Champion jockey Willie Pike says he is willing to push himself to the limit to secure a ride in this year’s Melbourne Cup, even if it means getting down to 50kg.
Pike has been offered the ride aboard Zakouma after the Grahame Begg-trained stayer booked his spot in the $8 million feature with victory in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes last Saturday.
Begg confirmed the mount is Pike’s if he chooses to take it up, setting the stage for a potential high-profile partnership in November.
The star Western Australian jockey did not hesitate when asked about making the weight.
“Yeah, definitely,” Pike said on The Verdict podcast.
“For a horse like that, in a race like that, you’d get it (weight) down in a heartbeat.”
Pike is renowned for his professionalism and ability to manage his riding weight, but a drop to 50kg would still represent a significant challenge.
Zakouma’s Ramsden victory has positioned him as a live contender for the Melbourne Cup, and Pike’s willingness to commit only adds further intrigue to his spring campaign.
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