Jockey Luke Currie is trying to make the most of his opportunities since returning from an overseas holiday and a change of manager.
Currie had only two rides at the Sandown meeting on Wednesday, booting home the impressive French Accord and then finishing second and has two rides at Caulfield on Saturday.
One of those is aboard the Nick Ryan-trained Winnasedge in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m), a horse he was successful aboard at his second day back riding in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 11.
“I’ve just changed manager and it can take time,” Currie said.
“You get a relationship with your manager, and they have relationships with racing managers for stables, and coming back from holidays is always hard.
“You have a week off, and people forget about you.”
While times may be a little tough at present, Currie is looking forward to again partnering Winnasedge on Saturday.
After winning over 1100m in June, Winnasedge backed it up two weeks later to win the Sir John Monash.
Currie rode Winnasedge early in his career and thought the galloper had plenty of ability.
“I thought he was going to be a really nice horse,” Currie said.
“He was a bit hot and did a few things wrong, but he had a huge turn of foot, and I think each preparation he has just changed himself a bit and is a bit more adaptable now.
“Nick told me last time that he was the fit horse as there were a few horses that were coming back.
“His level seems to be rising, and I think he ticks a few boxes going into this and if he gets it right, he’s going to have a good chance on Saturday.”
With four of his six wins coming over the 1100m, it would appear that is Winnasedge’s preferred trip.
But the sprinter does have a 1200m win to his credit at Caulfield and Currie is confident the rise in trip won’t pose a problem on Saturday.
“The 1100 (metres) is probably his sweet spot, but from where he’s drawn (five), he’s got the speed to land in a nice spot,” Currie said.
“I wouldn’t think he has to get back as far as he did the other day, especially over 1200 (metres).
“I think he’s a beautiful ride.”
