Zac Lloyd has secured the ride aboard unbeaten New Zealand star Well Written in the $1.5 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 3.
Trainer Stephen Marsh confirmed the booking after the four-year-old received 55kg for the famous Randwick handicap, with Well Written to remain at Marsh’s Cambridge base until travelling to Sydney during race week.
Marsh told The New Zealand Herald that Well Written was unlikely to make another public appearance before her Australian debut, instead completing her final preparations at home.
“She is a naturally fit horse who we will give a few good gallops here at Cambridge and she will fly to Sydney the week of the race,” Marsh said.
The Epsom will mark the first time Well Written has raced without Matt Cartwright in the saddle.
Cartwright partnered the mare throughout her unbeaten three-year-old campaign and was again aboard when she successfully resumed as a four-year-old in the Group 1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 5.
Marsh said Well Written’s ownership group, which includes Yulong Investments, felt securing a Sydney-based jockey was important ahead of her first Australian assignment.
“Matt has been an integral part of Well Written’s career to date and will continue to play an important role in the preparation for her Australian campaign,” he said.
Well Written had been the early Epsom favourite but eased to $4.20 following Monday’s release of the weights.
Autumn Boy, who has been allocated 55.5kg, moved to the head of the market at $3.50 and is expected to be partnered by James McDonald.
The Epsom is also set to determine whether reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Well Written progresses to the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.
