Trainer Geoff Duryea has snared the services of champion hoop James McDonald to partner Front Page in the Kosciuszko.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
McDonald committed to the ride on Tuesday in a major boost to Front Page's chances of winning the $1.3-million feature.
He replaces jockey Lewis German who has been aboard Front Page in his three most recent starts including a win in Listed grade at Flemington in July.
McDonald also has the prized mount of Nature Strip who is the pre-post favourite for the Everest which is run on the same day as the Koscuiszko on October 13.
Part-owner Jake Edmunds said the booking of McDonald provided a huge shot of confidence in the lead-up to the world's richest race for country trained horses.
"J-Mac is a multiple Sydney premiership winning jockey and his record speaks for itself," Edmunds said.
"I don't think anybody is riding better in Sydney at the minute, so we have given ourselves every opportunity from that point of view."
IN OTHER NEWS
Edmunds said he felt for German who was forced to miss the golden opportunity aboard Front Page due to the logistics of jockeys riding interstate during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Lewis has been aboard Front Page three times and has been hard to fault," he said.
"He rode perfectly to instructions last Saturday at Caulfield when Front Page finished second.
"All the owners and Geoff couldn't be happier with Lewis and he knows when we head back to Melbourne he will be back on the horse again."
Front Page will race for The William Farrer Hotel's Super Punters Club (SPC) in Wagga after they drew one of the 14 slots for the Kosciuszko.
Part-owners Marc Duryea and Andrew Cronin alongside local football identities Laurie McInnes and Brian Kelly are also part of the 650-strong punters club.
Incredibly, the SPC which is considered one of the biggest in the country, outlayed $40,000 to purchase 8000 tickets to highlight how hard it is to gain a slot in the Kosciuszko.
Edmunds revealed Front Page is unlikely to have another start before the 1200m feature sprint.
"I think Geoff is leaning towards having a trial at Wagga on Saturday week," he said.
"Just to keep the wheels turning.
"Then it is straight to the Kosciuszko a fortnight later."
Front Page proved he was on track for his grand final with a first-up second at Caulfield last Saturday.
Edmunds said he was more than happy with the performance.
"I did think he could win on Saturday but he wasn't able to," he said.
"I expect he will improve from the run and at the end of the day he has ran second in an open handicap in only his seventh start."
