Nick Souquet will ride Domesky in the Gold Cup today.
WODONGA jockey Nick Souquet hopes to make a lasting impression when he jumps aboard the Mick Kent-trained Domesky in today’s Listed Albury Gold Cup.
Souquet said it had been more than 20 years since he had ridden for the stable and intended on making the most of his opportunity.
Domesky has finished unplaced in two runs this preparation but Souquet expected an improvement as the galloper approached peak fitness.
“It’s terrific to pick-up a ride for the Kent stable,” Souquet said.
“The horse probably hasn’t done much this preparation.
“But I expect him to improve sharply with it being his third run this prep and he should be pretty wound up.
“If it keeps raining he can also handle the sting out of the ground.”
Souquet is a previous winner of the Albury feature in 2004 aboard the Richard Freyer-trained Prime Century.
The leading hoop felt today was his best opportunity to salute again.
“Domesky easily looks my best chance in the race since 2004,” he said.
“But it’s not going to be an easy race to win and the David Hayes-trained Auld Burns is the horse we all have to beat.
“The Peter Snowden-trained Peck is also another leading contender.
“But if this horse is wound up he will be very competitive.”
Domesky has drawn ideally in barrier 2 and Souquet said he would look to settle midfield before weaving his way through the field in the home straight.
“He has only been running in seven and eight-horse fields and has been getting out the back,” he said.
“But I don’t think I will be out the back today and hopefully lob about mid-field and follow one of those main chances.
“There is a lot of bad horses in the race too and the last thing you want is one of them getting in your road.”
Domesky is quoted an $18 chance is TAB fixed-odds markets with Canberra galloper Coliseo the early $4.60 favourite.
