With Luke Nolen benched because of a careless riding suspension, Lindsay Park has picked a similar style of rider for So Si Bon ahead of his Group One assignment at Caulfield.
Co-trainer Tom Dabernig says Nolen and his quiet approach have been part of the reason So Si Bon has resurrected his racing career.
With that in mind Lindsay Park has called on Jamie Kah to ride So Si Bon in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with the stable also saddling Fastnet Tempest and Amphitrite in the 1400m-handicap.
Kah claimed her first Group One win on the Lindsay Park-trained Harlem in the Australian Cup in March while last week she partnered the Darren McAuliffe-trained Gatting to victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
“We tried to go for a rider that is a bit like Luke with soft hands,” Dabernig said.
“The horse tends to respond to that and she is clearly in great form.
“Luke’s really clicked with the horse and hopefully Jamie will also.”
Nolen won the Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) on So Si Bon at Flemington on August 10 before finishing second on the gelding to Scales Of Justice in the Memsie Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance on August 31.
So Si Bon returns to the operation’s country property at Euroa between races and Dabernig says the gelding is bouncing around like a two-year-old.
“He’s drawn nicely. He seems in career-best form and he’s thrived since that last run,” Dabernig said.
Amphitrite pleased Dabernig with her return at Caulfield on August 31, finishing sixth behind Pippie over 1200m and drops from 59kg to 54kg on Saturday.
“Her coat has come on since her first-up run,” Dabernig said.
“I’m not a big one for spruiking trackwork, but her work earlier in the week at the farm was excellent.
“The 1400 metres should be nice, Craig (Williams) knows her really well and she should be running really well.”
Dabernig said Fastnet Tempest, who has drawn the outside barrier in the 15-horse field, would have to take his medicine, although the horse was in good order.
