More G1 joy for Lane
Damian Lane's amazing form in Japan has continued with the Australian rider capturing the G1 Takarazuka Kinen aboard Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) at Hanshin on Sunday.
Lane, who rode the winner of the G1 Victoria Mile in May, guided Lys Gracieux to a three-length win to further enhance his reputation in Japan. He has also ridden two Group 2 winners and two Group 3 winners in his two months in Japan to date.
He rode five winners at Tokyo on Saturday and took his total to 37 winners for the season so far with a double at Hanshin having earlier won aboard Cri Du Coeur (Jpn) (Hearts Cry {Jpn}).
Damien Lane is experiencing Group 1 success abroad
No.5 for Sidestep
Leading first-season stallion Sidestep secured his fifth winner from his first crop with Elusive Eagle successful at Coonamble on Sunday.
Sidestep, who stands at Telemon Thoroughbreds in Queensland, is assured of winning the Champion First Season Sire title this year thanks to Kiamichi's victory in the G1 Golden Slipper S.
It's been a banner year for first-year sires, with Better Than Ready (20 winners) and Deep Field (18) enjoying spectacular starts to their progeny's career on the racetrack. Sidestep now has five after the Allan Denham-trained Elusive Eagle prevailed narrowly in a 2YO Hcp over 1200m.
The son of Exceed And Excel has also had three winners from his first crop in France.
Sidestep secured his fifth winner from his first crop in Elusive Eagle
Meech aiming big for spring
Having returned to the saddle with a double at Donald on Saturday, Linda Meech is ready to make an impression on the major spring racedays.
Meech has returned from collarbone and shoulder injuries suffered in a fall in April and with this season's Victorian jockeys' premiership in her sights, also wants to add to her sole Group 1 victory.
“I think last spring carnival was great for me, gave me a little bit of confidence that I could match it on those big days,” she said. “After that I’m probably keen to have another crack at it."
“I don’t probably need to go for a break now, keen to get into the spring carnival for next season.”
Jockey Linda Meech is keen to get into the spring carnival
Collett relishing family upgrade
Jason Collett is very much enjoying his status as a Group 1 winning jockey, joining his sisters Natasha and Alysha.
Collett steered Invincibella (I Am invincible) to a narrow win in the G1 Tattersalls Tiara at Eagle Farm on Saturday becoming the third of Richard and Judy Collett's children to win a top-flight race.
“It is a pretty special feeling now that I have joined the Group One club along with Natasha and Alysha,” he said.
“I actually tried to give Dad a call to let him know but he’s on a fishing trip up in Alaska somewhere and was on a plane when I called."
“I think he probably had a good few messages on his phone when he could switch it back on so I’m expecting a call at some stage. I think he might even be getting a bit of stick as he’s the only one in the family without a Group One now.”
Jason Collett is happy to join the Group 1 club
New leap to Gobstopper's steps
Former G3 New Zealand Cup winner Gobstopper (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) made a successful debut over fences at Te Aroha on Sunday.
The Andrew Campbell-trained 6-year-old already had six wins on the flat and after some advice from jumps rider Emily Farr was given a shot over the hurdles winning the 3100m even by 13 lengths.
“I know him inside and out as I ride him every day,” Farr said. “They (his owners) were ‘we don’t want to jump him, but we should jump him’ but I was like he jumps that good he will look after me."
“Coming to the last I knew I was on the wrong leg but I thought if I sit still, he will bunny hop it and he did."
Gobstopper is the younger brother of dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Werther (NZ), who was trained by Campbell throughout his early career before being sold to Hong Kong interests.
