Ryan Wiggins stands out as a classic ‘have saddle, will travel’ rider, frequently crisscrossing Queensland’s eastern seaboard several times weekly.
This week’s agenda takes him to Ipswich to ride David Vandyke’s Mr Racing, who chases a first win after a third on debut earlier in the month.
At start two, the contest is the TAB Maiden Handicap (1666m) on turf, unlike his opening go on Gold Coast polytrack.
“We had other options we were looking at but that was quite a weak race on a synthetic track and he was beaten for speed,” Vandyke said.
“He should run an improved race out to the mile and Ryan is a good aggressive jockey who is very passionate about what he does and he gets the best out of his horses.
“This horse was off the bit for quite some way last start and he needs someone who is going to give him proper direction.”
For Wiggins, this level of globetrotting is standard, with rides lined up at Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mackay, plus Ipswich Friday.
A mix of flights and over 4500 road kilometres are on the cards.
Elsewhere, Vandyke sends Acapulco Girl out first-up in the Ipswich Party Hire Handicap, her initial run post-August.
“She’s got a good draw in barrier four and I think the 1100-metres in a Class 2 at the provincials is an ideal race to kick off.”
Ben Thompson takes the steer, the ex-Victorian Queenslander third nationally with 94½ triumphs.
Thompson handles Better Draw as well, Vandyke dubbing him ‘a thinker’ who could hit the frame patiently handled.
On other entries, Vandyke from Sunshine Coast debates Ipswich or Eagle Farm Saturday for Slippin’ Jimmy.
“He’s ready to run a good race, especially back in distance so I expect him to run well,” Vandyke added.
“I think he needs a bit of confidence. He’s just been struggling to regain his best form after having an incredible strike rate early when he won the Magic Millions Country Cup convincingly.
“I just really want to see him bounce back to form and if that means going to an easier option then I’m happy to go in that direction.”
For the TAB Maiden Handicap, punters should check racing betting markets for the latest options.