Globe-trotting King picks up The Map for the Melbourne Cup
Jockey Rachel King will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore when she jets in from the prestigious Breeders’ Cup meeting to ride in her fourth Melbourne Cup.
King was confirmed for the mount on South Australian The Map on Friday, the mare having secured her place in the field with her Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) victory in May.
The British-born King has ridden in the Melbourne Cup three times with her best result a tenth aboard Tulloch Lodge stayer Military Mission last year.
While she is yet to feature in the finish, the experiences have whetted her appetite for more and she is thrilled she will again be part of Australia’s most famous race day.
“I am happy to stay in Sydney for the majority of the spring, but come Cup day, I want to ride in the Cup,” King said.
“I have ridden in the last three, they’ve been my first three that I have done, and I don’t want to miss a year.”
Melbourne Cup Day will cap a busy fortnight for the Sydney-based jockey.
After riding at the Spring Champion Stakes meeting at Randwick on Saturday where she won the Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) aboard Iknowastar, King was due to fly to the US to prepare for the mount on Japanese horse Satono Carnaval in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (1600m) at Del Mar on Friday.
She is the first Australian resident to ride at the world-renowned event and regards the Noriyuki Hori-trained youngster as a genuine chance.
“It is that time of year where it does clash with our spring carnival, but I’m very excited to go over there and on a horse that is a good chance as well,” King said.
King will miss next Saturday’s rich Golden Eagle Day program at Rosehill and Derby Day at Flemington to compete in the Breeders’ Cup, before joining internationally renowned jockeys Ryan Moore and William Buick on a flight to Melbourne to ride in the Cup on Tuesday week.
Moore is booked to partner Jan Brueghel ($6.50) for Aidan O’Brien and Buick the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban ($8)
The Map has raced three times this spring, the latest when sixth to Onesmoothoperator in the Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday and is a $34 chance for the Melbourne feature.
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...