Darley’s pinch-hitter Christian Reith is after more success for the powerful stable when he stands in for Kerrin McEvoy at Warwick Farm.
With McEvoy in Perth to ride Rarefied and He’s Remarkable in Group One events on Saturday, Reith has been called upon by trainer Peter Snowden to steer Scarf for his return in the Warwick Farm 100 Club Handicap (1400m).
Reith has ridden 17 winners from 67 rides for Snowden since the start of last season, including five stakes wins this year, and can’t wait to get another chance on the talented Scarf.
The jockey is unbeaten on the grey four-year-old having saluted on the gelding over 1400m at Randwick in June.
“I’ve won on him once before and I also trialled him the other day. He’s come back in great order,” Reith said.
“He was a little bit aggressive last time in but he’s come back bigger and stronger and more relaxed.”
Scarf, winner of three of his seven starts, is the $3.80 favourite for what will be his first run since a luckless second to Foreteller in the Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill in July.
The son of Lonhro, who won the Listed Winter Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill during his previous campaign, is returning at the time of year where the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) next month is the logical target.
It’s a target Reith believes Scarf is up to meeting.
“I definitely think he’s a black-type horse, obviously Peter knows what’s best and obviously he has a plan mapped out for him,” he said.
“I’m just rapt I’ve got the opportunity to be able to ride him on Saturday.”
Reith will partner arguably the two most exciting gallopers set to run at the meeting, with unbeaten three-year-old Colorado Claire his mount in the rich Inglis Bonus Mile (1600m).
The $70,000 race also carries a $100,000 bonus to the winner if they are nominated for the Inglis Race Series.
The John O’Shea-trained Colorado Claire made the transition to city company with ease last Saturday as a suspended Reith watched from his lounge room.
“I always like keeping an eye on John’s horses and how they are going because I have a lot to do with them,” he said.
“I was very impressed with her.”
Colorado Claire, the $3.40 favourite, steps up to 1600m for the first time and Reith has no problem with the filly at the distance.
“I’ve won on her at Goulburn (on debut) and she’s going fantastic. I can’t fault her. She’s just got to back up, that’s all.”
AAP TURF
