The jockey has bookings in all but one of tomorrow’s 12 events and all of his mounts have strong winning or placed form leading into their races.
Muniandy’s book of fast horses came together via two factors. The rider combines with Otago and Southland horses he has been regularly riding as well as a handful of regular rides fellow jockey Jacob Lowry cannot fulfil due to suspension.
Heading the list of horses on whom Muniandy will play super substitute is the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained Gallant Boy in tomorrow’s open 1600m in race 9.
Muniandy has not ridden the horse at the races for more than 14 months, but has kept a close eye on his form. The jockey was particularly impressed with his last-start second behind Flag The Groom at Riccarton.
"He is competitive at the mile [1600m] and he worked home good the other day."
Although he has to lug 60kg, the horse is used to that and should not have to do extra work in the run, he said.
"From two he should sit in behind the leader and come with one run."
White Robe Lodge galloper Patrick Erin is in a similar position, with Muniandy taking over the reins from an inside draw and a decent amount on lead in the saddle underneath him. Patrick Erin’s 61kg, 7kg above the minimum in race 3, has Muniandy more concerned than Gallant Boy’s 60kg.
"The only question mark is he is carrying 61kg."
The galloper looked unlucky in his latest start at Invercargill where he did not get racing room in the home straight, as a short-priced favourite.Muniandy looks a strong chance on all four of his Anderton-trained rides. He partners Twizel Guru, who is looking to break maidens in race 4 after coming off a career-best third placing in his most recent start at Gore early last month.
"He is a horse that’s still improving. It was a hard race at Gore, he ran third.
"It was jump and go and he chased all the way. The step up to the mile will be ideal."
The jockey also combines with each-way chance Newsflash in race 6 for the Andertons.
Muniandy then goes into unfamiliar territory in race 11 on Countess Ruby, the final of his local runners at Wingatui tomorrow. The mare has struck a strong run of recent form including a last-start second when she was denied racing room in the home straight.
Complementing his strong book of Otago based rides, Muniandy teams up with several Canterbury-trained runners on whom he has had success on lately.They include the Brian Court-trained Athonis in race 3 who will look go one better after running the closest of seconds in his most recent start at Riccarton last month.
"He is always knocking on the door; he is an honest horse.
"He has got good gate speed. He will jump and put himself there easy enough."
Muniandy rates both Mr Conductor in race 7 and Not Available in race 8 as good chances. They too both bring strong recent Riccarton form to their races.
The jockey combines with Pretty Whaihine in tomorrow’s listed feature race for 3yr-old fillies and is hoping for a top-five finish against her more seasoned opposition. Muniandy’s marathon stretches from race 2 to race 12. His day in the saddle is wrapped up with The Believer in tomorrow’s final event.
- Jonny Turner
