Reece Jones has previously succeeded for Vivy Air’s owners by securing the Five Diamonds, yet he remains particularly eager to return their ongoing support via a Doncaster Mile success.
The featherweight rider was aboard when the Ciaron Maher-prepared mare returned with a strong third behind Lazzura in the Coolmore Classic (1500m), and the team quickly confirmed his booking for Saturday’s $4 million highlight.
“I’m rapt to be able to ride her,” Jones said.
“Really stoked with the owners and connections for sticking with me from that Five Diamonds win, and to be able to ride her in the Coolmore when she had weight, it’s not like they were out of options.
“It was really pleasing to see that kind of faith in me, so hopefully I can reward them with a Group One.”
Jones has demonstrated his prowess at elite level courtesy of a 2024 Metropolitan win on Land Legend, though recent close calls have hurt, such as his unlucky third on Encap in last year’s Doncaster.
Vivy Air has likewise displayed her prowess with a victory and three runner-up finishes from four outings at Randwick’s 1600m, plus an excellent second-up record.
Although she was often a close loser in her early days – enduring over two years between her second and third successes amid 11 other placings – Jones feels her autumn wins have elevated Vivy Air this preparation.
“I’d like to think she has come back a little bit stronger,” he said.
“She travelled really well for me the other day. She has settled down a lot from previous ‘preps’ and she is doing things really well at the moment.
“Those couple of wins are hopefully a nice confidence boost for her and she can build on that.
“Group Ones are hard to come by, hard to win, so she is going to have to be at her best to be in the finish, but I’m sure she is targeting the right way.”
Jones is also set to ride Tempesti for Matt Cumani in the Chairman’s Handicap (2600m), and although the ex-Italian stayer has varied results across six local runs, Jones anticipates further progress after his sixth in the Manion Cup (2400m).
“He showed something last start,” Jones said.
“He was hitting the line well and the step up in trip is going to be ideal. The Sydney way of going seems to be to his liking because it’s probably what he’s been used to (overseas).”
Explore the Australian betting sites for the best Doncaster Mile odds.