McDonald clear for Dunn mount
TRAINER Matt Dunn is relieved comeback jockey James McDonald is clear to ride Care To Think in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Doomben on Saturday.
McDonald resumed after an 18-month disqualification for a betting offence with a double at Warwick Farm races on Wednesday but was suspended for four days at Kembla Grange on Thursday.
The Murwillumbah-based Dunn booked McDonald to ride Care To Think in the Kingsford Smith to replace Gold Coast jockey Jeff Lloyd.
McDonald, who rode two winners including the Dunntrained Dia de Reyes at Rosehill on Saturday, will not begin his suspension until Sunday week and will be eligible to ride at the Sunshine Coast meeting on June 2.
“I booked James with the intention of him testing Care To Think as a Stradbroke Handicap mount,” Dunn said.
“I don’t know what weight Care to Think will get in the Stradbroke.
“It is weight-for-age in the Kingsford Smith but if Care To Think wins the Kingsford Smith Cup he will probably get 55kg in the Stradbroke which will suit James.”
Care To Think is among the chances for the Kingsford Smith and Stradbroke on June 9 after an eye-catching sixth in the Group 1 Doomben 10,0000 at his last start.
The gelding came from near last after drawing a wide barrier but finished close-up in a great Stradbroke trial.
“He just needs a good barrier for a change on Saturday,” Dunn said.