Luke Nolen in line for I Wish I Win return in Kingsford Smith Cup
Luke Nolen appears favoured to regain the ride aboard I Wish I Win when he next steps out in Brisbane.
With James Mcdonald heading to Japan to ride Romantic Warrior in the Yasuda Kinen on June 2, Nolen is in the box-seat to regain the ride on I Wish I Win in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) on June 1.
Nolen was dumped as rider of the sprinter for the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) in favour of McDonald with the pair finishing a close second to Bella Nipotina.
Trainer Peter Moody and part-owner Mark Chittick were in New Zealand on Saturday watching I Wish I Win from afar and when news came through that McDonald was unable to take the mount in the Kingsford Smith, the pair had a brief discussion.
Moody offered up three names with Nolen’s certainly in the mix.
“I’m sure we’ll lean that way,” Chittick told RSN.
“The opportunity came up with James and we’ve had a long-term relationship and that’s why we took the opportunity and there is absolutely nothing against Luke or anyone else.
“We became aware on Sunday, and I was with Moods, that James was going to be in Japan.
“James thought he was going to be able to ride him in the Kingsford Smith because there was a flight at nine o’clock, but when they put the provisions in place to go into lockdown beforehand, that took that opportunity away from us.
“Moods put three names in front of me to ride him in the Kingsford Smith and I said I’d be happy with any of the three, but you make the final decision.
“If it is Luke, it would be great to get Luke back on the horse and also get a favourable draw.”
Nolen has had an association with I Wish I Win, winning the Golden Eagle at Rosehill and the T J Smith at Randwick.
But inside draws have also cost Nolen and I Wish I Win, namely in The Everest last October.
I Wish I Win had barrier one again last Saturday when beaten.
“He’s a horse that an inside draw doesn’t suit,” Chittick said.
“When we’ve seen him win, and win so well in that top class, it’s been when he’s been able to do his own thing.
“He’s got a massive turn of foot, but he needs room to do it and we’re just finding with that inside draw when you get on the rail, it’s hard to do it when you finally do get fresh air.”
Chittick said the Kingsford Smith Cup and then a break in the Queensland sunshine was favoured for I Wish I Win ahead of a return in the spring for a tilt at the Manikato Stakes and The Everest.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...