Trainer Steve O’Dea has called on two experienced southern state jockeys to replace the suspended Tim Bell aboard his key runners on the opening day of the winter carnival at the Gold Coast.
Bell rode the O’Dea-trained Sir Moments and Beau Jet when the pair won at Doomben two weeks ago and had been keen to retain the mounts on Saturday.
In Bell’s absence, O’Dea has booked Sydney hoop Brenton Avdulla to ride Sir Moments in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes (1800m) and Melbourne’s Damien Oliver for Beau Jet in the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).
Sir Moments is on a path towards the Group One Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 9 and O’Dea says the horse has made progress since his last start.
“He has really come along from his last-start win. We are in uncharted waters a bit with him over the middle distances but I think he will race well,” O’Dea said.
“We were lucky to get an experienced jockey such as Brenton and I think his style will suit Sir Moments.”
O’Dea said the performances of fellow Queensland-trained galloper Rudy in Sydney during the autumn had boosted his confidence ahead of the Hollindale Stakes.
“Most people agree there isn’t much between Sir Moments and Rudy, even their rating is the same,” he said.”
“Rudy ran fourth in a very strong Doncaster at his last start. When we went to Sydney last year there were a few niggling problems with Sir Moments and you didn’t see the best of him.
“He is still learning about racing but he is ready to show his full potential.”
Beau Jet flashed home off a fast pace to win at his first run from a spell and has bloomed since, according to his trainer.
The horse looks set to again get a solid tempo in the Guineas.
“I really like the look of him at the moment. There should be a fast pace and look out for him late,” O’Dea said.
The Queensland Guineas has been pencilled in as a target for Beau Jet, although O’Dea is yet to finalise his campaign.
Meanwhile, nominal Hollindale Stakes favourite Silent Achiever worked strongly at Eagle Farm on Tuesday morning with her main winter carnival aim the Doomben Cup.
