Currie looking to capitalise on opportunities
Jockey Luke Currie is determined to make the most of every opportunity presented to him since his return from a recent overseas break and a change in his management team.
Currie participated in just two races at the Sandown meeting on Wednesday, achieving a win with the promising French Accord and a second-place finish. He is scheduled to compete in two races at Caulfield this coming Saturday.
One of these engagements is aboard Winnasedge, prepared by Nick Ryan, for the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes, a 1200-metre event. Currie previously partnered with the horse to victory in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 11, marking his second day back riding.
"I've just changed manager and it can take time," Currie commented. "You get a relationship with your manager, and they have relationships with racing managers for stables, and coming back from holidays is always hard. You have a week off, and people forget about you."
Despite potential lulls in his booking, Currie is eagerly anticipating partnering with Winnasedge once again this Saturday.
Following a victory over 1100 metres in June, Winnasedge repeated its success two weeks later in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
Currie had the ride on Winnasedge early in its racing career and believed the horse possessed significant potential.
"I thought he was going to be a really nice horse," Currie said. "He was a bit hot and did a few things wrong, but he had a huge turn of foot, and I think each preparation he has just changed himself a bit and is a bit more adaptable now."
"Nick told me last time that he was the fit horse as there were a few horses that were coming back," he revealed. "His level seems to be rising, and I think he ticks a few boxes going into this and if he gets it right, he's going to have a good chance on Saturday."
With four of Winnasedge's six wins occurring over 1100 metres, it suggests this is the gelding's preferred distance. However, the sprinter has a 1200-metre win at Caulfield to its name, and Currie is confident the extended distance will not present any difficulties on Saturday.
"The 1100 (metres) is probably his sweet spot, but from where he's drawn (five), he's got the speed to land in a nice spot," Currie advised. "I wouldn't think he has to get back as far as he did the other day, especially over 1200 (metres). I think he's a beautiful ride."
Check out the betting markets for the Bletchingly Stakes with leading online bookmakers.
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