Currie ascends to Queen

Pike departure opens up opportunity for Luke in Mackinnon Stakes

GRANT Williams hopes William Pike’s loss will become Luke Currie’s gain when Arcadia Queen attempts to crown a roller coaster Melbourne campaign in the Group 1 Mackin non Stake sat Fleming ton.

Pike has returned to Perth to quarantine in preparation for WA’s feature summer carnival after spending the spring in Victoria. Pike has rid den Arcadia Queen in five of her seven wins, most recently the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes, but will be replaced on Saturday by Currie.

Trainer Grant Williams said Pike had briefed Currie on Arcadia Queen’s racing pattern – and tempestuous nature.

“I’ m very happy with her tomorrow ,” Williams said .“Obviously, we haven’ t got Willie but I think Luke will do a great job.

“He spoke to Willie at the races yesterday (Thursday) and got a couple of little pointers off him and just really looking forward to getting to the races tomorrow. She’s definitely quirky but the quirkier she is, the better she is and if she’s a bit of a handful, she’s getting close to right.

“There’s a couple of little things that went wrong for her on Cox Plate day( when an unlucky fifth) which was disappointing for all of us.

“She was probably out there too long (on track, pre-race) and the tongue tie kept coming off which made her a little bit cranky.

“Hopefully Luke can get her into a spot, get her to settle and if that’s the case, I think we’re right into this race. I don’ t want her last but if we can be midfield that would be perfect. To have three or four behind her, that would be great.”

Pike had 147 rides for 22 wins, including a quartet on Caulfield Guineas day, to stamp his class on Victorian racing.

“One of the reasons Willie went home for the Railway is because Perth is where our bread is buttered and we have to get things right back there,” Williams said.

“That’s our biggest day, Railway day( on November 21).

“He’s (Pike) our best jockey and it was very hard for him to forgo the ride tomorrow but he’s a very important part of our team and he understands that too. He tried to stay but he couldn’t.

“Take your hat off to him to give a ride like this away .”