The Ciaron Maher stable has placed a lot of faith in Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone who has recently joined the stable on a three-month loan.
Johnstone has ridden four winners since Sunday, including a double for Maher at Sandown on Wednesday, and has a strong book of eight rides at Flemington on Saturday, of which seven are for Maher.
One of his main rides comes early in the day on Kaleo in the Play On, For Neale (1600m).
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said one of Johnstone’s biggest assets was being a natural lightweight and being able to fully utilise his 3kg claim while also being a strong left-handed whip rider.
“When you can take three kilos off, and you’re of his stature as a rider, being left-handed, it’s an asset,” Turnbull said.
“All those little factors add up and I’m sure he will be an asset to the stable over winter.”
Turnbull said the stable had little hesitation in keeping Johnstone aboard Kaleo on Saturday after the apprentice rode the gelding when second at Sandown behind stablemate Siriusly Hot over 1600m on May 23.
Kaleo has finished second in both outings this campaign after being tried in better company while a colt during the spring.
His solitary win came at Caulfield in May last year after which he was transported to Brisbane for a shot at the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Kaleo was tried at 2000m during the spring, but Turnbull said races up to 1600m look to be better options for the three-year-old.
“We think this is his trip, for now, especially with the claim and the soft ground too at Flemington, we think it’s a nice race for him,” Turnbull said.
“He’s a lot more straight forward now. He used to have a think about it a bit last prep, but now as a gelding, he’s just a racehorse.
“We feel it’s a good opportunity for him to pick up a Saturday race.”
Saturday’s race is a heat of the Silver Bowl Series which carries a final over 1600m at Flemington on July 4.
Kaleo has already qualified for the final courtesy of his last start placing at Sandown.
