Racing: Stakes are high for jockey on Scarlett Lady

James McDonald. Photo / Glenn Taylor

James McDonald says he feels no pressure going into today's A$400,000 Queensland Oaks on the favourite Scarlett Lady.

But, of course, there is.

Not so much for the result itself, but for what that might mean to McDonald's future in Australia.

As much as the 19-year-old is about to break through a record 200 New Zealand wins for this season and as much as those who matter in Australia know of him, in terms of image nothing compares to winning a group one race across the Tasman.

McDonald, looking for an Australian contract, hasn't managed that in a country where you are only ever as good as your last winner.

In fact, he has ridden only six winners in Australia, most of them obscure and he can't even remember the name of the first of them at Hawkesbury.

The one he really wanted was the group one A$500,000 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on March 19 aboard Keep The Peace when the New Zealand mare turned in the worst effort of her career and tailed the field.

"I really thought she could win that," McDonald told the Herald from the Sunshine Coast races yesterday.

So, Scarlett Lady's performance in today's feature at Eagle Farm really matters.

But in an odd way, McDonald said, he felt more pressure before he won the Doomben Roses on the filly last start, even though it wasn't a group one race.

"I guess all Australian eyes were on us that day, whereas [today] she goes into the race having already done it." McDonald says he has had plenty of feelers about relocating to Australia in recent weeks and knows a group one win today will probably push one of those offers over the line.

"If I can crack a group one I'd say the offers will become more solid."

Win, lose or draw this afternoon, McDonald is destined to eventually become a big name in Australia and eventually beyond.

The talent and maturity he has shown in New Zealand has been remarkable.

Scarlett Lady, shooting for six straight wins, was hugely impressive in the Doomben Roses.

She came across heels in the home straight and swamped the others with a dashing late sprint. "She really did the job that day and we hope she can do the same again."

McDonald gave himself a good eye-opener for today when he landed New Zealand debut maiden Rich'n Unhitched home a comfortable winner at the Sunshine Coast yesterday.

Rich'n Unhitched, trained at Matamata by Graham Richardson, landed some huge bets and paid just $2.60 on the tote.

Later in the day McDonald rode Jet Surge to victory, paying $44.30 and $10 a place.