Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is LADY BROOK who is trained by Phil Sweeney. This filly by Hinchinbrook has had two starts for two wins over the border in NSW. She has started favourite in both of her runs and has produced dominant winning efforts. She is well weighted in this field after her two wins and carries 57.5 kilos. This is a small but highly competitive field of three-year-old’s and I’m expecting her acquit herself really well and be very competitive.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1300 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is NOT A ZAK (NZ) who is trained by Jason Warren. This gelding by El Roca is raced by Grand Syndicates. He’s had three lifetime starts over two preparations, and runs here third-up this campaign. His two runs this preparation have seen him run second at Sale and I rode him last start at Moonee Valley where we finished third and less than a length from the winner. He comes through very strong form lines and I was impressed with the way that he performed last start, and his attitude on raceday. I’m looking forward to having my second ride on him and he should take a lot of beating in this, with luck from the wide barrier draw. This preparation will set him up well and help him mature leading into the Spring and it will be interesting to see the level he can reach.

Race 3 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This five-year-old mare by Elzaam has been well managed by her trainer and his team as every time I’ve ridden her throughout her career she has run extremely well. She doesn’t seem to have much luck in running when she starts from a wide barrier but always puts up a game effort. She will start from a middle barrier today and stays in the same grade of race as last start and is racing in her preferred distance range. If she runs up to her consistent form she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 4 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is GRAND DE FLORA (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She is an exciting filly with good promise who, since arriving in Australia has had three runs for two wins. I had my first ride on her last start at this course and distance where she was dominant on soft ground. She drops a kilo in weight from her last start win as she is racing against the older horses today and if she brings that form, she will take a lot of beating.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is TOUCH OF MINK who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five-year-old mare by Not a Single Doubt is raced by the Mystery Downs Syndicate and partners. I rode her last start at Mornington where she was racing after a gap between runs and was dropping back sharply in distance. She was slow out of the barriers and she had excuses as no horses made ground away from the rail on the day where she was, so it was a forgive run. She comes into today with a gear change of the ear muffs coming off and hopefully this can help her produce an improved performance with a slight step up to a distance she has solid form over.

Race 6 is the BM78 MRC Foundation Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SPIRIT OF AQUADA who is trained by Gareth Andrews. This five-year-old gelding by Bel Esprit is raced by the Mahomed family. He has been a consistent galloper throughout his career with a record of three wins and fifteen placings from 30 starts. He races here fourth up this preparation and his first two runs this campaign were excellent on heavy ground. His most recent run was on a track where it was very hard to be away from the rail and win, so it can be a forgive run. He will start from a low barrier and there looks to be a nice amount of pressure in the race and on his best form, there is no doubt he can be very competitive.

Race 7 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is ARCTIC SHOCK (NZ) who is trained by John & Chris Meagher. This four-year-old mare by Shocking has a race record of three wins and ten placings from 18 starts. I’ve ridden her once before, winning over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley and I haven’t ridden her since then. She has been racing extremely consistently and competitively this preparation without winning and looks well placed again today. She will start from a favourable barrier draw and is stepping up to the 2100 metres for the first time this preparation. I’m looking forward to being reunited with her and hopefully maintaining our unbeaten record together.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is ACCORDINGLY (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old mare by Ocean Park is lightly raced having had 13 starts for a record of two wins and three placings. One of those wins came two starts ago at the start of this preparation when she resumed at Ballarat. She is third-up today and is stepping up in distance to 2100 metres after having two runs at the mile. If we have luck in running and she races kindly for me she can make her presence felt in this event.

