Champion apprentice Zac Lloyd outlines G1 dream
Zac Lloyd is the first to admit the challenge of competing against the senior riders in Sydney without a claim will necessitate he rises to another level again.
But he is happier to take a more positive view and instead let the fact he has outridden his allowance so quickly fuel his confidence.
A victory in the opening race at Rosehill on Saturday aboard Holstein followed by another on Hard To Say 35 minutes later propelled Lloyd to a milestone 80 metropolitan wins, a mark at which junior riders relinquish their claims.
The 19-year-old, who is indentured to Godolphin’s James Cummings, was thrilled with his achievement while being realistic about what it means.
“It was good to get it done early. I went through it quite quickly, which can be a bit of a worry, but it’s a good problem to have and hopefully the support continues,” Lloyd said.
With the 2022-23 Sydney apprentices’ title under his belt, Lloyd is keen to attempt a defence of his crown, but he has also set himself a few other goals to start the latest racing term.
“It’ll be a different season with no claim and it will be a good compliment to complete it,” Lloyd said.
“But it’s not my main goal. I have a couple of other goals in mind, but it’s a challenge and I’ll be looking towards it.
“(A) Group One is definitely my ambition.
“Hopefully the claim doesn’t shy James away from putting me on. I still have to ride well and get the job done.”
Lloyd will also need to shift some of his focus to staying out of the stewards’ room after copping two careless riding suspensions to start the season.
He incurred a penalty at the midweek Kensington program, then again fell foul of stipes when attempting to barge out on Kirkeby in the third race at Rosehill on Saturday, severely hampering James Mcdonald on United Nations.
Chief steward Steve Railton told Lloyd he needed to act with more care.
“As James (McDonald) says, if his horse is going a bit better, the only position he can be in is on the ground,” Railton told Lloyd.
Lloyd’s penalties will be served cumulatively, beginning on August 6 and expiring on August 27 meaning he will miss three Saturday meetings, including the Group 1 Winx Stakes program on August 19.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Mile test for Harry’s Yacht in 2026 Vobis Gold Reef
Will Larkin is confident the timing is right to test Harry’s Yacht over the mile when the gelding contests Saturday’s Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington. The four-year-old has enjoyed a strong preparation to date, registering two wins at benchmark level and adding two placings in Vobis races over 1200 metres. Training in...