Becky Byrne jumps Jacob Joe out of maiden grade at Goulburn on Friday confident he’ll deliver another honest effort to match what he’s already shown this campaign.
Byrne says the three-year old’s consistent form has made a chilly winter a lot easier to handle!
“Joe is definitely one of the stable pin ups and is keeping the excitement up on those cold winter mornings,” said Byrne.
Byrne says his hunger to compete on the track is often reflected in his stable temperament as well!
“Jacob joe is a cheeky individual. Loves his feed. Loves to chew on us too when saddling up! He honestly is the toughest and most exciting horse I’ve worked with.”
Jacob Joe ($8.50 TAB) franked some consistent results in the South East with a game maiden win at Nowra last start. That win showed he’s up for a fight with only a length separating the first five horses in the race.
The gelding tackles a competitive Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1400m at Goulburn with apprentice Molly Bourke retaining the ride, an easy decision for Byrne to make.
“Molly and Jordan (her manager) have stuck by us. Molly driving from Sydney just to ride him at Nowra. It’s important to have a confident Jockey on your horse, one that believes in the horse’s abilities.”
Byrne believes Friday’s sterner test is something Jacob Joe is ready for.
“We have to get a gauge on his ability going forward. It’s his first preparation with us and I feel he will hit the line strongly as he has in 99% his races.”
The gelding has drawn well with his trainer hoping a patient ride could pay off.
“I’d be keen to see her use patience but it depends on how early the speed is on.”
Regardless of Friday’s result Byrne likes what the galloper might offer connections moving forward.
“He’s only a three-year-old so he will only get better as he matures and we know his quirks now, a second preparation does excite me.”
Since his last start win Byrne has been happy with his demeanor at home.
“He’s sound, happy and peaking, nothing changes with Joey, if it did we would be concerned.”
Byrne has shown a willingness to trek around the South-East districts from her Canberra base in recent times and is positive about the stable’s progress.
“We currently have five in work, with around six yearlings set to hit the stables in the next six weeks. We are growing numbers and now at Canberra we have the space and facilities to do so.”
“We have an awesome bunch of owners and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Especially Joe Palombi and my partner Brett Costello. Our staff Di, Tash and Cam who help me get our horses sound, fit and happy are another reason why our horses like Jacob Joe are galloping consistent for our team.”
Goulburn serves up a strong eight race card on Friday with early assessments suggesting local trainers can give punters a leg up. Tash Burleigh (Flying Flossy $4.00) and Danielle Seib (Kenichi $6.00) in Races 1 and 2 respectively find suitable contests early on the program whilst the Goulburn Good Oil suggests:
Stay on “Durnan watch”…apprentice Holly Durnan has three rides on the day with Rentarock ($7 – Race 2) and Spinosaurus ($6 – Race 7) value chances.
Our Kinsmen ($8) – Race 1 No.5 – Hard fit & Jay Ford knows his way around the tablelands track.
Mosgold ($2.60) – Race 3 No.12 – Tash Burleigh trained and conditions likely to suit.
Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Soft 6 for Friday’s meeting.
Photo Credit: Bradley Photos