Caulfield Preview

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

Geelong Preview

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

Race 4 is the Charles Rose Jewellers Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is FENYX who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly is by Smart Missile. She’s had one start where I rode her on debut at this course and distance. She handled the day well and was very professional in her attitude. She was a little bit slow out of the barriers before travelling nicely into the race, I thought at the top of the straight she was going to fight out the finish and she lengthened without accelerating to the line, to finish fourth. I felt that she would take natural improvement and fitness benefit from her debut run and I’m looking forward to seeing how she presents and performs today. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is MISS BOSETTI who is trained by Peter & Paul Snowden. This daughter of Snitzel has had three race starts for one win. She broke her maiden last start at Mornington in a two-year-old handicap over 1000 metres on soft ground. All of her three runs have been solid efforts and she races here third up this preparation. I’m hoping she can repeat her performance from last start again today on heavy ground and she will take confidence from that win. She will start from a low barrier draw and is a speedy horse that makes her own luck in running. If she handles the track conditions she will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is MASERARTIE BAY who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This gelding by Artie Schiller has had seven starts for two wins and a third placing. His two wins came from his first two starts, winning his maiden at Kyneton before winning again in BM58 grade at Seymour. He progressed to city grade later in that preparation and without winning, ran extremely well before being sent for a spell at the end of last year. His first up run this preparation was at Ballarat on the synthetic surface over 1200 metres where he closed of solidly, and he now steps up to the mile for his second up run. He has never raced on rain affected ground so the track conditions will be a query for him. It gives me confidence that his trainers are happy to run him on heavy ground, that they believe he will handle it. If we have luck from the wide barrier draw and he finds his best form in what is a very competitive race, he will be amongst the chances.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is BARTHOLOMEU DIAS (GB) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This imported gelding by Mount Nelson runs in the colours of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. His European form is very strong as he competed in their top staying races with success. His overall record is three wins and six placings from 19 starts. He finished fourth in his first run on Australian soil over 1600 metres in May, where he was less than a length from the winner. He steps up to 1800 metres for his second up run which will be more to his liking and this will be his first attempt on heavy ground. If he has taken natural improvement from his first up run and handles the ground, he will be winning this.

Race 6 is the BM78 MRC Foundation Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is STELLAR IMPACT who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This five-year-old mare by Deep Impact started her career racing in Japan before being imported to Australia. From her five runs in Australia she has never finished further back than second over two preparations and has started favourite in all of her runs. I rode her for the first time two starts ago at Cranbourne where we won, and again last start at Mornington where we finished second. I felt she didn’t appreciate the tight turns of the Mornington track last start and believe she will enjoy the open turns at Sandown. She steps up to the 2400 metres for the first time today and is competing against the boys after racing in fillies and mares grade last start and drops two kilos in weight from that run. After riding her in a recent piece of track work I feel that she is holding her form. She will start from an inside barrier and has drawn to gain an economical run in transit. She races on speed and if she handles the heavy conditions she will take a lot of running down and I’m looking forward to riding her again.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1000 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is VAHVUUS who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This four-year-old mare by Congrats has had 10 lifetime starts for a record of two wins and three placings, which is a 50% strike rate. She races here first up this preparation and her overall form when racing fresh is two placings from three attempts. She is a mare that took a while to win her maiden, but she backed that up by winning her next start. Her two wins have been at this distance on soft and good rated tracks. I have watched a replay of her recent jumpout at Geelong in preparation for today’s race and I’m looking forward to seeing how she measures up in this grade. It will be interesting to see how she handles the track conditions first up and the direction she may take through the Winter months.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Ingham Racing. He’s had 14 race starts for a record of two wins and four third placings. He raced in strong maiden grade in Sydney and Melbourne before winning his maiden. I’ve ridden him in his past four starts for a record of two wins and a third placing. I’ve ridden him in two jumpouts in preparation for his first up run and felt that he has come back extremely well. He is a horse that usually steps slowly from the barriers and is not able to be ridden tactically, so his outside barrier draw today shouldn’t be any disadvantage to him. If the track is racing evenly and the race is run at a genuine tempo he will be able to close off strongly and expect a forward performance from him. 

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the soft range with further rain predicted throughout the day.

