Flemington Preview

Today I’m riding at Flemington. The rail is out 4 metres and the track is rated in the good range with rain predicted throughout the afternoon.

Race 4 is the Kennedy Oaks Trial over 1800 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is BREEZE ’N’ LUNA (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Mongolian Khan made her debut at Mornington over 1500 metres where she finished fifth and less than two lengths from the winner. She jumped from a low barrier at Mornington and showed nice natural speed, which will be different from today where she will start from a wide barrier. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race and how the track will race. If we have luck in running and she has taken natural improvement from her debut run she can make her presence felt. This will be a good opportunity to assess her leading into the Spring and the path she may take towards possible feature races.

Race 6 is the AAMI Victoria Derby Trial over 1800 metres for three-year-old colts and geldings, my ride here is DUBAI CENTRE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This gelding by Pride of Dubai is raced by Peter Devitt. He had two starts as a two-year-old where he was well beaten in both on soft and heavy ground before being sent for a spell. I had my first ride on him when he resumed at Geelong over 1500 metres, he started from a wide barrier and was a little bit fresh and keen in running and settled outside of the leader. His effort was pleasing in the circumstances and he stayed on nicely to finish second and just over a length from the winner, with the winner looking to be a promising horse. Hopefully with the benefit of a first-up run under his belt Dubai Centre will be a lot more settled today and he will also have taken a good amount of fitness benefit from that run as he steps up in distance, and he can measure up to this grade. His performance today will dictate the path he takes for the rest of his Spring campaign.

Race 7 is the BM78 Henley Homes APC Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is SUKOOT (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This six-year-old gelding by Savabeel is raced by Uluru Stud. He’s been a very consistent galloper throughout his career and has a record of four wins and nine placings from 22 starts. He is deep into his racing preparation and comes into this with good confidence levels as he is a last start winner over the same distance. He has good form on soft and heavy ground, so if the predicted rain arrives that will be of no disadvantage to him. He will start from a wide barrier today and by this race we will have a good understanding of how the track is playing. He looks well placed today and if we have luck in running he will be one of the main chances. 

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch the video preview below:

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is out 5 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 3 is the DMB Contracting Maiden Plate over 1726 metres, my ride here is ROUSSEAU who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old colt by So You Think is raced by Star Thoroughbreds and partners. He’s had four starts and finished second in his debut run as a two-year-old on heavy ground at Warwick Farm in April. He’s had two runs this preparation as a three-year-old and resumed at Warwick Farm over 1300 metres where he finished fifth behind the promising Joviality. His most recent start was at the Bendigo metropolitan meeting in a strong 3YO maiden where he closed the race off well to finish less than two lengths from the winner. The form from last start will stand up going forward into the Spring and is a good reference for his third-up run today. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are from the wide draw as he is stepping up in distance to 1700 metres for the first time. It looks like he has nice ability and if we have luck in running he can win this.

Race 4 is the All Time Plumbing Three-Years-Old Fillies Maiden Plate over 1121 metres, my ride here is ZELIFY who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Snitzel is raced by Nick Vass Bloodstock and partners. She had one start as a two-year-old last season on heavy ground in New South Wales where she started favourite, and finished less than 3 three lengths from the winner. She’s had two official trials in NSW in preparation for her return and this will be her first time racing the Melbourne way of going. She will start from a wide barrier and has shown natural speed previously, so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race and how she handles her first run in Victoria.

Race 8 is the Rex Gorell Volkswagen BM64 Handicap over 1726 metres, my ride here is WAIRERE FALLS (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Savabeel is a half-brother to Sacred Falls and is raced by Go Racing. He’s had six race starts for a record of one win and two minor placings. I rode him in a jumpout at the start of this preparation before he went on to win his maiden at this track over 1200 metres. Since winning his maiden he’s had three more runs and has been racing very consistently with strong form lines around him coming into this. This will be his first attempt at this distance and he too will start from a wide barrier draw. If we have luck in running this is a race he can be very competitive in and he looks well placed to record his second win.

Race 9 is the Ritchie Bros. BM64 Handicap over 1421 metres, my ride here is KUZCO LAD who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by Zoustar runs in the colours of Blue Sky Bloodstock. It took him seven attempts to win his maiden and he did that last start, in his first Victorian run when I rode him at this course over 1200 metres. The stable has reported that he has taken good confidence from his win and I’m looking forward to seeing him again pre-race. He is stepping up in distance from last start and has drawn a wide barrier. His dominant win last start showed that he has the ability to measure up to this grade and he should take a lot of beating with luck in running. 

