Sha Tin - Preview

Sunday June 4

I start in race two, with AMAZING MOMENT for Paul O’Sullivan. Last start he finished third where he was able to box seat from an inside barrier draw and wasn’t beaten far. He now has the addition of blinkers for the first time but I will need some luck from an outside draw. On his last run and with the aid of blinkers, he is one of the main chances.

CATCHMEIFYOUCAN is my ride in race three, for Chris So. He is now down to Class 5 but the margins he has been beaten have been fairly big. He has come up with the extreme outside barrier draw and he will need some luck from there.

In race four, I ride MORDICUS for Francis Lui. He was narrowly beaten last start and he is a horse that makes his own luck and races close to the speed. If he doesn’t have to do too much work from an outside barrier I expect him to be there for a long way.

ENSURING is my ride in race five, The Hong Kong Silver Jubilee Cup for John Size. This has turned out to be a small field without much pace. I have come up with the outside barrier draw and my horse usually races off the speed. Hopefully, this race is run so that it allows my mount to finish off. If he found his best form he is one of the main chances in this competitive event.

Race six, I ride SAM’S LOVE for Dennis Yip. He has only had one start, in which he won over 1200m at the same track. He now steps up distance which looks like it will help him as he came from second last on debut. He has come up with the extreme outside barrier draw and if he has luck from the gate, he looks a likely type to put two wins together.

CIRCUIT LAND is my ride in race seven, the feature of day, The Lion Rock Trophy, for Danny Shum. He is carrying the maximum weight but that is warranted as he has been competing at the highest level in his recent runs and he was only narrowly beaten in a Group 1 race last time. He has come up with a nice draw and I do have a lot of options with him as he is a horse that has been effective ridden close to the speed or from behind. He is the one they all have to beat.

In race ten, I ride LUCKY GUY for Dennis Yip. I won on him at the end of last year at this course over 1200m, He steps up to 1400m and he is aided by a nice barrier draw where he should be afforded a nice economical run and he will be one of the main chances in this strong race.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Saturday June 3

I start in race one, with WANTED DIVA for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig and she wears the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock colours. She is coming of a last victory at Cranbourne where she drew an inside gate and was ridden close to the speed. She has come up with a widish draw and I would expect her to derive a lot of confidence from that and have come on also. She looks like she has nice ability and I expect her to be one of the main chances.

MAJESTIC LASS is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She is an ultra-consistent mare but hasn’t won for nearly a year. Her only blemish on her recent form was last start but she had an excuse. All of her wins have been at this distance and she has raced well at the track. She is on the minimum weight and if she finds her usual form she is one the main chances.

In race three, I ride ABILITY for Robert Smerdon. He hasn’t raced for nine months but I have trialled him officially and unofficially leading into this and I’ve been very happy with the way he has felt in his work. He has come up with an outside barrier but he has raced really well here and does have good stats first up. It does look like they will go very fast and I expect him to be closing off late.

FORTIFY is my ride in race four, for Henry Dwyer. He is a lightly raced gelding and he now steps to 1600m for the first time and looking at his replays, it does appear that will suit him. He has come up with an outside barrier draw but it looks like he can measure up in this even race.

Race five, I ride MAGIC CONSOL for Paul Preusker. On his most recent form he is hard to have but on his overall form he would be one of the main chances. The trainer rarely brings horses to town but when he does he has a very good strike rate. If he finds his right form he would be one of the main chances.

LOPARTEGA is my ride in race six, for Doug Harrison. I was successful on her two starts ago when she won at 1600m impressively at Sandown. Since then she competed at Group 2 level in Adelaide. She is now back in her right grade but she has come up with an outside barrier draw. She has had two starts at the track for a win and a second, so she does love this surface, which is important on this tight turning track. Despite stepping back in class, it is still a strong race for this time of the year but on her right form she is one of the main chances.

In race seven, I ride HEZA RIPPER for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is very well named if you owned or supported him as he has been in the top three at half of his race starts. He has good stats at the track but he has come up with a wide draw. I do have options though, as he has been successful leading and two starts back finished off strongly at Caulfield when ridden back. By the time this race comes around, everyone will know how the track is playing and we’ll have options as he isn’t one dimensional. As always, I expect him to be very competitive.

Race eight, I ride HURSLEY for Chris Waller and he wears the Qatar Bloodstock colours. He has been in great form and the only time he ran at the course and distance I finished third on him behind Big Duke. Even if we got deteriorating conditions by the end of the day, it would only enhance his chances as he has excellent form on wet tracks. On top of the ground, which is his most recent form, he won two starts back and closed off nicely last time. He is a horse that can be ridden forward or back and I expect him to be one of the main chances.

HIGHLAND BEAT is my ride in race nine, the last race, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. I have ridden him on two occasions and one of those he was beaten half a length by Russian Revolution, who has gone on to be a Group 1 winner. Last time, he was one of many horses that wasn’t fully tested due to a slow tempo in the early stages but this race looks like it will be run at a quicker speed. He has come up with outside barrier draw and if we have luck from the gate he should be one of the main chances.

Pakenham - Preview

Wednesday May 31

I start in race two, with ROCKETCOD for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig and wears the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock colours. He has had two runs and at his latest he resumed with a second at Geelong on the synthetic track. He now steps up in trip which looks like it will suit him. He is going to be on a Heavy track for the first time but he has drawn to get an economical run.