Race 1 is the Welcome Back Owners SV 2YO Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is NARVAEZ who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This colt by Vancouver is having his fifth lifetime start and races third up for the preparation today. He made his debut on Cox Plate day of last year over 1000 metres and was run off his legs over the short course, where he was beaten by the subsequent Blue Diamond winner. He then returned to Sydney for his next start where he was beaten by 10 lengths over 1200 metres and was sent for a spell. His two runs this preparation have both been of soft ground over 1100 and 1400 metres respectively. He settled off the speed in his first up run this campaign and closed off well to finish third, just over 1.5 lengths from the winner. His next start was at Hawkesbury where he made all running and looked quite keen throughout and was green in the straight, finishing third again and less than two lengths from the winner. I rode him recently in a piece of work in preparation for today’s race and he gave me a nice feel. He is stepping up in distance to the mile for the first time and I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him under race conditions. If we get it right and things go our way, he is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 3 is the Kieran Byrne Building SV 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is SAMURAI MOON (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Savabeel is raced by Ultra Racing. He trialled up impressively at Cranbourne before his first race start, then was disappointing in his debut run where he finished seventh of ten runners and was sent for a break from training. I rode him in a jumpout at Moonee Valley on Monday in preparation for his first up run today and he gave me a nice feel on soft ground, he also worked in blinkers which he will wear for the first time at the races today. He has drawn a wide barrier in a small field and if he runs up to his jumpout, he can be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Bendigo Magazine BM78 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is CONNERY who is trained by Archie Alexander. This five-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and partners. He races here fourth up this preparation and is racing over his favourite distance, with three of his four wins being at the mile. He will start from a wide barrier but it is usually no disadvantage or advantage to him as he is a horse that usually gets back in running and seems to run his best races when ridden that way. He is a horse I have ridden with success previously and I enjoy riding him, he isn’t an overly tall horse but has a big heart and tries hard and when he puts in his best performances, is a delight to ride. He looks well placed in this race and if he finds his best form he’ll be winning this.

Race 8 is the Jayco SV 3YO Fillies BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is DIAQUIN (NZ) who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This daughter of Sacred Falls races in the colours of Ian Lewis. She’s had 12 lifetime starts for a record of one win and five minor placings. She is deep into her racing preparation having had five runs this campaign and she hasn’t run a bad race. She always seems to draw a wide barrier and she will start from a wide gate again today, in a non-capacity field. I’m really looking forward to riding her as most of her form this campaign has been around our best 3-year-old fillies through the Winter months. She stays in the same grade of race as last start and I know she is much better than this grade. Her performance today will dictate which race she runs in at Flemington in two weeks’ time and I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t win or be very competitive in this.

Flemington Preview

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

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside track. The rail is out 3 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is ESTORIL PARK who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This filly by Pride of Dubai is making her debut today. I haven’t ridden her in trackwork but have watched replays of her jumpouts, with those being on the synthetic track and turf surface at Flemington. She showed good speed in her jumpouts and looks to be a strong filly who trialled up nicely on both occasions. She is taking on a small but competitive field that includes a last start Flemington winner, so this is not an easy assignment for her debut, but it does give me confidence that her trainers are keen to run her today. I’m looking forward to seeing how she handles to the day and how she performs.

Race 3 is the BM78 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 2400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is BEACHGOER who is trained by Symon Wilde. This gelding by Toronado runs in the colours of Halo Racing Services. He’s had five starts for a record of one win and two third placings. He looks like a true stayer in the making and won his maiden three starts ago in a high-weight over 2000 metres at Mornington on soft ground. He had the blinkers applied for the first-time last start where he raced on a heavy surface at Hamilton and returns to racing on a firmer surface today. He races up in grade from his recent runs and drops significantly in weight, carrying three and a half kilos less, which will help offset the class rise.

Race 4 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is GRAND DE FLORA (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Savabeel is raced by Waikato Stud. She is a lightly raced filly who started her career in New Zealand where she had three starts for a win, before being transferred to Australia. She won her first start on Australian soil in dominant fashion by six lengths at Seymour over 1400 metres in BM58 grade. She then stepped up to 3YOF BM70 grade over 1600 metres at Sandown last start on heavy ground, where she finished five lengths behind some of the same fillies she meets again today. I’m hoping that returning to racing on firmer footing can help her to turn the tables against her rivals. If she finds the track conditions more favourable and we have luck from the barrier draw, she will be very competitive.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is COLLECTABLE who is trained by Robbie Griffiths. This four-year-old daughter of Sebring races first up today after a long lay-off and this will be her first run this year. I rode her last preparation when she was a three-year-old and was an early favourite for last season’s VRC Oaks. She is a horse that handles soft ground and has very good ability. If she is forward enough today after her lay-off to run up to her previous first up form, she can make her presence felt.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is JENKINS who is trained by Matt Cumani. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Regal Bloodstock and partners. He’s had 13 starts for a record of two wins and two placings. This preparation he has raced for a new trainer and ownership group and I’ve ridden him in all four runs. Last start was a forgive run from him, we started from a wide barrier on a heavy track at Ballarat and ended up leading the field and did a lot of work to get there. I felt he didn’t handle the heavy conditions on the day, so there is no doubt he will appreciate racing on a firmer footing. He has drawn a wide barrier again, but if we have luck from the draw and he finds his best form, he will be right in this at the finish.

