Jason Laking, a jockey from Canterbury, has always wanted to compete in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400 metres), and on Saturday at Te Rapa, he will finally have the chance to do so.
On Saturday, Laking was scheduled to ride at Wingatui, but after Craig Zackey, the rider who was scheduled to go there, returned to his native South Africa, Wexford Stables urged Laking to head north and ride Waitak.
“This will be my first ride in the Derby. It has been a lifetime thing that I have always wanted to do and I am grateful just to be there,” Laking said.
“I was meant to be riding at Dunedin and then I got the chance to have a ride (in the Derby). I have always wanted to so it wouldn't have mattered what I got, but when I got him I was more than happy to come.”
Waitak takes a solid form line into Saturday, having finished runner-up in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) and Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2100m) in his last three runs.
Online bookmakers have duly installed him a +320 third favourite for the Derby behind Sharp ‘N' Smart (-142.86) and Desert Lightning (+700).
“He has got a great chance tomorrow. He has drawn nice (5) and he has got the form on the board, so hopefully he gives a good account of himself,” Laking said.
“Sharp ‘N' Smart looks the one to beat, but anything can happen over the distance. We have drawn right beside the main hope, so he will get his chance anyway.”
Laking has also picked up the ride on the Mark Walker-trained Elegant Lady in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m).
“Te Akau have given me the ride on Elegant Lady in the Vase, so I am more than happy to take the ride there,” he said.
“I worked full-time for them for three-and-a-half months and they are pretty good to me so I will try and return the favour.
“I know she only won a maiden last start but she wouldn't be there if they didn't think she was a chance.
“Three-year-old fillies over 2100m is always tough but I think she has a chance.”