AIRINO is my ride in race four, for John Sadler. This is her favourite distance as she has had four starts for two wins and a second. She is coming off a last start victory so she will come into this race with confidence and if she handles the track she will take a lot of running down.

In race five, I ride GIBBON for Wendy Kelly. I rode him last start when he wasn’t beaten far at Sandown. He has had his races spaced with seems to suit him and he is at his favourite distance. In this competitive race, he is one of the main chances.

MURPHY’S REWARD is my ride in race six, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He won his last start at the same course and distance but that was on the synthetic course and he now goes to a Heavy track on the turf. He has competed on a Heavy track previously when he finished fifth at Ballarat, so he can get through it but I will need to be mindful that I will have to help him. He will also need some luck from an outside draw.

Race eight, I ride CROCODILE SHOES for Lee & Anthony Freedman and wears the OTI Racing colours. He had his first run in Australia last time when I rode him at Sandown. He now steps up in trip and he also goes up in grade but gets in with 3kg less than he carried then. He gave me a really good feel but his race performance was disappointing for what I feel he could be. I’m expecting an improved performance but he is also a query on the Heavy track.

Sandown - Preview

Saturday May 27

I start in race one, with THE CONSIGLIERE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has had one start for one win on the Geelong synthetic beating the older horses. He wobbled a bit around the turn but was extremely strong late. He has come up with the outside barrier draw but if he has luck from there, I expect him to be one of the main chances.

GALAXY RAIDER is my ride in race two, for Greg Eurell. He is resuming and has never been out of the top three at the course, distance or first up. One of his two wins came at this track and he has trialled extremely well at Cranbourne leading into this. He has come up with an inside barrier draw and he usually gets back but if he has luck and clear running, he is the horse to beat.

In race six, I ride JACQUINOT BAY for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a 9yo who has won nearly won $1 million in his career. He now steps back to 1600m which saw him narrowly beaten three starts ago this preparation. He has the blinkers back on which might spark him up. He has come up with a nice middle barrier draw, he usually races forward and gives himself every chance. On his strongest form, he will be one of the chances.

LADY LEE is my ride in race seven, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She has been very consistent this preparation without winning and has raced well at the course. She now steps up to 1600m for the first time this preparation and from the wide draw I would I expect I’d be asked to ride her back and let her finish off. If they can make ground she should be finishing off nicely.

Race eight, I ride VALLIANO for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He hasn’t won this preparation but his runs have been good and solid. If he finds his Spring form from last year he will be one of the main chances.

Cranbourne - Preview

Friday May 26

I start in race one, with UNDER THE SEA for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. She is now having her fourth run and closed off nicely over 1000m last start. She now steps up in trip which looks like it should suit her. She has come up with a wide draw but I assume I will be asked to ride her quiet and finish off. The rail is out seven metres for tonight’s meeting and if they are able to finish I would expect her to be making her run with the favourite.

JAYLO is my ride in race two, for Robert Smerdon. She closed off strongly last time when she finished third. She is now having her fourth run and she look to have improved every run. The main chances look to race on speed and I assume from my wide draw I will be asked to ride her back like last time.

In race three, I ride ALL WELL for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is an extremely fit horse, back in trip, with a favourable barrier draw and I expect him to be there for a long way.

GOUGERS is my ride in race four, for Robert Smerdon. She is only lightly raced having had just the two starts. She started this preparation with a win on soft ground at Geelong. She now steps up to a BM64 which is the next step but she has come up with a wide draw. I expect her to come into the race with more confidence and experience but I will need luck from the draw.

Race five, I ride FONT MAGICA for Robert Smerdon. She is lightly raced and two of her three runs have been at Cranbourne, where she has won and run second. She is stepping up in trip and back in grade from her last outing when she ran extremely well at Flemington in a strong race. I will need some luck from a wide draw but there does look to be good pressure in the race so hopefully they will spread out and I won’t have too much to do work. I expect her to be hitting the line and being one of the main chances.

CHARLEVOIX is my ride in race six, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has got excellent form, is only lightly raced and he has run well in an SA Derby. He has only had two runs this preparation and has been finding the line nicely. Once he gets out to this type of trip he usually finds his best form, and on his best form he will be too strong for these.

In race seven, I ride LORD TENNYSON for Peter Chow. I was successful on this horse last start at this course and now he steps up in distance. He had to race here last week to qualify for tonight’s final. He has never backed up a week apart but I expect him to gain confidence from that win and the trainer has got him going extremely well. He makes his own luck and he does drop 5kg from his last start win and is the horse they have to beat.

The last race, race eight, I ride SWAMPLAND for Henry Dwyer. She has got excellent form as a 3yo. When she finished third at Caulfield in the Spring behind Jennifer Lynn she was only just beaten for second by Petition who has very strong form. She is taking on the older mares but with an inside barrier draw and luck in running she will be one of the main chances.

Ballarat - Preview

Wednesday May 24

I start in race one, with DUECOURSE for Bill Wilde. She is a 3yo Duporth filly having her first run. I haven’t seen any videos of her trials but it does look a very nice race to start her off in as there are only two horses who have showed good form in their race starts.

WESTERN KINGDOM is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is coming off jumps starts at his last two runs so he does come into this race extremely fit. He is back 1000m from his last assignment but he is a solid stayer.

In race six, I ride CHAMPAGNE READY for Chris Waller. I finished third on her last time in the same grade at Sandown and she is now having her second run in Melbourne this preparation. In this very competitive race, she is one of the main chances.

