Southern District jockey Brooke Sweeney could not be happier with O’ So Hazy’s barrier draw ahead of the biggest moment of their racing careers.
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Sweeney will reunite with the Wagga mare in Saturday’s $1.3 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
The 24-year-old has been on board O’ So Hazy in four of her five wins and is over the moon with barrier six in the big race.
“I’m rapt with the draw,” Sweeney said.
“I’m really happy that there is speed outside us, especially having The Monstar outside us. It gives us options.
“I was hoping for anywhere between one and five but I’m still rapt with six.
“It gives us some options. If they want to walk then we can lead on her, if not, hopefully we can sit one-one, that would be ideal.
“Hopefully she’s good with the blinkers on for the first time and doesn’t fire up too much. I don’t think she will.”
The Randwick track was rated a heavy nine on Friday and there was still light rain falling when Sweeney arrived in Sydney.
While unable to be certain, Sweeney expects O’ So Hazy will handle the heavy going.
“I’ve ridden her on a soft six and she handled that good,” she said.
“I’ve ridden a few of the O’Lonhro breed on heavy tracks and they seem to get through it. Being high speed horses, they can still seem to quicken that length or two that they need to in the wet.
“As long as the track’s not bottomless I think she’ll be right. Even then, she’s rock hard fit.”
Sweeney said she is not nervous but excited for her big moment.
“I’m really excited now. Everything is pretty well good now, I’m all ready to go,” she said.
“The nerves will probably hit (on Saturday) when I get there. I’m more excited now. And I know where the jockeys rooms are this time around. I’m not sure if the nerves will hit, it’s probably more excitement.”
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