Daniel Stackhouse is keen to make the most of some plum rides at Flemington on Saturday in the absence of Peter Moody’s stable jockey Luke Nolen.
Nolen will ride at the Gold Coast meeting, paving the way for Stackhouse to partner Moody’s top chances in Melbourne highlighted by early favourites Strawberry Boy and Lidari.
“It’s good when Luke goes away and I get the chance on the leading ones from the stable,” Stackhouse said.
“I think I’ve got some nice chances on Saturday.”
Stackhouse rides work for Moody on Tuesday and Saturday and put Lidari through his paces ahead of the Cleanevent Handicap (2000m).
He pinpointed the French import as the horse he’s most looking forward to riding on Saturday.
“I worked him on Tuesday and he’s a lovely horse,” Stackhouse said.
“It was the first time I had ridden him and he gave me a really nice feel.”
Lidari made an encouraging Australian debut at Flemington last month over 1600m when he finished strongly for second to Bonaria after over-racing early and getting held up in the straight.
He is $2.80 favourite while stablemate Strawberry Boy, who makes his debut for Moody in the Secondbite Fresh Food Rescue Handicap (1400m), is an even shorter favourite at $2.10.
Strawberry Boy is owned by John Singleton and was formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse to win four races from seven starts with two Group placings.
“He’s a very nice horse, everyone knows that,” Stackhouse said.
“He came from the Gai Waterhouse stable and although I haven’t ridden him in trackwork or anything, I’m sure he’ll go pretty well.”
Stackhouse also rides two-year-old Mutajara and three-year-olds Liberty Rock and Our Celladoor for Moody, while his other rides include last start Bendigo winner Epic Choice for Mike Moroney in the Flemington Green Fields Handicap (2000m).
