THE HORSE AND MAN

Q

You’ve ridden Alligator Blood in eight of his 11 races for seven wins including the Australian Guineas. What’s he like to ride?

A

He is the best I have been on. Before him it was Nature Strip but they are two different horses. From barrier to winning post Nature Strip runs amazing sectionals and is certainly the quickest but Alligator Blood is so adaptable and versatile. You can do anything on him. Nature Strip was very one-dimensional while Alligator Blood has so many strings to his bow. You can put him wherever in a race and he can win over 1200m and 1400m.

Q

What are your other goals for the rest of the 2019-20 racing season?

A

I’m in the top three (with 41 wins) for the metropolitan premiership in Brisbane (seven wins behind leader Baylee Nothdurft) so once the dust settles on racing down south I’d like to have a good crack at it.

Q

Jeff Lloyd won four straight Queensland metro premierships before retiring. Did you feel any pressure taking on his role?

A

Not really. They are big shoes to fill but he is a great rider. He still rides trackwork for Toby and I see him a fair bit. We chat about Alligator Blood a bit because Jeff rode him in his first two starts. He says he would never have imagined the heights he has reached. I think he will always miss it. He had a very good innings and was fortunate to go out on his own terms. My plan is to stay in Queensland for the long term. I am getting good opportunities, my family love it and the weather is great.