Next NSW Race

Latest News

McDonald Confident Best Yet To Come From Gatsby's

By Ray Hickson

There was something about the way Gatsby’s treated his rivals in his first-up win that told champion jockey James McDonald he might be a special colt.

James McDonald

So it’s no surprise that McDonald would want to stick with the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old and find out in his next test in the Group 3 $250,000 Smithfield RSL Club San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

His presence sets up a mouth watering clash with beaten Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy, who McDonald has previously partnered to victory so it's not a stretch to believe Gatsby’s must have really impressed him.

Gatsby’s, $2.10 with TAB on Thursday, clocked the meeting’s fastest last 600m (33.48, Punter’s Intelligence) when he scored in the Rosebud over the same track and distance two weeks ago.

“He was brilliant, he’s just come back really well. He put the writing on the wall, it’s really good to see,’’ McDonald said.

“The way he put them away was pretty good, wasn’t it.

“I’m very happy with Gatsby’s and it’ll take a good horse to beat him.”

McDonald has won the San Domenico twice, on Nostradamus a decade ago and Anders in 2020.

Gatsby's is currently on the third line of betting for the Group 1 $1m Golden Rose (1400m) on September 28 at $8 in TAB’s all-in market, with his San Domenico rival a $7 chance.

He was adamant after his Rosebud win that Gatsby’s will likely be seen at his best over the shorter trips so it’s worth noting he’s being kept safe as a $15 chance in the TAB Everest market.

“He feels pretty fast to me so sprinting trips are right up his alley,’’ he said.

“He’s a real tradesman sort of horse who gets out there and does the job. I’m not sure where he’ll fit in the pecking order but he’s going the right way.”

Willaidow is another horse McDonald is confident can keep raising the bar.

The front-running sprinter scored an all the way win second-up at Randwick three weeks ago with JMac in the saddle and he feels the Mounties Group Handicap (1200m) is far from beyond him.

“I love him, there’s something about him. I think he’s a pretty good horse, he keeps improving and I don’t think I’ve felt the best of him yet,’’ he said.

“I’ve only had two rides on him for a second and a win and I reckon there’s more to come.

“This is a tough race but from what I gather I think he’s probably a level or two above this so I’m hoping he keeps improving.

“I’d love to see him stretch a bit further and if he can do that he’ll be a top notch horse.”

The eight-time premier Sydney jockey is batting at 36 per cent for the month of August in town with a staggering 20 winners and is already 11 clear in the premiership.


Gatsby's wins at Rosehill on August 17

He’s made a habit of coaxing wins out of horses with poor strike rates of late, including his win on The Englishman on Wednesday, and he’ll be out to weave some magic on Arts in the Midway Handicap (1800m) and Ceolwulf in the Bankstown Sports Handicap (1500m).

“It’s been a great start for sure, I’m very happy with it so hopefully the momentum keeps going,’’ he said.

“Arts looks very well placed, she gets out to her correct trip. She has a good gate and there’s a sense of timing about her to improve.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting

The Latest Racing News

Rosehill Trials Rescheduled To Friday (4th July)

Please note today's postponed Rosehill Gardens barrier trials have been rescheduled to Friday (4th July). All heats and starting times ...
Read More

Stewards Conclude Inquiry Into Apprentice Shayleigh Ingelse & Trainer Brett Robb

Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding apprentice jockey Shayleigh Ingelse’s mobile telephone being located in the jockey ...
Read More

Love Out To Ride Sherry's Wave Of Success For City Breakthrough

By Ray Hickson Rain won’t dampen trainer Todd Smart’s enthusiasm about in-form galloper Loose Love notching his first city win ...
Read More

The Kosciuszko Sweepstakes Tickets On Sale From Today

Tickets go on sale from Tuesday (1 July 2025) to share in $2 million prizemoney for The Kosciuszko sweepstakes, an ...
Read More

Beaumont Races & Rosehill Trials - Postponed

The Beaumont Newcastle race meeting scheduled for today has been postponed due to 50mm of rain overnight and surface water ...
Read More
Loading...
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links