Shoemark aiming for Saturday city winner

Kieran Shoemark has ridden two provincial trebles and a midweek city double during his summer stint in Australia.

But a win at Flemington on Saturday would top those achievements for the English apprentice.

“I never really set goals or aims when I came out here but when I rode my first few winners, that was definitely on the list to do,” Shoemark said.

“Especially being Flemington as well. To get a winner there would be brilliant.”

Shoemark is on loan to the Danny O’Brien stable for a stint which was due to finish on Thursday but has been extended until February 1.

The 18-year-old, who is apprenticed to Andrew Balding, rode three winners at Geelong on Boxing Day and another treble at Seymour earlier this month before his two wins at Sandown last week.

One of those victories came aboard the Nigel Blackiston-trained Heez Notorious and he retains the ride in Saturday’s Piping Lane Handicap (2000m).

He has four rides at Flemington including three-year-old filly Simply You for O’Brien.

Simply You is favourite after charging home for third first-up in her second race start at Moonee Valley last Saturday week.

Shoemark set his minimum riding weight at 53kg for his Australian stint but has lowered that by 1kg for Saturday’s meeting so he can claim his full 2kg on Heez Notorious and the Tony Noonan-trained Quicksilver Lass who have 54kg.

Simply You has 54.5kg so he will be able to ride her at 52.5kg.

“I usually ride at 52 back in the UK but when I came out here, although the weather is hotter, I thought I didn’t want to be riding too light so I put it as 53 and hoped to pick up some good rides at 53,” Shoemark said.

“But a couple of good horses came up at Flemington on Saturday and I’m willing to do the weight.”

Article from justhorseracing.com.au

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!