New Zealand jockey James McDonald will be having the first Golden Slipper ride of his career this Saturday April 7, 2012.
McDonald will be aboard Ashokan, who won the Group 3 Skyline Stakes at Randwick Racecourse on March 17, 2012.
The jockey worked Ashokan at Randwick this morning against three-year-old Foxwedge, who won the Group 1 William Reid Stakes over Hay List last start.
“Everything is pretty spot-on for him and he worked with a pretty good horse so we got a good line on him,” McDonald said.
“He (Foxwedge) is a Group One winner and a three-year-old. A tough worker.
“He (Ashokan) worked really well with him and that gives me some confidence heading into the race.”
Macdonald rode Ashokan at his first jump out in September last year.
“It’s just amazing what six months does for a horse,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to Saturday and I’m grateful to John (O’Shea) for giving me the opportunity.”
Trainer John O’Shea has three chances in Saturday’s 2012 Golden Slipper, including Faustus, Ashokan and Shelford.
All three of his horses drew wide for the 2012 Golden Slipper, with Faustus in 13, Ashokan in 14 and Shelford in 15.
However, O’Shea is just thankful for the way the three young horses have progressed in the lead-up to the 2012 Golden Slipper.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” O’Shea said.
“Their preparations have been fantastic which is important when you are trying to win Group Ones.
“There’s nothing between all three of them.
“They have all got their little idiosyncrasies in terms of what they prefer on the day and the one that gets things to go their way in terms of track conditions etcetera is going to be the most effective.”
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