At Rosehill on Saturday, the formidable partnership of trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald found themselves on opposing sides, a situation trainer Waller expertly capitalised on.
With Eagle Express ($4) carrying a light 52kg in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap over 1200m, Waller engaged the services of young jockey Zac Lloyd. Lloyd shadowed McDonald, who was guiding the favourite Hawker Hall ($2.05 fav) in front, before finding a path along the inside to secure the win.
“That was the plan today, to get into James’ slipstream and not expose her too early and just have a crack late,” Waller commented. “She’s a talented filly turned mare now. We wanted to see her do that today to justify another year with us.”
The five-year-old mare, Eagle Express, boasts a modest record of five wins from 21 starts, having not been overly extended in black type races during the autumn. Waller expressed confidence in her ability to compete at that level again in suitable races.
“The race next week, the Toy Show Quality, is probably the right race for her. She won’t be running there, but that type of race. A handicap where we can hold her up,” he noted.
Waller also lauded Lloyd’s performance, which marked his second win of the day after an earlier protest victory on Mind Ya Bizz, trained by Brad Widdup.
Lloyd, who finished second to McDonald in last season’s Sydney jockeys’ premiership, is recognised as one of the sport’s emerging talents. Waller highlighted his recent international experience at Royal Ascot and in South Africa as a significant factor in his development.
While McDonald remains the benchmark, Waller suggested that the rise of riders like Lloyd compels all top jockeys to continually improve.
“You don’t want the gap too big and there are a few chomping away,” Waller remarked. “There’s some good, healthy competition. It’s great for James, and it’s good for jockeys when they do some international trips like Zac has done. Jason Collett is in Japan at the moment. We’re the winner, Sydney, when they come back.”
Lloyd is set to miss the upcoming Winx Stakes meeting as he competes in the World All-Star Jockeys competition in Japan, continuing his recent international racing engagements.
If you’re looking for Australian betting sites to place your wagers, consider exploring the racing odds available.
