The Championships: Declan Bates plans to give rivals something to chase again in Group 1 bid at scene of memorable win

Jockey Declan Bates is plotting another Group 1 raid at Randwick with a freewheeling mare a year after his exploits with Pride Of Jenni.

Jockey Declan Bates has the horsepower to complete another Group 1 Randwick heist on Saturday.

Bates, who executed an extraordinary frontrunning ride last year on Pride Of Jenni in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, returns to Sydney with Queen Of The Turf Stakes ambitions for Grinzinger Belle.

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Danny O’Brien-trained Grinzinger Belle capitalised on conditions last start at The Valley to lead from barrier to post in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m).

“No doubt the track favoured her the other day but she still had to go out and do it,” Bates said.

“If conditions Saturday are favourably to her she’ll take some catching.”

Bates rated Pride Of Jenni brilliantly last year in the Queen Elizabeth, caught rival jockeys off guard in the process, when he led by 30 lengths in the run and won by 6½.

“I’m tipping I won’t be that far in front again but if I could get a few lengths at the top of the straight she’ll take some catching,” Bates said.

Any give in the track, a drop of rain is forecast in Sydney on Saturday, would be a big help.

Grinzinger Belle led all the way to win at The Valley last start. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

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“She’s going into it in great form, coming off a really good win,” Bates said.

“This is going to be a step up in grade but she’s a very good mare.

“She can bowl along in front, I’d imagine that’s where we’ll be and if there’s any rain about it would be a big help, she loves the wet but if not she’s still going to run well.

“She’s coming off a win, goes into it in really good order, stepping up in grade but she’ll run well.”

Grinzinger Belle is a $14 chance in the Queen Of The Turf behind Fangirl ($1.95), Stefi Magnetica ($5), Atishu ($7), Lazzura ($9.50) and Amelia’s Jewel ($12).

While Bates expects Pride Of Jenni reminders to flood back walking into Randwick on Saturday, the only flashback he wants to experience is being first past the post in another Group 1.

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“It’s always interesting to look back on it (Queen Elizabeth) but I’m focused on what’s ahead now,” Bates said.

“Last year was a massive day there, hopefully we can have a good day there again.

“It will be interesting walking in there and no doubt there’ll be a few memories and flashbacks of last year but I’m not really one for thinking back and reminiscing so much.

“I’ll be very much focused on Grinzinger Belle.”

Bates’s strength with frontrunners was central to securing the ride on Grinzinger Belle last start.

“Damian Lane was in Sydney for the day and they needed a replacement, the owner identified who they thought would be a good front running jockey and landed on me,” Bates said.

“Luckily I’ve retained the ride. You need those opportunities in good races, I’m really glad to be going up to Sydney.”

Originally published as The Championships: Declan Bates plans to give rivals something to chase again in Group 1 bid at scene of memorable win