A true ‘have saddle, will travel’ operator, jockey Ryan Wiggins often logs extensive trips up and down Queensland’s east coast during an ordinary week.
Highlighting his commitments this week is a booking on David Vandyke’s Mr Racing at Ipswich, targeting a debut success after third place first-up this month.
His follow-up is in the TAB Maiden Handicap (1666m) on grass, contrasting the Gold Coast all-weather debut.
“We had other options we were looking at but that was quite a weak race on a synthetic track and he was beaten for speed,” Vandyke said.
“He should run an improved race out to the mile and Ryan is a good aggressive jockey who is very passionate about what he does and he gets the best out of his horses.
“This horse was off the bit for quite some way last start and he needs someone who is going to give him proper direction.”
Wiggins’ packed itinerary this week, typical for him, spans rides in Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay, and Ipswich Friday.
Combining flights and road travel tops 4500 kilometres.
Vandyke’s team also features Acapulco Girl resuming in the Ipswich Party Hire Handicap since her last in August.
“She’s got a good draw in barrier four and I think the 1100-metres in a Class 2 at the provincials is an ideal race to kick off.”
For the mount, Vandyke selects Ben Thompson, now Queensland-based ex-Victorian third on the jockeys’ table at 94½ wins.
Thompson rides Better Draw too, described by Vandyke as ‘a thinker’ who may place with a waiting ride.
With the rest of his string, Sunshine Coast’s Vandyke mulls Ipswich versus Eagle Farm Saturday for Slippin’ Jimmy.
“He’s ready to run a good race, especially back in distance so I expect him to run well,” Vandyke added.
“I think he needs a bit of confidence. He’s just been struggling to regain his best form after having an incredible strike rate early when he won the Magic Millions Country Cup convincingly.
“I just really want to see him bounce back to form and if that means going to an easier option then I’m happy to go in that direction.”
Betting fans can scope betting sites for TAB Maiden Handicap value at Ipswich.