3 minute read

Alysha Collett hopes her unbeaten record on Grand Koonta will keep stretching to the one that matters the most in two weeks’ time, the $400,000 Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m).

The New Zealand jockey got the first call-up on Grand Koonta  on August 11 when the promising grey was rising in grade in a Class 2 race over 1200m.

With 50kgs the handicap allotted, there weren't many lightweight riders for the job. Trainer James Peters rang Collett up, and it's been the start of a great rapport since.

Collett was again roped in for the Dark Angel four-year-old's next start in another Class 2 race over six furlongs, and again, it was the lass's strength in the saddle that clinched the win, claiming the scalp of Bold Thruster on the line.

The budding partnership got another chance to bond in a barrier trial on Thursday. While Pennywise (Ben Thompson) and Heliosphere (Joseph Azzopardi) were ridden out to finish a close 1-2, Collett was happy to just let her mount coast alongside in third place, half-a-length behind.

"He travelled really well even though he doesn't like the Polytrack. I was happy with the run, can't complain," said Collett.

"As he'll be going from 1200m to 1400m in the EW Barker, I gave him a bit of a squeeze close to the line.

"He's been a beauty since I got on him, obviously, thanks to the low weight. He will carry no weight again in the EW Barker, and if he gets a nice tempo, he will be very competitive again."

Peters also looked pleased with the China Horse Club-owned gelding's hit-out on Thursday.

"He's pulled up well since his last win. Things have gone smoothly for him, we've always spaced his runs," said the English trainer.

"It'll be six weeks between runs to the Barker. As he's going up to 1400m for the first time, he needed a solid trial this morning and I was very happy with that hit-out.

"I can't see why he wouldn't see out the 1400m. He seems to be more relaxed now.

"Obviously, a good barrier draw is important for him to get cover and switch off. He has a good turn of foot, and he should be getting in with a light handicap."

While waiting for that live chance to win a first Group race at Kranji, Collett, who boasts several 'black type' wins back home, including the Group 1 Zabeel Classic aboard Consensus in 2016, will be looking to pad up her local score of seven wins from her full book of nine rides this Friday.

"It'll be a busy Friday. I've got a full book," said Collett who returned to Singapore in July after her first stint in 2018 was cut short by a race fall injury in October.

"There is nothing really outstanding, though, but I'm certainly looking forward to riding Ping Pong again."

Collett rode the Donna Logan-trained El Roca three-year-old to an upset win at his last start in a Restricted Maiden race over 1400m on September 27.