Takeover Target jockey Jay Ford set for more opportunities in the city with new 53kg minimum

JAY Ford is grateful for everything Takeover Target did for his career — but that was a long time ago — and now he’s ready to take advantage of more opportunities in the city.

Takeover Target and Jay Ford return to scale after winning the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2006 — one of 20 races the pair combined to win.

JAY Ford will be forever linked with the great Takeover Target — and that’s something the jockey accepts.

It was the “million to one’’ team of a cheap horse, a knockabout taxi driving-trainer who lived in a caravan, and a jockey still wet behind the ears that took on the world and won.

Ford is now 33 and grateful for everything Takeover Target did for his career — but that was a long time ago.

After 21 wins (20 with Ford in the saddle), three trips to Royal Ascot plus wins in Japan and Singapore and Group 1s in five Australian states, the gelding was retired in 2009 and unfortunately passed away last year.

“It opened doors for me and you wouldn’t change it for anything,’’ Ford said. “It was something I was a part of that probably happened almost too early in my career.

“But I put it behind me a while ago; like everything you have to look forward and not behind you and just turn up and ride.’’

For a while this year, Ford was content with riding chiefly at the provincials and at the midweek city races but that focus has since changed.

He can ride light, so the new 53kg minimum opens more doors for Ford in Sydney and he’s keen to convert the extra chances.

Among his eight mounts at Canterbury on Saturday, Ford has two rides on the minimum — both for trainer Kim Waugh — the talented grey His Majesty ($5) in the Listed $150,000 Canterbury Classic (1200m) and Hetty Heights ($7) in the TAB Rewards Handicap (1550m).

Ford will be chasing a hat-trick on Free Standing.

“I’ve concentrated back in town over the last six months or so and have been getting good support,’’ Ford said.

“I’m one of the few that can ride 53kg and that will probably create a few more opportunities for me.

“I feel I am riding well but it all comes down to opportunity.’’

Ford is aiming to keep his unbeaten record on Coffs Harbour galloper Free Standing intact in the TAB Highway Handicap (1250m).

The four-year-old was an easy winner at Randwick two weeks ago and, while Ford obviously did everything right on the horse, he said he’ll be better for the experience.

“The more times you ride them the more you get to know their little traits,’’ he said.

“It can be hard to line up the form coming from different regions but he’s an on-speed horse and I’m sure he will run well again.’’

While he’s having his first rides on both His Majesty and Hetty Heights, Ford has seen enough of both of them on the track to be eager to saddle up.

His Majesty was a beaten favourite when he resumed at Randwick and missing the start. Ford said he was just hoping for a little bit of luck in running.

“The one barrier might be a bit tricky round Canterbury as he’s the sort of horse that might find himself in a midfield position,’’ Ford said.

“He looked like he just petered out the last bit the other day so he looks like he will take improvement out of the run.

“He’s a good ride in a nice race.’’

Hetty Heights caught everyone’s eye with a strong-finishing fourth over 1200m at Randwick at her second run back. The five-year-old is yet to be tried beyond 1400m but drops 6.5kg on that effort.

“I haven’t ridden her but she drops to the 53kg and that has to be a positive,’’ he said.

“Hopefully, the speed is good and, on her runs back, she looks like she is building towards a win.’’

Redoubtable Heart is a solid $2.60 favourite in that race.