Richard and Michael Freedman-trained gelding Luvoir has won four races and there has been a common denominator each time – jockey Keagan Latham.
Latham has ridden Luvoir in each of his career wins and he reunites with the five-year-old in the Catanach’s Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
“He was a bit quirky early in his career. He took a while to get to grips with racing, but he seems to be improving with each preparation now,” Latham said.
“He has been a tad unlucky in his last two starts and I am looking forward to getting back on him.”
Latham has not ridden Luvoir since May due to a combination of the horse campaigning in Brisbane and the jockey being sidelined by injury.
The gelding has finished out of the money in three starts this preparation but was unlucky in the Goulburn Cup two runs back when held up for clear running at the top of the straight before eventually getting clear and finishing strongly for fifth.
Luvoir has to contend with the outside gate in the field of 12 on Saturday and his best form is on firm erground, but Latham says he is going well at home and can improve.
“I galloped him on the course proper (on Tuesday) and he went superb,” he said.
“Unfortunately, he’s got a horrific draw but we will have a look at the speed map and figure out the best way to ride him.
“He is quite versatile in the aspect of being able to come from off the pace or be on speed.”
Luvoir is one of two rides for Latham, along with Eleven Eleven in the Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m), as the jockey continues his comeback from injuries suffered in a race fall in August.
