Ciaron Maher filly Invincible again
Champion apprentice Zac Lloyd has proven a capable fill in for Sydney’s leading jockey James McDonald, answering a late call-up to guide Tiz Invincible to a dynamic win in the Group 2 Furious Stakes at Randwick.
McDonald injured his ankle in a race day mishap at the Wyong Cup meeting and while he was able to fulfil some of his bookings on Saturday, his restricted preparations meant he could not make his rides at 56kg and under.
Lloyd was called upon to replace McDonald aboard Tiz Invincible and the filly’s co-trainer Ciaron Maher said while late rider changes were never perfect, he had absolute faith in the young star’s ability to get the job done.
“He actually rode her trackwork once and he’s a good man Zac, he’s riding in great form,” Maher said.
“It’s not ideal, but I wasn’t concerned.”
Lloyd camped Tiz Invincible ($4.60) off the speed before launching down the outside in the straight and the filly attacked the line with gusto to win the Furious Stakes (1200m) by three-quarters of a length over Kimochi ($4.20) with Mumbai Muse ($11) another neck away third.
The winner is now likely to proceed to the remaining two races in the Princess Series, the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in two weeks and Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at the same venue a fortnight later.
However, that plan isn’t set in stone with Maher happy to leave the door ajar for Tiz Invincible to possibly divert to the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) on September 23.
“We’ll sit down and work out how good she actually went and how god she needs to be to win that sort of race,” Maher said.
“But certainly timing-wise it would be OK.”
Autumn Ballet started a $3.70 Unibet favourite and while she eventually made ground to finish eighth, jockey Adam Hyeronimus said her chances were cruelled when she was tardy to jump.
“She just blew the start and it was race over for her,” Hyeronimus said.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...