Pop Award primed for Caulfield as jockey Matthew Cartwright eyes NZ success

Jockey Matt Cartwright is focused on success in New Zealand next season but not before a farewell Caulfield winner on Saturday.

Jockey Matt Cartwright is focused on success in New Zealand next season but not before a farewell Caulfield winner on Saturday.

Cartwright has a chance to help Pop Award, trained by grandmother Lyn Tolson and mother Leonie Proctor, graduate from metro midweek to Saturday class.

Pop Award won three on the bounce last campaign with Blake Shinn in the saddle.

An injury setback for Shinn, returned to the saddle only recently and earlier than expected, cleared a path for Cartwright to ride Pop Award. Shinn could also not quite make the 55kg for Saturday.

Cartwright has piloted Pop Award in all her work this time in.

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“I’m very privileged and happy to take the reins on the weekend,” Cartwright said.

“She’s a good horse. She looks like she’s coming up well, on track and trials I’ve ridden.

“Fingers crossed I could get a bit of luck and she gets the job done first-up … there are bigger targets in store and in mind so we are hoping she could go there and go close to winning.”

Pop Award is $4.60 second favourite from Shinn’s ride Verdoux ($3.60).

Gala Queen ($5.50), Chinqui ($7.50) and Naval Academy ($9) round out the top five in betting.

“I definitely think she’s up to Saturday class,” Cartwright said.

“She still has to step up … but I feel she has ability to do so.”

Pop Award, ridden by Blake Shinn, wins at Sandown-Lakeside earlier this year. Picture: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

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Cartwright flies out on Monday for a second stint in New Zealand.

He rode 53 winners in NZ this season, the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy among seven stakes successes.

A winter break in Melbourne has reinvigorated Cartwright’s ambitions to build on NZ momentum.

“I was stuck in a rut (before going to NZ) and really questioning if I was enjoying it,” Cartwright.

“I’ve regained the love for it again and New Zealand was a big part of that … hoping I can get a bit of luck and win another Group 1 or two.”

Cartwright developed more confidence – personally and professionally – from the NZ experience.

“It definitely has made a big improvement to me, I was riding in lots of stakes and Group races, I feel like I got a lot of experience and I’m grateful for that,” Cartwright said.

“I want to set a few goals out and set a few plans and hopefully I can fulfil them in the new season.”