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo where it’s a metropolitan meeting. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the TAC Be Races Ready BM78 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is MASTER SHUHOOD (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported six-year-old gelding by Tamayuz has had 32 starts for a record of five wins and nine placings. He is a very fit horse who is deep into his racing preparation and drops back in distance from 2500 metres last start. This is a small but competitive field and if he runs up to his best form he will be one of the main chances.

Race 3 is the Rankins Catering BM70 Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro runs in the colours of Ingham Racing. He’s had 18 starts with a record of two wins and six minor placings. I rode him in both of his wins which came last preparation over 1600 metres. I rode him first up this preparation and he comes into this race a fit horse having had four runs this campaign. I rode him at his most recent start at this course over 1600 metres where we finished third in BM64 grade. He is dropping back 100 metres in distance today, will start from a low barrier and is racing up in grade but drops in weight from last start. Even though it is a small field there does look to be a lot of pressure on paper which should suit my horse and he looks a genuine contender in this.

Race 7 is the Two Sisters Catering Fillies and Mares BM70 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is GOLDIFOX who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This five-year-old mare by Foxwedge is raced by Bennett Racing and partners. She’s had 19 race starts for a record of two wins and five minor placings and is a Flemington winner in this grade of race. She’s had one start this preparation where she closed off really well from back in the field over 1200 metres to finish fourth and 2.45 lengths from the winner. From her four attempts second-up she has a record of two wins and a second placing and she seems to race well early in her preparation. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and she looks well placed here to add to her consistent second up record.

Race 8 is the Silk Day Spa BM70 Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is KING LOUIS (NZ) who is trained by Simon Morrish. This five-year-old gelding by Equiano stared his career racing in New Zealand before being imported to Australia last year. Since arriving to Australia he hasn’t recaptured his best NZ form that saw him a Group 3 winner over 1200 metres at Ellerslie. He has the blinkers added to his head gear today and comes into his first up run with a solid jumpout effort at Burrumbeet under his belt where he won nicely. If he finds his best New Zealand form he can be competitive in this. 

Cranbourne Preview

Today I’m riding at Cranbourne. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Claire Cook 3YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is RETURN TO ME who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Not a Single Doubt has had one start where she finished midfield on a heavy track at Bendigo on 21^stAugust. She started from a low barrier draw on that day and after showing nice natural speed from the barriers settled third in running over 1100 metres. It was a solid enough debut from her in the conditions and it will be interesting to see how she performs on a slightly firmer surface today with the benefit of a first up run under her belt and the slight step up in distance.

Race 5 is the Jordan King BM70 Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is GOLDEN GORGE who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This four-year-old gelding by Mossman is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price, of Price Bloodstock Management. He is lightly raced having had only six starts and has a record of two wins and two third placings, and he subsequently had excuses following his two unplaced runs, so he is a very consistent galloper. This will be his first attempt racing over the short course of 1000 metres but he has won over 1100m. He races here first up today and has winning form on soft ground. He has drawn an economical barrier and I’m hoping that he is fresh enough to utilise the inside draw and travel within his comfort zone. If he races up to his best form, he will make his presence felt.

Race 7 is the Peter McEvoy BM64 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is MONAAFASAH (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported five-year-old mare by Cape Cross is raced by Go Racing and partners. She is very lightly raced for her age having had seven starts for a record of one win and a third placing, with both of those being in Europe. I rode her at the end of her first preparation in Australia over 2200 metres at Geelong. This is now her second preparation on Australian soil and she races here second up this campaign. Her first up run saw her finish 4.5 lengths from the winner at Sandown over 1300 metres and she will appreciate the step up in distance today. She will start from a wide barrier and this run will help her progress into her preparation as she continues to step up in distance with racing. 

Flemington Preview

Craig rides at Flemington today. Watch the video preview below:

Mornington Preview

Today I’m riding at Mornington. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 2 is the Musk Creek Farm Maiden Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is MEDIA STATEMENT who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Press Statement is raced by Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm and is making her debut today. She’s been well educated and had a couple of jumpouts at a Flemington in preparation for her debut run. This will be my first time riding her and after watching her replays she looked to show nice natural speed and ability. I’m looking forward to riding her and seeing how she performs under raceday conditions and pressure for the first time. Musk Creek Farm who sponsor this race is owned by good friends of mine and it would be an honour to win a race that they sponsor. 

