Queensland-based jockey Andrew Mallyon will fly-in to partner regular mount Halvorsen at Flemington.
Mallyon knocked back the opportunity of at least four rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday to continue his association with Halvorsen in the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Halvorsen will lump 60kg on Saturday and give 6kg to his seven rivals on Saturday, but Mallyon said on the gelding’s first-up run in the Listed Century Stakes on November 3, he will give the race a shake.
“He was a little sluggish out of the barriers, but his last 600 metres was extraordinary,” Mallyon said.
“Hopefully he can begin a little bit better and it’s probably not quite as hot a race as it was on Oaks Day and if he can replicate that last 600 metres, he’ll be right in the finish.”
Mallyon has been based in Queensland for around three years but began his association with Halvorsen in his maiden success at Kyneton four years ago.
Halvorsen has won nine races with Mallyon aboard on five occasions, including the gelding’s first win in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) in 2020.
Jamie Kah had the mount in this year’s Standish before Mallyon reunited with Halvorsen to finish second in two Group 1’s, the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley and The Goodwood at Morphettville.
“I’ve ridden him for a number of years, and he gave me one of my biggest wins,” Mallyon said.
“There’s a good bunch of loyal owners in the horse that even when I moved to Queensland, they were more than happy to keep me on, especially during those COVID periods when I was unable to travel.
“Nine times out of 10 connections move on, but they were really loyal to me, so when I can come down, I feel as though I owe it to them to come down and ride the horse.”
A third attempt at Standish success is likely for Halvorsen on January 14, although Mallyon is unsure whether he will get the opportunity to travel.
It coincides with the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast and Mallyon said he may be required to ride for Kris Lees that day.
“I’m based up here with Kris Lees, so I’ll have to run it past the boss,” Mallyon said.
“We’re still four weeks out so we’ll have to play it by ear as to how many the boss is bringing up for the Magic Millions meeting.
“But the Standish is his race, and I’d love to be there to ride him, but we’ll have to see how it plays out.”
