We caught up with five of the top jockeys riding at Royal Randwick on Saturday to get their thoughts on the horses they will be riding in the four Group Ones.
Tommy Berry
Australian Oaks – Chabaud: She is a nice star on the rise. They have sort of taken the back door option with her. She will stay all day and she will handle the wet.
Sydney Cup – Auvray: He was a bit disappointing last week. I thought he would do a little bit more than that. He has great form overseas and good form over 3000 metres and he handles wet tracks. He has to improve but does have a weight drop. He has a few more things in his favour this time around and John Thompson is a great trainer so he will get the best out of him.
Coolmore Legacy – Supara: She proved herself last start that she is up to this sort of grade. She ran second behind Zanbagh last start after being ridden forward for the first time in a while. We will probably adopt those same tactics from a wide alley and she handles a wet track. She needs to step up to win in Group One company but she is going well.
Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Criterion: It was disappointing losing Tosen Stardom but it is great to pick up this horse. His record speaks for itself. He has won a Black Opal at two, he’s won a Derby, a Ranvet, second in a Cox Plate behind Winx and third in a Melbourne Cup. There is not much more he can do and he has won a Queen Elizabeth. He is going as well as last year so I have heard and his preparation has been faultless so far so he should be hard to beat.
Sam Clipperton
Coolmore Legacy – Casino Dancer: Probably a bit out graded but has won at the mile at Randwick in the Angst and can put in a solid run in her preparation. If she turns up on the day she will need to bring he ‘A’ game. She will get a good run from the barrier and she could potentially run well.
Queen Elizabeth Stakes- It’s Somewhat: I am confident about his chances. He is a real tough horse and has a lot of stamina. I like the gate, he will be well placed in the race and he can give it a solid sight.
Brenton Avdulla
Sydney Cup – Libran: On the back up and goes up to the two miles and drops down in weight which is a proven formula. Also has the leading trainer in Australia. I can not fault him and should run the top three.
Queen Elizabeth – Happy Clapper: He is on the back up and up to 2000 metres and goes to weight for age. There is a little bit against him but I thought last Saturday he showed he is up to Group One standard so he should run well.
Thomas Huet
Sydney Cup – Dee I Cee: It was not an excellent run last weekend. The horse missed a bit of preparation so he will be fitter on Saturday. We have a very light weight which is always a benefit for these types of races. The track is going a little bit soft so it will be a good advantage for him as well. We have a good draw so fingers crossed.
Coolmore Legacy – Artistry: We drew a bit wide but she showed plenty of abilities again to win at Group Three level last time. It is always a pleasure to be onboard Artistry. With a bit of luck from the draw we will be in the middle of the track again which is an advantage again. She will run a big race I reckon.
Jason Collett
Sydney Cup – Destinys Kiss: He is a light weight chance with a nice barrier draw. He is also likely to get the conditions that suit which will be a soft or heavy track.
Coolmore Legacy – Slightly Sweet: She has probably been a bit unlucky the last few runs. She has been getting back in slowly run races so hopefully the tempo is a bit stronger on Saturday being a Group One. Hopefully she can get home over the top of them all thought the draw is a bit awkward.
