Jockey Zac Lloyd has taken time to appreciate his Golden Slipper victory before declaring it’s “back to business” with eyes on expanding his Group 1 record soon.
His ride on Guest House secured the $5 million Golden Slipper last weekend, his fourth Group 1 and the standout achievement, which he said was beyond his imaginings.
“It’s good to do it for yourself, but you can make so many other people happy as well,” Lloyd said.
“It’s a great feeling knowing you have played a part in a weekend so many people won’t forget. It’s pretty special.
“But back to business now. I’ve got to try to chase up the feeling again.”
This Saturday at Rosehill, Lloyd partners in both Group 1 features, on Ciaron Maher charge Piggyback for the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and New Zealand filly Belle Cheval in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
Piggyback won the Parramatta Cup (1900m) before last and placed fourth solidly in the Randwick City Stakes (2000m) in her latest.
Facing outsiders tag in a deep Tancred with Dubai Honour and mare Aeliana prominent, it’ll build nicely towards her Sydney Cup (3200m) plans in a couple of weeks.
“She is probably outclassed in a weight-for-age Tancred, but you verse those better horses and it can bring your level up as well,” Lloyd said.
“It could be just what she needs before dropping in the weights for a Sydney Cup.
“It will be a tough run, but I think a perfect run for her to be really peaking for the Sydney Cup.”
The New Zealand filly Belle Cheval, holder of two Group 3 wins, steps out in Australia after a short-head loss to filly Well Written in the NZB Kiwi (1500m) last outing.
Unproven at the Vinery’s 2000m, but a sprint finish might play to her strengths, Lloyd suggests.
“The 2000 metres with her is an unknown but she is trained by some really good trainers in Mark Walker and Sam (Bergerson) before, and they’re confident,” he said.
“She is probably going to have the best turn of foot in the race, and if she can run out the 2000, she is going to be right there in the finish.”
Lloyd booted a treble at the Golden Slipper meeting and lines up in nine of 10 Rosehill races, featuring favourites Annie’s Rose (Midway Handicap 1300m), Idle Flyer (Emancipation Stakes 1500m), and King’s Secret (Star Kingdom Stakes 1200m).
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