Jason Collett new jockey for Territory Express in bid for consecutive The Gong wins

Territory Express will have a new rider with trainer Paul Niceforo desperate for a change of luck in The Gong at Kembla Grange.

Territory Express will run in The Gong after a luckless run in the Five Diamonds. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Trainer Paul Niceforo has called upon Group 1 jockey Jason Collett to pilot stable star Territory Express as he looks to end a run of outs with a lucrative consolation prize in Saturday’s Group 3 $1m The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange.

With Zac Lloyd currently suspended, Collett has been recalled to pilot the gelding with Niceforo hoping for a much-needed change of fortune at the stand-alone meeting.

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Lloyd copped a careless riding ban when he piloted Territory Express last start when the five-year-old endured a luckless fifth in the $2m Five Diamonds at Royal Randwick.

It has been the story of the preparation for Territory Express, who has been racing in top form but hasn’t won since his career best Provincial-Midway Championships triumph in April.

Collett helped Territory Express break his maiden at Newcastle last spring and jumps back aboard as he attempts to win The Gong in back-to-back years.

Jason Collett will ride Territory Express in The Gong. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

He won last year’s race aboard Detonator Jack with Territory Express currently a $6 equal-second elect to win in 2024.

“I’m very happy with the horse,” Niceforo said.

“Jason came out in the morning and rode him.

“He is coming back from 1800m to a mile so we had to freshen him up a bit.

“He had his grand final last week but this is a bit of a Plan B for him.”

• Gringotts stares down weight-carrying record in The Gong

Ciaron Maher is expected to have a strong hand in The Gong after winning the race last year with Big Dance winner Gringotts ($3.50 favourite) set to lead his assault of the rich mile with topweight of 60kg.

He could have up to seven runners in the race including defending champion Detonator Jack and Little Dance victor St Lawrence.

Joe Pride is also preparing to saddle up several chances with top seed Lekvarte ($6) joined by Estadio Mestalla ($26) and King Of The Castle ($34).

Originally published as Jason Collett new jockey for Territory Express in bid for consecutive The Gong wins