Koby Jennings out to cause Turnbull Stakes upset with Huetor in hunt for Group 1 breakthrough

In-form jockey Koby Jennings says his Turnbull Stakes mount has what it takes to pull off an upset and deliver him a maiden Group 1 success.

In-form jockey Koby Jennings is spoiling for an upset on Huetor in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Huetor, a multiple Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) winner, charged into second behind Turnbull favourite Buckaroo in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) last start at Caulfield.

The Peter Snowden-trained backmarker, a $23 outsider with Ladbrokes, sustained a strong gallop first-up from last to get within 3½ lengths of the race hardened Buckaroo.

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Huetor, a three-time winner from seven second-up starts, has a 3kg weight pull on Buckaroo, the well-supported $4 favourite.

Via Sistina is a $4.80 second favourite from Eliyass ($5) and Young Werther ($9.50).

Caulfield Cup favourite warmonger is a $12 chance on Saturday.

Jennings, who has ridden three winners from his past 15 starts and been runner-up twice, is quietly confident about Huetor.

“Snowden wouldn’t have him in the race if he couldn’t win it,” Jennings said.

“Massive run last start, he’s hit the line with alarm bells all over him.

“He put the writing on the wall last start to come from that far back and hit the line, he deserves his chance at the Turnbull.”

Koby Jennings has been riding winners recently after a slow start in Victoria. Picture: Ross Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Huetor has barrier six in the 2000m feature, within eyeshot of Buckaroo in eight.

Duke De Sessa, a $21 chance drawn in barrier seven, is likely to roll forward and contest the lead.

“The good thing is we’re surrounded by the horses you want to be surrounded by from the gate, he’s drawn softly,” Jennings said.

“He’s not surrounded by horses you wouldn’t want to be on their back … see how he jumps, we’ll pick which horse we want to get on the back of and hopefully get a drag off it.”

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Former Sydney-based jockey Jennings, a father of two, returned to Victoria late last season with fiancee Nerissa to raise their young family closer to home and support networks.

The 2020 Golden Eagle winner, well established in Sydney previously, has worked hard, riding across the state, to build connections with Victorian trainers.

The grind has turned into winners and opportunity at the highest level.

Huetor (yellow cap) chased hard behind Buckaroo last start in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“It’s more of a relief and everything has snowballed well enough,” Jennings said.

“I’m getting a few more opportunities, team Hawkes has been a big help again, Michael Huglin, even the local area, from where I grew up around Sale, like Sharon Trolove.

“I’ve ridden two winners for her now and it’s great to see her stable up and flying.

“You take every opportunity you can take, history shows I’ve done that.

“I’m pretty proud to say I can be trusted in these situations, I know I’m not a permanent carnival name but given the opportunity I’ve made the most of it and I can produce.”

Jennings rode successfully in Sydney for Snowden, with 22 winners from only 89 starters.

He forged strong winning strike rates for James Cummings (27 per cent), Nathan Doyle (22 per cent), Brad Widdup (22 per cent) and Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes (19 per cent).

Jennings will ride El Paso, a progressive three-year-old stayer, for Hawkes in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) on Saturday at Flemington.

Originally published as Koby Jennings out to cause Turnbull Stakes upset with Huetor in hunt for Group 1 breakthrough