Trips to New Zealand and an association with assistant-trainer Ben Gleeson has landed Liam Riordan a ride in the Oakleigh Plate.
Mark Walker has handed Riordan his third ride in a Group 1 race when he partners Sans Doute in the 1100m dash at Caulfield on Saturday.
Riordan has travelled to New Zealand twice previously to ride for Walker and Te Akau Racing, while the rider had previously formed a close bond with Gleeson when he was with the Danny O’Brien stable at Flemington.
The ability to ride light, with Sans Doute having just 52kg on Saturday, secured Riordan the ride.
Riordan said after partnering Sans Doute in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning the mare was his best chance of success at the highest level.
“I’ve ridden in a couple, and I would say they were outside chances, and this is my first ever live chance,” Riordan said.
“Mark and the team have been good for me, and I formed a good relationship with Ben Gleeson when he was at Danny’s, and it has carried on at Te Akau.
“Her first-up form is good and the way she worked this morning fills me with great confidence.”
Riordan said he hopes he won’t be overawed when he partners Sans Doute on Saturday, while a good showing might lead to more Group 1 opportunities in coming weeks.
“There was no pressure in my other (Group 1) rides being not much of a chance, but on Saturday there probably will be some pressure as I’m expecting her to run really well,” Riordan said.
“By doing the weight on Saturday, hopefully it can put me in the mix or riding a lot of lightweight horses going forward and if we can get a result, that would be even sweeter.”
Having not ridden in an Oakleigh Plate previously, Riordan has studied previously runnings and noted how quick the races are run.
Riordan hopes that early pressure will help his mare.
“I think my mare has a good turn of foot,” Riordan said.
“I think first-up on firm tracks she tends to go really well, and the team seem to think she’s moving better than ever this time in.
“Even though her trials might not have been flash, with the headgear on this morning she was really, really sharp.”
