Jockey Jake Noonan will look to reward the Patrick and Michelle Payne team’s loyalty when he reunites with Bold Soul in Saturday’s Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington.
The rising five-year-old stayer and Noonan forged a successful partnership as a three-year-old, banking a Stakes treble across Tasmania and South Australia, but the rider has only been back aboard twice since those days. The latest was a gallant second to Goldenstatewarrior over 2600m at Flemington on July 5, a run that followed Tom Prebble’s winning steer over 2530m at the same track on June 21 before suspension opened the door for Noonan’s recall.
“Paddy asked if I wanted to go down to Tassie to ride him (as a three-year-old), and that’s how it originated,” Noonan said.
“I had a bit of luck on him and won the Tasmanian Derby. He’s a tricky horse to ride, but I seem to have clicked with him, on occasions.
“Credit to Tom Prebble. He’s done a terrific job on him this preparation and I was lucky enough to get back on him last start.
“We just got run down. He went up three kilos the other day and the winner stayed on 54 kilos, and if we had met on level weights, he would have gone close to winning.
“If he gives himself the chance to settle over the 2800 metres on the weekend, he should see it out and be pretty competitive.”
Noonan says the opening mile and a bit will be critical. Bold Soul can over-race if allowed to charge, and stretching to 2800m will punish any early exuberance.
“He can be a bit bold and keen into the bridle and if you’re doing that over 2800 (metres), it can be detrimental in the second half of the race,” Noonan said.
“If he can do it right early, he can be pretty tough when he needs to be accountable. He’s not necessarily the best horse in the race, but he’s tough.
“He’s had some good racing this time in, and it’s seasoned him and he’s probably getting better with the racing that he’s had.”
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