Moonee Valley Preview

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

Geelong Preview

Today I’m riding at Geelong. The rail is out 12 metres and then moves to the nine-metre position in the straight, and the track surface is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Bet365 Odds Drift Protector 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1250 metres, my ride here is SHESPENDING (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Savabeel is making her debut today. I’ve seen her jumpout on three occasions, including on the synthetic surface at Flemington and also the heavy turf surface at Werribee. She comes into this with a solid level of education under her belt and I’m looking forward to seeing how she handles her first day at the races and her level of ability.

Race 3 is the Roderick Insurance Brokers Maiden Plate over 1250 metres, my ride here is FENYX who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Smart Missile is having her first race start today and has been given plenty of time to make her debut. I rode her in a jumpout at Werribee in preparation for today and I really liked her, she is a strong and imposing filly who had a great attitude. She didn’t handle the heavy track conditions at Werribee and she still gave me a nice feel with no pressure. I expect she will have taken good educational benefit from her jumpout as she was a little bit slow out of the barriers and new to it all. I’m looking forward to riding her on a firmer surface today and seeing how she performs, and if she runs as expected it would be no surprise to see her win this.

Race 6 is the Happy 60th Oatesy BM64 Handicap over 1550 metres, my ride here is SOMERSET MAUGHAM (IRE) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old gelding by Galileo started his career racing in Ireland before being imported to Australia. He’s had five starts for and win and second placing, with his second placing coming last preparation at Sandown over 1800 metres when he had his first run on Australian soil for his former owner, Lloyd Williams. I jumped him out at Werribee on heavy ground recently and felt that he got through the conditions quite well and he went nicely. This will be his first start for his new trainer and ownership group and if we have luck from a wide barrier draw, he will take a lot of beating.

Race 9 is the Avalon Airport BM70 Handicap over 1350 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This five-year-old mare by Elzaam has had 14 starts at this distance for a record of three wins and four placings, so this is her favourite distance range. I’ve ridden her on four occasions finishing in first, second, third and fourth placings. The last two times I’ve ridden her we haven’t had any favours in the run and she has still been very gallant in her efforts. We will need some luck from the wide barrier draw and on her best form she will be one of the main chances over her favourite distance. 

Mornington Preview

Today I’m riding at Mornington for the public holiday metropolitan meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 3 is the Neds Money Back Odds Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is FRISSON who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This gelding by Deep Field is having his first race start today. This is a handicap race and half of the field come into this with race experience. I haven’t ridden him but have watched replays of his jumpouts. His two jumpouts this preparation have shown that he has natural gate speed and puts himself in a forward position and he looked to handle both the synthetic track at Flemington and heavy turf surface at Werribee in his recent efforts. He has jumped out nicely with no pressure applied by his riders and looks to have above average ability. I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles his first day at the races and if he runs up to his jumpout efforts he can be very competitive.

Race 6 is the BM70 Neds Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is TOUCH OF MINK who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This five-year-old mare by Not a Single Doubt is raced by the Mystery Downs Syndicate and partners. She is a very consistent mare who has a race record of three wins and eleven minor placings from twenty-nine starts. She won four starts ago over 2000 metres on soft ground at Cranbourne and her next three starts have all been at 2000 metres or beyond. She is dropping back in distance to 1500 metres today and will start from a wide barrier. She is taking on the boys in this race after competing against the fillies and mares for her past three starts and gets the benefit of a weight drop, carrying half a kilo above the minimum. If we have luck from the barrier and she runs up to her consistent and competitive form, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the BM78 Neds Price Boost Multi Handicap over 2000 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is STELLAR IMPACT (JPN) who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This five-year-old imported mare is by Deep Impact. She started her career racing in Japan where she had six runs before being imported to Australia. Since arriving to Australia she’s had four runs over two preparations for a record of three wins and a second placing. I had my first ride on her last start at Cranbourne where she raced on a heavy surface for the first time in a fillies and mares BM70 over 2000m, and I was very impressed with her effortless winning performance. She steps up in grade today and drops a kilo in weight from last start. I’m really looking forward to riding her again and I’m excited to see where she fits in through the Winter months and the level she can reach looking forward to the Spring. She makes her own luck by racing on speed, handles all racing surfaces and is the horse they all have to beat.

