Drawing barrier one is normally considered advantageous for most horses but in the case of trainer Matthew Dale and Royal Jackpot, who lines up in the $25,000 Chris Heywood Racing Ted Ryder Cup (1600m) at Wagga on Thursday, the inside gate is not his preferred option.
Royal Jackpot is a back marker and as per that style of racing needs luck in running. The luck factor increases considerably given his draw according to Canberra based Dale whose stable is flying at the moment.
“For him barrier one is an awkward draw,” Dale insisted. “He’s a horse that gets back and needs luck. He’ll need it especially from barrier one.”
Dale’s confidence however has been boosted following Royal Jackpot’s dashing last start win in a Highway Hcp (1500m) at Rosehill on November 28 when the five-year-old gelding was held up inside of horses before gaining a late split at the 120m and forging through to win impressively.
“Royal Jackpot would have gained a lot of confidence from that,” Dale said. “He was able to push out and bullock through.
“Pushing through like that was something he hadn’t done before. It’s the first time he’d been ridden that way and got the job done.
“Hopefully we can capitalise on that come Thursday.”
Dale has been pleased with the son of Not A Single Doubt’s progress since Rosehill 26 days back.
“He’s done everything right in between runs,” Dale added. “He’s fourth up into the mile and should be cherry ripe.
“He hasn’t missed a beat.
“To me he looks very well placed. He’s won two from two at Wagga and has won over 1600 metres. The way he attacked the line last start suggests the mile will be perfect.
“This race was always on the program. He was entered for Warwick Farm on Wednesday and it’s wet in Sydney. It was a no brainer decision on where to start him.
“I’ve been taking horses to Wagga for many years. I’d be rapt to win a race like the Ted Ryder Cup. It would be a lovely Christmas present. I think we’ve got the horse to do it, given his share of luck in running.”
Leading apprentice Brodie Loy has the mount.
