Ryan Wiggins is one of the best examples of a ‘have saddle, will travel’ jockey and an average week can see him traverse the eastern seaboard of Queensland many times over.
This week his itinerary includes Ipswich where he hops aboard the David Vandyke-trained Mr Racing who is looking to break the duck after finishing third on debut earlier this month.
At his second start he takes on the TAB Maiden Handicap (1666m) this time on the turf after his initial run on Gold Coast’s all-weather surface.
“We had other options we were looking at but that was quite a weak race on a synthetic track and he was beaten for speed,” Vandyke said.
“He should run an improved race out to the mile and Ryan is a good aggressive jockey who is very passionate about what he does and he gets the best out of his horses.
“This horse was off the bit for quite some way last start and he needs someone who is going to give him proper direction.”
This is not unusual for him but Wiggins’ travel this week alone has included rides at Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay plus Ipswich on Friday.
Naturally there are flights involved but by road that amounts to more than 4,500 kilometres covered.
Of Vandyke’s other runners, Acapulco Girl is first-up in the Ipswich Party Hire Handicap in her first outing since August.
“She’s got a good draw in barrier four and I think the 1100-metres in a Class 2 at the provincials is an ideal race to kick off.”
Vandyke has engaged Ben Thompson for the ride with the former Victorian who now calls Queensland home sitting third on the Australian jockeys’ premiership with 94½ wins.
Thompson also is aboard Better Draw who Vandyke described as ‘a thinker’ who could figure in the finish with a patient ride.
Of his other runners, Sunshine Coast-based Vandyke is considering whether to send Slippin’ Jimmy to Ipswich or Eagle Farm on Saturday.
“He’s ready to run a good race, especially back in distance so I expect him to run well, Vandyke added.
“I think he needs a bit of confidence. He’s just been struggling to regain his best form after having an incredible strike rate early when he won the Magic Millions Country Cup convincingly.
“I just really want to see him bounce back to form and if that means going to an easier option then I’m happy to go in that direction.”