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit. The rail is out 10 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is a 3YO Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is AND SHE WAS who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. I rode this filly by Shamus Award when she made her debut at this course on the Lakeside circuit over 1400 metres three weeks ago. She started from a wide barrier and was ridden back in the field, it took a lot of encouragement to get her to travel in running, but with firm motivation she really closed the race off well. I expect she will have taken natural improvement from her debut run and it will be interesting to see how she performs on a firmer surface today. She has drawn a wide barrier again today in a smaller field than last start and is stepping up 200 metres in distance, which should be to her advantage. Provided the race works out for her and she has taken natural improvement from her first up effort, she will definitely make her presence felt.

Race 3 is a BM64 3YO Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is SQUAMI who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This gelding by Squamosa runs in the colours of First Light Racing. He’s had four race starts for one win, with all of those being when he was a two-year-old. This will be my first ride on him. He races here second up this preparation and comes into this as a last start winner. He will start from a favourable barrier draw and is stepping up in distance from last start. This is a strong field of three-year-old’s and I expect him to be very competitive in this race as he comes into this full of confidence from his last start win.

Race 6 is a BM70 Handicap over 1000 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is VAHVUUS who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This lightly raced five-year-old mare by Congrats has had 14 race starts for a record of two wins and four placings. I had my first ride on her at the start of this preparation when she resumed at this course and distance, finishing second to the promising Bless Her. Vahvuus has been racing consistently in her four runs this campaign without winning. She will start from a low barrier draw and carries the minimum weight of 56 kilos. She looks well placed to continue her consistent form and there is no doubt she will make her presence felt.

Race 7 is a BM78 Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is SAPPHIRE CROWN (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This promising four-year-old gelding by Hallowed Crown is lightly raced having had only four starts with a record of two wins and two placings. I’ve done a lot of work on him in training and jumpouts and had my first ride on him last start at this course and distance, finishing a narrow second on a track rated a soft 7. I’ve always felt that even though he is effective on soft ground that he is more confident in his action on a firmer surface. He goes up in grade today from last start and drops 2.5 kilos in weight. He is racing slightly out of his handicap based on his rating, but I see the benefit of running him again at the same course and distance as last start as he will be better for that experience as he struggled going down the hill and took some time to balance up in the straight before closing the race off nicely. If he runs up to his recent form he is the horse they all have to beat and I’m looking forward to riding him again.

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is a 3YO Maiden Plate over 1500 metres, my ride here is DUBAI CENTRE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This gelding by Pride of Dubai is raced by Peter Devitt. He’s had two unplaced starts with both of those being when he was a two-year-old in city grade. He races first up today and this will be his first attempt over the distance. It will be interesting to see how he performs on raceday in his first run as a three-year-old.

Race 2 is the 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is VILANCULOS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Crowded House is raced by Wyadup Valley Farm. She is making her debut today and although I haven’t ridden her, I have seen two of her jumpouts at Flemington. She will start from a wide barrier in a capacity field of fillies that are mostly unraced. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are and how she handles her first day at the races.

Race 3 is the Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is KUZCO LAD who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by Zoustar runs in the colours of Blue Sky Bloodstock. He’s had six starts for a record of two second and two third placings, only missing a top three placing twice, with both of those unplaced runs being last preparation where he wasn’t beaten far. All of his races have been in N.S.W and the A.C.T and this will be his first run in Victoria. I have ridden him in a jumpout at Flemington in preparation for his second-up run and felt that he is a horse with an extravagant action that gave me a nice feel, and on that jumpout he has the ability to win today. If we have luck in running from the wide barrier draw and he reproduces his jumpout effort he will take a lot of beating.

Race 5 is a BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is SHAMAL LASS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This five-year-old mare by Artie Schiller has had 11 starts for a record of two wins and three placings, she is also a course and distance winner, and has a good record over this distance range. She will start from a wide barrier draw and is a horse that usually settles midfield or worse. She races here second up this preparation and is returning to racing on a firmer surface after closing off really well last start on a heavy ground at Warrnambool. She hasn’t missed a top thee placing when racing second up from two attempts and looks well placed to be very competitive here.

Race 8 is the BM78 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This six-year-old gelding by Encosta de Lago is raced by the Hawtin family. I had my first ride on him last start at Sandown when he resumed on heavy ground and he raced extremely well on a track that had deteriorated by the end of the day. He finished fifth and 4.6 lengths from the winner with all of the horses beating him home having race fitness on their side. He comes into this with a nice gap between runs and will have taken fitness benefit from his first up effort. He meets the winner of his first up effort, Proper Rogue, again today and they will carry level weights in this event and we have drawn a lot more favourably. I’m looking forward to riding him again and he will take a lot of beating in this. 