PALMA MERENTIO is my ride in race seven, for Andrew Noblet. He is coming off his first win which came first up. He has never been beaten far in his races and with confidence from his last start victory, in this competitive race, I expect him to be there at the finish.

Seymour - Preview

Tuesday May 23

I start in race one, with COSMIC IMPACT for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. I trialled her officially at Cranbourne on a Heavy 10 and she gave me a really nice feeling and handled the track well, winning without any pressure. She is now on a firmer track, has come up with a wide barrier draw but if she does everything as professional as she was in the barrier trial she will be one of the main chances in this strong race. No.8 River Jewel, is a horse that finished 4^th on debut and the horse I won the Group 2 on in Adelaide Saturday narrow beat this horse home, so there are strong form references there. However, I do like my filly and expect her to run well.

UNION DUES is my ride in race two, for Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes and Pinecliff Racing. I’ve seen her two unofficial trials at Flemington and she seemed to have very good speed. She has come up with a nice draw and looks like she is in the softer race of the two divisions of today’s 2yo fillies races.

In race three, I ride DANCINGFORDIAMONDS for Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes and Watson Bloodstock. She trialled unofficially at Flemington and was behind Vega Magic, the winner of the Group 1 Goodwood on Saturday. If she brings that form to this maiden they all have to beat her.

Morphettville - Goodwood Day Preview

Saturday May 20

I start in race one, with ECLAIR ATTACK for Phillip Stokes. He always races well at this course, has won over this distance, is back in trip and has a middle barrier. He is stepping up in grade but drops down to being just off the minimum weight. In this very competitive race, on his best form, he will make his presence felt.

I’LL HAVE A BIT is my ride in race two, the Group 3 National Stakes for 2yos, for John McArdle. He has very good form behind Limestone and Jukebox and he resumed with a nice fast finishing third behind Booker who he meets in this race. He has drawn wide but in this very competitive race I expect him to be finishing hard.

In race three, the Port Adelaide Cup, I ride GREY LION for Matt Cumani and OTI Racing. He is now back on top of ground and drops 2kgs from his last outing and feel he will improved form that run. If he finds his Geelong Cup form he will be one of the main chances.

ROCK GISELLE is my ride in race four, the SA Fillies Classic, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. This is the first time she is out to an extended trip but she looks like the distance will suit her and she is out of a Zabeel mare. She is back to 3yo company after last time taking on the older mares. On her best form, she will be one of the chances.

Race five, the Centaurea Stakes I ride EXOCET for Lee & Anthony Freedman and Pinecliff Racing. She is coming off a last start win when she won the Guineas carrying 59.5kgs. She now takes on the older mares and steps up in trip but she has come up with an economical barrier in gate one and she only carries 53kgs. I expect her to be one of the main chances.

In race seven, the Group 1 Goodwood, I ride VEGA MAGIC for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has excellent form in Perth and is having his first run for the new stable and they are very pleased the way he has settled in. I have sat on him in two jumpouts at Flemington and he has impressed me both times. He has come up with a nice middle barrier and is a horse that seems to make his own luck and race forward and is very dominant in that position. In this very competitive Group 1 I expect him to take a lot of running down.

In the last, the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes, I ride FUHRYK for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She was unlucky last time as there was a long delay in the gates and subsequently she was a long way further back than we anticipated but she closed off extremely well. We come up with a wider draw but by the end of the meeting it might be a less worn path away from the inside rail. There looks to be nice pressure up front, she is very dominant and I expect her to be winning.

Cranbourne - Preview

Friday May 19

I start in race one, with SUBUTAI for Danny O’Brien. He has only had two starts and finished second at his last outing. He now steps up slightly in trip, has a favourable barrier draw and looks like he will take a lot of running down.

DAZZLE STREET is my ride in race two, for Mitchell Beer & Max Hinton. He has only two starts this preparation after arriving from New Zealand. He is getting better at every run but steps back slightly in trip and will need some luck from an outside barrier.

In race five, I ride HIGH LAGO for Darren Weir and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock. He steps back up to a trip where he has been successful before and is third up and appears to be improving with each run. In this small but competitive field, on his best form, he will make his presence felt.

HETUKA ZARSHO is my ride in race seven, for Matthew Ellerton & Simon Zahra and First Light Racing. He is resuming and was ultra-consistent last preparation. After getting a win on the board he stepped up to city grade where he was very competitive. He was won fresh and has the right form to be winning this race first up.

In race eight, the last race, I ride LORD TENNYSON for Peter Chow. I was narrowly denied victory on him last start at the Warrnambool carnival but he was gallant in defeat and appeared to run into a smart horse. If he holds that form, I expect him to take a lot of running down in this.

Geelong - Preview

Friday May 19

I start in race two, with GEORGICA for Chris Waller. He is an Ocean Park colt having his debut run. He has had two unofficial jumpouts at Flemington and I wasn’t aboard him on either of those occasions but I have watched his replays. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw and am looking forward to seeing him on his debut appearance.

KOTINOS is my ride in race three, for Robert Smerdon and Champion Thoroughbreds. He is resuming and has the blinkers off and winkers back on. I rode him on debut when he finished third at Pakenham. He has trialled very nicely coming into this and his form is much stronger than his opposition and this race should start him on his winning ways.

