Jockey Luke Currie is focused on maximising his opportunities following his return from an overseas holiday and a recent change in management.
Currie had a limited book of rides, two in total, at the Sandown meeting on Wednesday, where he secured a win with the impressive French Accord and a second-place finish. He has two rides scheduled at Caulfield this Saturday.
One of these rides is aboard Winnasedge, trained by Nick Ryan, in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200 metres. Currie had previously steered Winnasedge to victory in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 11, his second day back riding.
“I’ve just changed manager and it can take time,” Currie said. “You get a relationship with your manager, and they have relationships with racing managers for stables, and coming back from holidays is always hard. You have a week off, and people forget about you.”
While the current period might be somewhat challenging, Currie is looking forward to partnering with Winnasedge again on Saturday.
Winnasedge demonstrated its ability with a win over 1100 metres in June, followed by another victory two weeks later in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
Currie rode Winnasedge early in its career and recognised the horse’s considerable talent.
“I thought he was going to be a really nice horse,” Currie commented. “He was a bit hot and did a few things wrong, but he had a huge turn of foot, and I think each preparation he has just changed himself a bit and is a bit more adaptable now.”
“Nick told me last time that he was the fit horse as there were a few horses that were coming back,” he added. “His level seems to be rising, and I think he ticks a few boxes going into this and if he gets it right, he’s going to have a good chance on Saturday.”
With four of its six wins achieved over 1100 metres, it would appear that this is Winnasedge’s preferred distance. However, the sprinter does possess a 1200-metre win at Caulfield, and Currie is confident that the slight increase in distance will not pose a problem on Saturday.
“The 1100 (metres) is probably his sweet spot, but from where he’s drawn (five), he’s got the speed to land in a nice spot,” Currie explained. “I wouldn’t think he has to get back as far as he did the other day, especially over 1200 (metres). I think he’s a beautiful ride.”
Get the latest racing odds for the Bletchingly Stakes from Australian betting sites.
