Cranbourne Preview

This evening I’m riding at the Cranbourne night meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 4 is the OBrien Real Estate Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is STROBE LIGHT who is trained by Kasey Keys. This three-year-old filly by Puissance de Lune is having her first race start. I haven’t ridden her but I have watched replays of her jumpouts in preparation for her debut run. She settled on speed and was solid in her effort in a Cranbourne jumpout last week. She will start from a middle barrier draw and if she runs up to her jumpout effort, will take a lot of beating.

Race 5 is the Dirt Rock Civil BM64 Handicap over 1200 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 nine starts for two wins and a second placing and started his career racing in New South Wales before being transferred to Victoria late last year. He had two runs in his first preparation for Wendy winning first up at Seymour, before being unplaced at Moonee Valley and subsequently spelled. I rode him first up this campaign in a strong 3YO BM70 at Sandown. He finished fourth and just over two lengths behind Final Man, who has franked that form by winning again last Saturday. If Vici has trained on since his first up run, he will be the horse they all have to beat. 

Warrnambool Preview

Today I’m riding at Warrnambool for the flat racing day of the re-programmed May Carnival, with the jump’s races being held yesterday. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the TAB 2YO Handicap over 1100 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is ICANTOO (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Per Incanto makes her debut at the races today. I’ve watched replays of her two jumpouts at Flemington and she’s displayed versatility by being ridden back in the field and finishing off, and then led her heat and ran away from them comfortably on another occasion. She’s well educated for her first day at the races and if she runs up to her jumpout efforts and handles the ground, she’ll take a lot of beating.

Race 2 is the Magic Millions National Sale BM70 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is KEPI BLANC who is trained by Adam Chambers. This four-year-old gelding by Epaulette is raced by Colin and Janice McKenna and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had only four starts for a record of two wins. Both of his wins have been on heavy ground and one was at this course and distance. He races here first up today and is resuming after a long layoff. He has jumped out nicely in preparation for his return to the races and runs with a gear change of blinkers off and winkers on. There is no doubt that being trained and owned locally that he would have been targeted for this race and I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race.

Race 3 is the Callaghan Motors VOBIS Gold Strike over 1000 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is TECTONIC SHIFT who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This daughter of Brazen Beau is raced by Brae Sokolski and partners. She’s had one start where she finished fifth at Ballarat and was just over 1.5 lengths from the winner over 1000 metres. I finished second in that race on the progressive filly Wegobam, who finished third at Sandown on Saturday and was unlucky not to have won as she didn’t have clear galloping room, so that strengthens the form lines from the Ballarat race. I expect Tectonic Shift will have taken natural improvement from her first up run and she can make her presence felt today.

Race 5 is the Silvan Ridge 3YO BM70 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GOLDEN GORGE who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This gelding by Mossman is raced by David Price and Jenny Chapman in the Price Bloodstock colours. He is lightly raced and has been very well placed throughout his career with a consistent record of two wins and two third placings from his five starts. I had my first race-ride on him last start at Sandown over 1400 metres where he went forward and made all the running. He is a talented galloper and this race looks to be a nice stepping stone for him as he progresses through his career and he will take a lot of beating today.

Race 6 is the BM70 Evergreen Turf Neville Wilson Series Final over 1700 metres, my ride here is JENKINS who is trained by Matt Cumani. It’s fitting that a race on this day is named after Neville Wilson, who was not only committed to the industry throughout his successful career as a jockey, but also took over the running of the Victorian Jockeys Association. Every rider in Victoria past and present is grateful for his commitment and contribution to the industry. Jenkins is a four-year-old gelding by Pierro that runs in the colours of Regal Bloodstock. He’s had two runs for his new trainer and ownership group and I’ve ridden him in both of those starts. His first up run looked plain on face value over 1400 metres but I thought he went extremely well considering his best assets were taken away from him as the race was run at a slow tempo. He then stepped up to 1600 metres at Sandown and ran really well to finish fourth and just over half a length from the winner. He comes into this four weeks between runs and is stepping up slightly in distance. He will start from a favourable barrier draw and if he finds his best form will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Listed Midfield Group Wangoom Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is INN KEEPER who is trained by Symon Wilde. This seven-year-old gelding by Host has been a consistent galloper throughout his career and comes into this with a record of seven wins and five placings from 23 starts. He hasn’t won for over a year and has been targeted for this race being trained locally. He races here second up this preparation and will have to improve from his first up run, but he does run well second up with a record of two wins and a third placing from four attempts. If he can recapture his best form he can make his presence felt.

Race 8 is the Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup over 2350 metres, my ride here is DECLARES WAR who is trained by Matt Cumani. This four-year-old gelding by Declaration Of War is raced by Domain Thoroughbreds and partners. He is lightly raced for his age having had 15 starts for a record of four wins and four placings. I’ve only ridden him once and that was at the end of his three-year-old year in the Group 1 Queensland Derby, finishing 8.4 lengths behind Mr Quickie and Vow And Declare. He’s had four runs this preparation and they have all been solid efforts from him and he hasn’t been beaten far. He steps up in grade today and carries the minimum weight of 56 kilos. He should get every chance to run out the trip from a favourable barrier draw and provided he runs out the trip solidly, he can win this.

Race 9 is the Cally Hotel BM78 Handicap over 2350 metres, my ride here is GLORIOUS SINNDAR (FR) who is trained by Symon Wilde. This nine-year-old gelding by Sinndar runs in the colours of Australian Bloodstock. He had a long layoff and since resuming this preparation with his new trainer finished second when racing first-up in the Edenhope Cup. He ran second-up at Sandown over 2400 metres and the race wasn’t run to suit him. He races third-up today and competes and over a similar distance to last start. He comes into this with the benefit of a recent hurdle trial under his belt and I’m looking forward to seeing how he performs third up this preparation. 

Sandown Preview

Craig rides at Sandown today. The rail is out 6 metres on the Lakeside circuit and the track is rated a Heavy 9.
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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. There has been rain overnight and there is further rain forecast throughout the day so there could be a track downgrade.

Race 1 is the Long Fine Plate over 1300 metres, it’s a maiden race for three-year-olds. My ride here is HIGH FASHION who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This daughter of Animal Kingdom is raced by Kevin Payne. She’s had two race starts and started favourite at her debut when racing on soft ground at Bendigo over 1100 metres where she finished fourth. I had my first ride on her last start at Pakenham over 1200 metres. She was slow out of the barriers but got into a forward position and when the field quickened she was a bit lost and when she did get balanced, had a lot to offer with limited galloping room. I like the fact that she is stepping up in distance and based on her breeding she will appreciate the rain affected conditions. She gave me the feel of a filly that has the ability to win a city maiden of today’s standard.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is ICANTOO (NZ) who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Per Incanto makes her debut at the races today. I’ve watched replays of her two jumpouts at Flemington and she’s displayed versatility by being ridden back in the field and finishing off, and more recently led her heat and ran away from them comfortably. She’s well educated for her first day at the races and if she runs up to her jumpout efforts and handles the ground, she’ll take a lot of beating.

Race 3 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1000 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is LA ZOLA who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This daughter of Written Tycoon is lightly raced having had only eight starts for a record of one win and three placings. I rode her at the end of her last preparation in two race starts before she was sent for a break from training. Two starts ago she contested a strong 3YOF BM78 race at Caulfield where she was ridden off the speed and with limited room in the straight finished off well to be 2.5 lengths from the winner in third placing. At her next start she ran under lights at Moonee Valley over 1000 metres where she finished third behind Ms Catherine, who is now a Group 3 winner. LA ZOLA runs first up today and has jumped-out at Cranbourne recently in preparation for her return to racing. She has raced twice first-up for one second placing and from her four attempts at the distance has placed twice. If she runs up to her best form she will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1300 metres for male horses, my ride here is REBEL RACER who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This three-year-old gelding by Rebel Raider has had four starts for a record of one win and a second placing and I’ve ridden him in all four starts. He races first up here and displayed good natural ability last preparation but was also very raw and new to it all. The stable has a good opinion of this galloper as he contested the Group 2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield at the end of his last preparation in what was only his fourth start. I’m hoping that he has learnt a lot from last campaign and looking forward to seeing how he has matured and developed. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing the levels he can reach this preparation.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is GLASSEY MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This daughter of Glass Harmonium has had three starts for one win, with her win coming when she won her maiden on debut at Hamilton last year. She resumed this preparation at Sandown in 3YO BM64 grade over 1300 metres where she finished just over a length from the winner. I then rode her last start at Geelong over 1400 metres against a strong 3YO BM64 field. She was slow away from the barriers and was ridden off the speed at the back of the field, they went extremely slow in running which didn’t make it easy for horses to make ground and she still managed to finished fourth, just over 2.3 lengths from the winner. She gave me the feel of a filly with really nice ability and I’m looking forward to riding her for the second time today. If she’s progressed and come-on again for her third-up run today and appreciates the step up in distance as I expect her to, she will be very hard to beat.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is HIGH ’N’ DRY who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This five-year-old gelding by High Chaparral is lightly raced for his age having had 11 starts for a record of one win and three placings. He had a long period away from racing due to an injury and has returned this preparation with two solid runs over 1400 metres. He is a horse that tends to get back in his races so his wide barrier draw shouldn’t be that much of a disadvantage. If the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to close off from back in the field I expect he can be very competitive. 

