Jason Holder, runner-up to Clare Lindop in the Adelaide jockeys premiership last season, is on target to go one better after starting the new term in stunning style last Saturday.
Holder (pictured) rode a quartet — two sets of back-to-back winners — on the Morphettville Parks circuit.
Holder brought up his first winner when he joined forces with Murray Bridge horseman John Hickmott and his charge Flying Casino, who came from midfield to register win number eight from 39 outings in the benchmark 82 Jockey Celebration Day Handicap (2400m).
Teaming with another provincial trainer in John Macmillan, Holder appeared in the winner’s circle for the second time when he guided Creance from a rearward position to take out the benchmark 82 Lynette Day Handicap of 1400 metres.
Two races later Holder was again among the winners when he joined forces with Grant Young in the victory of Red Eclipse, who came with a strong run in the straight from a rearward position to win the benchmark 82 Allie Umoff Handicap (1250m).
Holder completed a productive day’s work when he brought Molly the Snip from well back to give Oakbank trainer Ken Matson success in the benchmark 75 Michael Hanlon Handicap (1250m).
Bull ready to charge
Well travelled five-year-old Bull Point looks to be in for a productive spring under new trainer Tony McEvoy after a pleasing gallop between races at the Morphettville meeting.
Bull Point began his career with Gai Waterhouse, winning two Sydney juvenile races, running third in the Group 1 Golden Rose then winning the Group 3 Manfred Stakes in Melbourne.
For his last spring campaignhe joined Chris Waller’s stable, placing in four group races including the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Bull Point has been at McEvoy’s Angaston stable for the past two months and was one of four McEvoy runners to work at Morphettville last Saturday.
Bull Point was pitted against Sysmo in the first gallop, while in the second McEvoy’s Cox Plate hopeful Alpine Eagle worked alongside Big Memory.
Asked what plans he has for last season’s Sydney Cup competitor Big Memory, McEvoy said he might consider running him in the listed $100,000 Balaklava Cup (1600m) at Balaklava on September 2.
Patrons were treated to a third gallop, which saw the Paul Beshara-prepared Happy Trails take on the Leon Macdonald/Andrew Gluyas-trained Go Indy Go.
Both Happy Trails and Go Indy Go will commence their quest for spring glory in the Group 3 David R. Coles AM Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Chicago shines
Congratulation to Orroroo trainer Wally Bencic and apprentice Ashley Doyle on their win with Al Chicago in last Saturday’s 1800-metre Roxby Downs Cup, final leg of the Outback Cups Championship.
Hoop moves
Mature-age apprentice Caitlin Jones has had her indentures switched from Ryan Balfour to Richard Jolly. Her fellow apprentice Grace Willoughby is now under the guidance of jockey manager Mal James.