Decision to quarantine a wise move by leading Sydney jockeys
A JUDGMENT call to spend two weeks quarantining is poised to pay off on Magic Millions day for several of Sydney’s top jockeys, including James McDonald and Hugh Bowman.
Both hoops, as well as fellow Sydney gun Brenton Avdulla, have been forced to spend 14 days out of Sydney due to the COVID outbreak to be allowed to cross the border to ride on the Gold Coast on January 16.
And the decision looks set to be rewarded as the hoops continue to build strong books of rides for the richest raceday on the calendar in Queensland.
McDonald, who is spending quarantine in Byron, was already booked to ride one of Chris Waller’s visiting brigade in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic before heading north.
Last start victor She’s All Class is the top seed and the $4 bookies favourite with McDonald piloting the filly to her last start Wyong triumph.
However, Shaquero and Ranch Hand also remain in consideration for the race for Waller.
Bowman would likely ride Ranch Hand, which sits 20th in the ballot order, if it was to make the final field.
McDonald will also pilot the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Aim ($51) in the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas after he was forced to forego the steer on $6 Forbidden Love.
McDonald has also been snapped up to ride former Classic winner Exhilarates (Magic Millions Snippets), Irithea (MM Fillies & Mares) and Sambro (MM Cup).
Bowman is poised to link up with several key chances in the support races and would also be in the hot seat of $26 chance Amish Boy in the Guineas if Ciaron Maher and David Eustace push on to the Gold Coast.
He will join forces with the same stable on Snapdancer, a $3.50 chance in the Fillies and Mares race.