5 hours Ago By Christian Nicolussi
After a hit-and-run trip from Melbourne to Sydney to ride Golden Eagle favourite Ascoli Piceno for the first time on Wednesday, Joao Moreira, one of the world’s best jockeys, declared: “She’s just good, man – I’m really excited.” Moreira rode the star Japanese mare at first light at trackwork at Canterbury racecourse on Wednesday ahead of Saturday week’s $10 million feature race at Rosehill. After a quick gallop, the globe-trotting jockey – who splits his time between his native Brazil and Japan – hopped into an awaiting hire car and raced to the airport so he could ride Unusual Legacy in the Geelong Cup later in the day.
Moreira, who rode Stellenbosch to victory over Ascoli Piceno in Japan earlier this year, already knew he was fortunate to pick up the ride but was even more pleased after jumping on her back for a couple of laps. “She’s looking very well,” he said. “We went nice and even until the 600m, then started building up for the second half and she hit the line strongly.
“She’s not only a beautiful-looking filly, but she has a nice long stride. All her wins in Japan have been impressive – she hits the line like a proper racehorse. Joao Moreira rides Golden Eagle favourite Ascoli Piceno for the first time at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Credit: Jessica Hromas/SMH “We’re talking about a good filly. They [owners Northern Farm] have given me this great opportunity, so I came [here] and wanted to show them that I appreciate it. “I did beat her [in a race], but it took a good horse to beat her.
If she reproduces what she has been doing in Japan, she’ll be a good winning chance in the Golden Eagle.”.
