Beyond Zac Lloyd’s impressive hot streak, Linebacker’s owners are excited about the jockey’s involvement in seeking Doncaster Mile revenge at Randwick.
The jockey has claimed seven wins over recent Saturday meetings, including the $5 million Golden Slipper on Guest House, and remains the regular on Linebacker for the past dozen months with expert knowledge.
In the prior Doncaster, Lloyd guided the horse from a hesitant break to a powerful late charge, ending eighth and beaten by a touch over one length in frustrating fashion.
Trainer Tom Charlton highlighted how Lloyd’s close bond with the four-year-old will aid greatly Saturday, notwithstanding Sheza Alibi’s status as favourite on a light 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.”
This year, eschewing the Randwick Guineas prep of before, Linebacker targets weight-for-age contests.
Finishing 1-1/2 lengths from Joliestar in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) return, midfield to Autumn Glow next in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), a six-kilo easement awaits in the feature.
Charlton hoped for better last time from Linebacker but recalled similar subdued second-up displays, such as pre-Guinneas in Hobartville Stakes last autumn.
“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.”
Barrier nine in 16 was Linebacker’s lot, at $17 early week with Sheza Alibi ($2.10 fav) and Autumn Boy ($7) from Randwick Guineas monopolising short odds.
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