It’s ten years this month since Luke Nolen rode Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) in a race for the first time and the ensuing decade has featured its fair share of highs and lows for the jockey.

The champion mare and her jockey formed a famous affinity across her unbeaten 25-start career with Nolen aboard her in 22 of those wins, including the final 17 victories.

Revisiting such heights was always going to prove impossible, but the satisfaction gleaned from Saturday's G3 Aurie's Star S. success on one-time equine bad boy So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) gives a glimmer of hope to what the now 39-year-old hopes will be a successful 2019/20 season.

Thoroughbred racing loves a redemption story, and the re-invention of So Si Bon, a horse once notorious for having a greater appetite for savaging other horses than he did for winning races, could prove an early spring hit for his trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.

The Lindsay Park routine, plus the decision to geld him as a late 4-year-old, has seen him return an entirely different horse. But Nolen has also been a considerable contributor to that story having ridden him to both his stakes wins, in the Listed Lord S. at Caulfield last December and Saturday's Group 3 success down the Flemington straight.

"I'm not sure what it is about us. He seems to go for me, but I've only ridden him since he's been a gelding. He's always seemed very genuine for me and I've been fortunate to win two on him," Nolen told TDN AusNZ.

"I was only beaten an eyelash behind Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the (G2) Blamey on him and he ran a really creditable race in the (G1 CF) Orr for me. He does go well for me. Sometimes, these horses are a bit misunderstood and punters can be unforgiving."

"He's always been a bit of a whipping boy, but he's always done well for me."

Nolen can probably empathise with that having drawn considerable public criticism for his ride in the wake of arguably Black Caviar's most famous and certainly her narrowest win in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot.

That moment laid bare the level of pressure Nolen carried riding a horse that meant so much to so many people. Certainly trainer Peter Moody felt that weight of pressure too, citing it as part of the reason he decided to quit training in March 2016.

Moody's decision had a significant impact on Nolen, who rode 775 winners for the Champion trainer, including 32 at Group 1 level.

Since Moody's shock retirement almost two-and-a-half years ago, opportunities on top-class horses have been much harder to come by for Nolen, but he has ridden two additional Group 1 winners.

Never scared of hard work, Nolen has largely taken a 'have saddle, will travel' attitude, seeking out opportunities where he can.

A change of approach

But a recent decision to link up more closely with Lindsay Park has allowed him to get better quality rides on a more consistent level.

"I've got some nice support through Lindsay Park so hopefully that continues. They are about to ramp right up," he said.

"It’s really hard if you don't have a good stable behind you and I'm not in a position where I can chop and change and ride for anyone I like. I've got to work hard, like anyone else."

"I get to Flemington at least once a week and ride for them. They have just opened at Pakenham, so I'll be there once a week as well. Sometimes I'll go up to the farm too."

Nolen has made a strong start to the new season and tops the Melbourne metropolitan premiership with four winners, three of which have been for Lindsay Park.

He puts the fast start down to the hard work he did last month getting around to ride horses coming back to the racetrack.

"It's a really positive start and I'm really happy with it. I worked harder through the month of July than I have for 15 years. I rode work or trials probably four or five days a week all through July. The idea was being ready to go at the start of the season," he said.

"I've just become available and I have been working hard with an idea of gaining some momentum. Every year I've ridden to the end of the season and then I've taken a break but when you come back, it’s like you are starting from five lengths behind."

What has also become apparent to Nolen is the strength of the competition in the riding ranks, which he said is higher than anything he has experienced before.

"It’s more competitive than what it’s ever been. You'll even see Damien Oliver at lower-rating meetings on the synthetic. That's where you are at. That's where everyone is at. It’s all gone up a notch," he said.

"Especially for me from the halcyon days I experienced with Moods. You've got to work twice as hard now and you have to go everywhere."

Work ethic driving results

When pressed on what his greatest is asset as a jockey, the 37-time Group 1 winner in a typically self-effacing manner, leans on his blue-collar credentials.

"I'm willing to work and I'm honest as. I'm probably not a great communicator but I'm very much a team player and I think Lindsay Park have identified that. I work right in with them," he said.

"I wish I was four pounds lighter, even six, but I'm in a really good mindset and riding work and working hard."

David Hayes has made no secret of his willingness to support jockeys that are willing to do the hard work for the Lindsay Park operation. Journeyman Cory Parish, now a two-time Group 1 winning jockey, is a fine recent example.

Nolen's success further into the spring could well be determined by his continued ability to realise the talent of So Si Bon, the one-time equine rogue turned Group 1 prospect.

Like horses, Nolen believes jockeys sometimes just need the opportunity to show their talent.

"That's probably what separates the bloke at number 1 and the bloke at number 10 on the premiership table. We are all capable on any given day to get the job done and some get the opportunity to get the job done more often," he said.

"It’s about creating opportunity, being available, showing up, staying light and staying fit."

Spring racing is in full swing and another batch of spring aspirants stepped-out at Randwick trials Monday morning gearing-up for a return to the track.

