Refreshed Jag back on deck
PREMIER Queensland metropolitan apprentice Jag Guthmann-Chester returns from holidays with some key rides as he begins his title defence at Doomben tomorrow.
Guthmann-Chester’s rides include Wild ’N’ Famous (Open Handicap), Romney’s Choice (Q Reno) and Charlie Cat (Athlete’s Foot Handicap).
The Gold Coast-based teenager won the metropolitan title with 23 winners last season despite missing a few months because of injury. He hasn’t ridden in a race since July 18 but has been back at trackwork this week.
Guthmann-Chester took the chance for a break with the aim to defend his title from a new batch of star apprentices.
“There are plenty of good young riders here now but I am refreshed a keen to get stuck back into it,” he said.
Guthmann-Chester rode Wild ’N’ Famous to win his most recent start at Caloundra on July 14.
Formerly trained by Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney, Wild ’N’ Famous gave Gold Coast trainer David Fletcher his first metropolitan winner.
The Chris Andersontrained Romney’s Gift has won a trial since claiming the Mothers Gift at Grafton on July 12.
Smart but wayward Charlie Cat is with his fourth trainer, Greg Cornish at Beaudesert, but emphasised his ability with a win at Ipswich at his latest start.
Gold Coast-based former Victorian jockey Ryan Maloney will ease into Saturday city racing with three rides.
Maloney, who expects to ride at 54kg soon, has ridden five winners, including a double at Caloundra on Wednesday, since resuming on August 1 after serving a four-month suspension and relocating to the Toby Edmonds stable.
He rode a double for Edmonds aboard Tziporah and Dream Lover at the Gold Coast last Saturday.
Edmonds has a high opinion of Maloney who he is tipping to be among the leading jockeys this season.
“Ryan is working really hard and he has already shown his ability. Once he gets his weight down he will be in big demand,” he said.