Candika to use BRC Sires Produce Stakes as springboard into Group 1 J.J. Atkins

PAUL Hammersley is using Glen Colless as his inspiration as he plots to make the most of his big-race opportunities in the next three weeks.

Jockey’s Jeff Lloyd, Paul Hammersley and Michael Cahill. Picture: Scott Fletcher

PAUL Hammersley is using Glen Colless as his inspiration as he plots to make the most of his big-race opportunities in the next three weeks.

Hammersley believes Candika is a genuine J.J. Atkins contender next month and expects her to frank that Group 1 rating when she runs in Saturday’s BRC Sires Produce Stakes at Doomben.

The Gold Coast-based rider was an instant big-race hit when he won the 2002 Queensland Oaks on Mon Mekki for Gerald Ryan while he was still in his apprenticeship.

He would dearly love to add a second Group 1 win to his scorecard at this carnival.

“It’s been a long time between drinks,” Hammersley said.

“After he won on Malaguerra, Glen Colless said it was 15 years between Group 1 wins for him.

“This year is 14 for me, so I’d like to beat him by a year.”

It did not take Hammersley long to learn the slippery slope of racing as the same day he won the Oaks, he made the trip up the range to Toowoomba and was beaten on a $1.20 pop.

“I went from the penthouse to the outhouse in a few hours,” he said.

Jockey’s Jeff Lloyd, Paul Hammersley and Michael Cahill. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Hammersley pinpointed Candika very early as a potential big-race winner and nothing she has done since has changed his mind.

“Her run in the Magic Millions was outstanding and I feel her runs have been super this time in as well,” he said.

“This is the first time she’s drawn an alley this prep and we should be able to lob a bit closer.

“I won’t be changing her pattern too much. We can probably be midfield or a touch worse, but the difference this time is that she should be able to travel a lot stronger.

“She is definitely wanting more ground and she’s going to be suited this week and even more so when she gets to the mile across the road (Eagle Farm).’’

Hammersley also has the Grand Prix ride on Eagle Way, but will relinquish the mount to Tommy Berry in the Queensland Derby.

“He was held up a bit last time and should have finished a length or two closer,” Hammersley said. “He’s another one that is likely to relish it at Eagle Farm.’’

Hammersley is the regular rider for Sir Moments, who has failed to recover from a foot injury and will miss the Stradbroke.

Originally published as Candika to use BRC Sires Produce Stakes as springboard into Group 1 J.J. Atkins