Geelong Preview

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

Race 5 is the Rex Gorell Volkswagen BM64 Handicap over 1412 metres, my ride here is FORTUNE ROSE who is trained locally by Jamie Edwards. I’ve ridden this four-year-old mare by Helmet in her two runs this preparation. First-up she ran well enough in a strong F&M BM70 race at Sandown over 1200 metres and was placed really well second-up at Geelong where she stepped up to 1300 metres and dropped back to BM64 grade. She started from a wide barrier at Geelong and was able to settle nicely off a solid tempo and really let down well to win with authority. She will have confidence from her last start win and will be fitter again for her third-up run today. Hopefully she can settle into a nice rhythm against this field as the race looks like it will map differently to her last start. If she races kindly for me and the race is run to suit her she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 6 is the McGrath Real Estate BM70 Handicap over 2418 metres, my ride here is DARK ALLEY who is trained by Paul Preusker. This four-year-old gelding by Lucas Cranach is lightly raced with a record of two wins and a second placing from seven starts. He won his maiden three starts ago at this track over 1700 metres before stepping up to and winning in BM68 grade in Adelaide over 2043 metres. He then contested the Group 2 Adelaide Cup over 3200 metres, finishing fourth and only 6.7 lengths from the winner who was impressive. He comes into this almost seven weeks between runs and there is no doubt that he will have taken good benefit from his Adelaide Cup run exposing him against a competitive field over the two miles. He returns to benchmark grade today and I’m really looking forward to having my first ride on him as he is a developing stayer with a lot of potential that should be too good for this field. It will be interesting to see what path he takes over the Autumn and Winter months and the level he can reach in the Spring.

Race 7 is the Geelong Homes BM70 Handicap over 1212 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This five-year-old mare by Elzaam has been a model of consistency throughout her career with a record of four wins and seven placings from 24 starts. I’ve had three rides on her for a win, second and a third placing with her second and third coming from her past two starts at Sandown. We had no luck at all last start and after being wide throughout, she still had the tenacity to finish just over half a length from the winner. We will start from a wide barrier today and even though she is yet to win at the distance, she has placed three times from six attempts. If we have luck from the tricky barrier draw and she holds her consistent form, I am sure she can return to the winners stall today.

Race 8 is the Bet365 Racing Refunds BM64 Handicap over 1715 metres, my ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This three-year-old gelding by Helmet won his maiden first-up last start when I rode him at Sandown over 1600 metres. He comes into this with confidence from his first up win and I thought his effort was solid as he was able to sit on the speed in a slowly run race and maintain his gallop through the line after being out-sprinted when the field quickened. He was tested in Listed and Group 1 company last Spring so the stable clearly have a good opinion of him and it was pleasing to see him return this preparation in great order. He has a lovely action on him and is an exciting prospect being a lightly raced three-year-old with plenty of upside and should be hard to beat today.

Flemington Preview

Craig rides at Flemington today for the Anzac Day meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated a Good 4.
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Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham. The rail is out five metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com Maiden Plate over 1000 metres, my ride here is SECRET SAUCE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Brazen Beau is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. She had one start as a two-year-old where she finished third in Adelaide before having a break from training, and runs first-up tonight. While I haven’t ridden her, I have watched a replay of her jumpout at Flemington and although her effort didn’t standout to me on face value, her debut performance in Adelaide last preparation in what is proving to be a strong form race certainly did. If she runs up to her exposed race form, she will be too good for this field.

Race 3 is the Nine Mile Fresh Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is THEE ONE (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She’s had four race starts for a record of three seconds and a third placing. I’ve ridden her a lot throughout her career in trials and have always felt that she is a filly capable of achieving black type status. She is still a maiden after four starts but all of her performances have been solid efforts and she hasn’t been beaten far. I rode her for the first time under race conditions last start at Pakenham on a heavy track and felt that she didn’t appreciate the conditions and failed to show her good acceleration in that ground, making her effort to finish second and only 0.3 of a length from the winner even more credible. She is a filly with above average ability who will appreciate racing on a firmer surface tonight and if she holds her form, no doubt she can win this on her way to better races through the Autumn and Winter months. 

Ballarat Preview

Today I’m riding at Ballarat. The rail is out three metres from the 600 to the winning post and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the Racing – We’re in this Together 2YO Fillies Maiden over 1000 metres, my ride here is WEGOBAM who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This daughter of Sebring is raced by the Morrissy family. I’ve watched a replay of her recent jumpout at Flemington where she jumped and led all the way under no pressure and quickened nicely. If she runs up to her impressive jumpout effort in her debut run today, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 4 is The Haymarket F&M Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL who is trained by Colin Little. This three-year-old filly by Toronado has had seven race starts for a record of one second and a third placing. At her last run at the end of her previous preparation she finished second and beat home a subsequent Group 2 winner in Nonconformist. She races here third-up this preparation and stays at the same distance as last start. We will need some luck from the wide barrier and she is a horse that usually races off the speed. On her overall form she should be too good for this field with luck in running.

Race 5 is the Porter Plant BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is JEALICE who is trained by Archie Alexander. This three-year-old filly by Hinchinbrook is raced by Austin Miller. She is a lightly raced filly that comes into this with a race record of one win and two placings from seven starts. Her maiden win came last preparation at Warrnambool over 1400 metres on good ground where she was dominant in her effort to win by an official margin of 2.25 lengths. I rode her when she resumed this campaign at Sandown in a strong 3YO Fillies BM64 over 1300 metres and she put in a solid effort to finish 2.25 lengths from the winner. At her next start she stepped up to 3YO fillies handicap at Caulfield where she was disappointing and beaten by 9 lengths on heavy ground. She returns to racing on a firmer surface today and is racing on her home track which will both be in her favour. If she runs up to her impressive maiden win from last campaign and runs up to her first-up run from this preparation, she will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 6 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Handicap over 2000 metres, my ride here is SUPER GIRL who is trained by Josh Julius. This five-year-old mare by So You Think has had 15 starts for a record of two wins and six placings and is a consistent galloper. Her wins have both been at 2400 metres so this race will be short of her best distance. She races here second up this preparation and first up was beaten by less than a length over 1400 metres at Sandown where she was an eye-catching fifth. She is a mare that seems to get back in her races and isn’t straight forward to ride and tends to hang in under pressure. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and seeing how she performs for me. If we have luck in running and the race is run to suit her, she has the ability to win this on her way to racing over more distance throughout her preparation.

Race 7 is the Sportsbet – The Money Men Podcast BM64 Hcp over 1600 metres, my ride here is NEGASI who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five-year-old gelding by Desert King has had 14 starts for a record of three wins and three minor placings. He raced first up on heavy ground this preparation over 1600 metres and was well beaten but he is a genuine staying type with his three wins all being over 2400 metres. He stays at the same distance as his first up run and returns to racing on a firmer surface and he also has an inside barrier draw in his favour.

Race 8 is the Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is RUSHIN’ RHONDA who is trained by Symon Wilde. This four-year-old mare by Kuroshio has had seven starts for a record of one win and three placings. She found form last preparation and raced consistently at her four starts in that campaign. She races here first up this preparation and will start from a low barrier draw. I’ve watched replays of her recent jumpouts and she looks to be going nicely to resume today.

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the good range. There is rain predicted throughout the day so it will be interesting to see if it arrives and how it alters the racing surface. Today features several races for VOBIS qualified horses only with great prizemoney on offer.

Race 1 is the BM78 Neds Same Race Multi Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is JUMBO OZAKI who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old gelding by Unencumbered has had nine starts for a terrific record of three wins and six placings, he has good ability and has been very well placed in his career and hasn’t missed a top three placing. I’ve been very lucky to partner him twice out of his three runs this preparation after being transferred to Danny’s care. I rode him in his first two runs this campaign for a second at Sandown over 1200 metres and at his next start we won over 1400 metres at Flemington in BM78 grade. His next start saw him compete in BM90 grade at Bendigo and he was beaten by just over two lengths behind Big Night Out to finish second. He comes into this three weeks’ between runs and that timing between his races seems to suit him. He drops back in grade and goes up three kilos in weight from last start and will start from a middle barrier draw. It will be interesting to see how the track walks pre-race as the last couple of meetings it has been hard to make ground away from the running rail. He has a versatile racing and training pattern and I have confidence that he can be ridden effectively close to, or off the speed. This is a very competitive field but he is a talented and consistent horse in his right grade and is clearly the horse they all have to beat.

Race 2 is the Blue Gum Farm VOBIS Gold Distaff over 1400 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is PURE SCOT who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This four-year-old mare is by Purrealist. I’ve ridden her before with success and in February of last year we were successful at Flemington over 1600 metres in fillies and mares grade, before going on to place at Group 3 level. She raced over an unsuitable distance first-up this preparation and last start I rode her to finish fourth in the VOBIS Gold Bracelet at Bendigo. She will get every possible chance to run her best race today from a low barrier draw, but she is badly treated under the weight scale and penalty conditions of this race, so she will need to at her best to overcome that.

Race 3 is the Spendthrift Australia VOBIS Gold Sprint over 1200 metres, my ride here is MISS VIXEN who is trained by Cindy Alderson. This five-year-old mare by Foxwedge has had 23 starts for a record of four wins and seven placings and finished second in this race last year. After finishing second in last year’s edition of this race, I then rode her at her next start to finish second in fillies and mares Group 3 company in Adelaide. She races here second up this preparation and has the blinkers going on for the first time. She has drawn a favourable barrier draw and comes into this race carrying 55 kilos and no weight penalties. This is an extremely strong field with the top two horses being consistent and competitive at the highest group level. On her best form Miss Vixen can be thereabouts against this strong field.