Flemington Preview

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

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is in the true position on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 1400 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is RESTARTED who is trained by Danny O'Brien. I rode this colt by Exosphere in a jumpout at Flemington prior to his debut run where we finished second at Geelong over 1200 metres on soft ground. The winner of that race was very impressive and I liked the way my horse handled the occasion and I thought his effort was very solid behind the winner. He now steps up in distance and if he handles the heavy track conditions will be the horse to beat. He is a horse that I have a lot of time for and he’s given me the feel of a horse with a bright future.

Race 5 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is BIG SUR (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This six-year-old gelding by Redwood is raced by Rod Fitzroy and partners. I’ve ridden him in a number of races throughout his career including last start at Sandown on May 13^th where we finished third in a BM70 race over the same distance. He was well beaten last start and meets the horse that finished second again today. He drops two and a half kilos in weight from last start and on his best form looks to be one of the main chances. He is untested on heavy ground but has placed three times from six attempts in soft conditions. It would be great to win on him today as his dam, Palos Verdes, was a mare who I had good success on as an apprentice.

Race 6 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is VIVID ART who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This daughter of Artie Schiller is lightly raced having had only five starts with a record of a win and a second placing. Both her second placing and win have been at her past two starts as she has been stepped up in distance. Even though she is coming off a maiden win stepping up to BM70 grade today, she did win convincingly last start at Ballarat on heavy ground. She comes into this with confidence from her last start win and that should take her a long way today. She will start from a wide barrier draw and is a horse that usually races on speed, there does look to be a good amount of speed drawn below her so we will need some luck to take up a forward position without doing too much work. If we have luck and she doesn’t get pressured too much she will be in this for a long way. 

Caulfield Preview

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

Geelong Preview

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

Race 1 is the Bet365 Odds Drift Protector 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1140 metres, my ride here is TWINS who is trained by James Cummings. This daughter of Brazen Beau is raced by Godolphin. She’s had two jumpouts at Flemington in preparation for her first race start, with the first of those being on the course proper. She showed natural speed in her first jump-out and was left alone and not placed under any pressure by her rider. Her second jump-out was on the synthetic surface and she stayed with the field as they quickened. This is a field of fillies that are mostly having their first runs, so it will be interesting to see how she performs under race conditions for the first time.

Race 3 is the Bomboras Maiden Plate over 1540 metres, my ride here is WRISTBAND who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Dansili has had 16 starts for two second and four third placings. Even though he hasn’t won a race he has been competing in benchmark races over further distance and returns to maiden company today. He has really strong form lines in Class 1 and BM70 grade and has been racing consistently at that level without winning, and even though he is a maiden he is the best performed horse in the field. He races first up today and has been unplaced from three attempts when racing fresh. He is a horse that usually settles back in the field, so if the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to make ground he will be able to finish off strongly and be right in this at the finish. 

Sale Preview

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

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is CALAVERAS who is trained by James Cummings. This colt by Teofilo is raced by Godolphin. He is making his raceday debut today and I’ve watched two of his jumpouts at Flemington as he prepared for his first day at the races. His first jumpout was on the course proper and he was tailed off. His next jumpout was on the synthetic track where he showed better gate speed and was competitive in his heat, showing big improvement from his first to second jumpouts. I’m looking forward to seeing how he acquits himself under race conditions and pressure.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Maiden Plate over 1717 metres, my ride here is NOT FOR IZZY who is trained by my father and brother Allan & Jason Williams. This three-year-old gelding by Love Conquers All is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price of Price Bloodstock. He’s had three starts for two second placings, with those being at his last two runs over 1600 metres. He was beaten by 1.75 lengths by Blue Ocean last start at Werribee, with that horse franking the form by running second at Flemington in a 3YO handicap on Saturday. Not For Izzy had a recent jumpout at Cranbourne to keep him ticking over between runs and he looked to travel extremely well with no pressure. He will start from a favourable, low barrier draw and is a horse that usually races on speed. He looks well placed and will take a lot of beating today.