Firstly in heat one for Group & Listed horses, Anthony Cummings’ 4-year-old entire Baller (High Chaparral {Ire}) looked very sharp and appears ready to head to the races after winning the heat impressively.

Ridden by Tommy Berry, Baller began well and quickly found his feet settling third before easing across the leaders on the turn and closing-off very strongly down the straight to narrowly win the heat.

Bred by Baramul Stud, Baller was a $160,000 purchase for Cummings at the 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Baller has won three of his eight starts and graduated to contesting Group 1 company last preparation when 5th in the Group 1 Galaxy 1100m in March at Rosehill behind Nature Strip (Nicconi).

Baller is expected to resume at Randwick Saturday week and looks in great shape to build on his good record this preparation.

Also catching the eye in heat one was Mark Newnham’s mare Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}). She settled at the back of the field and was doing her best work late steaming home into 4th position and looks right on track for a successful preparation.

A Group 1-winner as a 3-year-old filly, Nakeeta Jane has some ambitious targets this spring. She will also resume Saturday week at Randwick in the Group 3 Show County Quality 1200m, with her main aim this spring the Group 1 Epsom Handicap 1600m at Randwick on October 5. She also holds a nomination for the Cox Plate.

Other notable performers in heat one were Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock), Dothraki (Mossman) and Greysful Glamour (Stratum) which all trialled well and look on track to resume in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, triple Group 1-winner and old warhorse Happy Clapper (Teofilo {Ire}) also contested heat one and while he improved from his first trial this preparation trainer Pat Webster was quoted as saying he was initially a bit disappointed with Monday’s trial.

Happy Clapper settled towards the rear of the field and was under some pressure from jockey Hugh Bowman down the straight to keep in contact with the first few which appeared to trial more comfortably, he finished 6th and was beaten 1.7L. The now 9-year-old will resume in the Group 1 Winx Stakes 1400m at Randwick on August 24.

In heat two, 3-year-old filly Libertini (I Am Invincible) put in perhaps the best performance of the morning and trainer Anthony Cummings looks spoilt for quality this spring.

Also ridden by Tommy Berry, Libertini cruised in behind the leaders in her trial and was allowed to work home under no pressure before Berry asked her for a bit more of an effort the last 150m and she sprinting to the lead late to win very impressively.

Bred and raced by Strawberry Hill Stud & Gerry Harvey, Libertini created a big impression in her first preparation. After running 2nd on debut in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes in April she won a Randwick maiden and then the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Scone in May, two breathtaking performances that stamped her as a star filly of the future.

Libertini is the third foal to race from Group 1-winning mare Aloha (Encosta De Lago). She is expected to follow the Princess Series this spring commencing her preparation in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes 1200m at Randwick on August 24 and culminating with the Group 1 Flight Stakes 1600m at Randwick on October 5.

Libertini looks a Group 1 winner in waiting and has the Sydney spring 3-year-old fillies’ races well within her sights.

In heat three, Everest runner Sunlight (Zoustar) put in a pleasing trial for trainer Tony McEvoy leading throughout to win her heat.

Sunlight will run in The Everest for slot holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Steve McCann & Colin Madden.

The three-time Group 1 winner wasn’t out to break any records but did what she needed to in preparation for her campaign which is expected to kick-off at Randwick on September 7 in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes 1000m before ultimately The Everest at Randwick on October 19.

Meanwhile, Godolphin produced a few nice maiden horses throughout the morning to follow.

3 year-old colt Acumen (Exceed And Excel) won heat ten without breaking a sweat and looks set to break his maiden very soon.

Ridden by Rachel King, Acumen did everything right, he was fast out of the barriers, showed good tactical speed and accelerated when asked in the straight.

Acumen is nominated to resume at Kembla Grange this coming Saturday, August 17.

In heat fourteen, 3-year-old filly Palurien (Reset) is another one from the blue army that looks set to knock-off her maiden shortly.

Ridden by James McDonald, Palurien settled leaders-back, got across heels on the turn and lengthened nicely down the straight to gather in the leaders late and go on to win the heat easily.

Palurien has raced just once at Canterbury in May, finishing 3rd to Maddi Rocks (Fastnet Rock) and was immediately spelled afterwards.

Palurien is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Kementari (Lonhro), and holds a nomination for the Group 1 Golden Rose and the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.

While in heat fifteen, 3-year-old filly Duenna (Sepoy) covered ground in the trial but closed-off very strongly under her own steam to win her trial with James McDonald aboard.

Duenna failed at her only race start in early May at Kensington, however, appears back on track to resume after an encouraging trial on Monday.

Duenna is from stakes-winning mare Palomares (Commands), a half-sister to Group 1-winner Earthquake (Exceed And Excel).

Expect Godolphin will look to start all horses in provincial maidens in the coming weeks. All appear ready to go to the races and should be very hard to beat first-up.

Finally, in heat sixteen China Horse Club, Yarraman Park Stud and trainer John O’Shea produced unraced 3-year-old colt Belmont Day (I Am Invincible) to win his heat in good style.

