Lloyd to stick with Black Opal winner in the Golden Slipper
Zac Lloyd has secured his rides for two of the biggest races in the Sydney autumn carnival after a stellar weekend featuring two major wins.
Lloyd is set to ride Randwick Guineas champion Linebacker at 49kg in the Doncaster Mile (1600m), while Black Opal Stakes winner King Of Pop will be his mount in the Golden Slipper (1200m).
King Of Pop, a talented Farnan colt, maintained his unbeaten record by edging out Farcited, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Lloyd believes the colt has what it takes to compete in the Golden Slipper if he makes the field.
“He gave me a really good feel. I didn’t hesitate to lock in the ride immediately after the race,” Lloyd told Sydney’s Sky Racing radio on Wednesday.
“He jumped well, did everything professionally for a two-year-old, and handled the race perfectly.
“He had to get past Farcited, who is no easy horse to beat, so I’m confident he will be a solid chance in the Slipper.”
Lloyd has also been confirmed to ride Linebacker in the Doncaster Mile, following a tactically brilliant performance that secured the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained three-year-old his first major win.
In claiming victory, Linebacker took down Golden Rose winner and Cox Plate placegetter Broadsiding. Now, he will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Celestial Legend, who completed the Guineas-Doncaster Mile double last year.
“The plan appears to be a four-week lead-up into the Doncaster, just like Celestial Legend did,” Lloyd said.
“As of now, I’ll be riding him at 49kg in the Doncaster.
“It’s tough, but I walk around at 51.5 to 52kg, so with a little bit of dieting, I should get there comfortably.”
Additionally, Lloyd has been confirmed as the rider for Godolphin colt Traffic Warden in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill next Saturday.
Traffic Warden, who resumed with a fifth-place finish in the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington last month, is scheduled for an exhibition gallop during Thursday’s Kensington track meeting.
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