Race 4 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost 3YO BM64 Hcp over 1000 metres, my ride here is WITH EDGE who is trained by Doug Harrison.This gelding by Canford Cliffs had three starts last preparation for three placings and is a maiden racing in 3YO BM64 grade, first up today. The form around his last two runs is strong with the winners of those races subsequently being multiple Saturday city winners. I’m really looking forward to having my first ride on him today and seeing how he performs. It is a big ask for a maiden horse to take on 64 grade, but he definitely has strong form references to suggest he won’t be a maiden for much longer.

Race 5 is the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics BM64 Hcp over 1100 metres, my ride here is THE GREAT BRATSKI who is trained by Christine Sexton. This four-year-old mare by Skilled has a race record of 34 starts for four wins and 13 minor placings and is a very consistent mare who has been well managed throughout her career. This will be my first ride on her and after watching her replays she is such a dominant and competitive horse that I’m looking forward to riding today. She races here second up and although she hasn’t won second up previously, she has good form at the course and distance. She is very competitive and consistent in her races and makes her own luck in running and is a mare who loves racing on soft ground. She doesn’t look to be an overly tall mare but she is so consistent and tries hard and will be very competitive again today.

Race 6 is the Ladbrokes Switch BM64 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced having had nine starts for a record of two wins and a second placing. I’ve ridden him in his last two starts when he raced in the strong VOBIS Gold Heath under set weight and penalty conditions at Caulfield to finish just over three lengths from the winner and again at his most recent run in BM70 grade at Sandown on ground that was rated as soft, but felt more like heavy ground. I’m hoping the ground will be firmer today than last start and if he finds his best form he will take a lot of beating as he comes into this with strong form lines. This will be his first attempt over 2200 metres but he did run extremely well two starts ago over 2000 metres at Caulfield and I’m looking forward to riding him again.

Race 7 is the Ladbrokes Money Back Odds BM64 Hcp over 1600 metres, my ride here is INTO RIO who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra.This five-year-old gelding by Zacinto has had 28 starts for a record of four wins and four third placings. I’ve had one ride on him almost a year ago at Caulfield. I remember the meeting as it was late in the day and the meeting was almost called off due to poor weather and lack of lighting. Into Rio got a fair way back in running and it was hard for horses to make ground. He is a horse with nice ability but his run style is often his undoing as he needs races run to suit him. If the race works out for him and the track is racing evenly, I know he has the ability to be better than the BM64 grade of today’s race.

Race 8 is the Ladbrokes Cash In BM70 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is VICI who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This three-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Kevin Payne. He’s had 10 starts for two wins and a second placing and was trained in NSW before being transferred to Victoria for his past four runs. I started my association with him this preparation and have ridden him in both of his runs this campaign. First up we finished fourth to the promising Final Man at Sandown in BM70 grade over 1200 metres and at his most recent run we finished fourth again, this time at Cranbourne in BM64 grade over 1200 metres. After jumping from an inside barrier draw at Cranbourne we were able to travel in the box seat and follow the eventual winner, but we weren’t able to get clear running early enough to challenge the winner. He is stepping up in distance to 1400 metres for the first time today and will start from a low barrier draw. I’m hoping that he will step on terms today and can take advantage of his favourable barrier draw. He is a lightly raced galloper that has given me the feel of a quality horse and he should be too good for this field.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown. The rail is out 9 metres with a cutaway rail in the straight on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 2100 metres, my ride here is DECLARES WAR who is trained byMatt Cumani.This four-year-old gelding by Declaration Of War is raced by Domain Thoroughbreds and partners. He’s never raced on a heavy track before but his four runs of a soft surface have seen him net two wins and a second placing. I rode him last start in the Listed Warrnambool Cup over 2350m, he travelled well in a nice position and handled the Soft 7 conditions and once the field sprinted he was outpaced, but I felt he was really solid for the last 200 metres and through the line. He is coming back in distance and grade today and on his best form is the horse to beat, provided he handles the heavy track conditions.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1300 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is SPRINGROLLS who is trained by Tim Hughes. This daughter of Carlton House is raced by Balius Farm. She’s had nine race starts for a record of two wins. I won her maiden on her in September of last year where she beat the promising filly Lunakorn. I’ve ridden her a couple of times since her maiden win, including first up this preparation at Caulfield in a 3YO fillies handicap. I felt she would take a good amount of fitness benefit from her first up run as she pulled up having a good blow post-race and also got herself very worked up without ear muffs. She races here second up with both of her wins coming when she was second up previously, and with the ear muffs going back on. Provided she has taken natural improvement from her first up run and stays true to her second up form, she can be very competitive in this race.