Moonee Valley Preview

Craig rides at Moonee Valley today. Watch the video preview below:

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo where it’s a metropolitan meeting. The rail is out 4 metres and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Vale Subzero 3YO Maiden Plate over 1300 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is INDICTMENT who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This colt by Street Boss has had four starts for two third placings, with all of those being when he was a two-year-old. He has been tested at stakes level and is a horse that looks to have above average ability. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him and seeing how much he has matured and developed. He has drawn a wide barrier but if the track is playing fairly and allowing horse to close off, and he has taken natural improvement from his first preparation he can be one of the main chances.
It’s a fitting tribute that this race is named in honour of the late Subzero, a horse who was not only a talented race horse but did so much for our sport off the track in his career post racing.

Race 2 is the Bendigo Cup 28th October BM78 Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is KENTUCKY TORNADO (USA) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported mare by Mizzen Mast is raced by Brad Spicer, Brae Sokolski and partners. I’ve won on her two times at the end of her last preparation when she raced over this distance range at Sandown. I was reacquainted with her last start and third up this preparation when we raced on a heavy 10 at Moonee Valley, she tried very hard but the ground was far too heavy for her liking. She returns to racing on a firmer surface today and meets a small field. She has a versatile racing pattern and it will be interesting to see what my instructions are. On her best form she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is The Big Screen Company Class 1 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is EARLY MORNING RISE (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Fastnet Rock runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She is lightly raced having had 10 starts for a record of one win and five placings. I rode her last start when she resumed on a heavy 8 at Sandown over 1300 metres and she didn’t have any favours in the run and put in a very good effort to finish less than two lengths from the winner. She returns to racing on a firmer surface today and provided she has taken natural fitness improvement from her first up run, she will take a lot of beating in this small but competitive field.

Race 6 is the Bendigo Mazda BM64 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Ingham Racing. I’ve ridden him in both of his wins last preparation. He races here fourth up this preparation and comes into this having finished second last start at Sandown over 1600 metres. He will start from a middle barrier draw and is a horse that tends to settle in the second half of the field, so if the race is run to suit him and the track is playing fairly, I expect him to be very competitive.

Race 8 is TAC Be Races Ready BM70 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is CHAILLOT who is trained by Archie Alexander. This four-year-old mare by Testa Rossa is unbeaten in her two career starts and is now raced by OTI Racing. Her two races starts and wins came as a two-year-old, winning on debut at Ballarat over 1200 metres before progressing to Listed grade at Flemington where I rode her over 1400 metres. She has been off the track for over a year and I’m really looking forward to seeing her return to the races today. She is a talented mare and even though she is resuming after a long layoff, she can make her presence felt first up today.

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch the video preview below:

Mornington Preview

Today I’m riding at Mornington. The rail is out 8 metres and the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 3 is the Kathleen Griffiths Plate (maiden) over 1200 metres, my ride here is NOT A ZAK (NZ) who is trained by Jason Warren & Dean Krongold. This three-year-old gelding by El Roca is raced by Grand Syndicates. He is lightly raced having had four starts and is building a consistent record with three placings and the only time he has missed the top three was on debut where he finished fifth. His last three runs were all at the end of last season and I rode him in two of those in 2YO Handicap grade, at Moonee Valley and Sandown respectively. He has very good form lines coming into this and has been competing against Spring contenders. I feel this horse has above average ability and I’m looking forward to riding him again. I have ridden him in a jumpout in preparation for today’s race and felt that he has strengthened up since the last time I saw him. We will start from a wide barrier and this will be his first attempt racing on heavy ground. If we have luck from the wide draw and he handles the track, on his best form, he will take a lot of beating.

Race 4 is the Douglas Wong Plate (maiden) over 1000 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is ALL STARDOM who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This gelding by All Too Hard is raced by Graebar Park and is making his debut today. I rode him in a jumpout at Sandown last week in the lead up to his debut and he gave me a nice feel. He was very new to it all at Sandown but he showed me glimpse of really good ability. If he puts it all together under raceday pressure and conditions for the first time, he can win this.

