While many eyes will be on James McDonald as he chases a Group 1 win in the Tatts Tiara that would see him equal Malcolm Johnston’s record for riding the most Group 1 wins in a season and edge him one win closer to Damien Oliver’s record for the most Group 1 wins overall … Angela Jones will be aiming at a landmark victory of her own.
Jones’s quest is for her first Group 1 win, a distinction that was cruelly denied her in the Kingsford Smith Cup on June 7 when Jones’s mount, the Tony Gollan trained Zarastro, was snared in the very last strides by Joliestar, ridden by McDonald.
On Saturday, Jones will once again team up with the powerful Gollan stable in the Tatts Tiara where she will ride the smart mare Floozie, who has carved out an impressive four race unbeaten winning sequence since joining the Gollan yard.
“It would be great for us to get that Group 1 together,” said Gollan. “We are a team. We’ve been a good team for a couple of years now.
“As an apprentice Ange was the quickest apprentice I’ve ever had … one year, she was in and out.
“She broke all sorts of records in that year. She’s done a good job and has transitioned into a good senior rider.
“Like all young riders there have been ebbs and flows throughout seasons … and it’s no different this season, but she couldn’t be riding any better than she is now.
“She has worked hard and developed herself into a really good jockey.”
“As far as Floozie is concerned, she has just kept on improving,” continued Gollan.
“She presented a bit fresh the other day. I think, with that run under her belt, she is spot on now.
“She is drawn to take advantage of that barrier (barrier nine). She’ll be racing forward on the back of the leaders.
“She is going to look the winner at some stage.
“She has got a fantastic chance.”
