With the season winding down, jockey Lachlan Neindorf is seizing the moment at Gawler on Saturday in hopes of clawing his way into Adelaide’s jockey premiership contention.
Neindorf, who currently sits third with 36 wins, is chasing down leaders Rochelle Milnes (42 wins) and Taylor Johnstone (39), with four metro meetings left.
Riding in eight of nine races, the 23-year-old knows this weekend is his best shot.
“If I am going to be a chance, this Saturday looks my time to come out and put a few on the board,” Neindorf said.
“If that does occur, I’d be gaining a little bit more confidence that I might be a chance of taking it out.
“I do need to get a wriggle on and hopefully this Saturday is the way to do it.”
Among his key rides are three for trainer Phillip Stokes: top pick Stolen Kiss, debutant Bargain Boy and equal market fancy Signs From Above.
Other notable engagements include runners from Lindsay Park, Jason Warren and the Blanch stable.
“I would say they (horses for Phillip Stokes) are my best chances, but Garcon Renard looks a great chance as well for Peter and Belinda Blanch.
“I really think he should’ve won last start.
“The Stokes stable have been such a great supporter of me for quite a while now which I’m very grateful for.”
His season already includes a Group 1 triumph aboard Femminile in the SA Derby and placings on Stretan Angel in the Black Caviar Lightning and Newmarket Handicap.
“I’ve always had the mindset that if it (Premiership) happens, it’s great but it’s never really been up there as my main goal, even though that sounds a bit silly,” he said.
“My goal has always been to ride in bigger races and be recognised as a top rider.
“I’ve never really felt any pressure to win the Premiership but I would love to do it for some of the people around me that have supported me along the way, like James Jordan, Darryn Murphy and my manager because I’m sure it would mean a lot to them.”
To bet on Neindorf’s chances this weekend or browse the latest markets, head over to justhorseracing.com.au.
