Experienced jockey Nathan Day has waited more than a year to prove his belief prolific country winner Cyclone Topgirl is up to the best city class.
Cyclone Topgirl, who has won nine of her 12 starts, will be having her first run in the southern part of Queensland in Saturday’s $200,000 Aquis Jewel Three-Year-Old (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Day, who refers to himself as experienced rather than veteran, has ridden about 250 winners since returning to riding about five years ago after a stint as a food franchise entrepreneur.
He was a top apprentice in the early 1990s and rode with success in Asia before retiring when he broke a leg in 2009.
He has been back riding since 2014.
Day, who rides all over Queensland, has ridden Cyclone Topgirl in eight of her wins at Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton.
He first suggested to Rockhampton trainer Lyle Wright that he bring the filly to Brisbane to chase big money QTIS bonus races last year.
“But something always prevented it so this will be the south’s first chance to see her,” Day said.
Not that Wright and the owners are complaining as Cyclone Topgirl has earned $258,000 of which $92,700 is in QTIS bonus payments.
It is a great return on the filly who is by little known American sire Changeintheweather.
Day said barrier five was perfect for Cyclone Topgirl.
“We used to ride her for pace because she was so much better than her rivals,” Day said.
“But she should get a perfect run just off them.”
