Racing: Prastiyou excited to have eight rides

Doni Prastiyou
Doni Prastiyou
A guineas-bound filly gives apprentice jockey Doni Prastiyou just another reason to be excited about his rides at Riccarton.

Prastiyou (24) has eight rides on tomorrow's nine race card - the most he can remember having for quite some time.

''Most of the time, I have six or under six so it's a day which is good for me,'' the affable Malaysian bred jockey said.

Acute Shock, from Melbourne Cup winner Shocking's first crop, has a One Thousand Guineas nomination to her name. Prastiyou expects the filly to have learned plenty from her debut run for second at Timaru on August 21.

''This horse is still learning and a little bit green,'' Prastiyou said.

''On her first start, she charged forward. She's field shy with other horses and that's why she went forward and got her head up. Hopefully, she's learned to settle down and runs on good.''

Prastiyou rode the 3yr old in work yesterday, although her habits are still taking a while to curb.

''Today I galloped her. She was still having a look around and still learning.''

Acute Shock is drawn in barrier 10 in the 1200m maiden, although that could work in her favour down the Riccarton chute if the field fans out on the rain affected track.

Prastiyou will also try to get a good hold on La Veuve in the previous race, a rating 75 1200m.

''There should be plenty of speed in the race and I'm hoping she settles down a bit because she can over race,'' he said.

''When she starts over racing, she goes forward and in the end she's got nothing.

''She's got a good draw [barrier 3] with no weight so should go close - she's very dangerous. She's working very well and has won before on this track.''

Acute Shock and La Veuve are two of six rides Prastiyou has for his employers, Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong.

His favourite horse to ride, Diamond Edge, looks like one of the best chances for Prastiyou after winning over 1400m at Ashburton last Friday- provided he gets the 1600m.

The son of Iffraaj has been placed five times from 10 starts over the distance, but is yet to win at 1600m.

''The 1600m is the question - it might be too far for him,'' he said.

''I hope the track is not too slow or heavy and he can repeat again.''

Merci Cherie (race 1) gets in well with Prastiyou claiming 2kg off her 54kg in the rating 85 1400m. Prastiyou sees no problem stepping up from her third over 1200m at Timaru to tomorrow's 1400m.

''She's actually a horse that the further she goes the better she gets.''

Prastiyou will settle midfield or slightly worse with Secret Power in race 9 and - depending on instructions from the trainers - he will also take cover with Lindis Pass (race 5), Marcelle (race 6), and Corbyn (race 8).

 

Add a Comment