Mike Dillon: Premiership gets harder for Cameron

Matthew Cameron. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Opie Bosson could sleep through a serious earthquake.

Which explains why, typically, he is not flustered about his jockeys' premiership fight with Matt Cameron.

Bosson's relentless relaxed attitude to his profession and to the premiership is exemplified by his response to: 'So, how many times have you won this premiership?'

"Two, I think."

Enough said.

That statement has dual meanings - it's also why Cameron, 26, is desperate for victory because he has yet to win the premiership and last season just missed out after a late fight with Lisa Allpress.

At the Marlborough meeting yesterday it suddenly got very hard for Cameron.

He started the day at 144, one behind Bosson, and won one race to Bosson's three.

TAB bookies started the day with Bosson on $1.55 to win the premiership and Cameron just over the $2, but quickly marked Bosson down to something closer to $1.20.

At the centre of this premiership battle is form analyst Gary Cossey, who manages both riders.

That might seem like an uncomfortable spot, but Cossey says he's relaxed because in each case he knows he's done his best.

He even allows human nature to creep in with: "It's a bit more relaxed than last year because I know that one of my riders is going to win."

Traditionally winter has been an awkward time for Bosson's weight.

He hasn't ridden under 56kg for a while and 56.5kg has been his usual limit.

Cameron can ride at 54kg.

"There have been a couple of occasions when an offered ride will not have sufficient weight for Opie and the trainer has been happy to put Matt on, but for all that it has evened out and not created an imbalance."

Before yesterday's meeting started Cossey said he expected the day's results to decide the premiership.

"Opie had the best book of rides with six for Kevin Myers and Matt had the best of the rest.

"From this point on they have pretty even books of rides in the three meetings left.

"Opie has a strong list of rides at Te Rapa and Matt should be looking good at Manawatu."

Both riders will take a two-week break when the pressure comes off.

"Opie will ride at Ruakaka next Saturday and Matt will take on the Winter Cup at Riccarton before his break."

Bosson is looking forward to his first trip through China.