Belmont Day had just one trial in his first preparation at Rosehill in May and had not been seen since. Monday morning was his first appearance back and after showing good barrier speed easily led the trial and under no pressure from jockey James McDonald coasted to the line to win impressively.

A $380,000 yearling purchase at the 2018 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Belmont Day is the second foal to race from dual West Australian stakes-winning mare Camporella (Exceed And Excel). His grand dam is stakes-winner Really Flying (Real Quiet {USA}).

Keep an eye out for Belmont Day in perhaps a provincial or midweek maiden in the coming weeks, he looks ready to go to the races and win first-up.

A full-brother to Belmont Day sold earlier this year at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $1.2million.

The Thoroughbred Racing South Australia announcement last Friday that it would inject an additional $5.8 million into grassroots prizemoney for the state is a significant tonic for an industry which was left reeling by $3 million in funding cuts late last year.

A serious disconnect between the South Australian state government and TRSA over revenue flowing from the Point Of Consumption Tax led to a crisis, which saw prizemoney for some of the state's biggest races slashed in 2019 and an industry left in limbo.

It precipitated an exodus of some of the state's trainers, with Phillip Stokes, Lloyd Kennewell and Tony McEvoy among those to scale down their SA operations in favour of Victoria.

For businesses like Mill Park, one of the state's biggest breeding operations, the fallout has been significant, with General Manager Chris Watson telling TDN AusNZ, the impact has been wide reaching.

"We are involved in all aspects in the industry, so we obviously breed a lot of horses here and we’ve seen the detrimental effects from the sale side of things. There are less people bidding on horses in the sales ring from a South Australian perspective," he said.

"We've also got a large spelling operation as well. We've done a lot of work for people like Phillip Stokes in the past and obviously with the majority of his operation moving to Victoria, it has certainly impacted on our business. We’ve seen it from both sides."

The TRSA announcement, which sees 88 per cent of the over 1400 races held in the state increase in prizemoney, with significant increases in provincial maidens and Country Cups, is a timely boost, and the first greenshoots in what Watson hopes will be a South Australian revival.

"It’s certainly getting us on the road to recovery. By no means are we out of the woods here yet. We’ve got a long way to go to start making our industry here in South Australia viable, but it’s a great start," he said.

"The way the money has been spent through the grassroots is going to be very beneficial to the large majority of the industry players in South Australia."

Watson said it was a fitting reward to those trainers who had stepped up in the past couple of years and continued to invest in buying South Australian horses.

"We’ve got to give credit to the local guys who have been stepping up, year after year and supporting the local horses, particularly the local trainers," he said.

"Obviously coming from a low base in terms of prizemoney, they have stepped up and bought. The guys that are staying here and supporting the industry, they deserve this prizemoney increase more than anyone."

Government relationship crucial to turnaround

Watson said the relationship with the state government was crucial to ensuring this wasn't just a one-off injection of funds and that there was continued ongoing support.

"What’s happening now is a fantastic step and it’s in the right direction. We just want to see more of the industry having closer ties to government and making government aware of how important our industry is," he said.

"That government support is crucial as we have seen in every other state. We don’t expect to see prizemoney on par with the other states, but we certainly want to keep a pro-rata appearance there and make sure that our industry is viable and a commercial concern and not become a cottage industry."

"For that to occur, we have to continue to be professional and commercial and continue these good relations with government. On what we are seeing, that seems to be occurring."

Passage clear to Golden Rose

A fine example of the quality of thoroughbred South Australia can produce is the Mill Park-raised Dawn Passage (Dawn Approach {Ire}), who put an early stamp on the 3-year-old season with his barnstorming win in the Rosebud on Saturday.

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse, who along with Adrian Bott and Blue Sky Bloodstock, paid $150,000 for Dawn Passage as a yearling at the 2018 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, has lofty ambitions for the colt and will send him towards the G1 Golden Rose on September 28.

"Looks like what we are seeing now is only part of what he's got to show. As he's continued to grow and develop, it's a pretty exciting next six-to-12 months for that horse," Watson said.

Dawn Passage is out of the now retired mare Raja Lane (Devaraja {NZ}) and becomes her second stakes-winner after Group 3 winner Dinkum Diamond (Keep The Faith), who herself has produced the Group winner and G1 Golden Rose S. placegetter Graff (Star Witness).

"With the opportunity (Raja Lane) had being from an older Australian family, to produce two good quality stakes horses is in anyone's book, a great effort. She has done a terrific job," Watson said.

"We have had the mare and all her progeny all the way back to Dinkum Diamond, the whole way through. We know the pedigree intimately. He was raised here and we prepped him and sold him through Inglis Premier."

"He was always a really good-looking horse. He had a lot of presence and quality to him. He was just one of those horses, that you couldn’t fault him in anything he did."

Watson said that while Dawn Passage had all the right qualities on paper, it was the way he handled himself that made him such an attractive option for potential buyers at the sales.

"Probably his main attribute was his temperament. He was always a lovely laid-back horse here at the farm. The amount of inspections he did at the sale was unbelievable and he never put a foot wrong," he said.

"I think that was his big selling point and why he was so attractive to a lot of people at the Melbourne sales."