A refreshed Jim Cassidy is fired up to end the season with a winner and he would love to do it aboard the Gai Waterhouse-trained Devils Arcade.
The Grand Slam-winning jockey has spent the past six weeks in Singapore and Thailand with his family, recharging his batteries.
But he can’t wait to jump back in the saddle at the final metropolitan meeting of the season at Rosehill on Saturday.
“You’ve got to do that, you’ve got to get your head away from racing,” Cassidy said.
“I’m very hungry, the bikkie tin is empty.”
Cassidy has been booked for five rides including Devils Arcade in the feature Winter Challenge (1500m) and her stablemate, dual acceptor Upon This Rock, in the opening race.
Cassidy and Waterhouse have had their share of differences over the years but the big-race hoop has been back in the good books of late and won the June Stakes aboard the Waterhouse-trained Squamosa before his break.
“If you’re there and you’re riding well, opportunities come,” Cassidy said.
“We go a long way back me and Gai, we’ve had our ups and downs but I love riding for Gai.
“It’s nice to be back in the camp.
“She is one of our leading trainers and if you’re riding for the top trainers it gives you a chance.”
Devils Arcade was the unlucky runner in the Winter Stakes, missing the start before storming home for a long neck second to Scarf who will again be among Saturday’s rivals.
She has drawn wide in barrier 11 of 13 but Cassidy is confident she can make amends.
“She looked a bit unlucky the other week but if anyone can turn her around Gai can,” Cassidy said.
“She can race up on the speed and when she has been tardy to begin she’s gotten back and found the line well.
“I’ll go for the first one and if she begins good I’ll give her a cosy ride and hopefully get the chocolates.”
Cassidy will have to get down to 53kg for both Waterhouse-trained mounts and says he has a tough few days ahead after enjoying himself during his holiday.
“I don’t fit into that size six dress I used to wear anymore,” he said.
He will also jump aboard talented mare Turnstiles, who will resume for trainer Anthony Cummings in the Congratulations Lonhro Hcp (1100m).
Runner-up to Jersey Lily in the Listed Wiggle Quality (1400m) at Warwick Farm in March, Turnstiles has won first-up although she is unproven on ground worse than dead.
“I think Anthony is hoping for Melbourne in the spring so it’s a stepping stone (on Saturday), she’s kicking off again and I’m looking forward to riding her,” Cassidy said.
“She seems to be going well on the track.”
His remaining mounts are Admiral’s Cup for Kris Lees in the Southern Sheet and Coil Hcp (1900m) and Victorian visitor Nice And Neat for Brendan McCarthy in the final event.
AAP TURF
