James McDonald Confident for Champions Day Rides
Champion jockey James McDonald is optimistic about his chances with Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. The pair aim to follow up their recent Cox Plate victory.
McDonald recalled their thrilling Cox Plate win, where he guided Via Sistina to a narrow triumph over stablemate Buckaroo amidst the cheers from the Moonee Valley crowd.
“I think the weather doesn’t look good. I’d rather there than one to be fair. She’s a class horse.”
He acknowledged the challenge of a bigger and potentially wetter track, and the draw of gate 10 out of 11, but remains unconcerned.
“The only real bad failure she’s ever had was on a wet track here at Flemington. I know it will be the fourth day of racing on it, so we should be able to get our toe into it. As long as she can get her toe into it and not be skatey, she’s fine.”
Via Sistina’s previous Flemington setback occurred behind Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside in the 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes. These two horses are now favourites in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m).
McDonald will also ride $7.50 chance Leica Lucy in the Champions Mile. Leica Lucy seeks to rebound from a four-and-a-half-length loss to Pride Of Jenni just a week ago.
“She will like a bit of give in the ground.”
Summary
James McDonald remains confident that Via Sistina and Leica Lucy can overcome track conditions and recent defeats to perform strongly on Champions Day.