Race 7 is the Class 1 Barry Weller Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is MENSA MISSILE who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This four-year-old gelding by Smart Missile runs in the colours of First Light Racing. He’s had three lifetime starts, all last season when he raced in NSW. He races first up today and I’ve ridden him in two jumpouts at Flemington in preparation for his return to racing. His first jumpout was without blinkers where he went nicely, but with the blinkers added to his head gear for his next jumpout, his effort was very good on the Flemington course proper. He wears the blinkers on raceday today for the first time and also has a tongue tie added to his head gear. He hasn’t been exposed to heavy ground so that is an unknown factor if the track doesn’t improve throughout the day. If he handles the ground and runs up to his recent jumpout efforts he will be right in this at the finish. 

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit, which is the longer of the two straights at Sandown. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the heavy range. After scratchings I am left with one ride for the meeting.

Race 2 is the BM70 IVE > Print Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is SAPPHIRE CROWN (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This four-year-old gelding by Hallowed Crown is lightly raced and looks to be a progressive talent with a record of two wins and a third placing from three starts. He hasn’t been exposed to heavy ground, with all of his starts being on tracks rated in the soft range. He won his maiden impressively on debut at Werribee and then had a gap between runs. I rode him prior to his second up run in a piece of work at Sandown and he gave me a nice feel when working on rain affected ground, he didn’t feel like he loved the conditions but he still got through the ground nicely. I then rode him again in a jumpout prior to his most recent start and he went impressively. I have jumped him out again since that run in preparation for today’s assignment and he went very well for me in that effort at Caulfield. He is dropping back in distance to the 1000 metres today and this will be his first attempt over the shorter course. If he handles the track conditions under raceday pressure he is the horse they all have to beat. 

Moonee Valley Preview

Craig rides at Moonee Valley today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. The rail is out 2 metres and the track is rated in the soft range. There is typical extreme Melbourne weather forecast for today where it’s possible we could get strong winds, rain and even hail, so it will be interesting to see how it alters the racing surface.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Go The Distance Handicap (Maiden) over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is AND SHE WAS who is trained by Ken & Kasey Keys. This daughter of Shamus Award is having her first race start. I have ridden her in a jumpout in preparation for her debut and she gave me a nice enough feel. She has had another jumpout since I rode her and we see her for the first time under race conditions today. If she handles the day and has luck from an outside barrier then she should be able to make her presence felt in this competitive maiden.

Race 3 is the Class 1 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is EARLY MORNING RISE (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Fastnet Rock runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She started her career racing in New Zealand and since arriving to Australia has been racing consistently, winning her maiden at her second start of a campaign that consisted of six runs. I had my first ride on her in a Group 3 race at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres where she finished less than 2.5 lengths from the winner, I felt that the tight turning circuit of Moonee Valley didn’t suit her at that point of her career adding further merit to her effort. She races here first up this preparation and I have ridden her in a recent jumpout at Flemington and was impressed with how she went. She will start from a wide barrier and it will be interesting to see what the instructions are from the draw. If she brings her best form today she will be one of the main chances. It’s worthwhile noting that she is unplaced on soft and heavy ground from two attempts, so it will be interesting to see how the track plays and how she handles the conditions.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC who is trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. This six-year-old gelding by Encosta de Lago is raced by Keith and Brendon Hawtin. I had an association with the Hawtin family when I was a stable rider for one season in Dubai many years ago, and it would be nice to be able to repay them today with a win. SIMPLY OPTIMISTIC races first up here and has a record of three wins from five attempts when racing fresh. Even though he is consistent and competitive on all surfaces he does relish soft and heavy ground. He will start from a middle barrier draw and there does look to be a good amount of pressure and speed in this race, which will suit his run style. With luck in running and on his best form he can win this first up. 

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch the video preview below:

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit. The rail is out 12 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is MISS BOSETTI who is trained by Peter & Paul Snowden. This daughter of Snitzel has had four lifetime starts for one win. She races here fourth up this preparation and I rode her last start at this course and distance on heavy ground, where she didn’t get clear running and finished less than two lengths from the winner. I felt that with clear galloping room last start she would have been right in the finish. She comes into today four weeks between runs and will start from a low barrier draw. With luck in running she will be take a lot of beating in this.

Race 3 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1000 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is TANNER who is trained by Simon Morrish. This gelding by Reward for Effort has had six starts for a record of two wins and a second placing. He won when racing first up this preparation at Ballarat on the synthetic track and is racing second up today over the same distance. He comes into this with confidence from his last start win and is returning to racing on a turf surface. He is a horse with natural speed and always races in a forward position. He has drawn an outside barrier today and provided he has come on from his first up effort in BM64 grade this will be the next step up for him as he continues to progress in his career.

