The reunion between jockey Jye McNeil and Buckaroo, who placed in the Cox Plate, occurs for the gelding’s autumn campaign opener at Caulfield.
On Saturday, Buckaroo resumes in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield under McNeil’s guidance.
Out of Buckaroo’s 31 starts to date, McNeil’s sole previous ride came in last spring’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes, run over Saturday’s track and distance.
In that Memsie Stakes, Buckaroo grabbed third spot behind Treasurethe Moment and Mr Brightside, then notched placings in the Underwood Stakes, the Might And Power along with Cox Plate – all Group 1 contests – ending with a tail-end finish in the Melbourne Cup.
Following the Memsie Stakes, Buckaroo had Blake Shinn, James McDonald, Mark Zahra and Craig Williams as his jockeys in those next four appearances.
Buckaroo prepared with two Sydney trials and appeared at Caulfield on Tuesday morning partnered by McNeil.
“Last campaign I rode him first-up in the Memsie over the same distance and he surprised a few people by running really well,” McNeil said.
“He was third behind Treasurethe Moment and Mr Brightside, and if he can put a run together like that, I think the team would be very happy.
“He seems fantastic in the work he did. I didn’t work him going into last campaign, but he seems very well.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be partnering him but I’m looking forward to the opportunity on Saturday.”
Buckaroo is expected to handle any Saturday track upgrade from the anticipated Good 4, per McNeil.
“The track was on the firmer side on Tuesday morning, but we didn’t do too much, just held him together, and he felt fine,” McNeil said.
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