The development of star apprentice Zac Lloyd will take another step up at Randwick on Saturday as he starts to get the rides worthy of his talent.
The two-time champion apprentice has competed with his more experienced colleagues for the past 18 months but rides such as Lady Shenandoah in the Flight Stakes and Zardozi for Godolphin in the Metropolitan haven’t come on the big days until Saturday.
Zac Lloyd celebrates his Run To The Rose victory on Traffic Warden.Credit: Getty Images
The pressure on Lady Shenandoah was amplified as she became a $2.70 favourite when odds-on Flight elect Autumn Glow was withdrawn on Friday because of a bone chip, but it doesn’t change Lloyd’s demeanour.
“I heard that [on Friday morning] and thought it helps my chances at another group 1 but I felt she was a good chance anyway,” Lloyd said. “It’s probably the best book of rides I have had on a big day and to be riding Zardozi is pretty special.
“To get those colours in a group 1 is what I’ve aspired to in some ways.”
Lloyd has served his time at Godolphin under the watchful eye of trainer James Cummings and “Dizzy” Appleby, and has learnt to be patient for his opportunities.
He made the most of his first big assignment winning the Run To The Rose on Traffic Warden but had to watch the Golden Rose after Godolphin opted for the experience of Melbourne jockey Ben Melham.
“That was hard but they have told me I will get my chances if I’m patient,” Lloyd said in a sign of his growing maturity.
The 21-year-old wants to make the most of the VRC Oaks winner Zardozi and got a feel of her quality earlier in the week.
“I rode her on Tuesday morning and she felt fantastic,” Lloyd said. “She gets back to the handicap and being down in the weight with only 52 kilos makes her a ride for me.
“I’m sure she will run the trip and she has had the perfect preparation. It could be a big day for the team.”
Zardozi takes out the VRC Oaks last year.Credit: Getty
Cummings has planned her preparation to take advantage of the lightweight in the Metropolitan and of his star apprentice after she held on for fifth behind Eliyass in the Kingston Town Stakes.
“The form out of the Kingston Town is strong and she meets most of the runners she did battle against two to three kilos better off at the weights,” Cummings said.
“She’s found the transition between three-year-old fillies’ company and open age tough.
“Her training and the way she is in herself, the way she’s developed since last campaign, she continues to thrive so we’ve got a bit of faith in her.”
Lloyd will ride New Zealand group 1 winner Molly Bloom for Chris Waller in the Epsom, but it’s Gimcrack Stakes favourite Icarian Dream that excites him after winning a barrier trial on the filly.
Sports news, results, and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
