Racing: Rider must pick NZ or Oz

Jake Bayliss will ride Volpe Veloce in Saturday's group one Tattersall's Club Tiara (1350m) at Doomben. Photo / Trish Dunell

In-form rider Jake Bayliss has a tough decision to make when he returns from a well-earned holiday next month. Bayliss will head to Mexico with his brother, Regan, and friend, Beau Mertens, after the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, which wraps up at the Sunshine Coast on June 30.

During his time away, he will mull over his riding options which include returning to New Zealand for an extended stint or staying in Queensland to ride for leading trainer Robert Heathcote.

Bayliss spent several months in New Zealand over the summer where he created an instant impression. He managed 35 winners from 298 rides, including seven stakes victories, with the pinnacle being his first group one success aboard Volpe Veloce in the
Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie.

He made his way to Brisbane to ride over the winter and has caught the eye of a number of good judges, including Heathcote, who spoke out several days ago, advising Bayliss to seriously consider remaining in Queensland to further his career.

"It's something I have to really consider and have a think about," Victorian hoop Bayliss said.

"I've been offered a good position with Robert which is something that is hard to turn down because he is such a well-respected trainer."

Bayliss speaks fondly of his time in New Zealand although he is enjoying some good Queensland sun on his back rather than the chills of the New Zealand winter.

"I loved New Zealand although the weather is too cold for me at the moment," he said.

"The idea was to return here to Brisbane and ride for a time and then head back to New Zealand but with the offer I have had, the opportunity is very hard to turn down."

Bayliss will call on Mertens and his brother for their opinions while they are enjoying their time off.

"It could be that I continue over here and then head to New Zealand around carnival time later in the spring," he said. "Those are the sort of things that I can talk about with Regan and Beau. Regan has a great racing mind and his knowledge is something I always take on board.

"Just thinking about it now, it really is going to be a tough call. What I do know though is if I come back to New Zealand it will be to win the premiership."

Bayliss will continue his association with the Graham Richardson and Gavin Parker-trained Volpe Veloce when she tackles the group one Tattersall's Club Tiara (1200m) for the fillies and mares at Doomben on Saturday.

"She went a good race first-up over here in top company and, even though this is also a group one, she will be suited by racing against her own sex this time around," he said.

"She looks to have progressed well and she is one of my best rides. I have several others including Hopfgarten who I won a Listed race on last time so I'm really looking forward to the weekend."

- NZ Racing Desk