Race 8 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is FRAGMENT who is trained by Patrick Payne. This seven-year-old gelding by Churchill Downs races in the colours of Woodlawn Park Stud. He’s a Tasmanian based horse that has been transferred to Victoria and has had two runs this preparation for Patrick Payne. He resumed at Pakenham on the synthetic track over 1400 metres to finish third. He then dropped back in distance to 1200 metres at Cranbourne on a soft surface in BM84 grade and finished the race off really well to be just under two lengths from the winner in fourth place. He is down in grade and up in distance today and has really good statistics at this distance, only missing a top three placing twice from 12 starts at this distance. He has winning form on heavy ground and will start from a low barrier draw. He looks well placed in this and will take a lot of beating today. 

Flemington Preview

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

Cranbourne Preview

This evening I’m riding at Cranbourne. The rail is out 7 metres and the track is rated in the heavy range. This is the last night meeting at Cranbourne for the current racing season.

Race 2 is the Peter & Lavella DaRose - AFC Maiden Plate over 1600 metres for three-year-olds, my ride here is STROBE LIGHT who is trained by Kasey Keys. Peter & Lavella DaRose are my Uncle and Aunty, so it would be a great thrill to be able to win a race that they sponsor. Strobe Light is a filly by Puissance de Lune. I rode her in her only start to date when she made her debt at Cranbourne over 1200 metres. She started favourite on that day and finished less than two lengths from that winner against a really competitive field. I thought that she wasn’t able to get into her rhythm and would take a lot out of that experience. She is stepping up to 1600 metres here tonight and looks to be a filly that will appreciate a softer racing surface. This is a small but competitive field and if she has taken the natural improvement needed from her debut run, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 7 is the BM70 Sky Heights Stayers Series Final over 2580 metres, my ride here is SKYWAY STAR who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by Americain has had 20 starts for a record of two wins and seven minor placings. I have ridden her on four occasions throughout her career and won her maiden on her when she was a three-year-old. She races here fourth up this preparation and has been stepped up in distance at each start. She’s only had one start on heavy ground, which was very heavy at Sandown and she struggled on that occasion against a strong field of three-year-old stayers. She looks to be progressing well this preparation and is in her right grade of race this evening. She is a mare who tends to get back in running, so we will need the race run to suit her and things to go her way. If she runs up to her best form and handles the ground, she can be competitive in this Stayers Series Final.

Race 8 is the Barton Fixing F&M BM70 Handicap over 2060 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is STELLAR IMPACT (JPN) who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This five-year-old mare by Deep Impact was imported from Japan last year. She had two runs in her first Australian preparation, winning both races in NSW before going for a spell. She resumed this campaign over 1900 metres at Canterbury finishing second by the narrowest of margins. This will be her first run in Melbourne but her early form in Japan saw her race on left handed tracks, the same as Victoria. Although she hasn’t raced on rain affected ground she has been exposed to it in official trials and performed well. Provided she handles the heavy ground under raceday conditions and pressure and maintains her consistent form, she will be winning this.

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is in the true position and due to significant rainfall overnight the track is rated in the heavy range.

Race 6 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM70 Hcp over 2000 metres, my ride here is JENKINS who is trained by Matt Cumani. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro is raced by Regal Bloodstock and partners. He races here fourth up this preparation and I’ve ridden him in all of his starts this campaign, since he was transferred to his new trainer for his new ownership group. I’ve been happy with all of his runs and thought that he was very unlucky last start at Warrnambool where he was a month between runs. He steps out to the 2000 metres for the first time in his career and has winning form on heavy ground. He will start from a wide barrier and some of the speed has been taken out of the race after scratchings. If he continues his consistent form and has some luck in running he will take a lot of beating in this.

Bendigo Preview

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

Race 1 is the Bendigo Sportsmen Association 2YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1100 metres, my ride here is STAR PROJECT who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Zoustar is raced by Mr Lai and makes her debut today. I’ve ridden her in a recent jumpout at Flemington in preparation for this and was impressed by the way that she went and the feel she gave me. This looks to be a competitive field of mostly first starters, but if she runs up to her jumpout effort she will take a lot of beating on debut. 

