Jockey Luke Currie preparing for big spring carnival after Philippines getaway

Refreshed jockey Luke Currie will adopt a patient build-up to what he hopes will be another big spring, starting with one or two rides at Flemington on Saturday.

Jockey Luke Currie is gearing up for another big spring carnival. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Less might be more for jockey Luke Currie in the lead-up to spring.

Currie returned to riding at Sandown on Wednesday after taking a short break in the Philippines with his family.

The 13-time Group 1 winner had two rides at Sandown and also has two bookings at Flemington on Saturday.

However, Currie could be left with one ride if trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young decide to run He’s Our Bonneval in Friday’s Mildura Cup instead of Flemington.

But Currie said having only one ride wouldn’t worry him as he worked to build fitness ahead of what shapes to be a busy spring.

“I’ll kick off a bit heavy but slowly ramp it up leading into the spring,” he said.

“I’ll use that time to ride a bit heavier, just pick the meetings and work my way down in weight.

“I’ll concentrate over the next few weeks on getting to the jumpouts and the trials rather than race meetings but from mid-August onwards, it will be back to normal.”

Currie said the Philippines trip came at the perfect time after a long period of riding in both Melbourne and Hong Kong in the last year.

“When I came back from Hong Kong for the break last year, I rode through most of that break here before going back,” he said.

“When I last came back from Hong Kong I was back riding two days after that so I hadn’t had a break for almost 12 months.

* King Magnus ready for first 2000m test at Flemington

Luna Cat and jockey Luke Currie will resume their partnership at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

“I feel refreshed after a couple of weeks off.”

Luna Cat has firmed $10 into $9 in early betting on the last race at Flemington, the Janet Kolotelo Plate (1000m).

Currie has been aboard the Lindsay Park-trained mare at her last two runs, winning at Sandown before another solid effort over 1100m at Caulfield on June 29.

Currie expected Luna Cat to perform well despite stepping out of mares’ grade to take on the boys in the $130,000 race.

* Early Oil: Race-by-race preview for Flemington on Saturday

“Luna Cat has been really consistent this time in,” Currie said.

“First-up she was a bit stiff then won well and was good again last time. She’s racing well and won’t be far away.”

Winning on Luna Cat would give Currie 50 wins for the season, with half of those being in metropolitan races.

That performance provided Currie with a goal for the 2024/25 season.

“I’ve pretty much ridden a city winner for each week that I’ve been home from Hong Kong,” Currie said. “If I can do that every week next year, I’ll be really happy.”

Originally published as Jockey Luke Currie preparing for big spring carnival after Philippines getaway