Regardless of the importance of the occasion, outstanding international jockeys do not necessarily require a lead-up feel to horses they have not previously partnered in a race. Craig Williams had not laid eyes on Volkstok'n'barrell before Saturday's race, but then he's accustomed to handling any number of high-class Japanese horses on flying trips.
Before he even got to the barriers Williams had his head around the high-class New Zealander. "I love this horse already," said Williams moments before loading up.
Which is what every jockey says of Volkstok'n'barrell - that he's a real dude you can't help loving.
The relaxed quality will probably also help him recover from a particularly tough physical race.
Volkstok'n'barrell had to dig extremely deep to beat the Zabeel 3-year-old Preferment, who immediately went to Australian Derby favouritism over the New Zealander.
The market setters are clearly assuming the 2400m of the Derby will better suit Preferment, who was tough enough to win the 2500m Victoria Derby in the spring.
But Donna Logan is unconcerned. "Bring it on," she says.
Vancouver has given Gai Waterhouse her sixth Golden Slipper win to match her father Tommy Smith's record in the A$3.5 million race. And to underline her reputation as one of Australia's best trainers of 2-year-olds, English finished second to give Waterhouse the quinella. Vancouver, the $2.50 favourite, overcame the second widest draw thanks to a Tommy Berry ride.
Godolphin's Contributer has confirmed his ranking as Sydney's weight-for-age star in winning the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. "I think he's stamped himself as one of the best horses in Australia," winning jockey James McDonald said. The Kiwi secured a second big victory after Japanese raider Real Impact dug deep to win the A$1 million George Ryder Stakes.
Sweet Idea has broken through for her first group one victory, claiming a first-up win in the $400,000 Galaxy at Rosehill.
Sweet Idea made a run from the middle of the field to score a decisive win in the sprint for trainer Gai Waterhouse and jockey Blake Shinn.
The strangely named Scratchy Bottom caused a major upset at Rosehill, beating group one winner Rising Romance in the Epona Stakes.
Rising Romance was sent out the $2 favourite in Saturday's 1900m group three for fillies and mares.
She looked to have the race in her keeping when she beat off Telepathic ($5), but $31 chance Scratchy Bottom snuck up on the rails to edge them both.
Julinsky Prince punched above his weight at Tauranga on Saturday where he beat the favourite Kawi in a rousing finish to the feature event. The Marton 5-year-old downed his central districts rival in the group two Windsor Park Stud Japan NZ Trophy.
- additional reporting agencies
