Celine Gaudray grabs opportunity for success in Straight Six at Flemington

Celine Gaudray received a surprise call to ride a top chance in the Straight Six, and will continue her association with a last-start winner at Flemington on Saturday.

Jockey Celine Gaudray wants to turn a surprise call to ride Running By into stakes success on Saturday at Flemington in the Listed Straight Six (1200m).

Gaudray will partner Running By, an $8.50 chance trained by Ciaron Maher, in the feature.

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“I haven’t had a lot of rides for Maher recently, it’s a busy time of year, everybody wants to ride, but I’m really grateful to have a ride like that,” Gaudray said.

Running By won fresh at 1400m last campaign, finished over The Open at Caulfield and then saluted again third-up in a 1600m event at Flemington.

The Impending mare capped the preparation with a second to Modown at Pakenham and placed fourth in the Listed Kensington Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

Gaudray has two other rides on Saturday including last-start winner The Opportunist.

Her best chance on the card arguably, Torranzino, was scratched on Thursday from the Melbourne Cup qualifying Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) with a cold.

Celine Gaudray will combine with The Opportunist again at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“I was so flat when he scratched, I really thought he could’ve won that race,” Gaudray said.

Gaudray piloted The Opportunist, trained by Lindsay Park, to a three-length Warrnambool win last start.

Gaudray has ridden 17 winners this season for Ben, JD and Will Hayes – striking at 20 per cent – including Angry Skies last Saturday at Caulfield.

“I actually didn’t really ride for them a lot throughout my apprenticeship, more so towards the end,” Gaudray said.

“When I came out of my time I was a little bit worried because I wasn’t sure who would back me and it is good to have a good stable to back you up.

“I can’t thank them enough, honestly, they’ve carried me through my senior year so far.”

Originally published as Celine Gaudray grabs opportunity for success in Straight Six at Flemington