Any hope of winning another jockeys’ championship ceased to exist a couple of years ago for Craig Williams when he became a full-time international.
But the professionalism that has won him four Melbourne titles is more evident than ever as he prepares for his return to Melbourne racing at Caulfield on Saturday.
Williams goes around on a home track for the first time since Sandown Cup day on November 17, having ridden since in Japan, Hong Kong and at the Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast two weeks ago.
He has also had a family holiday at Hamilton Island and organised the ride on the well-fancied Ruud Awakening in New Zealand’s richest race, the Karaka Million, on Sunday.
But none of it has detracted from his extraordinary attention to detail.
From racing characteristics to the trial form to gear changes, Williams had his seven rides at Caulfield tagged and filed away well ahead of throwing his leg over them.
Summer Gem, his ride in the Tip Top Butchers Plate, would be suited by the set-weight conditions; Wakeel in the Zeditave Stakes had blinkers first time last start, missed the kick and didn’t like being ridden quietly; Mon Gateau in the colts Blue Diamond Preview had trialled well against older horses in Adelaide.
Williams puts it down to “doing your homework” and having a good agent.
“We go through it carefully, it’s the only way,” Williams said
Williams’ book includes Swing Vote from the Gai Waterhouse stable in the fillies Preview and, typically, he had her numbered as well.
“She controlled it and wasn’t really taken on in her Sydney win,” he said.
“But she showed a lot of determination as well.”
Williams also rides Avionics in the City of Glen Eira Handicap, Under The Eiffel in the John Dillon Stakes and Rock Musician “third up is right for him” in the Champagne Pommery Handicap.
And the best of them?
“Probably Summer Gem at the weights,” he said.
