIFE OF BRIAN who has also come up with a wide barrier draw. He does get back in running and it does look like it's going to be run at a slow tempo. He is going to need a little bit of luck but he definitely looks like a horse with nice staying ability.

AMORINO is my ride in race seven and this is the race that I’m privileged to wear the Australian colours. It’s great to see this horse back on track for Archie Alexander. I had high hopes for Amorino in the Spring and unfortunately injury cut his carnival short. He’s come up with a really good barrier draw, has won at the course and distance, and if he is back to his best this is a really good race for him to begin his Autumn preparation.

Happy Australia Day everyone!!

Racing.com Park Preview

Thursday January 21

I'm looking forward to getting out and feeling the vibe of a new permanent fixture in racing which is the twilight meeting tonight at Racing.com Park.

I start off in race one riding PORTMAN for Danny O'Brien and Qatar Bloodstock. He's quiet an exciting horse and in his debut run finished a closing third behind Jalan Jalan. Since then he is lucky to be alive as he has had major surgery. I am looking forward to him getting back to the track. I have trialled him in preparation for today's race and was happy with the way he has come back. He has drawn an awkward barrier and although he is still learning his trade he's got plenty of ability.

In race two I am riding GRUOSI for trainer Brent Stanley and Musk Creek Farm. I did trial him last year and he was put aside to have a spell after that experience to fill out and develop. The stable has a really good handle on two-year-olds this season, Brent has won a few races with them so he'll have a very good understanding of this horse and if Gruosi can measure up with a field of first starters.

Race six I'm riding PENDLES for Darren Weir. He has a favourable draw in one. He has been racing very consistently and I expect him to be of the main chances.

In race seven I am riding BASCULE for Chris Waller, he walked into the yard last start and had a really good attitude and showed he was back to his best. He does gets back in his races and has a tendency to lay in so he always need a little bit of luck but this is the right race and if he gets that luck he'll go close to winning.

Geelong Preview

Wednesday January 20

I start my day at Geelong in race four riding HONOURABLE TYCOON who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. He has showed in his last two starts that he is right back to his best form. He's coming down in grade and we have drawn an awkward barrier so will need some luck. On his best form he'll be the one to beat. In a previous start at Geelong he has performed well finishing second.

Race seven I am aboard the Saab Hasan trained PURE KARMA and his two runs this preparation have been solid. He steps up in trip which won't be an issue for him, he's drawn nicely and will be hitting the line really hard.

Flemington Preview

Saturday January 16

I have a solid book of rides at Flemington and I start my day in race one riding the Tony McEvoy trained two year old LESSYD. He has been very competitive in his two starts closing off well. Having race experience will help him having his first look at the Flemington straight.

In race two I ride BOUNDARY who is trained by Heath Conners. She has been racing very well and is a course and winner at the distance. On her best form she will be very competitive but will need some luck from the outside barrier draw.

DANJEU is my ride in race four and is trained by Chris Waller. He is a stayer with good ability and has really found form. He comes back in distance and he is going to be the one to beat.

In race five, in the Mitty’s Racing Colour’s Handicap, I ride BASCULE for Chris Waller. He showed last start he is back to his best form. It is his first run down the straight and if he brings his best form he is one of the main chances however there needs to be three scratchings for him to gain a start as he is fourth emergency.

In the Inglis Dash, race six, I ride MOSSIN’ AROUND who is trained by John Thompson. She is lightly raced and ran a very good second last start down the Flemington straight and she drops back from 1200m to 1100m so will need to be a little bit sharper.

In race seven, the Chester Manifold Stakes I ride SARAJEVO trained by John O’Shea. He had no luck last start down the straight. The step up in distance will suit. He has come up with a wide barrier draw but he seems comfortable with more galloping room. I expect him to be hitting the line really hard.

In the Piping Lane Handicap, race eight, I ride the John O’Shea trained ALLERGIC. He looks like he is building up to this race and with a good barrier draw, down in the weights he is one of the main chances.