In race four, I ride SEATTLE PARK for Mick Kent. He has been very consistent in his first racing preparation finishing no further back than fourth. He has come up with a wide barrier draw, and slightly back in trip but this is a nice maiden race for him.

Morphettville - Preview

Saturday May 13

I start in race one, with NEW SUMMER NIGHT for Stephen Theodore. I rode her four starts ago when she was trained in Victoria by the Hayes stable. She has now moved to South Australia and is coming off a last start victory. She is a horse that gets back and needs a little bit of luck but she comes into this full of confidence and there looks to be nice speed up front which should suit her race pattern. If she has luck in running she will be hitting the line hard in this competitive race.

CASINO FOURTEEN is my ride in race two, the Group 3, Sires Produce Stakes for Greg Eurell and Ultra Racing. I finished second on him last start in a Listed event at Flemington over the same course. He is strong and gave me a feeling that he is a horse that will feature as a 3yo in the Spring Carnival. The stable is very pleased the way he has come on since his last run and even though he has drawn the outside, I expect him to be too strong for these.

In race three, I ride SAMARA DANCER for Phillip Stokes. She is coming right back in grade as she has only competed at Group and Listed level but with that she has to carry a big weight and coupled with a wide barrier. She was one of the favourites in her year of the Blue Diamond and if she finds that form she will be beating these.

ROCK STATUS is my ride in race four, for David Jolly. He is coming off a quick back up and is down in grade after competing at Group level where he finished last. Back to this grade and with a nice barrier draw, if he backs up, he is one of the main chances with no weight. He does need luck as he comes from midfield or further back.

Race five, I ride CAMDUS for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He has excellent form and has the minimum weight. He does get back so if they are able to make ground he will be one of the horses hitting the line hard.

PETITION is my ride in race six, the Adelaide Guineas, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is undefeated this preparation and I was very impressed with the feeling she gave me at her last outing when she won at Flemington where I felt she didn’t handle the ground but was too good for them. She now steps up in trip, has a wide gate and she will find herself midfield or worse but there does look to be a lot of pressure which should suit her. I am expecting her to be too good for these.

Race eight, the Provincial Final, I ride WILDWOOD COURT for Simon Gebert. He is coming off a last start victory at Bendigo where he was quite dominant where he controlled the race in front. He is a horse that seems to make his own luck and when ridden forward he is hard to get past and very competitive. Being a Final, this is a strong race but with a nice run from a widish draw he will be very competitive.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday May 10

I start in race two, with CROCODILE SHOES for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI Racing. He is an import having his first run in Australia. He is an intriguing runner and I’m looking forward to him resuming in this race. He has trialled at Flemington where he stayed on nicely throughout.

GIBBON is my ride in race three, for Wendy Kelly. He is third up which he has won at in the past. He has a nice middle barrier draw, a surface that he enjoys and he’s also on the minimum weight. If he finds his best form, in this small but very competitive race, he is one of the main chances.

In race four, I ride A LITTLEBITOFCLASS for Nikki Burke. She is a very consistent galloper who has had two starts the course for two seconds and she is adaptable on all surfaces. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and she has been very consistent this preparation

MADAM MOUTON is my ride in race six, for Ciaron Maher and Higgins/Dalziel Racing. She closed off well first up over 1400m at this track from a wide draw. Again, she has drawn out but her run style is usually to come from behind, so if they are making ground on the day, she will be finishing hard.

Race seven I ride STONE WARRIOR for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI Racing. If you can forgive his last run and the excuse was he didn’t handle the firm surface, his form is excellent. He hasn’t finished out of the top three in his previous four starts. He finds himself at the same trip as he was successful at two runs back in Adelaide. He has a wide barrier but on his best form he is the one they all have to beat.

In race eight, the last race, I ride CHAMPAGNE READY for Chris Waller. She won her maiden at this course and comes off a last start win at Kembla Grange on a Slow 5. She goes well here, has been competitive at the distance and likes the surface. She has come up with a nice barrier draw but she is a little bit awkward as she can overrace and get her head up throughout but if I can utilise the good draw and she races kindly for me, she has good acceleration at the end of her race.

Morphettville Sangster Stakes - preview

Saturday May 6

I start in race four, the McKay Stakes with RELDAS for Robert Smerdon. He is well weighted in this race as he is only 2.5kg off the minimum. He has had a gap between runs but he was due to run at Mornington on Cup Day but was scratched at the barriers. If he travels over well and handles the day, I expect him to be very competitive on his best form.

SAVVY DREAMS is my ride in race six, the Australasian Oaks, for Guy Lowry & Grant Cullen. She was very impressive in her recent runs in NZ before coming to Australia. I didn’t feel she was at her best last start and her NZ form was franked with the ATC Oaks winner coming through the same form line as this girl. She has come up with a middle gate and she does get a bit restless in the starting stalls but shouldn’t be in the barriers long. If she can get away cleanly and settle in a midfield position and finds her NZ form, she is the one they have to beat.

In race seven, the Group 1 Sangster Stakes, I ride NOW OR LATER (formally known as Now Or Never in NZ and USA) for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has competed at Group 1 level multiple times in 3yo classic races. She has had one official trial on Heavy ground. I didn’t ride her in that jumpout but I’ve ridden her on multiple occasions in trackwork and on her latest piece of work at Caulfield, if she brings that form, she is the one they have to beat.

FUHRYK is my ride in race eight, the Euclase Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. During her last preparation she wasn’t beaten at this distance. She has come up with a nice gate where she should get an economical run and if she brings her best form, she is one of the main chances in this hotly contested race.

