Goulburn preview: Andrew Calder ‘jockeying’ for top position on Richard Collett’s ladder

Star New Zealand jockey Andrew Calder can raise himself up one spot as the most successful rider for trainer Richard Collett should he strike twice at Goulburn on Tuesday.

Jockey Andrew Calder is forming a successful partnership with trainer Richard Collett. Picture: Bradley Photos

Jockey Andrew Calder can overtake Jim Collett – and move to within one victory of Alysha Collett – on the ladder of ‘most wins for trainer Richard Collett’ should things go to plan at Goulburn on Tuesday.

Calder, whose own tally stands at 1,080 (including seven Group 1 winners), banked his 46th winner for Collett only last week when Struff opened her new campaign with a third career victory.

That leaves Calder, who is also the son-in-law of Collett, ready to equal if not pass Richard’s brother, Jim (47) today. and edge closer to sister-in-law Alysha (50).

For the record. Richard’s other offspring Tarsha (59) and Jason (71), occupy the top two spots on the (Richard) Collett Leader board as it stands.

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Calder’s first opportunity on Tuesday comes in the shape of Navy Buoy ($4.20), who resumes in the Goulburn Carpet Court Maiden Handicap (1200m).

A son of Merchant Navy, Collett’s gelding sent out some positive signs in his short, sharp first campaign which consisted of a debut third at Canberra before an honourable fourth at Muswellbrook on January 2.

“He had a trial out here at Warwick Farm and he was pretty fresh, he fared good, and he travelled pretty easily in a pretty slowly run but yeah, he’s in good shape,’’ Collett said.

“He is still on the learning curve. He was quite field shy his first couple of runs, and a bit immature as well, so he’ll run in side-winkers on Tuesday which he trialled in and they just seem to give him a bit more confidence.

“He’s drawn (barrier) two so that will give him his chance.

“He’s still a got a fresh edge on him with only one trial going into Tuesday but he’s a 1600m horse for sure.”

Collett is naturally glad to welcome back the New Zealand-bred gelding The Professor.

The five-year-old hasn’t raced since April 11, 2024, making it a year minus three days since he was last seen in action.

The Collett's combine for victory with The Professor, with Jason Collett in the saddle for Richard Collett! pic.twitter.com/6RTtqBiy1n

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His mission today is the MJ Dale Class 1 & Maiden Plate (1600m) in which he is being kept safe at $9 despite his extended absence.

“He injured a leg and he’s had a long time away but he’s come back really well,’’ Collett reported.

“His second trial was lovely. Jas (Collett) rode him and gave him a good strong hitout and he found the line.

“1400m would have been no value to him, he’s just forward enough to run the mile out. But then the same thing, the class of the field balances it out, it’s not overly strong.

“I think there is improvement in him as well but it is a good kick off point for him.

“He is bred to run 2200m. Unfortunately he never got a chance to get out to that right trip because he wasn’t mature enough but it has given him the time anyway, the setback that he had.’’

The Professor is a son of Tavistock out of a Zabeel mare.

That’s the same cross that has delivered an incredible 28 stakes-winners including classic types; Tavago, Tarzino, Johnny Get Angry, Werther, Toffee Tongue, etc.

The Professor has another advantage in life given he was born and raised at the historic Haunui Farm in New Zealand in the same paddocks as past alumni including Melody Belle, Surfer’s Paradise, The Gentry, Fix, Coogee Walk and most recently, Linebacker.

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TWO-time Golden Slipper-winning trainer Gary Portelli is five days away from becoming a dual Australian Oaks winner provided his 2025 contender Verona Rose can emulate the deeds of 2007 heroine, Rena’s Lady.

To do so, Verona Rosa will have to turn the tables on hot-fav Treasurethe Moment come Saturday but Portelli’s first Oaks winner was required to beat the filly that beat her home in the VRC Oaks, namely Tuesday Joy.

“I’m looking forward to the Oaks on Saturday,’’ Portelli said.

“She’s been screaming out for 2400m for a while now and has a pedigree that suggests that trip won’t be a problem.”

Portelli will take time out from his Oaks countdown to saddle-up stablemates Excess Capital and Artifactx in their respective Tuesday assignments at Goulburn.

First of the pair to go around is the flashy Excess Capital whose chestnut frame has plenty of splashes of white.

Trainer Gary Portelli. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

“She is typical Capitalist and looks a lot like Encap actually on type,’’ Portelli said

“She has always shown a truck load of ability but she’d turn up on race-day and do nothing so I am concerned that she is a ‘trial champion’.

“She trialled like a bomb the other day. It was a great trial. She’s always worked good and trialled well but like I said, she hasn’t reproduced it on race-day, so we are hoping for a change of form.

“We’ll ride her quietly and let rip home. A big track like Goulburn will suit and hopefully it is a fast run 1000m so she can come with a run.’’

Portelli will break out the familiar Elite Thoroughbred silks to hand to jockey Louise Day who reunites with Artifactx in the MJ Dale Class 1 & Maiden Plate (1600m).

Day has ridden the son of Flying Artie four times for a win and two placings but was absent from the horse’s back last start when a fading tenth of 12 at Hawkesbury with excuses.

“It was a poor ride last time,’’ Portelli says.

“I don’t know how we ended up leading. First time at the trip and going like a scalded cat.

“He did a great job to battle on in a very strong race.

“Ridden a little bit economically early, I think he will be very, very competitive at that sort of level.’’