Race 4 is the Surewise VOBIS Gold Heath over 2000 metres, my ride here is BIG BREW who is trained by Mark Kavanagh. This four-year-old gelding by Magnus is lightly raced for his age having had seven starts for a record of two wins and a second placing. He’s had four starts this preparation and two starts ago won at Sandown over 1600 metres and last start he finished second at Sandown over the mile. He steps up to the 2000 metres for the first time and will start from a wide barrier draw. The set weight and penalty conditions of this race are against him with his rating of 66, but he is racing in consistent form and I expect he will acquit himself well today, provided we have some luck from the barrier draw.

Race 5 is the IRT VOBIS Gold Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is ICONOCLASM who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This five-year-old entire by Toorak Toff is raced by Rosemont Stud & Fern Vale Farm. I won the sprint race on him last year when he was having his first run for his new trainer. He’s had two runs this preparation both in Listed grade and last start he finished second over the mile at Bendigo. He seems to have a good affinity with this track as from his five runs at the course has only missed a top three placing on two occasions and has the same statistics at the distance. I rode him first-up this preparation at Flemington over 1400 metres where he was slow away from the barriers and didn’t run up to his best on that occasion. Second-up, he stepped up to the mile and showed good speed from the barriers and put in a good effort to finish 1.75 lengths from the winner in second placing. He is a bold front running horse who usually makes his own luck and will take a lot of beating here today.

Race 6 is The Showdown for two-year-old’s over 1200 metres, my ride here is CHROME ANGEL who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This daughter of Street Boss is raced by Hesket Bloodstock. She’s had one start where she was dominant when winning over 1000 metres at Bendigo on soft ground. I expect she will have taken natural improvement and confidence from that win coming into this race. She has drawn a wide barrier, but if we have some luck in running she will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the Listed Neds Bel Esprit Stakes over 1100 metres, my ride here is FROM WITHIN who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of Not a Single Doubt is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock & Raffles Thoroughbred Racing. Her recent racing has been in QLD under the care of Toby & Trent Edmonds and this will be her first start for her new trainer. Her recent jumpout at Flemington in preparation for her first-up run looked solid and she has only missed a top three placing once from four attempts when racing fresh. She is a course and distance winner with all of her winning form on good and soft tracks. We will start from a wide barrier and will need some luck in the early stages to take up a forward position as she usually races on-speed. If she doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages and she runs up to her best form, she will take a lot of beating.

Race 8 is Avenel Equine Hospital VOBIS Gold Dash over 1100 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is KNOWLES who is trained by Jason Warren. This daughter of Starspangledbanner is raced by Rosemont Stud. She’s an imposing filly in stature who looks to have a good amount of natural ability. From her eight career starts she has a consistent record of two wins and three placings. She won first up this preparation at Ballarat over 1000 metres in 3YF BM64 grade. Second up she raced at the course and distance and defied the track pattern on the day to finish second and was gallant in defeat after starting from a wide barrier draw. She will start from a more favourable barrier today and if we can take advantage of the draw, she will be very competitive against this strong field. 

Pakenham Preview

This evening I’m riding at Pakenham. The rail is out two metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is HIGH FASHION who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This filly by Animal Kingdom is raced by Kevin Payne. She started favourite in her only race start which was at Bendigo last Tuesday where she was beaten by just over three lengths. I felt after watching her replay that she will have taken a lot from that experience and will appreciate the slight step up in distance today. If she’s come on from her first-up run she will be hard to beat in this.

Race 3 is the Ultrasigns Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is PRINCESS KEZ who is trained by my brother Damien Williams. This five-year-old mare by Danerich is lightly raced for her age as she’s only had three race starts, with two of those being this preparation. I rode her last start at this course over 1200 metres and she steps up an extra 200 metres in distance tonight. I felt she handled the soft track conditions really well last start when we finished less than four lengths from the winner. The step up in distance will be to her advantage and she will be fitter for her recent racing. This is a very strong maiden field and I’m looking forward to seeing how much she’s come on from last start and how well she competes against this competitive field.

Race 4 is the Wise Choice Catering Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is CHOOKSTER who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Brazen Beau has had three starts, with two of those being in this preparation. I had my first ride on him last start at Sandown and even though we finished third last, the run was much better than it looks on paper. He steps up in distance to the mile for the first time which should be of benefit to him and will start from the inside barrier draw. He looks well placed here and will be one of the main chances.

Race 5 is the Gippsland Premium Quarries Class 1 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is NOVEMBER DREAMING who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Tavistock is lightly raced having had six race starts and hasn’t missed a top three position, with a record of one win and five placings. I had my first ride on her last start at this course over 1200 metres where she was racing first-up for this preparation. She ran really well in the heavy track conditions to finish second to Final Man, who has franked the form by winning again at Sandown on Monday. She steps up sharply in distance second-up this evening and raced very kindly for me last start over the 1200, with Danny O’Brien reiterating his instructions that it was important that she settled for me, as it was his plan to step her up in distance at her second-up run. If she races kindly for me again and runs up to her form from last start, she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 7 is the GG Engineering BM64 Handicap over 1200 metres for colts, entire and geldings, my ride here is BY A WHISKER who is trained the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This three-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock is a full brother to Catchy, who I won the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes on. I’ve had one ride on him which was when he won his maiden two starts ago at Sandown over 1300 metres. He was able to settle on-speed and controlled the race from the front and just held on to get the win. He finished last at his next start over 1400 metres and is dropping back in distance this evening. He comes into this race five weeks’ between runs and it will be interesting to see how he performs after his freshen-up with the drop back in distance. 

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 1 is the bet365 Odds Drift Protector 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is KUKERACHA (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This colt by Night of Thunder is raced by Neville Morgan. He’s having his first race start today, as are the majority of his opposition in this field. I haven’t ridden him before but I have watched a replay of his recent jumpout at Flemington where he looked to go nicely. If he reproduces his jumpout effort under raceday conditions and pressure he will make his presence felt.

Race 3 is the Bendigo Bank Maiden Plate over 1700 metres, my ride here is THE MOCKINGBIRD who is trained by Symon Wilde. This three-year-old filly by Dissident has had six starts for a record of a second and three third placings. She is a filly that always jumps slowly from the barriers and closes out her races strongly. She races here fourth up this preparation and is stepping up slightly in distance from last start where she finished fourth and only a length from the winner over 1600 metres at Sandown. She has exposed form on good and soft tracks so the going today won’t be a worry for her. My job will be to make sure she jumps on terms with the field and is travelling in her comfort zone before asking her for an effort. She looks well placed to win her maiden here and will take a lot of beating in this.

Race 5 is the APCO Service Stations 3YO BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GLASSEY MISS who is trained by Symon Wilde. This daughter of Glass Harmonium has had two starts and is showing good promise as a lightly raced filly. She won impressively on debut at Hamilton in October of last year over 1100 metres and was then sent for a spell. She resumed at Sandown earlier this month over 1300 metres in 3YO BM64 grade, finishing sixth and 1.35 lengths from the winner against a strong field. She looks to have come back in good order and will have benefited from the experience gained in her first up run where she had to go inside of runners, compared to her debut where she went to the outside. If we have some luck from the wide barrier draw she can be competitive here and she looks to be one of the main chances against this strong field. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her as she looks to be a progressive filly with plenty of upside.

Race 6 is the BM64 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is MONAAFASAH (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old imported mare by Cape Cross is raced by Go Racing and partners. She’s had five starts for a record of one win and a third placing, with both of those being when she raced in Europe. She’s had two starts since arriving in Australia and was beaten by an official margin of 5.55 lengths at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres in F&M BM70 grade in her first-up run. She then stepped up in distance to 2060 metres at Cranbourne in BM70 grade and finished 8.5 lengths from the winner on soft ground. She drops back in grade, is stepping up in distance and will start from a middle barrier draw today. I’m looking forward to seeing an improved performance from her third-up with the step up in distance to her advantage as she won her maiden over 2300 metres.

Race 8 is the Shojun Concrete BM64 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is FORTUNE ROSE who is trained locally by Jamie Edwards. This four-year-old mare by Helmet has a racing record of three wins and three placings from 16 starts. I rode her first up this preparation when she resumed at Sandown in F&M BM70 grade over 1200 metres. She was slow out of the barriers and was solid in her effort to be just over four lengths from the winner. She races here second-up and has won once from two attempts when racing second-up. She should appreciate today’s track conditions and has winning form over this distance range. She will start from a wider barrier draw and if the track is racing fairly and evenly and she can find a nice rhythm, she will be one of the main contenders in this. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Long Fine Maiden Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is DEEP BREATH who is trained by Greg Eurell. This three-year-old gelding by Choisir has had seven starts for a record of two seconds and a third placing. He races here sixth up this preparation and stays at the same course and distance as his last start. If we have luck from the outside barrier draw his form is good enough to be winning his maiden today.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 1200 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is MASSEUSE who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This daughter of Rubick is raced by Halo Racing Services and partners. She’s a very consistent filly that has been placed in all three of her runs, including two seconds and a third placing. I rode her two starts ago in Listed grade at Caulfield over 1000 metres where we finished second. At her next start she contested the VOBIS Gold Rush at Bendigo over 1000 metres and finished off strongly into third placing. She now steps up to the 1200 metres for the first time and carries the top weight of 61 kilos, which is only 3 kilos above the minimum. On her best form and with luck in running she will be winning this.

Race 3 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is VICI who is trained by Wendy Kelly. This gelding by I Am Invincible is raced by Kevin Payne. He’s had eight starts for two wins and a third placing and races here first up this preparation. From his three attempts when racing fresh he has won once, and he’s won once from four attempts at this distance range. He jumped-out at Cranbourne recently and looked to go extremely well in preparation for his return to racing. This is a high-quality field of three-year-olds and this race will stand him in good stead for his Autumn targets.

Race 4 is the BM70 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 2100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is REFLECT THE STARS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old daughter of Starspangledbanner is raced by Rosemont Stud and Nigel Austin. She’s been racing very consistently of late and comes into this with a racing record of two wins and six minor placings from 15 starts. Four starts ago she won over 2000 metres at Warrnambool, her next three starts have all been over 2400 metres and she’s been very competitive in city grade. I rode her two starts ago at Caulfield where she put in a gallant effort to finish second by an official margin of 0.3 length. She is an extremely fit mare who is dropping back in distance today and on her recent and consistent form is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is the BM84 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is MOUNTAIN BREATH (GB) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported mare by Bated Breath is raced by Vinery Stud. Her last two starts have been over this distance and at this course, on the Hillside and Lakeside circuits. I rode her last start in BM70 grade where she carried 59.5 kilos, she steps up in grade today and drops in weight to the minimum of 56 kilos and will start from an inside barrier. This is a very competitive field but I expect she will appreciate the drop-in weight and favourable barrier draw and she looks to be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Multi Builder Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. I’ve had two rides on this five-year-old mare by Elzaam for a win and second placing, with both being at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. Our second placing came last start where she settled outside the leader and was beaten by three-quarters of a length by a promising horse in Open Minded. We will start from a wide barrier draw again today and there looks to be a lot of pressure on paper, so it will be interesting to see where she settles in running. We will know how the track is playing by her race and if there is any track pattern or bias. She is a mare in good form and can make her presence felt again today. 

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield for the Easter meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. The weather forecast for today may impact the way races are run and won, with strong wind and showers predicted throughout the day. Caulfield is an unusual track that can really be affected by the direction of the wind, so that is something I will have to be mindful of over the course of the meeting.

Race 1 is the Take It To The Neds Level Handicap over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is D’ARBANVILLE who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This filly by All Too Hard is raced by Murray Thoroughbreds. She’s had three starts for a win and third placing and I’ve ridden her at her past two starts. Her only unplaced run was on soft ground at Flemington in Group 3 level where she finished fifth, two starts ago. I rode her in that race and she settled on-speed and wanted to get the race over and done with too quickly and got tired late. She then dropped back in grade at her next start, winning a two-year-old fillies handicap at Sandown over 1300 metres. She was ridden off speed and was dominant in her winning effort. She drops back slightly in distance today and hopefully there is enough speed and pressure in this race so she can settle and relax through the early stages, and show her great turn of foot. If the track conditions and race is run to suit her, she can win this.

Race 2 is the BM90 Neds Same Race Multi Handicap over 1100 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is ACTING (NZ) who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This three-year-old daughter of Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. She’s had eight race starts for three wins and last Spring won the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield, before contesting the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, where I had my first ride on her, finishing fifth and just under three lengths from the winner. She’s had three runs this preparation at Group 3, Group 2 and Group 1 level respectively. Last start she contested the Coolmore Classic over 1500 metres in Sydney against the older mares and was well beaten on a heavy 9 surface. It was reported that she pulled up with two shifted plates post-race and sustained a puncture wound to the sole of her foot in the process. She’s had a nice gap between runs and is dropping back in distance from last start. On her best form she will be one of the main chances in this.

Race 3 is the Neds Extra Head Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is HIGHLAND JAKK (NZ) who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This promising three-year-old gelding by Jakkalberry is lightly raced having had four starts for a record of one win and three third placings. He had four runs last preparation, winning his maiden impressively over 2000 metres at Seymour before stepping up to 3YO Listed grade over 1800 metres at Flemington, where I had my first ride on him to finish third. He had the blinkers added to his head gear for the first time when I rode him and we finished just over a length behind Pancho, with the very promising Russian Camelot finishing second. He gave me a really good feel at Flemington and I’ve been waiting for him to resume this preparation as he is a lovely staying type of galloper. I’m looking forward to riding him again and seeing how he has matured and developed from last preparation and he has the ability to make his presence felt today.

Race 4 is the BM78 Neds Toolbox Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is REDCORE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This five-year-old gelding by Choisir runs in the colours of Lionel Krongold. These colours were made famous in 1992 with Soho Square winning the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap. I’ve ridden Redcore twice throughout his career and won on him over 1000 metres at Sandown in February of last year. He trialled officially at Cranbourne before resuming this preparation and was really impressive in his effort with no blinkers on. He resumed this campaign at Bendigo over 1100 metres and after settling on-speed was beaten by just under three lengths. Even though he is yet to win when racing second up, I feel he will have taken natural fitness benefit from his first up run coming into this. If we have luck in running and he runs up to his best form, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he won this.

Race 5 is the Neds Galilee Series Final over 2400 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is BELLX who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. I had my first ride on this daughter of Rock Hero last start at Bendigo in the 3YO handicap over 2200 metres which was a lead-up race for today’s assignment. She put in a pleasing effort to finish fourth and just under a length from the winner. Having ridden her before gives me a good insight into her and I feel that she will only continue to improve with racing and age. I know she will be able to run out the distance strongly, and the only unknown with her will be the ground if it deteriorates by her race. On her recent and consistent form, she should make her presence felt.

Race 6 is the Neds Bet Back Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is VASSILATOR (NZ) who is trained by Colin Little. This four-year-old gelding by Zacinto has had 18 starts for a record of two wins and two minor placings. Even though he hasn’t got the best strike rate he has been competing at the top level and as a three-year-old finished second to The Autumn Sun in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, so on his day he has produced some very good form. He races here first up this preparation and has the blinkers removed from his head gear. Even though I haven’t ridden him on raceday, I have ridden him in jumpouts sometime ago and liked the feel he gave me. I have watched replays of his two recent Caulfield jumpouts and thought the he looked impressive in his first jumpout with no pressure applied, and at his second effort he looked to go nicely behind some fast horses over 800 metres. He will start from a wide barrier draw today and is a horse that usually settles back in the field. If the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to run-on from back in the field, he will be finishing off strongly.

Race 7 is the Group 3 Le Pine Funerals Easter Cup over 2000 metres, my ride here is STAR MISSILE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This four-year-old gelding by Smart Missile is raced by Hancox Racing. I rode him here last Saturday in BM90 grade over 2000 metres and he is stepping up to Group 3 company today. Last week he did an extremely good job to come from well back in the field on heavy ground to finish third, only 1.5 lengths from the winner. If he brings his form from last week and the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to make ground, I expect him to be one of the main contenders in this Group 3 feature.

Race 8 is the Group 3 Elvis Thurgood 40th Anniversary Cup over 1400 metres, my ride here is CARZOFF (FR) who is trained by Chris Waller. This seven-year-old gelding by Zoffany has had 32 starts for a consistent career record of six wins and ten minor placings, winning over $600,000 in prizemoney. Even though his winning form is over 1800 to 2300 metres, he has run extremely well over 1400 metres and also runs well fresh. He races here first up today and from the wide barrier draw I expect he will settle off-speed, which might make it hard for him depending on how the track is racing and how much pressure there ends up being. He handles all racing surfaces and if the race is run to suit him, he can be very competitive in this.

Race 9 is the Neds Price Boost Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is KAONIC (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old gelding by Savabeel runs in the Morgan family colours. He comes into this with a race record of five wins and two placings from 20 starts and has competed at the highest level throughout his career. I rode him earlier this year in jumpouts at Flemington while he was gaining fitness and I’m looking forward to seeing him at the races for his first-up run. While he has done most of his racing in New South Wales, he has raced twice previously in Victoria with winning form at Flemington. He has drawn a wide barrier so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race, but he is a horse that usually gets back in the early stages. From his five first up efforts he has recorded one win and a third placing. He has winning form on soft ground but is unplaced from four attempts in heavy conditions. On his best form he will be one of the main chances in this.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Easter. 

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the soft range. Sometimes on the Lakeside track with the rail in the true position it can be advantageous to those horses racing on-speed, so it will be interesting to see how it plays throughout the day.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1400 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is CHART BUSTER who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This two-year-old colt by Akeed Mofeed is raced by Teeley Assets. He’s had two starts and made his debut in a Listed race at Flemington over 1000 metres, finishing 3.75 lengths from the winner. He then stepped up to 1300 metres at Sandown on the Hillside course and was narrowly beaten by the winner. He steps up again slightly in distance today and has drawn a low barrier in a small field. On his exposed form he is one of the main chances.

Race 2 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is GOLDEN GORGE who is trained by Robert Hickmott. This three-year-old gelding by Mossman is raced by Price Bloodstock Management. He’s a lightly raced and progressive galloper who has had four starts for one win and two third placings. The only time he didn’t finish in the top three was at his second race start at Caulfield where he started favourite and finished 4.25 lengths behind How Womantic, who is now a Group winner. He also pulled up with an issue post-race, so that run can be forgiven. He stays at the same distance as last start and comes into this with the blinkers added to his head gear for the first time. He will start from an inside barrier draw and on his best form is the horse to beat.

Race 3 is the Clanbrooke Racing Maiden Plate over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This gelding by Helmet has had seven starts for a second placing. I rode him in the Spring in a 3YO handicap over 1600 metres at Caulfield and felt that he has a beautiful action and good ability, but was very immature at that stage of his preparation. He had three more runs after I rode him at Caulfield and contested the Listed Geelong Classic to finish fourth, and then the Group 1 Victoria Derby where he was well beaten and subsequently sent for a break from training and was gelded. I’m really looking forward to him resuming today and seeing how he has matured and developed and what level he can get to this preparation.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 1200 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is EXCUSED who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is raced in partnership with Colin and Janice McKenna and Darren Thomas of Seymour Bloodstock. I rode her when she made a winning debut as a two-year-old at Sandown over 1000 metres and have ridden her in all but one of her seven race starts. She has a record of one win and three placings and achieved black type status when we placed second in a Listed raced in the Spring. She’s had one run this preparation where we finished third in the Inglis Dash, just over two lengths from the winner. She steps up slightly in distance for her second-up run and is versatile in all track conditions, with winning form on heavy ground. She has the blinkers added to her head gear for the first time and in this small but competitive field, if the blinkers have the desired outcome and she runs up to her consistent form, she will be winning this.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is VIRAL who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old gelding by Al Maher is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. He is lightly raced for his age and comes into this with a race record of 15 starts for three wins and four placings. I had my first ride on him last start at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres where he carried the same weight as today, and after being wide throughout with no cover put in a very good effort to finish second by a narrow margin. He is unplaced from five attempts over the 1300 metres but gave me the feel last start that the distance shouldn’t be a worry. If I’m right and he runs out the distance and holds his form, he will be very hard to beat today.

Race 6 is the BM78 Thoroughbred Club Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is SPECIAL ALERT who is trained by Andrew Noblet. This five-year-old mare by Not a Single Doubt is raced by Seymour Bloodstock and Aquis Farm. She is the Group 3 W.A. Oaks winner from 2018 and since being transferred to Victoria to race has had mixed form. She races here second up this preparation and if she can recapture her best form, she clearly has the ability to win this.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap over 1600 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 had his first run for his new owners and trainer when I rode him first-up at Sandown over 1400 metres on the Hillside course. Even though he was beaten by an official margin of 3.5 lengths, it was a much better run than it looks on paper. Hopefully the track will be racing fairly as there looks to be a good amount of pressure and he will settle back in the field. He will start from an outside barrier draw and if the track plays to suit his pattern of racing, he can make his presence felt.

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield. The rail is out 9 metres and after a significant amount of rain in the past few days the track is rated in the heavy range. There is further rain forecast for today so the track conditions will deteriorate if that arrives.
It’s a wonderful tribute by the Melbourne Racing Club to honour some of the past greats of our sport today including Geoff Murphy and Roy Higgins.

Race 1 is the Robert Taranto Handicap over 1100 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is SAHARA SONG who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This daughter of Your Song made her debut at Moonee Valley over 1000 metres and after being back and in-between runners, closed the race off extremely well into second place and was beaten by Maha, who is unbeaten from two starts. It’s always an unknown with young horses on heavy ground but based on her breeding she should be able to handle the conditions. Provided she has come on from her first up run and she is able to handle the ground, she will be one of the main chances as she looks to be a progressive style of filly.

Race 2 is the Geoff Murphy Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is YULONG RISING (IRE) who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five-year-old gelding by Galileo is raced by Yu Long Investments. He is dropping back in distance today after competing over 3200 metres in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup last start, where he finished fifth. I feel he will have taken benefit from the experience of racing over the extended trip last start and is suited by the drop back in distance. This is a very competitive field and he will need to be at his best today. He is unplaced from two attempts on soft ground so I’m hoping he enjoys the heavy conditions and is able to run his best race.

Race 4 is the Thomas North Handicap over 1400 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is PARMIE who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This daughter of Snitzel is raced by Hesket Bloodstock. She is the highest rated horse in the field and carries the top weight. She has good form on rain affected ground with two wins from four starts on soft ground and a third placing from her only attempt in heavy going. She ticks a lot of boxes and looks well placed in this race as she seems to enjoy racing at the track, track and distance and distance. She will be very fit and is dropping back in distance from her last run which was over 1600 metres. I’m looking forward to riding her and she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 5 is the Selangor Turf Club Handicap over 1100 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is ABSOLUTE FLIRT who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This filly by Stratum runs in the colours of Devitt and Gordon. She’s had 11 starts for a record of two wins, five seconds and a third placing and is a very competitive filly with good ability who has competed in stakes grade for most of her career. I had my first ride on her in her first up run, which was last start at Flemington over the straight course where we were narrowly beaten and finished second. She gave me a really good feel first up and I’m hoping to go one better on her second up today. We will start from the widest barrier and she has winning form on soft ground, but is untested in heavy conditions. If we have luck from the draw and she gets through the ground, she will be winning this.

Race 6 is the Lamaro's Hotel Handicap over 1000 metres, my ride here is MISS IANO who is trained by Mark Webb. I’ve ridden this six-year-old mare by Equiano once last preparation for a win at this course over 1100 metres in fillies and mares grade. Following that win she progressed to competing in black type mares races and has form lines around Pippie and Tofane. She races here first up today and has the right form lines coming into this. She also has good statistics at the track, distance and on heavy ground, which should see her be very competitive with the minimum weight today.

Race 7 is the Neds Handicap over 1600 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is VEGAS KNIGHT who is trained by Colin Little. I’ve ridden this gelding by Declaration Of War on a number of occasions and finished second on him in the Stutt Stakes in the Spring before finishing seventh in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. He was spelled after the Guineas and resumed this preparation with a solid effort first up over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley to be beaten by less than a length when finishing fourth. He was disappointing at his next start over 1400 metres at Flemington and at his most recent run in the Mornington Guineas, even though he finished second last, didn’t get any clear running. His trainer is happy with the way the horse has trained-on and is expecting to see him return to his best form from the Spring. If he is able to recapture that form, he will be right in this at the finish.

Race 8 is the BM90 Neds Same Race Multi Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is MY PENDANT (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Pins is raced by Waikato Stud and partners. She’s had 15 starts for a record of five wins and three second placings. She races here fifth up this preparation and is returning to benchmark grade after competing in Group and Listed company, and gets nicely at the weights being only one kilo above the minimum. She has winning form on rain affected ground and if she finds her best form with the drop back in grade, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 9 is the BM90 Remember Roy Higgins Hcp over 2000 metres, my ride here is STAR MISSILE who is trained by Greg Eurell. This four-year-old gelding by Smart Missile is raced by Hancox Racing. I’ve had three rides on him for two wins and also rode him first-up this preparation at Flemington where we finished eighth. He races here fourth up and is stepping up to the 2000 metres for the first time this preparation. From his three attempts over the distance he has placed second on one occasion. Last start he contested the All Star Mile and even though he finished second last, was only 4.65 lengths from the winner under Weight For Age conditions. He returns to a benchmark race today and carries two kilos above the minimum weight. If he handles the rain affected going, on his best form he will be too good for these.

Pakenham Preview

Tonight I’m riding at Pakenham for the night meeting. The rail is out 10 metres from the 1000m to the winning post and out 8 metres for the remainder of the track, with the surface rated in the soft range.

Race 1 is the Racing.com F&M Maiden Plate over 1200 metres, my ride here is PRINCESS KEZ who is trained by my brother, Damien Williams. This five-year-old daughter of Danerich is lightly raced having had just two lifetime starts. She made her debut in January of last year and had a long break from training before having her second race start, which was 11 days ago at Bairnsdale over 1000 metres where she finished 3.5 lengths from the winner. She will be fitter here for her second up run, is stepping up in distance and the low barrier draw should give her every opportunity to run her best race.

Race 2 is the Backcare & Seating 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is ARMAMENT who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This gelding by Redoute’s Choice is raced by Rosemont Stud and Fern Vale Farm. He’s had two starts with both of those being at the end of last year. He finished third on debut over 1400 metres at Kyneton before being unplaced over 1600 metres at his next start and was subsequently spelled. If he has taken natural improvement from his first racing preparation he can make his presence felt first up today.

Race 4 is the R&C Asphalt Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, my ride here is THEE ONE (NZ) who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old daughter of Savabeel runs in the colours of Waikato Stud. I did a lot of the early jumpouts and trials on her after she arrived from New Zealand but this will be my first ride on her under race conditions. She’s had three starts for two seconds and a third placing and races here third up this preparation and is stepping up to the 1600 metres for the first time, after racing over 1400 metres in her first two runs. She comes into this with strong form lines around her and on her best form she should be too good for these.

Race 5 is the Red Gem Packers & Growers BM64 Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is FAIRY WAND who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Redoute’s Choice is taking on the older horses here and comes into this with a race record of one win and two second placings from six starts. I rode her when she made her debut as a two-year-old at Sandown and after starting from a wide barrier put in a really good effort to finish fourth and only two lengths from the winner. She was then sent for a spell and I rode her first-up in her next preparation as a three-year-old, where again we started from a wide barrier and after being wide throughout was beaten by 3.25 lengths, and again was subsequently sent for a spell. She resumed this preparation in January, winning her maiden at Geelong over 1350 metres on soft ground and has been racing in consistent form in her three runs since then, placing second in her past two starts. She is a horse that seems to make her own luck by racing close to the speed and even though there are a number of scratchings from this event, it is still a competitive field. If she runs up to her recent and consistent form she will be one of the main chances.

Race 6 is the Drouin & District Community Bank BM64 Handicap over 1400 metres, my ride here is STAY GOLD who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old daughter of Toorak Toff out of the mare Gold Lottey is a sister to Iconoclasm, and is also raced by Rosemont Stud and Fern Vale Farm. She’s had six starts for a record of one win and two second placings. She has been in the market in most of her runs and horses that have beaten her throughout her career have gone on to be city winners. She resumed this preparation over 1300 metres at Sandown on March 11^thand after leading up looked to peak on her run and got tired over the concluding stages. She steps up an extra 100 metres here and will have taken natural fitness benefit from her first up effort. She’s had three runs at this distance, only missing a top three placings once and has winning form second up. On her best form she is the horse they all have to beat.

Race 8 is the Sportsbet Elite Average Games Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is NOVEMBER DREAMING who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This three-year-old filly by Tavistock has had five lifetime starts and hasn’t missed a top three placing. She races here first up this preparation and has drawn a favourable low barrier draw. She tended to want to hang out last preparation and I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and seeing how she has matured and developed from that campaign. If she runs up to her best form she will be very competitive in this and will take a lot of beating.

Sandown Preview

Today I’m riding at Sandown on the Lakeside circuit. The rail is out nine metres and the track is rated in the good range. Twilight meetings at Sandown have finished for the season so we return to normal day racing.

Race 1 is the Ladbrokes Plate over 1300 metres, my ride here is CHOOKSTER who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Brazen Beau is raced by Saric Racing and partners. He made his debut on soft ground at Moe in September of last year and looked a little bit plain on that occasion and was subsequently spelled. He resumed earlier this month over 1200 metres at Pakenham where he closed off nicely to finish less than five lengths from the winner and looks to have improved from his debut run. He will be fitter from his first up run, is stepping up slightly in distance and will start from a low barrier draw. This is a competitive maiden but I expect he can make his presence felt.

Race 4 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap over 1600 metres, my ride here is FIELDS OF YULONG (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old entire by Galileo is raced by Yu Long Investments. This imported galloper had four starts last preparation and really came into his own when he stepped up in distance to 2000 metres and beyond, winning his maiden at the end of that campaign over 2400 by seven lengths. He races first up here today and has had a solid amount of work in his jumpouts to be forward enough to run over the mile. I expect he will have improved from his first preparation in Australia and can run a bold race here and that will set him up for the rest of his campaign as he steps up in distance.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is MOUNTAIN BREATH (GB) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old imported mare by Bated Breath (GB) is raced by Vinery Stud. She’s had 15 starts for a record of three wins and five placings and is a consistent mare. She has raced in both NSW and Victoria throughout her career and last start at Sandown closed off really well to finish 2.75 lengths behind Kentucky Tornado (USA) over 2400, who has won her past two starts and that looks to be a strong form reference for this. Mountain Breath has drawn a wide barrier today and we will need some luck in running but I expect her to be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Money Back Odds Handicap over 1200 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is FORTUNE ROSE who is trained by Jamie Edwards. This mare by Helmet is lightly raced for her age having had 15 starts for a record of three wins and three minor placings. She races first-up here today and looking through her form from last preparation she won a BM58 over this distance at Kyneton towards the end of her preparation and held her form to be very consistent in her subsequent three runs in BM64 grade. She has winning form first up and from her five attempts at this distance has a very good record of two wins and two placings. If we have luck in running from a wide barrier and she runs up to her consistent form from last preparation, she can be competitive in this.

Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is MINYINGA who is trained by Jamie Edwards. I had my first ride on this daughter of Elzaam four starts ago when we won at the course and distance in fillies and mares grade. Since then she has had three runs and although unplaced, has run well in each start. She has the blinkers added to her head gear again today and there looks to be a good amount of pressure on paper, which might change where she settles in running. On her usual form I expect she can be right in this at the finish.

Bendigo Preview

Today I’m riding at Bendigo for the standalone meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range. Our industry is fortunate enough to still be able to operate during this time under strict Biosecurity measures in the current pandemic, with all states having to make changes to the way racing operates to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants during this crisis. I wish for everyone to stay safe & healthy and look after each other during this difficult time.

Race 3 is the Underground Cabling Systems BM84 Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is QUEEN ANNABEL who is trained by Rebecca Kelly. This six-year-old mare by Bel Esprit races here fifth up this preparation and has an overall race record of six wins and seven placings from 35 starts. From her 11 starts at this distance she’s won twice and placed on a further three occasions. She has drawn a favourable barrier draw and on her best form will be one of the main chances.

I’m scheduled to gallop Vow And Declare between races and I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s come on from his first up run where he finished third in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington.

Race 5 is the URMG Security 3YO Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is BELLX who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This daughter of Rock Hero is lightly raced having had only five starts and comes into this with a race record of one win and a third placing. She had one run as a two-year-old where she finished last on heavy ground before being spelled and resuming as a three-year-old. She won her maiden second-up this preparation by 1.75 lengths at Mornington over 1500 metres. She then stepped up to 3YO BM70 grade at Sandown over 1600 metres where she finished 1.1 lengths from the winner, and at her most recent start competed in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks over 2100 metres where she finished third, less than half a length from the winner. She looks to be a filly with good natural staying ability and can be one of the main contenders in this with luck in running.

Race 6 is the Catanach’s Jewellers Bendigo Gold Bracelet over 1400 metres for mares, my ride here is PURE SCOT who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This five-year-old mare by Purrealist has won five times from 28 attempts and has placed on a further three occasions. She races here second up this preparation and from her five attempts second-up has won once and has winning form over the distance. She will have taken natural improvement from her first-up run and she is aided by a low barrier draw today. Due to the set weight and penalty conditions of this race she gets in on the minimum weight as she hasn’t won for over a year.

Race 8 is the Listed bet365 Protest Promise Golden Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is ODEON (NZ) who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This six-year-old gelding by Zacinto has been really consistent throughout his career with a race record of seven wins and 11 minor placings from 40 starts. I’ve ridden him in four of his last five race starts, including his last victory which was five starts ago at Caulfield in Listed grade over 1700 metres. He has competed in black type races in his past three runs and always runs an honest race. He is a horse that makes his own luck by racing close to the speed and should roll forward again in this race. He looks well placed here and on his best form will be right in this at the finish. 

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 good range. Given the current climate we are fortunate to be able to continue racing in these testing times.

Race 2 is the Ladbrokes Handicap over 1300 metres for two-year-old fillies, my ride here is D’ARBANVILLE who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This daughter of All Too Hard is raced by Murray Thoroughbreds. She’s had two starts and made her debut at Bendigo where she was slow away from an outside barrier draw but closed off well to finish third. I rode her at her next start at Flemington at Group 3 level over 1200 metres where she ended up leading the field and was a little bit lost in front and got tired over the concluding stages. She returns to racing around a bend today and is stepping up slightly in distance and comes into this with the benefit and experience of two runs behind her. I feel that if things go her way today in this small but select field, she will be the horse to beat.

Race 4 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Switch Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is ENRICO PALLAZZO who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This four-year-old gelding by Domesday has a race record of two wins and five placings from 20 starts and won a BM58 race two starts ago at Bendigo over 2400 metres. Last start he competed at the course and distance of today’s event in BM64 grade where he finished fourth and 5.6 lengths from the winner, Tigre Royale. He is up in grade here and drops to the new current minimum weight of 56 kilos, normally he would have been allocated 54 kilos in this race but the weight scale has been raised 2 kilos in the current circumstances. He meets Tigre Royale again here but is better off at the weights from their last start. If he runs up to his best form he has the ability to make his presence felt.

Race 5 is the BM64 Thoroughbred Club Handicap over 1800 metres, my ride here is ANCHORMAN (NZ) who is trained by Brian McGrath. This four-year-old gelding by Burgundy has had 22 starts for a record of two wins and eight placings and is a very consistent galloper. I’ve ridden him in his past two starts, finishing third over 1600 metres at Flemington in BM64 grade and last start at Sandown over the same course and distance of today’s race, where we were narrowly beaten and finished second. He had no favours last time out and after starting from an outside barrier we hardly got any cover and he was really determined and tried hard in his effort to be narrowly beaten. He has drawn a low barrier today and I’m hoping to be able to utilise that draw and get him to jump on terms with the field. On his best form and with luck in running he is one of the main contenders in this and it would be great to be able to go one better than last start on him as he is such a consistent horse.

Race 6 is the BM64 Ladbrokes Back Yourself Hcp over 1300 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is JEALICE who is trained by Archie Alexander. This daughter of Hinchinbrook is raced by Miller Thoroughbreds. She’s had six starts for one win, one second and a third placing. I rode her last start at the course and distance and liked her profile leading into her first-up run for the preparation. She is a filly that can be slow away from the gates and had the addition of the barrier blanket last start, she jumped cleanly and raced in a prominent position, unfortunately I ended up riding her a bit too aggressively for a filly that was first up and she got tired late in the race. I was really pleased with the performance she showed me and liked the way she felt. I expect she will have taken a good amount of natural improvement and she looks well placed here as I feel she is a filly that will gain black type status in the future.

Race 7 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Hcp over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is SELES who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old mare by I Am Invincible is raced by Star Thoroughbreds. She’s had her past two starts in Melbourne and I’ve ridden her in both of those, finishing third at Sandown over 1300 metres and again last start at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres where she raced on speed and was only beaten by 1.8 lengths. She stays at the same distance and grade as last start as if she holds her consistent form will be one of the main chances.

Race 8 is the BM64 Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is FIELDS OF YULONG (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old entire by Galileo is raced by Yu Long Investments. He’s had four starts for one win and a second placing and races here first up this preparation. Both his placing and his win have been over 2200 and 2400 metres respectively, and he won his maiden in dominant fashion by seven lengths at Mornington before being spelled. I expect he will have improved with the benefit of that first racing preparation under his belt and he looks to be a quality galloper that can make his presence felt today and going forward into his preparation, as he continues to step up in distance with each run. 

Rosehill Preview

Today I’m riding at Rosehill for the Golden Slipper meeting with five Group 1 races on the card. The rail is out three metres and the track is rated in the soft range.