Flemington Preview

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

Geelong Preview

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

Race 2 is the Bet365 Odds Drift Protector Two-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1225 metres, my ride here is RESTARTED who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This colt by Exosphere is making his debut today and has had two recent jumpouts in preparation for his first start. One of his jumpouts was on the course proper at Flemington and at his most recent jumpout I rode him off the speed and he was a bit new being back behind horses, but he quickened up nicely when I asked him for an effort. He will have taken a good amount of benefit from that experience and if he runs up to that effort will take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the Pure Wax Cup Maiden Plate over 1225 metres, my ride here is NASUKAWA who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This three-year-old gelding by Fighting Sun is well named as NASUKAWA is a famous Japanese kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He is raced by Jenny Chapman and David Price and runs in the Price Bloodstock colours. He has had a good grounding and education for his debut run and I rode him recently in a jumpout at Caulfield. I felt he went extremely well in his jumpout but he did get a little bit hot and worked-up, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the exposure to raceday conditions for the first time. If he handles the occasion and brings his jumpout form to the races he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Hillside circuit. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. There are showers forecast throughout the morning so it will be interesting to see how the track plays and if there is any downgrade in conditions.

Race 3 is the BM70 MRC Foundation Hcp over 2400 metres, my ride here is BIG SUR (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This six-year-old gelding by Redwood is raced by Rod Fitzroy and partners. I rode him three races in a row earlier in his preparation. The first time I rode him he finished the race off really well and I was excited to see how he would progress through his campaign. He wasn’t beaten far in his next two starts but I felt he wasn’t as effective as he was the first time I had ridden him. He then had a month between runs and put in a disappointing performance over 1600 metres. He was then stepped up to 2000 and 2400 metres respectively and put in much better efforts, finishing second to Dark Alley last start which is a strong form reference for this race. If he runs up to his last start effort and his best form, he will be winning this.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is PLAY ME NOW (NZ) who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This four-year-old gelding by Bernardini is lightly raced having had nine starts for three wins and two placings. He won his first two races and raced consistently throughout his two preparations prior to having a spell. He races here first up today and I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race and having my first ride on him. All of his race form has been on tracks rated as Good, but he has trialled officially in previous preparations on Heavy ground, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the soft track conditions under race pressure today.

Race 5 is the BM64 Salute Frontline Workers Hcp over 1300 metres for thee-year-old fillies, my ride here is MISS LEILA who is trained by Neville Parnham. This daughter of Reward for Effort has had three starts for a record of a first, second and third placing. Her last start was at the course and distance on heavy ground, where she finished second by less than two lengths to an older mare. We will start from a wide barrier today and will need luck in running. If we have luck and she holds her form from last start she will be highly competitive in this.

Race 7 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is SEARCH SQUAD (NZ) who is trained by Doug Harrison. This nine-year-old gelding by Falkirk has been a consistent galloper throughout his career, and I rode him to his last win which was at the track and distance in June of last year. He is a tricky horse to ride as he is usually slow out of the barriers and then gets keen in running and likes to start improving when he chooses to, not when asked by his rider! He is dropping back from BM84 grade last start and he is a horse that has a great record on heavy ground. If there is good speed in this race and they go quickly, it will really help his chances. If I can find the key to him today and he works with me and runs his best race, with the drop back in grade he can be a winning chance.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced having had eight starts for a record of two wins and a second placing, with one of his wins being at this course over 1600 metres on the Lakeside track. I had my first ride on him last start when he stepped out to 2000 metres for the first time at Caulfield in the VOBIS Gold Heath, finishing just over three lengths from the winner. They went extremely fast in the early stages and he got a long way back and was chasing from a fair way out, but he was solid in his effort to the line and after having to change course with 100 metres to go managed to run extremely well under the conditions of the race against that class of horse. He comes into this a couple of weeks between runs and is dropping back in distance from last start. He has drawn to gain an economical run in transit and has winning form on soft ground. On his recent form where he has been racing so consistently he will be the horse they all have to beat.

Caulfield Preview

Craig rides at Caulfield today. The rail is out 6 metres and the track is rated in the Good range, with rain and poor weather forecast throughout the day.
Watch the video preview here: