Patient Jones poised to make the most of Excelladus opportunity

The first year in the senior riding ranks can be the hardest for any jockey as the opportunities dry up without a claim, but Reece Jones looks at it as an opportunity.

Jones is part of the golden generation of apprentices that includes Zac Lloyd, Dylan Gibbons and Tyler Schiller, and, although he has not had their success just yet, he is a regular in the Sydney jockey room nine months after coming out of his time.

Jones has had to wait for his chances, and a midwinter meeting at Randwick in July could be important for him heading into the spring.

“Riding can be about momentum, and while a couple of guys are away, if I can get a couple of wins it will help,” Jones said. “The last nine months have been tough, but I’m starting to build again and get the right rides. It is about making the most of these days.

“I had a full book last week, and there are a couple of nice ones there on Saturday.”

Jones’ ability to ride at the limit weight of 53kg opened the door for him to get on last-start winner Excelladus, which is an $11 hope in the feature Civic Stakes on Saturday.

Reece Jones will look to use a good midwinter book to build momentum. Credit: Getty

The So You Think five-year-old landed a series of good bets when he held off Flying Crazy in Benchmark 94 company at Randwick a fortnight ago and gets his chance in listed company.

“He is a bit like me – looking for that listed win – and he has found the right race,” Jones said. “When you get on one of Joe Pride’s horses on the way up they are usually ready to take the next step up.

“Joe has been one of my biggest supporters since I came out of my time, and to win on Excelladus would be a good way to say thank you.

“Excelladus has been pretty consistent, and you know he will get into the right spot and run a good race. He will appreciate the soft track and I think, looking at his form, the 1400m will be his best trip.”

Jones is looking forward to getting back on Charming Legend in the Midway Handicap.

Jones was in the saddle for Charming Legend’s debut win on the Randwick Kensington track earlier in the month, but he has also had a lot to do with the three-year-old’s development at trackwork.

“This is definitely a jump up in grade for him, but there is a lot of upside there,” Jones said. “He is just a cool horse to have anything to do with.

“He’s going to appreciate stepping up in trip [1600m]. He was just so raw in that first win and took a lot of winding up to get to his top.

“Once he was up and balanced he just motored to the line like a good horse. He is the sort of horse I want to stick with and see where he can take you.”

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