Race 2 is the Group 3 IRON JACK N E MANION CUP over 2400 metres, my ride here is YOGI (NZ) who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This seven-year-old gelding by Raise the Flag is raced by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and partners. I’ve ridden him throughout his career and my last success on him was actually his last win, which was over a year ago. He had two runs last preparation for a second placing in Listed grade at Rosehill before running third in the Listed Queensland Cup. He’s had two runs this preparation and races here third up. He will start from an outside barrier and is a horse that is usually very slow into stride from the gates anyway. He is a unique horse that takes a lot of riding and encouragement throughout the race for him to reach his best, but when he reaches his best he is very good. On his best form he will make his presence felt in this.

Race 4 is the Group 1 RANVET STAKES over 2000 metres, my ride here is NORWAY (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old entire by Galileo is raced by Yu Long Investments and partners. This imported galloper is having his first run in Australia and prior to arriving had 12 starts for a record of three wins and four placings. He has competed in multiple Group 1 races, including the Irish Derby and has form around some of the best horses in Europe. He has had two recent official trials to prepare for his first up run, with the first being on the synthetic track at Warwick Farm and the second at Rosehill on a soft surface. I’m looking forward to seeing how he presents pre-race and acquits himself under race conditions. If he runs up to his European form he clearly has the ability to make his presence felt.

Race 6 is the Group 1 SKY RACING ACTIVE ROSEHILL GUINEAS over 2000 metres, my ride here is CASTELVECCHIO who is trained by Richard Litt. This exciting colt by Dundeel is raced by ownership interests that include Arrowfield Pastoral, Galletta Construction, Mr Yoshida, Pinecliff Racing and partners. My only ride on him was in the Cox Plate last year where we finished second to Lys Gracieux (JPN), who then returned to Japan and won the Arima Kinen by five lengths. CASTELVECCHIO has had two runs this preparation and is stepping up in distance from 1600 metres last start. I rode him in a piece of trackwork on Tuesday morning and was very impressed with his performance and feel that he worked as well, if not better, than he did leading into the Cox Plate. If he brings his trackwork to the races it will take a good horse to beat him today.

Race 7 is the Group 1 LONGINES GOLDEN SLIPPER over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is PERSONAL who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This filly by Fastnet Rock runs in the colours of Coolmore. She’s had three starts and I’ve ridden her in her past two runs, winning on her at Flemington in her second career start before finishing third on her in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. The stable has always spoken highly about her and have compared her to Miss Finland, who I won the Golden Slipper on many years ago. She hasn’t raced the Sydney way of going but I did ride her in a recent official trial at Randwick in preparation for today’s race. She won her heat and I felt that she would take good improvement from the experience and the stable have been happy with the way she has trained-on. She has drawn a very wide barrier and with luck in running she will be one of the main chances in this feature Group 1 race.

Race 8 is the Group 1 CITY TATTERSALLS CLUB GALAXY over 1100 metres, my ride here is SOOTHING who is trained by James Cummings. This five-year-old mare by Lonhro is raced by Godolphin. She’s had 18 race starts for a record of seven wins and three placings and is a real competitor and winner. I’ve ridden her once and was successful on her winning a Listed race on Oaks Day at Flemington last Spring, she really dominated that race winning by 2.75 lengths with no pressure applied. She races here first up this preparation and ticks a lot of boxes for this race with her outstanding first up record, record at the distance, track and distance and surface all being positive. She will start from a wide barrier and there looks to be a lot of pressure and speed, which will suit her as she is a horse that seems best when ridden off the speed and allowed to run on. If the track is racing fairly I expect her to be closing off strongly over the concluding stages with the light weight of 51 kilos and she can win this.

Race 9 is the Group 3 TAB BIRTHDAY CARD STAKES over 1200 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is SO TAKEN who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old mare by Street Boss has had 16 starts for a record of three wins and six minor placings and is a very consistent mare. She races here second up this preparation and her first up effort was solid when finishing fourth and less than two lengths from the winner at Randwick. We will need luck from the outside barrier draw but if we have luck and if the race is run to suit her, on her best form she can be one of the main chances.

Moonee Valley Preview

Tonight I’m riding at Moonee Valley for the last night meeting of the season, featuring the Group 1 William Reid Stakes. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range.

Race 1 is the BM70 Racing Photos Digital Album Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is VIRAL who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old gelding by Al Maher is raced by Emmanuel Bloodstock. He is lightly raced for his age having had 14 starts for three wins and three placings. He is deep into his racing preparation after five runs this campaign and comes into this having competed at the course and distance last start in BM78 grade, so he is dropping back in grade. The last time he competed in BM70 grade was four starts ago where he won carrying 59 kilos. He will start from an outside barrier and last start he went back from the wide draw and closed the race off solidly. He will have his best winning chance if the track is racing fairly and allowing horses to make ground with the rail in the true position.

Race 2 is the Evolve Interiors Emma Boling Plate over 1200 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is WINGS OF PASTRAMI who is trained by Jeff Searle. This daughter of Supreme Class has an amazing record of four wins and a third placing from her five career runs. She finished third in her debut run on heavy ground and was subsequently spelled. After returning in her next preparation she won four races in a row, including her last run of that campaign at Flemington in a 3YO BM70 over 1400 metres. She won a recent official trial in good time for the day at Bordertown in South Australia in preparation for her first-up run. She still looks like she is learning and putting it all together on raceday, but on her best form is the horse to beat in this competitive field, provided she handles the Moonee Valley circuit as this will be her first attempt around the course.

Race 3 is the Listed Palentino Ready To Launch Valley Pearl over 1200 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is VANGELIC who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This daughter of Vancouver has had two starts, winning on debut in NSW before contesting a strong Listed race over the straight course at Flemington when I had my first ride on her. I felt she was a little bit lost over the straight course and after being impeded in running was solid in her effort given the circumstances to finish 3.85 lengths from the winner. I have ridden her recently in trackwork and feel that she has taken natural improvement from the Flemington run and she looks well placed to gain black type status in this race.

Race 4 is the BM70 Simpson Construction Handicap over 2040 metres, my ride here is RELUCENT (NZ) who is trained by Chris Waller. This three-year-old gelding by Savabeel is taking on the older horses in this event and comes into this as a promising stayer with a record of one win and five placings from nine starts. I’ve ridden him in both of his runs this campaign. He resumed this preparation with a win at Pakenham over 1400 metres before stepping up to 1600 metres at Flemington, finishing fourth in a strong 3YO BM70 field and after being ridden quietly from his outside barrier closed the race off extremely well. He steps up in distance again tonight, drops two kilos in weight and has drawn a more favourable barrier. If he handles the Moonee Valley track and has some luck in running he will be very hard to beat.

Race 5 is the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Final over 955 metres, my ride here is REBEL MISS who is trained by Matthew Smith. This six-year-old mare by Krupt is trained in New South Wales but had the last three runs of her last preparation at the course and distance before being spelled. She has winning form at the course and distance and is a genuine short course mare. She races here first up this campaign and has had two official trials in preparation for her return. She is a horse that makes her own luck by racing close to the speed and we will need some luck from the barrier draw as there looks to be a lot of pressure and speed in this race. It will be interesting to see what my instructions are pre-race and hopefully the race works out well for her and she runs up to her consistent and competitive form.

Race 6 is the Group 3 Dynamic Print Group Alexandra Stakes over 1600 metres for three-year-old fillies, my ride here is BETCHA FLYING who is trained by Chris Waller. This daughter of Uncle Mo is raced by Ingham Racing. She’s had seven starts for one win and three second placings and is a very consistent filly. She resumed this preparation as a beaten favourite over 1400 metres in New South Wales and even though she finished second last, was only 3.6 lengths from the winner and ran extremely well. We have drawn a wide barrier this evening so it will be interesting to see what my instructions are from the team. She was my galloping partner in a piece of trackwork around Moonee Valley on Monday morning and I was impressed with what I saw from her and she seemed to handle the track well. If the track is racing evenly and allowing horses to make ground she will make her presence felt.

Race 7 is the Group 1 Keogh Homes William Reid Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is LOVING GABY who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This three-year-old filly by I Am Invincible runs in the colours of Phoenix Thoroughbred. She is the only three-year-old filly taking on the older horses in this event and this is the course and distance that she won her Group 1 at, when also taking on the older horses in the Manikato Stakes in October of last year. Since that win she has competed at the highest level of Group 1 racing and hasn’t missed a top three placing in three runs. She worked at the course on Monday morning and I was pleased with the feel she gave me in her work and the way she handled the track. She will start from a favourable barrier draw and there looks to be a lot of pressure and early speed in this field. Loving Gaby is going really well and it will take a good horse to beat her tonight. 

Sandown Preview

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

Race 1 is the Clanbrooke Racing Plate over 1400 metres, my ride here is TYRANNTO who is trained by Colin Little. This three-year-old gelding by Zoffany has had three starts for two third placings. He was narrowly beaten on debut over 1100 metres before stepping up to 1400 metres at his second start where he finished just over six lengths behind Banquo, who subsequently went on to win and compete in Listed and Group races, including the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap. He went for a spell and resumed this preparation at Pakenham, finishing third over 1200 metres on a soft 5 track. He will start from a wide barrier and if we have luck in running, on his best form he will be one of the main chances.

