Rodd on Blue Book puts smile on trainer
TRAINER Kelly Doughty is hoping history repeats itself when international jockey Michael Rodd rides promising two-year-old Blue Book tomorrow.
Blue Book will be aiming to make it three wins from three starts in the Sky Racing Handicap (1200m) at Doomben.
Jeff Lloyd rode Blue Book at his first two wins but he is on holidays. Doughty quickly snapped up Rodd, who has been riding in Singapore where he finished third in the premiership, as a replacement.
Rodd, who did his apprenticeship on the Gold Coast with Bryan Guy, will be in Brisbane representing NSW in the Origin Jockeys’ series.
“Michael was here last year and won on Arki for us. It was in an Origin heat,” Doughty said. “It will be interesting to get his opinion on Blue Book for the future.”
Doughty believes while Blue Book has won his two starts with blistering pace, he will have no problems at 1200m.
“He is a big, strong horse. He is a home-bred horse and not eligible for the Magic Millions.”
Doughty will look at races in Sydney in autumn for Blue Book.
“He isn’t entered for the Slipper but there is always a late entry but let us worry about that later,” he said.
Meanwhile, Doughty will keep handy galloper Time to Torque in Sydney, where he will contest a benchmark race.
Doughty had entered him for the Listed Brisbane Handicap at Doomben tomorrow but did not accept. Time To Torque was third at Rosehill two weeks ago.