Warrnambool - Preview

Wednesday May 3

Today I’m at Warrnambool for Day 2 of their famous May Carnival.

I start in race three, with FLAG TIME for Robert Smerdon and Price Bloodstock. He is stepping up to 1700m for the first time and he has come up with a favourable barrier draw which should give him every chance.

LORD TENNYSON is my ride in race four, for Peter Chow. He is locally trained and is second up today which he has excellent form with two wins and a second when second up in the past. His has never been out of the top two at this course and distance from his three tries. In a very competitive race he will take a lot of running down

In race seven, I ride TOFFATIN for Matthew Williams. He is only lightly raced and has shown glimpses of nice ability. He is second up and steps up in trip. He usually gets back in his races and there does look to be nice pressure up front in this. If they are able to close off, he will be one of the horses finishing hard.

TELOPEA is my ride in race eight, the Wangoom Handicap for Darren Weir and Waratah Thoroughbreds. She is first up and has great form when she resumes. She has only been out of the top three on one occasion at this distance. She handles soft ground, has a nice barrier and with no weight in this very competitive Listed race she is one of the main chances.

Race ten, I ride READY RIGHT NOW for Tony McEvoy. He is resuming and his first up form is his best form as he has only missed a place when first up from three tries. He has the blinkers off for the first time, has an outside barrier and on his best form he will be there at the finish.

Caulfield - Preview

Saturday April 29

I start in race one, with WINKELMANN for Danny O’Brien. She is a lightly raced 3yo who has had five starts for two wins. In her most recent start she was successful at Pakenham, so she comes to this race with confidence. She is quite versatile as she has been able to be successful making all the running as well as last time coming from back in the race and finishing strongly. This is the first time she will step out to 1800m and in this very even race she will be one of the main chances.

HURSLEY is my ride in race two, for Chris Waller & Qatar Bloodstock. He has only been unplaced once at this course and distance. He likes the track, has come up with a favourable barrier draw and he loves soft ground. He can carry the weight and he is the one they have to beat.

In race three, I ride DANE THUNDER for Shane Bottomley. His first up run was nice where he wasn’t beaten far. he is now up in grad but he will have improved fitness and stays at the same trip. In this grade he will be very competitive.

MENABREA is my ride in race four, for Colin Scott. She is a lightly race Magnus filly that handles all conditions. Her first up win was at Kilmore where she was a little keen through the race and that is probably why they have dropped her back in trip. There appears to be a lot of pressure in this so it should help her relax and give her more strength at the end of the race. It is a step up in class but she does have the minimum weight.

Race five, I ride AL PASSEM for Ken Keys. He has had two starts for two wins. He won at the track last time and now steps out slightly in trip. He has come up with a wide barrier draw so if we don’t have to do too much work early, he will be strong late. Horse no.1 will be very hard to beat as he was very impressive on debut but it will be a good test to see where these horse shape up looking forward to the Spring Carnival as this is a very strong race.

HIGHLAND BEAT is my ride in race six, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. When you look back through his form he has been beaten by some good horses who performed well over the Spring at the top level as well as himself competing in Group races. He has excellent first up stats as he has only been out of the top three on one occasion, he races well at the track and when I rode him I liked the way he finished off. The stable like to ride him with a sit so the wide barrier should mean he can be ridden to his usual pattern. If he comes into this with the form he has previously shown, he is a main chance in this strong event.

In race seven, I ride AEGEAN SEA for Danny O’Brien. She is resuming under Danny O’Brien for the first time. Last start she competed at Group 1 level in the Oakleigh Plate. She now steps back to this mares contest and even though she has to carry 58.5kg she has been successful carrying 61kg before so carrying this weight is no problem for her. She is a quality mare and if she brings her best form they will all have to beat her.

Race eight, I ride HEART STARTER for Darren Weir and wears the famous Bob Peters colours. To send him over to the East, they must have a lot of time for him. He has won at Group 3 level and his form suggests he has good ability. He has excellent form at 1400m and usually runs well first up. On his best form, he is one of the chances.

Sandown - Preview

Wednesday April 26

I start in race two, with WILLI WILLI for Craig Widdison. He has one start finishing fifth and the winner of that race has been a stakes filly. He has since had a spell, a nice trial without too much pressure and resumes today. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw but it is a very strong maiden but he looks like a horse with nice potential.

HOT RUBY is my ride in race three, for Luke Oliver. She is now back in grade and despite carrying 58.5kg, she is well treated at the weights and on her best form and on a soft track it looks like another race she can win.

In race seven, I ride FIFE for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. She has been looking for soft ground and has come up with a nice barrier draw. The step back in trip should be to her liking and she has worked well at the track in the past. She gets the right conditions, is on the minimum and she is the one they have to beat.

Flemington - ANZAC Day Preview

Tuesday April 25

Today is ANZAC Day, traditionally run at Flemington, and a great day we can reflect on servicemen and servicewomen past and present that give everyone a great opportunity in Australia.

I start in race one, with TOM MELBOURNE for Lee & Anthony Freedman and OTI. If you forgive his last start run which was in a Group 1 at WFA level, his best form is too good for these. He is usually an on pace runner who creates his on luck free-rolling in front. Even though it is a small field, there are two other horses in the race who have similar run styles but on his best form he will run these into the ground.

PETITION is my ride in race three, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. She is a very exciting filly that is lightly raced and she has never finished further back than fourth. She started this preparation with an impressive victory and even though she has come up with an outside barrier draw she is a very progressive filly and with luck in running she will be too good for these.

In race four, I ride CASINO FOURTEEN for Greg Eurell and Ultra Racing. He has had one start for one win where he was impressive without being pressured. He now steps up to Listed grade but the stable has a very big opinion of him and if he can take the step up the plan is to head north to Brisbane for Group races during their win carnival. He is a big strong horse who looks like he makes his own luck and I’m looking forward to sitting on him.

AMARELA is my ride in race five, for Nigel Blackiston. She has won and been placed at the track. She has come up with a nice middle barrier draw and I like the way she finished off last start. In this very competitive race she is one of the main chances.

Race six, the VRC St Leger, I ride HIGH MODE for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He looks like an out and out stayer. This race looks to be a very open edition of the St Leger. Even though his form doesn’t look as strong as others in this race, I’m confident the distance is in his favour and he will be competitive in this.

SPANNER HEAD is my ride in race seven, for Archie Alexander. She was narrowly defeated at her only start at Flemington and her two wins at 1600m have both produced wins. She looks like a lovely filly that will get every favour from barrier one, she stays on the minimum weight but in this very competitive weight she is one of the main chances.

In race eight, I ride CORAM for John Sadler. He is a very consistent horse and has been racing well with his runs spaced. He has come up with an inside barrier draw and by the last race of the day everyone will know what part of the track will be the place to be. He usually gives them a head start and hits the line hard. This is a very open race and with luck in running and on his best he will be one of the main chances.

Sandown - Preview

Monday April 17

I start in race one, with LILAS for Robert Smerdon. She has had multiple trials coming into this and had the blinkers on in one of those outings. She will have to improve on what she’s shown at those trials but she has drawn well in gate one.

PENTHOUSE POET is my ride in race two, for Robbie Laing. This horse is eligible for a maiden but he has shown solid form in his trials and in his first run behind Verstappen. It does look like he has the ability for this class and if he shows that with the blinkers on first time then he will make his presence felt.

In race three, I ride ALASKAN SUN for Robert Smerdon. She was successful at this course and distance two starts back and last start she had no favours from the top of the straight but closed off quite well. Again, she comes up with a big weight and the outside barrier draw so she will need some luck. If the track is playing even and you can make ground from behind, she will be doing that.

FABULONH is my ride in race four, for Colin Scott. He closed off well in his first up run when it was hard to make ground. He has had three runs second up for two seconds and a third so he is ultra-consistent. He now gets to a distance that he has been successful at and a track he was won at. He has a middle barrier draw and is one of the main chances.

Race five, I ride NAPOLEON’S WAR for Andrew Noblet. He’s been very consistent and has won this preparation. He does have the blinkers on for the first time but he has raced in visors before. He has an outside barrier draw so if he doesn’t have to use too much energy he should be there for a long way.

LOPARTEGA is my ride in race six, for Doug Harrison. She closed her race off nicely first up. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw and she looks like she will make her own luck. On her consistent form, she is one of the main chances.

In race nine, I ride RECALCULATE for Colin Scott. He is first up and he has won twice when resuming previously. If Colin is confident, I expect him to be a good chance and one of the horses finishing hard as there looks to be a lot of pressure up front.

Randwick - Preview

Saturday April 15

I start in race two, with ALMIGHTY GIRL for Joe Pride. She started her career in Melbourne and I had a big opinion of her as a 3yo. She has two runs in Sydney for a third and fourth and her latest was on a Heavy 10. She is back in grade and if she gets through the ground and handles her big weight, on her best form they all have to beat her.

SANTA ANA LANE is my ride in race four, the Hall Mark Stakes, for Lee & Anthony Freedman. He has been very competitive when he raced in Sydney as a 3yo. He has had one run this preparation where he finished fourth at Moonee Valley. He stays at the same trip and the race looks to have a lot of pressure which usually suits him. If he has a little bit of luck from the wide draw I expect him to be finishing off fast.

In race five, the JRA Plate, I ride ASTRONOMOS for John Thompson and Waratah Thoroughbreds. He is a deserved favourite in this race, his form is excellent, he loves wet ground, has 53.5kg and is in outstanding form this preparation. He doesn’t seem to make his own luck as he always gives them a head start and this race does look to be void of pressure. If he can work with me and make use of his good barrier he might be in an advantageous position and be more effective. If he is, he will be wining.

ONE MORE HONEY is my ride in race six, the Group 1 Champagne Stakes for 2yo, for John Thompson. This the furthest 2yo’s have run this season and it is a very competitive race with plenty of questions marks with them getting out to this trip. My filly looks like she will relish the journey, is in great form, relishes a wet track and has drawn a favourable barrier. She is one of the main chances.

Race seven, the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, I ride REDKIRK WARRIOR for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He is a very impressive horse when he gets conditions to suit as he did when he won impressively to win the Newmarket Handicap on resumption. Last start he was out in trip and on a Heavy 10. He looks like a horse that would appreciate if the track did dry out through the day and get firmer footing. On his best ability, he is one of the main chances but I will need to help him handle the conditions.

INVINCIBELLA is my ride in race eight, the Carr Stakes, for Chris Waller. She is second up and in her other two second up runs, she hasn’t missed a place. She closed off well last start from a wide draw and she now steps out to a trip that saw her successful at the same course and distance last preparation. It looks like it will be run at a solid tempo which should help her relax and have a strong finishing burst.

In race nine, I ride DUCA VALENTINIOS for John O’Shea & Godolphin. He is resuming and comes off the back of two good trial runs on Heavy ground. He has come up with a favourable barrier draw, his form is very strong and he is definitely one of the main chances on what he has been showing in his trials.

Randwick - The Championships Day 2 - Preivew

Saturday April 8

Today I’m riding at Royal Randwick for the second day of The Championships. Sydney has had fine weather towards the end of this week but the track remains in the soft range. The rail will be out 4 metres and it will be very interesting to see how the track plays, as last week it was a Heavy track and very hard for horses to make ground.

I start in race two, with TRVANCORE for Bryce Heys. This is the first time he steps up to 1400m and after watching the replays I’m going to have to get a good bond fast with this colt as in many races he gets his head up and overraces. He has come up with the outside barrier draw and he usually gets back. I will have to work in well with him so I don’t use too much energy so he can have a finishing burst. If the track is playing fairly it will give him a chance to finish off.

FORMALITY is my ride in race three, the Percy Sykes Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She races in the colours of Coolmore and is a filly with plenty of potential. Her only disappointing performance was last start when she was well beaten on a Heavy 10 in the Golden Slipper. If she handles the conditions of the track and shows her usual ability, she is one of the main chances.

In race six, the Group 1 Australian Oaks, I ride WAKING MOMENT for John Thompson. She comes into this race after winning her last start in the Group 3 Adrian Knox. She handled soft ground, appreciated the step up in trip and comes up with a good middle gate today. This looks like it will be run at a solid tempo and she will make her presence felt.

HARLEM is my ride in race six, the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. Everyone is taking on Winx in the feature race of The Championships. He is an imported horse and at his first start in Australia he finished third in a very competitive Blamey Stakes. He is now having a traditional Hayes Autumn campaign and will have two runs before being spelled for the Spring. He has very strong international form and I’m looking forward to getting a feel for him with a view to the Spring Carnival.

Race eight, the Group 1 Sydney Cup, I ride BIG DUKE for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. My last two rides on him have been victorious and both have been in Sydney. He now steps out to the two miles for the first time which I think he’ll enjoy but more importantly he drops from 58kg to 52kg. He has come up with a nice middle barrier draw, has confidence from his last two outings and handles soft ground. If he brings the same form he has at his last two runs, they will all have to beat him.

SILENT SEDITION is my ride in race nine, the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes at WFA for Fillies & Mares, for Andrew Noblet. She is a model of consistency and never knows how to run a bad race. She is coming off winning a Group 1 at her last start and now comes back to her own sex. She has come up with a favourable barrier draw, will have confidence from her last outing and she always tries her heart out. If she handles the ground, they won’t run her down.

In race ten, the Sapphire Stakes, I ride HIEROGLYOHICS for Anthony & Edward Cummings. She has come up with a wide barrier draw, has the minimum weight and she is quite versatile in the way she has been ridden and successful this preparation. I will be looking to see how the track will be playing by this stage of the day. I have options to follow one of the main chances if we go back but if the instructions are to go forward, she has natural speed. A lot will depend on the track patter and how she begins but on her best form she can make her presence felt.

Sandown Hillside - Preview

Wednesday April 5

I start in race one, with MARK’S MAHA for Aaron Purcell. He has won three of his last four starts and finished third in the other. He is a very solid stayer in good hands with Aaron Purcell and he comes to this small but competitive race over 3400m. He seems to make his own luck, drops nicely in weight and will take a lot of running down.

MULK is my ride in race two, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He has had three starts but is yet to win. He comes into this race second up, having his first run in Melbourne and has the blinkers off. From the outside barrier, I will probably be asked to ride him quietly and asked to finish off.

In race four, I ride HOT RUBY for Luke Oliver. Last time I rode her I was successful over the same distance at Caulfield. Since then she has had a freshen up and wasn’t beaten far at her latest outing. She has come up with a favourable draw and in this very competitive Mares race she is one of the main chances.

ALASKAN SUN is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon. I was successful on her last start over this course and distance so she comes into this race with confidence. She goes up in weight with the impost of 60kgs so she will need some luck from an outside draw. In this very competitive and solid race, she is a chance to make it successive wins.

Race seven, I ride LOST COMMAND for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. She has been ultra-consistent this preparation since moving to the stable. They have taken the blinkers off and she was very solid in defeat last time at Flemington. She is a very honest and solid performer, does a lot of her racing on speed and it takes a nice horse to run her down. This is race that does look to have solid pressure on paper but that should play to her strengths as tough racing suits her run style.

PRESSCOTT is my ride in race eight, for Chris Waller in colours made famous by Winx. I have had one ride on him when he won his Maiden at Bendigo last year. He is second up from a freshen, has a nice inside draw which should see him have an economic run. In an open race, he is one of the chances.

Randwick - The Championships Day 1 - Preivew

Saturday April 1

Today I ride at Randwick for the first day of The Championships. Sydney has copped a lot of rain this past month and today’s meeting will be conducted on a Heavy track.

I start in race three, the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap, with BIG DUKE for Darren Weir and Australian Bloodstock. I was successful on him last start in the Manion Cup at Rosehill on a Heavy 10 where he relished those conditions. He was on the minimum weight of 54kg and now he goes up 4kgs. He rises in trip to 2600m and he is the horse they all have to beat. I expect him to have gained confidence from his last start win and the stable has reported he has thrived since then. This is a great stepping stone and historical lead up for the following week’s Sydney Cup, where he is the early favourite.

