Tattersalls Cup 2016: Jockey Paul Hammersley chasing late consolation prize at Eagle Farm

PAUL Hammersley is in the firing line to win a late winter carnival consolation prize at Eagle Farm on Saturday, a fortnight after one of his biggest disappointments.

PAUL Hammersley is in the firing line to win a late winter carnival consolation prize at Eagle Farm on Saturday, a fortnight after one of his biggest disappointments.

Hammersley has been entrusted with the ride on the in-form Team Hawkes-trained stayer Tucanchoo in the Group 3 Tattersalls Cup.

He also rides Beatniks, who he rates as being over the odds, in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara.

Hammersley had been the regular rider of Eagle Way but was replaced in the Queensland Derby by Tommy Berry at the request of owner John Moore, who has a successful association with Berry.

Hammersley watched from the jockeys’ room as Berry and Eagle Way strode away for a dominant Derby win.

“It was mixed emotions for me,” Hammersley said. “I 100 per cent thought he would win and I was happy for him to win.

“Bryan Guy has been very good to me and I was thrilled for him. Tommy Berry is a good mate, so I was happy for him too.

“I know Tommy felt terrible and when Bryan rang to tell me I wasn’t going to ride him in the Derby, he did it with a heavy heart.

“Obviously it was very disappointing, but that’s racing and it wasn’t meant to be.

“I know if jockeys were allowed to bet I would have been having $1 each way on him because I thought he was the winner, so at least my judgment was spot on.”

Paul Hammersley has been the regular rider of Eagle Way but was replaced in the Queensland Derby at the request of owner. The three-year-old went on to record a dominant win. Picture: Tara Croser

Hammersley rode the occasional horse for the Hawkes training establishment during his time on the New South Wales provincial circuit and having watched Tucanchoo’s recent replays, he’s excited about his prospects on Saturday.

“They changed the tactics last time and it was a good tough win on the speed, after he came from last the time before in Melbourne,” he said. “He’s certainly a nice ride to pick up.”

Hammersley initially had to wait to accept the ride because he had a prior booking for Feltre, who has instead accepted in another race on Saturday.

Paul Hammersley gets his opportunity to shine at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Picture: Peter Wallis

Beatniks is rated a $51 chance in the Tiara, but Hammersley said she should have clearly finished closer last time and perhaps even placed.

“I misunderstood the instructions from Steve (O’Dea) and came away from the fence. If I had stayed where I was I would have followed the winner through and finished a lot closer,” he said.

“It think she’s well over the odds.”

Another key mount for Hammersley on Saturday is Best Case in the second event, coming off a six month break.

If on song, Best Case has the best ratings in the race by a long way.

“Steve has taken his time getting this horse fit and the further into his preparation he’s gone, the better he’s been,” he said.

“His work on Tuesday was very good and he’s a definite winning chance.”

Originally published as Tattersalls Cup 2016: Jockey Paul Hammersley chasing late consolation prize at Eagle Farm