Lloyd mum on tactics in big race
PREMIER Brisbane jockey Jeff Lloyd is keeping his riding tactics close to his chest as he prepares for his ride on Houtzen in the $10 million Everest at Randwick.
Lloyd rode a record 133 metropolitan winners in Queensland last season but in none did he face the pressure he will be under in the world’s richest race on turf on Saturday.
Part-owned by Geelong’s Peter Mullen, Houtzen drew barrier one in the 1200m race and most expect Lloyd to use her explosive start to lead.
But the veteran former South African jockey is not committing himself to one set of tactics.
“If I had drawn barrier 10 or 11 there would have been only one choice — to lead. But from barrier one there are more options,” Lloyd said.
“Should they want to go mad early I would be happy to take a sit. Barrier one is a big advantage in a race like this.”
He has been a big fan of Houtzen throughout her career and helped sway trainer Toby Edmonds to run in the Everest.
He was impressed with the way she hit the line when she won the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last Friday week.
Lloyd, 56, is so happy with Houtzen he has elected to ride at his lightest weight in five years, at 51kg, in the Everest
“I think she won at Moonee Valley with authority and I wasn’t worried about the margin,” he said.
Houtzen’s trainer, Toby Edmonds, is taking the pressure of his biggest assignment in his stride.
“As I always say, it is what it is. She is fit and I think she can run a big race,” Edmonds said.