Race 4 is the BM64 John Gourley Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is PLATINI who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This gelding by Charge Forward is raced by First Light Racing and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had only three starts. His first start was in a very strong two-year-old race at Flemington where he ran credibly to finish fourth and just over a length behind a future Group 1 winner in Microphone. He returned as a three-year-old to be a beaten favourite at Moe last month on heavy ground before breaking his maiden last start at Pakenham on the synthetic track over 1200 metres. He returns to racing on a turf surface for his third up run and comes into this with confidence from that win. We will need some luck from an outside barrier but if things fall into place for him, his form is strong enough for him to be very competitive.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is MONMOUTH who is trained by Allison Bennett. This five-year-old gelding by Pendragon has been racing consistently throughout his career and has a record of four wins and 12 minor placings from 36 starts. He has been well managed by his trainer as he’s had a long preparation and has been ultra-consistent in his performances. I had my first ride on him last start at Sandown on the Lakeside track in BM78 grade where we finished just over three lengths from the winner on a heavy track. He now drops back in grade and carries the same minimum weight as last start. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit from the low barrier draw and looks well placed to take a lot of beating today in this grade.

Race 7 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ARCTIC SHOCK (NZ) who is trained by John & Chris Meagher. This four-year-old daughter of Shocking is deep into her racing preparation having had six runs so far this campaign. I’ve ridden her twice in her career, including last start at Sandown on the Lakeside track over 2100 metres on soft ground where we finished just over six lengths from the winner. She returns to racing against fillies and mares today and also drops back in grade and distance. She has a versatile racing pattern which will be to her advantage looking at how this field will settle in running. She is carrying the top weight but the weight spread from top to bottom is only five kilos on ratings. If she runs up to her best form she will be right in this at the finish as she is very fit horse that is dropping back in distance.

Race 8 is the BM78 Vale Scales Of Justice Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is HIGH EXCALEBRATION who is trained by Jerome Hunter. This four-year-old mare by Excelebration is raced by Graebar Park. She is a lightly raced mare for her age having had only nine starts and producing a great record of three wins and two second placings. She is racing first up this preparation and her record when racing fresh is one win and a second placing from three attempts. If we have luck from an outside barrier I expect she will run up to her consistent and competitive race record.

Flemington Preview

Craig rides at Flemington today. Watch the video preview below:

Seymour Preview

Today I’m riding at Seymour. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the PARKER BROS EARTHMOVING Maiden Plate over 1200 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is FLYING NOSTRA who is trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr). This daughter of Nostradamus is making her raceday debut today and has had two jumpouts at Caulfield in preparation. I rode her at her most recent jumpout on heavy ground and her effort was solid. She displayed a great attitude and was very professional and performed nicely and quickened up well to get through the ground. If she runs up to her jumpout effort and has luck from the barrier she will take a lot of beating. 

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. Watch the video preview below:

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. The rail is out seven metres and the track is rated in the heavy range. There has been a lot of rain in the past few days and the track will be a genuine heavy surface.

Race 1 is the Good Health Mrs King Plate over 1200 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is ZACOUVER (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This race is named after Mrs King, who is the wife of the late Frankie King who was a master of apprentices and a top trainer. Mrs King looked after apprentices and jockey’s when we were competing at Melbourne Racing Club venues. She always made sure that we never went without on racedays and the riders always felt that she was like a Nana to all, so it would be special if I was able to win a race named in her honour as she is currently recovering in hospital. ZACOUVER is a filly by Vancouver who has had two starts for a second and fourth placing. She hasn’t been exposed to heavy ground with her two starts being on good and soft surfaces where she finished less than a length from the winner. She is a filly that seems to make her own luck in running and is dropping back slightly in distance from 1300 metres last start to 1200 today, so she will have fitness on her side. She should get every favour from the low barrier draw and if she handles the track conditions will be very hard to beat.

Race 5 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is MONMOUTH who is trained by Allison Bennett. This five-year-old gelding by Pendragon has had 35 race starts for a consistent record of four wins and twelve minor placings. He is a 62 rated horse and drops three kilos in weight from his last two starts where he carried 59 kilos. He is an extremely fit horse and comes into this with winning form at the distance and hasn’t missed a top two placing from four runs on heavy ground. He has drawn to gain an economical run from the low barrier draw and on his best form can make his presence felt.

Flemington Preview

Craig rides at Flemington today. Watch the video preview below: