Opportunities from one of Sydney’s leading stables have convinced Jay Ford to ride in Sydney, at least for now.
The jockey best known for his association with Takeover Target has been spending most of his Saturdays riding at provincial meetings.
Kaepernick
But with many of Sydney’s high-profile riders in Brisbane for the winter carnival, Ford has been lured back to city racing by the Hawkes team.
“I got the job done on Kaepernick the other day and won on Elle Lou so it’s nice to have a few rides for them again,” Ford said.
“Wherever I am going to get the rides and ride the winners I’ll go.
“The last few weeks I’ve been in town because Queensland is on and a few riders are away so I’ll take the opportunity while I can get it.”
Ford has retained the mount on Kaepernick who is challenging for favouritism in the Tab.com.au Sprint at Rosehill.
The three-year-old is among first acceptances for the Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday week but at 33rd in the order of entry appears a forlorn chance to gain a start.
Ridden for speed earlier in his career, Kaepernick has responded to a quieter approach and has come from off the pace to win his past two starts.
“I think he has really appreciated being ridden a bit more patiently at his last couple,” Ford said.
“He’s attacked the line, he’s got a real good turn of foot and hopefully we can repeat the performance on the weekend.”
Ford will also team up with the Hawkes stable to ride equal favourite Maysoon in the Ranvet Handicap and juvenile First Precinct in the opening race.
Trainer John Sargent, who had a winning double at Canterbury on Wednesday, has booked Ford to ride the consistent Mr One Eleven, one of the fancies for the Schweppes Handicap.
