Waddell’s tough call
JASON Waddell has a few restless nights ahead.
That sounds an odd statement for a class jockey fresh off a winning treble and in stellar form two weeks out from Cup week but it is true.
Waddell produced a cunning tactical ride aboard race favourite Ever Loyal to win Saturday’s Listed Zacinto Stakes (1600m) by a comfortable one and a quarter lengths at Riccarton.
Bookmakers quickly moved the Tony Pike-trained Ever Loyal into $8 for the 2000 Guineas (1600m) back at Riccarton on November 11.
But Waddell is not yet booked for the ride.
Six day’s before Ever Loyal’s victory, the in-form Waddell rode the Stephen Marsh-trained Sumstreetsumwhere to victory in the Group II Sarten Memorial Stakes at Te Rapa.
Waddell has been aboard the son of Highly Recommended in his last two starts, that has resulted in as many victories, but he has also ridden Ever Loyal to his last two victories.
‘‘I’ll sit down with my manager and make a decision over the weekend,’’ Waddell said.
It is little wonder Waddell is a man in demand.
His treble at Riccarton, that began in the opening race aboard Sacred Empire, also for Pike, continued with the Michael and Matt Pitman-trained Barabas in race three, before his feature win, was one of a top shelf hoop.
Waddell was hit with a four day suspension for careless riding for his ride aboard Barabas but will return on November 8 - three days before the 2000 Guineas.
Waddell could not have been happier with the run of Ever Loyal - a Sebring gelding out Miss Lucille.
‘‘Obviously the wide draw was tricky, it was a high-speed race and we had to use a fair bit of gas to the first corner,’’ Waddell said.
Waddell had to burn early to get handy from his wide draw and RACE IMAGES then set sail for home a lot earlier than he would have liked but the $2.30 favourite showed both class and heart.
Waddell knew his mount would tire late but he also knew he was the best horse in the race and capable of holding his opposition off.
Waddell cut the corner and charged to the lead as the field turned for home.
‘‘He’s still pretty green if you look at him he’s a very raw horse and the best is still yet to come from him.’’
In Ever Loyal’s favour for the Guineas is the fact that the mile holds no fear following his win in the Zacinto.
So how much can he improve in two weeks?
‘‘That’s up to Tony,’’ Waddell quipped.
Given Pike’s success in age group features, the likely answer is quite a bit.
Scott Base, who ran a strong second behind Ever Loyal, is into $10 in the 2000 Guineas market.
Swing Note trailed home Scott Base by just a short head. She is now into $12 in the 1000 Guineas market.