NIC’S VENDETTA is my ride in race four, the Country Championships Final, for Todd Howlett. The final is a culmination of many heats throughout country NSW and it is a great concept and to see trainers from all around the state converge in a final on the big stage. As you had to run first or second in the heats it is an extremely competitive race. I am very fortunate that my horse has soft track form, has come up with a favourable barrier draw and seems to make his own luck as he races close to the speed. In this very competitive final he is one of the chances.

Race eight, the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes, I ride REBEL DANE for Gary Portelli. He has Heavy track form but will need luck from the outside barrier but on his best day with luck he can make his presence felt.

Mornington Cup Day - Preview

Saturday March 25

I start in race one, with PINK PERFECTION for Nikki Burke. I rode her for the first time last start when she was beaten just over half a length at Flemington. I think she will benefit with coming back in trip and going around a bend. This is a very competitive race and if she holds her form she is one of the main chances.

GOLDEN MANE is my ride in race three, for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He ran third in this race last year. He has come up with an outside barrier draw and his usual run style is to get back and run on late. It is a very competitive race and he will need a lot of pressure up front and that the tracks allows you to come from behind. If you can, he will be closing off late.

FIFE is my ride in race five, for Robert Smerdon and Qatar Bloodstock. Her first up run she really didn’t handle the racing under lights at Moonee Valley. Since then she has had a lot of time between that run and today and she has trialled extremely well at Cranbourne at her latest official trial. If she finds her right form and if the track has any give in it, it would benefit her chances.

Race six, the Hareeba Stakes, I ride RELDAS for Robert Smerdon. He has had two runs this preparation and both have been good. He has come up with a very favourable barrier draw and if he has any luck in running he is one of the main chances in a race where every horse has a solid chance of winning.

THE GOLDEN TRAIL is my ride in race seven, the Mornington Cup, for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. In Europe he is known as Gold Trail. He has won his last two starts at this distance and at his latest he won at Meydan in Dubai. The horse he beat, went on to defeat the highest rated horse in Europe. If he brings that form to Australia which looks like he has in his work, he is the horse they all have to beat. The winner of this race, is exempt from the ballot for this year’s Caulfield Cup which was the idea of the trainer to target this particular race.

In race eight, the Mornington Guineas, I ride RED IS THE ROSE for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. She was ultra-impressive winning her maiden two starts ago at Sandown. She then stepped up to Group 2 company and was only beaten less than two lengths behind I Am A Star. She has come up with an outside barrier draw but if she doesn’t have to do too much work she is going to take a lot of running down.

Race nine, I ride MATERNAL for John O’Shea and Godolphin. I have only ridden her once which was last start for a victory and she went for a spell after that run. She was ultra-competitive last preparation.and she has trialled twice in Sydney leading into this run and did close off nicely at her latest one. She has had three runs first up for a win and a second. This looks like the right distance range and if she brings her usual competitive form to the races she can start this preparation off on a winning note.

Moonee Valley - Preview

Friday March 24

I start in race two, with MURAAQEB for David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig. He was very impressive on debut at the same course when he stormed home late and won in a dominant fashion. Since then he has competed in the Group 3 Black Opal in Canberra and was disadvantaged by a wide draw. He has come up with a very favourable draw in gate one and I’m hoping I’m instructed to use the good barrier and hold a forward position if he is comfortable in doing so, as to take a lot of luck out of the equation. I’m hoping he’s too good for these but the two above him do have strong Sydney form and have to be respected

DEMOLITION is my ride in race three, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. He is a very consistent horse as he has won half of his race starts and was undefeated last preparation. He has had three barrier trials leading into this first up run so he is extremely fit and ready to go. They have sent him down to Melbourne as he is looking for dry ground but he has come up with the visitor’s barrier, drawing the outside gate. It is a small field and the draw is a big negative but if he can have some luck he will be in the finish.

In race four, I ride BULLPIT for Danny O’Brien. He is coming off a last start second at Flemington where he seems to run his best races of late. He has drawn wide and is an on-pace horse and has to be ridden that way. It always means he is working from outside draws but he is speedy and on his best from he will be competitive.

FRAGNARD is my ride in race five, the Alexandra Stakes, for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She has had two runs this preparation and has come up with a favourable barrier draw. She controlled the race and led all the way first up this preparation. Since then she came to Melbourne and ran well in the Kewney Stakes at Group 2 level. She steps up to 1600m for the first time and I expect her to make her own luck and be there for a long way and hold off the rest.

Race six, the Sunline Stakes, I ride CIRCULAR for John O’Shea and Godolphin. She is coming into this race with confidence after winning her last start at Flemington at the same distance. She was treated well with the barrier and race conditions last start. Tonight is at Weight-For-Age (WFA) level against similar types of mares and she has come up with an outside barrier draw. If she gets luck from the draw and horses are able to close off on the night, then she will be finishing strongly

HOOKED is my ride in race seven, the Group 1, William Reid Stakes for Robert Smerdon and Ultra Racing. He resumed with a narrow defeat first up. He now steps back in trip, steps up to WFA company and has come up with a wide barrier draw but he has won at the track as well as the distance. If he doesn’t have to do too much work from the draw he will be there for a long way.