"Veteran" in describing jockeys can mean many things, one obvious one being that their glory days are behind them, but no one could currently apply that to David Michael Walsh, who is riding as well now as at any previous stage of his long career.
Walsh has won a Cox Plate on Solvit and a Caulfield Cup on Lomondy, but tomorrow he would really love to be first past the winning post, which sits only a decent two-iron shot from where he began his jockey's apprenticeship all those years ago.
"I've had quite a few minor placings in the New Zealand Cup, but never been lucky enough to win one," said Walsh yesterday. "Oddly enough, though, I haven't had that many rides in the race."
Walsh is a recognised expert judge of pace in a race and that could well prove critical tomorrow.
"He [Saint Kitt] finished sixth in the Auckland Cup in March, so the form's there."
Surprisingly, the TAB has opened Saint Kitt as the $6 joint favourite with in-form Blizzard.
Evergreen Postmans Daughter is on $7.50 and Deliciano at $8. Blizzard has won three of his four races this campaign, the miss being a narrow affair behind Addictive Habit, whose major win at Riccarton on Wednesday confirms that form.
The value could be Go Joeli, who was placed in this race 12 months ago. He did not show up behind She's Insatiable in the lead-up on opening day, but the significant rise in distance should see an improvement.
Postmans Daughter has come up with two excellent runs at her last two races and although game over a wide range of distances, her only 3200m effort saw her unplaced.
Punting pointers
Each-way: Saint Kitt (R8, No 15, Riccarton). Has come to form at the right time and David Walsh is going to suit him perfectly.
Deserves a break: Way In (R3, No 5, Tauranga). Has had no luck and her formline has no relevance against her ability level.
Value: Go Joeli (R8, No 11, Riccarton). Take no notice of his failure in last week's lead-up. Suited by tomorrow's 3200m.
