Luke Nolen planning for spring carnival with winners in the middle of winter

This is the time of year when jockey Luke Nolen usually has a break, but he’s in top shape and wants to stay that way for the spring.

Winter winners not weight has star jockey Luke Nolen in top shape for the spring.

Nolen has traditionally spent July unwinding at his peaceful Murray River hideaway but injury setbacks the past couple of seasons, and undoubtedly the lure of riding I Wish I Win again in the new season, sharpened a focus on fitness and form.

Nolen has ridden 20 winners since June 1, the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup triumph on I Wish I Win, including eight for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.

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“We’re going all right, my weight is probably the best position it has been in for a while, as low as it’s been in July for a long time, from memory,” Nolen said.

“Body is good at the moment, weight is good … first time I can’t remember in how many years I’m going (riding in the) middle of winter.

“I normally take my sabbatical but with my body, you go away to enjoy yourself and I do, it’s hard to get rid of it again.

“I’m normally not coming good (weight wise) until at least the end of August, it won’t be the case this year.”

Luke Nolen on Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup winner I Wish I Win. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Nolen could build on the Moody-Coleman tally on Saturday at Caulfield with Aldolfito in the 2YO Handicap (1200m) and import Honey Girl in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m).

Aldolfito, a $5.50 second favourite with TAB behind Comanche Miss ($4), won on debut at Flemington with Damian Lane in the saddle.

Nolen’s recent winners for the Moody-Coleman yard includes smart two-year-olds Gallant Son, Versaille and Judicial.

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“He’s (Aldolfito) a nice horse, a great attitude, he’s not unlike (Gallant Son), and I think he’ll be effective back around a corner,” Nolen said.

“He’s done all his training like that before he went up the straight … he draws to be ridden in a similar manner to the other day.”

Aldolfito settled off the pace on debut and finished over the top of short-priced favourite I Found You.

“He’s a versatile horse that does everything right,” Nolen said.

“He’d be well-placed Saturday even with the high impost but he’s deserving for it.”

Aldolfito winning on debut for jockey Damian Lane. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

A third Bletchingly Stakes could be a challenge for Nolen on Saturday with Irish mare, Honey Girl, Group 2 placed and Group 3 winner, $19 in her first Australian start.

Ciaron Maher-trained Recommendation is a $1.50 favourite for the Bletchingly, having won the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes by seven lengths.

Nolen won back-to-back Bletchingly Stakes for Moody in 2012-13 with Mid Summer Music and Ready To Rip, who retired to the jockey’s Pearcedale property.

Nolen has trialled Honey Girl once and been paired with her in a couple of track gallops.

“She’s improved a lot since her trial,” Nolen said.

“Whether or not she’s sharp enough at 1200m against this lot, at weight for age, but she’ll give a good account of herself.

“We’ll back off them, give her a chance to find the line and we’ll learn a bit more about her.

“Whatever you see Saturday she’ll improve on and form will dictate where she ends up.”

Originally published as Luke Nolen planning for spring carnival with winners in the middle of winter