Irish rider closing in on Group 1 ambition

IF a horse called Jet Setting had not caused an upset in the 2016 Irish 1000 Guineas, jockey Robbie Dolan would not be preparing for this weekend’s Group 1 $1 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

The Irishman is another in the long line of racing figures who have come to Australia with nothing and made something of themselves.

And they always remember the horse that gave them their break in the sport.

“I used to ride Jet Setting in trackwork in Ireland,” Dolan said.

“She beat Minding by a head in the Irish 1000 Guineas and it was unbeatable at the time.

“The money I got from (my association with) her bought me the flights to Australia.”

Dolan came to Australia two years ago with little knowledge of the industry here.

“I flew into Sydney and stayed at a friend’s house on a fold-out bed,” he said.

“I then caught the train to Warwick Farm to ride trackwork and all I had was a school bag on my back.”

Dolan has impressed since gaining his licence in NSW and won the Sydney apprentice’s title last season.

But winning a Group 1 race is what he needs to do to feel like he’s made it in Australia.

Dolan rides good chances in the Epsom Handicap and The Metropolitan (2400m) on Saturday and he said punters shouldn’t underestimate $11 chance Cascadian who drew barrier two for the Epsom yesterday.

The Godolphin-trained runner was fourth behind equal $6 Epsom favourite Kolding last start in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), and the Group 1 on Saturday has been his long-term goal with just 50kg on his back.

Dolan rides Mark Newnham’s Scarlet Dream in The Metropolitan and he’s had a good association with the mare who gets in with just 50kg on her back.

“Scarlet Dream is going to have that dash at the end of 2400m and we know she can stay,” Dolan said.

Scarlet Dream is an equal $6 favourite with last start winner Brimham Rocks.