Pat Hyland is hoping the booking of a jockey with an aggressive riding style can turn around the fortunes of Gredington in the Sandown Guineas.
A last-start eighth to Mahuta in the Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington on Derby day, Gredington takes on 14 rivals in Saturday’s 1600m Group Two race with Craig Newitt replacing James McDonald.
Hyland is hoping Newitt’s strong riding style can bring out the best in Gredington, although the trainer is disappointed the son of Magnus has drawn barrier one.
“It’s better than barrier 15, so I suppose I shouldn’t complain about having one,” Hyland said.
“He does his best work going home down the outside and they probably spread out a lot better at Sandown.
“But then his best run this time in was in the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley when Blake Shinn rode him. He got back in the race that night and ran on well around them.
“I think he needs a strong, aggressive rider and I think I’ve pulled the right rein there.”
Having had a celebrated career in the saddle before switching to training, Hyland is one of just seven jockeys to have ridden the winners of the big four Australian races – the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper.
And despite turning 74 last month, Hyland still rides work most mornings and put Gredington through his paces for his final gallop.
He said trackwork riding kept him fit and he planned to keep doing it for as long as his body could handle it.
Hyland believes Gredington heads into the Sandown Guineas in top order.
“He’s worked very well and I don’t see why he won’t run super in this race,” Hyland said.
