Evergreen hoop Jeff Penza has capitalised on a rare city call-up from champion trainer Chris Waller to partner consistent mare Changing Colours to a dominant win at Rosehill.
With the bulk of Sydney’s leading riders at Eagle Farm for the final day of the Brisbane winter carnival, Waller asked Penza to fill the void in Sydney and the experienced jockey was more than happy to help.
Penza rides regularly for Waller on the provincial circuit, the pair teaming up for a feature race win with Summer Flame at last month’s Scone carnival.
Waller regards him as an accomplished horseman and said he didn’t hesitate to bring Penza to town.
“We use Jeff at the provincials a bit,” Waller said.
“He’s very fit, keen and enthusiastic. He really is a credit to himself, how he has stayed fit.
“He doesn’t ride (regular) work for us, but when we get stuck I call him in. He actually rode for us trackwork yesterday (Friday).”
A daughter of The Autumn Sun, Changing Colours ($6.50) was making her Sydney debut in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m) having had to settle for the minor placings at her past four starts in Melbourne.
Appreciating a change of scenery and a patient ride, she stormed home from back in the field to score running away by 1-1/4 lengths over Fairway Star ($16) with Gently Rolled ($31) another long neck away third.
“She was so good. I watched a few of her runs down south and she gave them a peach of a ride each time,” Penza said.
“She all but won and she seemed to just knock up the last little bit. A change of scenery today, I was surprised it was the first time around in this direction, winkers and ridden quiet (were the keys).
“When she got on that roll coming to the turn and was finally exposed to a bit of daylight she never looked back.”
Penza added that getting the win on Changing Colours made his trip to town all the more worthwhile.
“It does. It’s a good day,” he said.
