Wilson’s on a roll

JORDAN GERRANS

NOW with the monkey off his back, Tablelands rider Stephen Wilson is looking to keep the momentum rolling over the next week.

The 33-year-old (right), who has battled an elbow injury over the last six months, scored his first winner in the saddle since September 2019 at Townsville on Thursday afternoon.

And, looking ahead, the Irish hoop is keen to make up for lost time with a number of winning chances at Innisfail today and Cannon Park on Tuesday.

Wilson suffered the elbow injury after being kicked by a horse around the Cairns Amateurs Carnival period last year.

“Hopefully the win can push me along now and get a bit of momentum,” Wilson said. “The elbow is still not quite 100 per cent but I am getting there.”

The dual-licensed trainerjockey landed his first winner this year on the impressive Ruler, for Mareeba trainer Alex Malliff, who claimed the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1000m) in stunning fashion on Thursday at Cluden Park.

“He showed a really good turn of foot and he ran a good time as well,” Wilson said.

“He still has a lot of improvement in him.”

They are only small fields at Pease Park for this afternoon’s non-TAB program but Wilson has a full book of engagements with a number of winning chances.

He selected Innisfail specialist Starena as his best of the afternoon, with the mare winning on two occasions from three trips to Innisfail, and starts in the Open Handicap (1000m).

After losing last Saturday’s meeting because of extreme heat, Innisfail’s track has been rated a Firm 2 for this afternoon.