Damien Oliver to race in Geelong Cup on Rodrigo Diaz

One of horse racing’s greatest-ever jockeys will ride in the Geelong Cup in a bid to punch a ticket to the race that stops a nation.

Rodrigo Diaz ridden by Pep Singh during trackwork at Werribee Racecourse on October 14, 2022 in Werribee, Australia. Picture: George Sal

RACEHORSE owner Jamie Lovett says he is eyeing a win in Geelong to gain entry to the Melbourne Cup, and has enlisted one of the sport’s greatest jockeys to get him there.

Lovett will have his five year old Rodrigo Diaz race in Wednesday’s Geelong Cup, with Damien Oliver to ride the gelding.

Lovett said it was important to have trust in the enlisted jockey, and Oliver was one of the best in the business.

“We’ve been very lucky to have Damien ride for us,” he said.

“It’s not the first time Damien has ridden one of our horses, so to have him for Wednesday gives us a bit of extra confidence on the day.

Damien Oliver will ride Rodrigo Diaz at Wednesday’s Geelong Cup. Picture: Reg Ryan

“We’re really excited coming in, our expectations are high because it’s essentially our ticket to the Melbourne Cup.

“We’ve come a long way so to not win and miss out on the Melbourne Cup would be disappointing.

“On his day he (Rodrigo Diaz) is a race winner, we’ll need to get a lot out of him on Wednesday.”

Rodrigo Diaz was stabled in the United Kingdom and has made the voyage to Australia for the Spring Racing Carnival.

A win on Wednesday would likely seal a spot in the Melbourne Cup in November, but it would be unlikely to earn a spot without a victory.

Lovett, who is a director of Australia Bloodstock, said it was an exceptionally tough field for Wednesday’s race.

“I think it’s fair to say Ciaron Maher’s horse (Interpretation) will run well,” he said.

“Chris Waller has a couple of really competitive horses (Surefire).

“Midnight Blue is another one that could go well, we’ve been very lucky with our preparation but it’s a really strong field.

Rodrigo Diaz during trackwork at Werribee Racecourse on October 04, 2022 in Werribee, Australia. Picture: George Sal

“Unfortunately we’ve drawn the visitor’s barrier but that’s just luck of the draw.”

On Sunday Geelong Racing Club racecourse manager Jimmy Dalton says he is “quietly hopeful” of a good 4 track after more than 55mm of rain hit the course.

Wednesday’s forecast is currently 21 degrees and sunny at the Bureau of Meteorology, and Lovett said that was what suited Rodrigo Diaz.

“The weather looks like it’s going to plan for us,” he said.

“Hopefully it’s not too wet, ideally we get a 4 or a 5 track.

“That’d be ideal for us, we’re hearing it’s not too bad so hopefully the weather stays nice for a good day on Wednesday.”

Originally published as Damien Oliver to race in Geelong Cup on Rodrigo Diaz