Race 3 is the BM78 Ladbrokes Handicap over 2400 metres, my ride here is KENTUCKY TORNADO (USA) who is trained by Chris Waller. This five-year-old imported mare by Mizzen Mast is raced by Brad Spicer and partners and wears Brae Sokolski’s colours. From her past three runs she has won twice and finished third, with her past two runs being in Victoria at this course. I’ve ridden her in her past two runs and thought that she didn’t handle the undulation of the Lakeside circuit in what was her first run in Melbourne this campaign and lost a lot of ground going down the hill before closing off nicely for third. Next start on the Hillside circuit she was dominant in her effort to win by 3 lengths. She is stepping up in grade from BM64 to BM78 but drops 3.5 kilos in weight from her past two runs. She comes into this full of confidence from her last start win and if she can produce her effort from last start they won’t be beating her.

Race 8 is the BM70 Thoroughbred Club Handicap over 1400 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 is having his first run in new ownership and for his new trainer. This will be my first ride on him and he looks to have some nice form behind some handy gallopers, and if he runs up to that he will be very competitive. After watching his replay’s, I can see that he is a horse that usually jumps slowly from the gates, so the low barrier draw isn’t that much of an advantage to him. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on him in his first-up run for the new stable. 

Caulfield Preview

Today I’m riding at Caulfield for the All Star Mile meeting. The rail is out six metres and the track is rated in the good range. We are in an unusual situation due to the coronavirus outbreak with only minimal raceday staff being allowed on course and no owners or spectators in attendance, however it is pleasing to see that racing can continue even under the testing conditions.

Race 1 is the BM80 Superior Food Services Grand Handicap Mile over 1600 metres, my ride here is SNITZEPEG who is trained by my father and brother, Allan & Jason Williams. He’s a five-year-old gelding by Snitzel with a race record of five wins and six placings from 32 starts. He races here second up this preparation and is stepping out to a distance that he has winning form over. From his eight runs over the mile he has a win and second placing to his name. He has drawn a low barrier and should gain an economical run in transit from the draw and give himself every opportunity.

Race 2 is the BM80 Lamaro's Hotel Grand Handicap Classic over 2400 metres, my ride here is REFLECT THE STARS who is trained by Danny O'Brien. This four-year-old mare by Starspangledbanner is raced by Rosemont Stud and Nigel Austin. She’s lightly raced for her age having had 13 starts for a record of two wins and four placings. She is a genuine stayer with both of her wins being over 2000 metres. She races here fourth up this preparation and resumed this campaign over 1600 metres at Pakenham, finishing second. She then won second up at Warrnambool over 2000 metres before being beaten by Kentucky Tornado in BM64 grade at Sandown. She now steps up in grade to BM80 and carries the light weight of 53.5 kilos. She will have to run right up to her best form to measure up in this grade, but does have the light weight in her favour.

Race 3 is the Listed Arrowfield Redoute's Choice Stakes over 1000 metres for two-year-old’s, my ride here is MASSEUSE who is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This filly by Rubick is raced by Halo Racing Services and partners. She started favourite at her only start at Moonee Valley and was beaten by the narrowest margin of 0.1 length by Hard Rock Girl, who went on to win the Listed Cinderella Stakes in Adelaide at her next start. She will start from a wide barrier in a small field and I expect she will have taken natural improvement from her first-up run and looks the horse to beat.

Race 4 is the Browns Sawdust & Shavings VOBIS Gold Reef over 1600 metres for three-year-old VOBIS Gold horses only, my ride here is WESTERN SUN who is trained by Matt Cumani. This gelding by Fighting Sun has had five starts for one win four placings, so he has never missed a top three placing in his short career. He races here third up this preparation and is stepping up to the 1600 metres for the first time. He has drawn a favourable, low barrier and is a horse that races close to the speed and makes his own luck. He looks well placed here and will take a lot of beating.

Race 5 is the Listed Neds Mornington Cup Prelude over 2000 metres, my ride here is ODEON (NZ) who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This six-year-old gelding by Zacinto has had 39 starts for a record of seven wins and 10 placings. He is such an honest and consistent galloper, who four starts ago won a Listed race at this course over 1700 metres then went on to compete in Group 3 and 2 company at his past two runs, only being beaten by less than 1.5 lengths in both of those races. He steps up to the 2000 metres again today and has winning form at the course and distance. He will start from an ideal inside barrier draw where we can utilise his early speed and settle just behind the leaders. The speed map and race look like it will map well for him, and on his best form he will be right in this at the finish.

Race 6 is the Inglis Dash over 1100 metres, my ride here is EXCUSED who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This race is restricted to three-year-old horses that have been through an Inglis sale and are eligible for the Inglis Race series. This daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is raced in partnership with Darren Thomas of Seymour Bloodstock and Colin and Janice McKenna’s Halo Racing Services. She’s had six starts for a record of one win, one second and a third placing. I’ve ridden her in five of her six starts and was successful on her when she made her debut at Sandown as a two-year-old over 1000 metres. She races here first up today and I’ve ridden her in two recent jumpouts and have been happy with the feel she gave me. If we have luck from the tricky barrier draw and she returns to her best form, she will be one of the main chances.

Race 7 is the ALL-STAR MILE. This race is run under special conditions under the Weight For Age scale. The top 10 horses are voted in by public vote, there are three wildcard races and two ballot exempt races to make up the field. My ride here is FIERCE IMPACT (JPN) who is trained by Matthew Smith. This six-year-old entire by Deep Impact is a dual Group 1 winner over this distance and received a wildcard entry into the field. He resumed this preparation with a second placing in the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes over 1400 metres at Caulfield. He then returned to Sydney to run in the Group 1 Chipping Norton over 1600 metres where he finished third behind Te Akau Shark. I rode him in a piece of trackwork on Tuesday morning and was happy with how he galloped and the way he has progressed this preparation. We will start from a tricky barrier draw and will need luck in running. We will have a good understanding of how the track is racing by this time of the day and any track pattern may alter the way he is ridden. If he runs up to his very good recent form, he can win this.

Race 8 is the Listed Neds Anniversary Vase over 1600 metres, my ride here is ADMIRAL’S JOKER who is trained by Kylie Vella. This seven-year-old gelding by Bel Esprit is raced by the Butler family. I’m delighted to back on-board him and this will be my first ride on him this preparation after riding him with good success last campaign, winning three races on him including the Listed Seymour Cup. He races here fourth up this preparation and put in a solid effort last start to finish third behind Fifty Stars in the Group 2 Blamey at Flemington, with Fifty Starts going on to win the Group 1 Australian Cup at his next start. He returns to racing under handicap conditions today carrying 58.5 kilos, and on his best form he will be winning this.

Moonee Valley Preview

Tonight I’m riding at the Moonee Valley night meeting. The rail is in the true position and the track is rated in the good range. There are storms and poor weather predicted throughout the afternoon so it will be interesting to see how they might alter the racing conditions.

Race 3 is the BM70 Powerflo Solutions Handicap over 1600 metres for fillies and mares, my ride here is SELES who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old mare by I Am Invincible out of the mare Defy The Odds, is raced by Star Thoroughbreds and partners. She’s had 23 starts for a record of three wins and eight minor placings. I had my first ride on her last start, which was her first run in Melbourne, finishing third at Sandown over 1300 metres. I was able to utilise her low barrier draw and positioned her closer to the speed, and felt that she stayed on nicely. She steps up in distance today and from her six attempts at this distance range she has been placed on three occasions. She has drawn to gain an economical run from the barrier draw and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper, so if I can again use her low draw to take up a position closer to the speed she can be competitive in this.

Race 4 is the Listed Ranvet Abell Stakes over 1200 metres, my ride here is MYSTYKO (NZ) who is trained by Trevor Rogers. This six-year-old gelding by Sakhee’s Secret is raced by Richard Anderson and partners. I won this race on him last year and since then he has competed well and has been racing consistently without winning. Last start he contested the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate where he drew a wide barrier and finished less than five lengths from the winner. He will start from barrier four in a field of five tonight and this is a course and distance that he loves competing at. On his best form and with luck in running he will be a main contender in this and he looks well placed to win back to back Abell Stakes.

Race 5 is the BM70 Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 16 over 955 metres, my ride here is VIVARO who is trained by James Cummings. This three-year-old filly by Exceed And Excel is raced by Godolphin. I had my first ride on her last start when she was second up at Moonee Valley, winning in 3YO BM70 grade over 1000 metres. She started from an outside barrier but had a lot of speed and was able to control the race and was dominant in her effort. It was an advantage that night to be on speed, so she had a few things in her favour. She steps up to taking on the older horses but stays on the minimum weight tonight. She will start from a low barrier draw but there is a good amount of pressure on paper that is drawn to her outside. If the race works out for her and she doesn’t have to work too hard in the early stages she will take a lot of beating.

Race 7 is the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes over 2040 metres for three-year-old’s, my ride here is THINK ’N’ FLY who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This colt by So You Think has had six starts for a record of three wins and a second placing. The first time he stepped up to this grade was last start at Caulfield where he acquitted himself well. He will start from a low barrier draw and is stepping up to the distance for the first time. Even though this is a small field he meets a number of the same runners again as last start. I’m looking forward to seeing how he measures up, stepping up in distance, and this race will provide a good guide to the path he takes through the Autumn.

Race 8 is the BM70 Cranbourne Fencing Handicap over 1200 metres, my ride here is SONAREE who is trained by the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig team. This six-year-old gelding by So You Think is raced by the Woods family. He races here first up and even though he hasn’t won first up previously from three attempts, his recent official trial at Werribee was solid and he gave me a good feel. I’ve ridden him once under race conditions last preparation and he is a horse that can get a bit keen and want to over-race. There looks to be a lot of pressure and speed in this race which will suit him and on his best form can make his presence felt.