Popular jockey Jamie Mott wants to build on December haul

Top jockey Jamie Mott has replaced Christmas calories with bulk December winners which he’ll be looking to add to at The Valley on Saturday.

Galilaeus (blue) could not hold out Lavish Thinker first-up at The Valley. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Top jockey Jamie Mott has replaced Christmas calories with bulk December winners.

Mott rode a Boxing Day treble at Caulfield Heath, including the Listed Christmas Stakes, to take his December tally to 18 and 58 for the season to date – second only to Blake Shinn (66).

Mott, among the hardest workers in and out of the saddle to manage weight, has a full book of 10 rides at The Valley on Saturday.

“Hopefully I’ll get one or two (more winners) on Saturday,” Mott said.

FIELDS AND FORM THE VALLEY SATURDAY

The Boxing Day haul in tough hot conditions was just reward for Mott, who like most jockeys could not indulge on Christmas Day.

“I had the smallest plate you would ever see but I was still able to try some food,” Mott said.

“That’s the main thing … turkey, a very small slice, a few peas and corn and a bit of stuffing.”

Galilaeus (Benchmark 70), Rubiquity (Vobis Gold Carat), Colsridge (Benchmark 70) and Le Don De Vie (Benchmark 100) could be among rides to provide Mott nourishment on Saturday.

Galilaeus is a $3.40 favourite with Ladbrokes for the 3000m opener at The Valley.

Galilaeus finished a head behind Lavish Thinker ($7.50) first-up at The Valley over 2500m.

“He does come off the bridle quite early and doesn’t have any turn of foot at all but continues to finish off like a proper stayer, he was strong to the line the other day,” Mott said.

Jamie Mott rode three winners on Boxing Day and is hoping to keep the run going with a strong book at The Valley on Saturday Picture: Reg Ryan

“First-up 2500m you’d imagine second-up with a bit more fitness under his belt he’ll be super strong and hopefully he’s the best horse in the race.”

Mott hopes to settle midfield from the sticky barrier 14.

“I wouldn’t be going back straight out of the barriers, just flow from that start and being a big field it should generate enough tempo so I can slot in midfield somewhere,” Mott said.

“If we can then he’ll be a good chance.”

Mott said Rubiquity could challenge fancied pair Just For Show and Princess Que in the Vobis Gold Carat (1200m) with a kind draw and economical ride in the six-horse field.

“Hopefully she can be bang on the speed, one-one or box seat, I think she could go close,” Mott said.

Colsridge placed third last start at Ballarat behind the smart Don’t Hope Do, while Le Don De Vie has dropped back to Benchmark grade.

“It’s the easiest race he’s been in for quite a while,” Mott said of Le Don De Vie.

“I’m hoping from a good draw he can bounce back.”

Le Don De Vie has lived in Group races exclusively in his past two campaigns.

Originally published as Popular jockey Jamie Mott wants to build on December haul