Jaylah Kennedy will ‘pour on the pressure’ with Smokin’ Romans in Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley
Jaylah Kennedy is confident Smokin’ Romans can end a 22-month win drought in the Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley on Saturday.
Horse Racing
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Rising star apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy has done the groundwork on Smokin’ Romans to capitalise in the Benchmark 100 Travis Harrison Cup (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday.
Kennedy has partnered the Group 1 winner, on a 22-month drought, in four of his past five improving starts.
Smokin’ Romans was runner-up to in-form Horrifying, who has won again since, last start at Flemington.
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“I was rapt with his last run, he’s pretty much one of those horses, if he can get out in front, he can break their hearts … he’s really tough,” Kennedy said.
“You can pour the pressure on and he’s fairly fit now, so if I do find the front we’ll be pouring the pressure on that little bit earlier and trying to get the rest of the field off the bridle.
“He tries hard every time, you can be pretty excited jumping on him knowing he’s going to give 100 per cent.”
Smokin’ Romans, trained by Ciaron Maher, is a $5 third favourite with TAB from Alder ($4.20) and Mathew ($4.80).
King Magnus ($6) and Duke De Sessa ($10) round out the top five in the market.
Despite a big weight, 59.5kg after Kennedy’s allowance, and wide draw, seven of 11, the gifted jockey, with race craft and maturity beyond her 23 years, will be positive in the run.
“Watching it you might think she’s had to do a bit of work to find the front early, he’s fit, he’s ready to go,” Kennedy said.
“It would be nice if I could get to the front fairly easy but a little bit of work from that awkward gate, it’s not really going to matter to him too much I don’t think.
“He’s been running really well this prep … I’m just really wanting to get the chocolates for him because he’s a beautiful ride, he’s an absolute dude.”
Kennedy has six rides at The Valley, her first day back in the saddle for the new season after back-to-back suspensions for riding indiscretions.
The forced holiday allowed the 23-year-old to recharge and reflect on a breakout season.
Kennedy rode 68 winners last season including 21 in Melbourne.
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“Last season was huge for me, exceeded expectations,” Kennedy said.
“To be honest I was really bad for getting caught up in the moment last season and I didn’t celebrate, I don’t think, the things I was able to do well enough.
“I’ve been able to take a step back while I’m not race riding, I’m pretty proud of myself but at the same time I want to be able to improve off it for this season.”
Kennedy, who rode the most winners for an apprentice on the Victorian country circuit last season, has sights on the metropolitan apprentice title this season.
“That’s obviously the goal but I’m just wanting to keep riding winners and not get to ahead of myself because you never know what the next day is going to be like,” Kennedy said.
“Especially in this game, you can go to the races with what you think is a good book of rides and you end up with a few duck eggs.
“But I had a very good season, I’m really proud of it and hopefully I can keep going.”
Originally published as Jaylah Kennedy will ‘pour on the pressure’ with Smokin’ Romans in Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley
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