Racing: El Segundo needs good ride

Cox Plate-winning jockey Luke Nolen says a strong tempo will be crucial to whether his mount El Segundo can pull off a second win in today's A$3 million weight-for-age Moonee Valley feature due to his wide draw.

Nolen is resigned to taking El Segundo back near the rear of the field from barrier 13 in the 14-horse field.

"They don't tend to let you in in Cox Plates," Nolen said. "I think the speed of the race will very much determine how far from home they start to charge and how close I can get to them while still on the bridle.

"So ideally I'd like some speed on for where I'll end up in the race."

The Colin Little-trained El Segundo jumped from barrier seven when Nolen won the 2007 Cox Plate (2040m) on him while he came from gate 10 when he was beaten a nose by Fields Of Omagh when ridden by Darren Gauci in 2006.

Nolen believes El Segundo, having had an autumn preparation after suffering separate tendon and joint injuries, can win the race again if it is run to suit him.

"I think he's got a genuine chance but I think I've got to ride him very, very well and that will depend on how quick they go, how it unfolds from the half-mile (800m) and what horse I'll be on the back of and how far that horse will cart me into the race," he said.

Nolen said he never considered giving riding away despite being badly smashed up in a fall at Doomben in May last year.

He was dislodged from the Bart Cummings-trained Antidotes in the straight in the 2008 Group Three BTC Sprint and spent the next three months on the sidelines recovering from breaks to the palate, eye socket, cheekbone, nose and jaw.

He also suffered knee ligament damage.

But he made a full recovery and enjoys his job as number one rider for the Peter Moody stable at Caulfield as well as maintaining his link with El Segundo who hasn't won in six starts since his Cox Plate victory.

Nolen described the eight-year-old's first-up third under 63.5kg to Mic Mac in the Listed Aurie's Star Hcp (1200m) four starts back at Flemington as phenomenal and welcomed his return to Moonee Valley.

"He enjoys the cushion at Moonee Valley and he knows where the post is here."

- AAP