‘That is the only way to ride him’: Jockey Zac Lloyd vaults to victory aboard Disneck masterclass

Star jockey Zac Lloyd rode to a simple stalking game plan as Disneck went back-to-back in spectacular style at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Zac Lloyd celebrates his victory aboard Disneck at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

Star jockey Zac Lloyd rode to a simple stalking game plan as Disneck went back-to-back in spectacular style at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Lloyd was told to be “neutral” on Disneck early and the in-form sprinter came from a clear last on the turn to career away with the James Squire Handicap (1200m).

The Bjorn Baker-trained Disneck appreciates being allowed to find his feet early which gives him the opportunity to unleash his impressive finishing sprint.

“That is the only way to ride him,’’ said Glenn Lobb, the representative for the Baker stable.

“You have to be absolutely deadset neutral on him early and he will get home like that every time.

“If we even attempt to half go forward early then he just doesn’t finish is races off at all. It seems to be psychological more than anything.’’

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Disneck ($5) finished so fast he eventually won easing down by more than two lengths from Invader Zim ($7) with Able Willie ($26) a close third.

Lloyd said he was surprised how well Disneck relaxed back in the field early given the race was being run at a solid tempo.

“I started to feel confident at the 700m because he was travelling so well,’’ Lloyd said.

“We were given them all a bit of a start but I knew he would get home fast. He’s got a very good turn of foot.’’

It's another last to first win for Disneck after the @BBakerRacing trained gelding makes it two on the trot! 💪@ZacLloydxpic.twitter.com/aWEBhOH4BC

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 28, 2024

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Lobb said there was plenty of stable confidence in Disneck as the four-year-old had trained on so well since he won over the same course and distance two weeks ago.

“There were a lot of scratchings this morning and we felt the small field was in his favour,’’ Lobb said.

“They were really rolling along in front and he was just loving it out the back.

“He’s a good, honest horse and he turns up every time. If you ride him like that, he will always be hard to beat.’’

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Disneck was bred at Gooree who offered the son of Widden Stud stallion Trapeze Artist at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling sale when and where he was secured by Baker for $200,000.

Aside from all of his sire’s undoubted talents, Disneck’s dam Lindisfarne was a filly of exceptional talent.

She won her first start in the USA by seven lengths, winning again by four and a half and finally, lodging her an all-important stakes win at Laurel in Maryland for her Hall Of Fame trainer, Steven Asmussen, the brother of American jockey great, Cash.

Disneck has proven an astute investment for his syndicate of owners with his fifth win in 23 starts taking his career earnings to nearly $500,000.

Originally published as ‘That is the only way to ride him’: Jockey Zac Lloyd vaults to victory aboard Disneck masterclass