This evening I’m riding at Pakenham for the night meeting. The rail is out 2 metres from the 1000m to the 400m and in the true position for the remainder with the track rated in the soft range.
Race 1 is the Watch Live on Sportsbet 2YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is PATTON who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This colt by American Pharoah is raced by Spendthrift Australia. He is making his debut this evening and I’ve ridden him in recent jumpouts in preparation for his debut. I’ve been really impressed by his attitude, style, and most importantly his performances. He has been very professional every time I have ridden him and if he brings that to the races he will take a lot of beating in this. He will start from a low barrier draw that will give him an economical run in transit. The only query with him might be the soft track conditions as I’ve only ridden him on firmer surfaces where he’s given me a good feel.
Race 2 is the OBrien Real Estate Foundation 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate over 1200 metres. My ride here is MORE SECRETS who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This daughter of More Than Ready is having her first race start this evening. I’ve ridden her in a recent jumpout where I was very pleased with her effort but also felt that she will further benefit with the experience of racing. She showed nice speed from the barriers in her jumpout and was a little bit keen at times but felt solid. If she handles the exposure to raceday conditions and pressure for the first time and runs up to the feel she has given me, she will be highly competitive and hard to beat in this.
Race 3 is the Lia Spencer SGE 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. My ride here is SANTADEAL who is trained by Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes. This three-year-old gelding by Dundeel is raced by Orbis Bloodstock. He is making his debut this evening and has been very well educated in official trials and jumpouts in both Sydney and Melbourne. He will start from an inside barrier and is racing over 1400 metres, which gives the indication that the stable feel he will develop into a staying type of galloper. This will be my first time riding him and if he runs up to his recent jumpouts I expect he will be right in this at the finish.
Race 6 is the Mathew Boore Takes On Sportsbet Class 1 Hcp over 1400 metres. My ride here is PLUCKY PIROUETTE who is trained by Caroline Jennings. This three-year-old filly by Brazen Beau runs in the colours of Kennedy Racing. She’s had 10 starts for a record of one win and three placings. Her win came last preparation at this track over 1600 metres on soft ground. I had my first ride on her at the end of her last preparation at Flemington where she finished fourth over 1700 metres in 3&4-year-old BM70 grade. I’m looking forward to seeing how she has matured from the last time I saw her and how she presents for her first-up run. She will start from a wide barrier draw and is a horse that usually makes her own luck by racing close to the speed. I will have a good understanding of how the track is playing by her race. If she returns in good order and runs up to her best form she will take a lot of running down.