In-form mare Ladies First (2) is the Auckland Cup favourite today. Photo / NZ Racing Desk
If Queensland-based jockey Damian Browne wins today's $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on Magic Chai it will totally eliminate what was late yesterday a pained expression he wore when he arrived back in his native New Zealand.
"I hate travelling," the high class jockey admitted. That's not something which is generally compatible with a top-of-the-range rider.
Browne lives one set of lights from the Caloundra Racetrack on the Sunshine Coast and gets cranky if he cops a red light and has to stop on the way to the track. "I'm also not the best in an airplane you'll ever see." So how did he manage two years ago flying to Dubai to win the US$1 million Al Quoz Sprint on champion Queensland sprinter Buffering?
"Well, it's a lot better when you're up the front of the plane. I went into first class and put the wife Kim down the back of the aircraft." WHAT? "Well I did ring her every now and then to make sure she was okay." Right there you have an understanding wife.
"Things were not quite so good this year when the family asked to go on holiday and I took them to Mooloolaba." If you're not aware, Caloundra to Mooloolaba is roughly Epsom to Ponsonby - you can walk it on a decent day.
"Yeah, I copped a bit of stick from the family and the boys (in the jockeys' room) over that."
No kidding.
One fortunate fact for Browne coming out of Brisbane Airport yesterday was that the world class new full-body x-ray machine did not pick up the masses of metal rods and screws inserted into his left leg during 16 surgeries following the terrible riding accidents in 2006 and 2008.
"I had to get them all out because when I rode they started coming through my skin." Pretty good reason.
Browne has to make exceptions to his no-travel ideology, like coming over to win the 2015 Karaka Million on Queensland-trained Hardline, although his career will always be defined by his handling of A$8 million winner Buffering. "Obviously when I absolutely have to I will travel." This trip should be worthwhile.
Lightly weighted and in-form mare Ladies First is the Auckland Cup favourite, but Magic Chai is the horse they all have to beat. He looked good powering home into a close fourth in the lead-up handicap last Saturday and as one of only three 3200m winners in the field the extreme distance is guaranteed not to be a problem. Magic Chai won the Wellington Cup in January even after missing the start by five or six lengths.
Like all topline sportspeople, Browne has a casual air about him. Mention the possibility of Magic Chai missing the start and he says in a relaxed manner: "Oh well, if he does we'll have plenty of time to make it up." Trainer Tony Pike is delighted with the condition of Magic Chai since last week's race. "His work this week has been excellent." Magic Chai's flashy looks, no doubt assisted by a truly magnificent striding action, masks his toughness. "He's a really tough bugger," says Pike. "He's not bred to get two miles, but he does it well and the beauty of him is he will come back to his rider and relax if the pace slackens. He's perfect for an extreme stayer."
Browne has a difficult task on in-form mare Darscape Princess in the $200,000 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes from the outside gate of the 11 runners.
That is an extremely testing gate from 2000m at Ellerslie at any level, but particularly at Group 1 class. The classy mare is giving away significant weight to the likes of the favourite in Lizzie L'Amour and will need luck in running.
Browne's other mount, Jake The Muss in Race 4 is a nice upset chance. He was to have ridden Prince Of Passion in Race 5, but it was scratched yesterday.
$4.20 Ladies First
$7 Charles Road
$8 Magic Chai
$8.50 Five To Midnight,
$10 Excalibur
$12 Wildflower
$13 Araldo Junior
$15 Zacada
$18 Von Tunzelman