After a hit-and-run trip from Melbourne to Sydney to ride Golden Eagle favourite Ascoli Piceno for the first time on Wednesday, Joao Moreira, one of the world’s best jockeys, declared: “She’s just good, man – I’m really excited.”
Moreira rode the star Japanese mare at first light at trackwork at Canterbury racecourse on Wednesday ahead of Saturday week’s $10 million feature race at Rosehill.
After a quick gallop, the globe-trotting jockey – who splits his time between his native Brazil and Japan – hopped into an awaiting hire car and raced to the airport so he could ride Unusual Legacy in the Geelong Cup later in the day.
Moreira, who rode Stellenbosch to victory over Ascoli Piceno in Japan earlier this year, already knew he was fortunate to pick up the ride but was even more pleased after jumping on her back for a couple of laps.
“She’s looking very well,” he said. “We went nice and even until the 600m, then started building up for the second half and she hit the line strongly.
“She’s not only a beautiful-looking filly, but she has a nice long stride. All her wins in Japan have been impressive – she hits the line like a proper racehorse.
Joao Moreira rides Golden Eagle favourite Ascoli Piceno for the first time at Canterbury on Wednesday.Credit: Jessica Hromas/SMH
“We’re talking about a good filly. They [owners Northern Farm] have given me this great opportunity, so I came [here] and wanted to show them that I appreciate it.
“I did beat her [in a race], but it took a good horse to beat her. If she reproduces what she has been doing in Japan, she’ll be a good winning chance in the Golden Eagle.”
Ascoli Piceno has had six starts for four wins and two seconds, including a last-start group 1 triumph in blistering time over 1600m. She is looking to become the second consecutive Japanese horse to take out the Golden Eagle following last year’s win by Obamburumai.
Rival jockey Tommy Berry, who galloped fellow Japanese raider Corazon Beat behind Ascoli Piceno on Wednesday, was under no illusions which of the pair deserved top billing in the Golden Eagle on November 2.
“I think if Ascoli Piceno gets all the luck in running, we won’t be beating her – I don’t think anything will get close to her; she’s that good,” Berry said.
The top jockey rode at Canterbury before racing to the airport.Credit: Jessica Hromas/SMH
Moreira and Berry were the only two jockeys at Canterbury, where strict biosecurity protocols were in place to protect quarantine conditions for overseas horses. Both jockeys had to leave their clothes and riding gear outside the quarantine zone, then have a shower, with the doors locked for three minutes. Their mobile phones were scrubbed before being returned as they left the racetrack.
Moreira has been riding in Japan and Brazil but is no stranger to Australia, where he has spent the past six weeks riding in Sydney and Melbourne, including victory on the Chris Waller-trained Buckeroo in the group 1 Underwood Stakes.
The only thing that could stop Ascoli Piceno, said Berry, was an inside barrier, where there was a chance she could run into traffic up the straight.
Unbeaten French horse Lazzat and English trainer William Haggas’ Lake Forest have also been preparing at Canterbury and are on track for the Golden Eagle.
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