Higgins eager to ride Jackfrost

THE day Southland jumps rider Stuart Higgins has been waiting all summer for has finally arrived.

Higgins has been counting down until he is reunited with highly promising jumper Jackfrost, and that moment will come at Riverton this afternoon.

Higgins piloted Jackfrost to two brilliantly impressive wins at last year’s Grand National Carnival and has been itching to get back on the hurdler ever since.

‘‘I have got out of bed every morning for the last summer just to get back on him,’’ he said.

‘‘He is the one horse this year I am looking forward to riding.

‘‘He was as impressive as anything last year and his flat runs this time in have been amazing, and all reports from the stable I have had are that he is in fine form.’’

Like Jackfrost, Higgins has a big season of jumping ahead of him and he has been getting himself ready for his return to racing.

Thanks to busy mornings rid That keeps you fit.

‘‘Obviously, the more horses you school over fences before the season, that helps as well.’’

Go Go Gonzo had looked to be Jackfrost’s main rival in today’s open hurdle but has been scratched. Instead, it is a similar type in Zentangle who

ing trackwork, Higgins is in good shape all season round and he complements that with extra fitness work.

‘‘I will ride 10 horses a day already.

‘‘Just to keep my weight under control, I will put the sweatsuit on and go for a run.

could be the biggest threat to the Brian and Shane Andertontrained 7yrold.

Zentangle made a solid start to his hurdle career when winning the first of his two starts over fences last season.

Like Jackfrost, the Kevin Myerstrained 6yrold has his share of ability on the flat.

He tuned up for today’s race with a good third behind his stablemate, Overtheriver, at Blenheim on Sunday.

The Energizer is another horse who made a good start to his hurdling career and could sneak under the gaze of punters due to his patchy formline. The horse should relish what are expected to be heavy track conditions.

Delacroix is another leading chance and won the same race last year.

Myers’ smart jumper Yipson is a leading chance in the open steeplechase.

Myers also has Highly Likely and Who Can Tell in the race.

The trio are among a team of horses Myers has stationed at Ascot Park.

The trainer has Windermere Lad and Boysway in today’s maiden hurdle.

❛ I have got out of bed every morning for

the last summer just to get back on him

Jockey Stuart Higgins talking about jumper Jackfrost