Apprentice Zac Lloyd will be looking to emulate his cousin Chad Schofield as a Cox Plate winning jockey when he partners Militarize in the weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley.
Schofield scored aboard the last three-year-old, Shamus Award in 2013, to win the 2040m Group 1 Cox Plate, and on Saturday Lloyd will be attempting the same feat.
Shamus Award went into the Cox Plate having finished third in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) while Lloyd’s mount wound up fifth this year.
That fifth, was the same finishing position as So You Think in 2009, who went on to claim Cox Plate honours as a three-year-old before returning the following year to score again.
Lloyd got to have his first look at Moonee Valley on Tuesday galloping Militarize with stablemate, and fellow Cox Plate contender, Fangirl, who was partnered by Steven Arnold who rode So You Think in that second Cox Plate success.
It was a steep learning curve for Lloyd on Tuesday morning at Breakfast With The Best being reunited with Militarize while also trying to take in as much of the Moonee Valley circuit as he could.
“I was really taking in my surroundings and it’s a great morning to be out there and work a very good horse like Militarize,” Lloyd said.
“I was trying to help him, but I didn’t know much, so the horse took me, and he was super.
“He’s a very well-balanced horse and he’s very economical in his action and he quickened off that turn nicely and was strong through the line.
“It’s very cambered, so horses can turn well. I was trying to ride my horse, but at same time look at where I was at.
“I thought the horse handled it well and by Saturday, I’m sure we’ll both be ready.”
Lloyd said he would lean on Arnold, who rides work for Waller, to gather as much intelligence on Moonee Valley and the Cox Plate ahead of Saturday’s race.
“I said to him, ‘teach me how to get around The Valley and while you’re at it teach me how to win a Cox Plate’,” Lloyd said.
“He taught me a few things in that short time this morning, and I’ll keep picking his brain.”
Lloyd rode Militarize at the colt’s first start of the campaign when fifth to Cylinder in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill last month.
The young rider had not thought about a potential Cox Plate ride then, but thinking back realised Waller was looking forward should Militarize head to the Cox Plate.
“I didn’t think that far in advance, but that’s why he’s Chris Waller and he thinks multiple steps ahead,” Lloyd said.
“I got a feel of the horse, and he ran super that day and up to the 2000 (metres) I think it’s going to benefit him a lot.”
Lloyd will get a taste of racing at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
“I’ve been fortunate enough that Chris has put me on some on Friday night, so I’ll get a bit of a warm-up,” Lloyd said.
“I’m sure I’ll be nervous on Saturday, but if you’re not nervous, you’re mad.”
