Lowry lands ride on star filly

Emily Margaret, seen here striding to victory at Wingatui on March 2, is looking to crack 1600m in race 7 at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Wild Range Photography
Emily Margaret, seen here striding to victory at Wingatui on March 2, is looking to crack 1600m in race 7 at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Wild Range Photography
Wingatui jockey Jacob Lowry has beaten out his counterparts to land the ride on star South Island filly Emily Margaret at Riccarton on Saturday.

The Kevin and Pam Hughes-trained filly will start for the first time since beating a classy field in the group 2 Wellington Guineas at Trentham last month.

Emily Margaret will attempt to remain unbeaten in the Southern Filly Of The Year Series in listed company over 1600m in race 7.

Robbie Hannam rode the Pins filly to win her last start but cannot partner her again because of a suspension.

Kevin Hughes said he was delighted to land Lowry's services on Saturday.

''He is a very, very good rider.''

Lowry has the job of helping Emily Margaret run a strong 1600m for the first time.

The filly has not run a placing in three attempts at the distance so far.

Hughes said he was confident that with a good Lowry ride, Emily Margaret would run out the distance strongly.

''I think it is just the way you tackle it and what goes on during the race.

''It all depends how the race pans out, but I think, ridden conservatively, she will get 1600m.

''Robbie, before he got suspended, was of no doubt she would.''

Emily Margaret produced arguably her best effort over 1600m when seventh in the group 1 One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton in November.

The 3yr-old will step from group 2 company to a listed race on Saturday.

''It is quite a step back,'' Hughes said.

''That was quite a tough race at Trentham.

''If she is anywhere near where she was for that, and she seems to be fine, she should be hard to bowl.''

Hughes said Emily Margaret had returned home from Wellington in brilliant order.

''She seems to have come through it bright as a button.

''She travelled home and was out in the paddock running around like nothing had happened and she didn't miss a feed after it.

''It was quite surprising, because it was quite a hard run.

Emily Margaret will clash with six North Island gallopers in Saturday's listed feature.

They include Lisa Latta's group 3 Desert Gold Stakes winner, Secret Allure.

Add a Comment