Commitment to weight pays off for jockey Reece Jones and Lighthouse Lass
A late call-up for a ride often brings uncertainty, but for jockey Reece Jones, his willingness to shed weight for Lighthouse Lass has culminated in her second career victory after overcoming a sluggish start.
Jones, initially booked for five rides at Rosehill with the lightest at 52.5kg, received a call from trainer Will Freedman on Saturday morning. He was asked to partner Lighthouse Lass at 52kg after the first emergency was upgraded in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m).
The jockey readily accepted the challenge and quickly worked to shed the remaining half-kilogram.
"It was a little bit late notice, but the advantages of being four-feet tall," Jones quipped. "It definitely helps. I had to get the weight off this morning, and I'm glad I did now."
Lighthouse Lass, who had been winless since her debut at Scone in January last year, had shown promise with five placings in her eight starts since joining Richard and Will Freedman in February.
Will Freedman was thrilled to see her finally break through, stating she was due for a change of luck.
"She's had her fair share of bad luck," Freedman said. "The one thing that really benefitted her today was missing the kick and having a bit of room to build into it. She's not that tractable when things don't go her way. They did go her way today, and she was always going to be strong late because she's come back in distance."
Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old Tarzing continued his impressive run, securing his third win from five starts in the Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1400m). This success was a welcome boost for Phil Gould, General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, and club Chairman Adam Driussi, who share ownership in Tarzing, following the Bulldogs' win over the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night.
Darren Beadman, assistant trainer to Waller, believes the four-year-old has further potential.
"He really hasn't put a foot wrong. His form was good in Melbourne, and he came up here in good order," Beadman said. "It was a nice win and he's going through his grades nicely."
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