Racing: Valuable track tips for NZ's top rider

Lisa Cropp

SYDNEY - Lisa Cropp walked the Moonee Valley track yesterday with former top New Zealand jockey Brent Thomson, gaining some valuable tips before her ride on Miss Finland in tomorrow's A$3 million ($3.49 million) Cox Plate.

Cropp looked relaxed after a turbulent 24 hours for both horse and jockey as Thomson, a four-time Cox Plate winner, gave her an insight into riding on the turning Strathayr track.

Cropp, who is attempting to ride Miss Finland at just 46kg tomorrow, didn't ride in the last race at Paeroa on Wednesday after feeling ill and dehydrated.

But she told reporters in Melbourne yesterday she was fine.

The other scare involved Miss Finland being kicked near a shoulder by another horse at trackwork yesterday.

Trainer David Hayes said the filly was struck a glancing blow and wasn't hurt.

"Craig Williams got off her and he inspected her and she was basically by the kick and she was able to do her work and worked beautifully," Hayes said.

Cropp will be attempting to become the first woman to win the Cox Plate, while Miss Finland will become the first filly since Surround 30 years ago to claim the race if they are successful.

"She will give me the ride of my life," Cropp said.

"This is the ultimate race and I am really looking forward to riding in it."

Cropp, who heads the New Zealand jockeys' premiership, won New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes, this month on Legs.

"I had never been on Legs' back until the race so it does not daunt me that I have not ridden Miss Finland yet," she said.

Thomson won the race four times in five years on Fury's Order (1975), Family Of Man (1977), So Called (1978) and Dulcify (1979).

- NZPA