Zac Lloyd’s sizzling recent performances represent just one factor making the Linebacker team delighted to secure the jockey for their bid at Doncaster Mile redemption at Randwick.
Lloyd has notched seven victories across the last two Saturdays, highlighted by his success in the $5 million Golden Slipper aboard Guest House, and he has served as Linebacker’s consistent mount over the previous year, understanding the horse thoroughly.
The emerging rider partnered Linebacker during last year’s Doncaster effort, where a sluggish start led to a strong closing finish for a unlucky eighth place, beaten by just over a length.
Trainer Tom Charlton noted that Lloyd’s deep familiarity with the four-year-old would prove a significant advantage on Saturday, though short-priced favourite Sheza Alibi loomed as the main danger carrying only 49kg.
“He knows him well, and he got him to jump out of the gates well the other day, which is something that has let him down a bit, that horse,” Charlton said.
“When he missed the break in the Doncaster last year, I daresay it cost him the race.
If we can execute well, he will run well. It’s just whether the 49 kilo filly might have a bit more, but we can’t worry about that.”
Linebacker entered last year’s event following a Randwick Guineas triumph, but this campaign he has followed a weight-for-age route.
He was beaten by 1-1/2 lengths behind Joliestar on debut in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), settled midfield trailing Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), and now receives a six-kilo weight relief for Saturday’s highlight.
Although Charlton conceded expectations were higher from Linebacker’s latest outing, he cautioned that the horse might deliver a subdued effort second-up, similar to his Hobartville Stakes run last autumn prior to Guineas glory.
“He just felt the pinch the other day in a tough-run 1500,” Charlton said.
“He had a good blow, and he can do that second-up. He will run well third-up, and he gets a significant, six-kilo drop in weight.
I don’t think he will be far away.”
Linebacker has secured barrier nine from 16 starters and traded at $17 on Wednesday amid a market led by the Randwick Guineas top two of Sheza Alibi ($2.10 favourite) and Autumn Boy ($7), the sole entrants under double-figure odds.
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