State of expectation
A QUARTET of Queensland riders will be trying to amend an anomaly when they take their place against higherprofile interlopers in Group 1 Doomben Cup tomorrow.
Jim Byrne (Oregon’s Day), Matt McGillivray (Abbey Marie), Brad Stewart (Man Of His Word) and Michael Cahill (One Foot In Heaven) all have the chance to join an exclusive club if they can jag the big prize.
Shane Scriven (twice with Scenic Shot) and Michael Rodd (Bush Padre) are the only Queensland-based riders to have won the Doomben Cup in the past 30 years.
Byrne was a dual Group 1 winner at last year’s carnival and hasn’t bothered to even consider the Doomben Cup statistic.
“I don’t really pay too much attention to history.
That’s why it is history,”
Byrne said.
“Queensland-based riders rarely get on the quality rides and when we do, we try to make the most of it and that’s what I will be doing.”
After winning the Hollindale Stakes on Oregon’s Day on May 5, Byrne moved immediately to secure the Doomben Cup ride and everything he’s done with the mare since the Gold Coast victory has built his confidence leading into tomorrow.
“She definitely hasn’t gone backwards,” he said.
“I’m pleased with the way she’s relaxing in her work and the way she’s finishing off her work.”
Byrne hopes the likes of Cup rivals Tom Melbourne, Comin’ Through and maybe Ambitious roll forward, which will leave him parked behind their heels on the fence.
“The thing with her is that you have to cover her up and then get luck when it comes,” he said.
“She got the 1800m strongly, so I wouldn’t think this will be any different. “
While Byrne’s Group 1 experience stretches back over two decades, McGillivray is set to get his first taste of the big time on Abbey Marie.