Courtesy of racenet.com.au

Wednesday, 15 April 2009

A disappointed Jay Ford is looking to the future after he discovered today that he’s been replaced on Saturday by Nash Rawiller aboard Takeover Target.

Ford revealed Takeover Target’s trainer Joe Janiak made the decision “in the best interests of the horse” after finding out earlier today he wouldn’t be aboard the nine-year-old for only the second time in what will be his 38th start in the Group I T J Smith Stakes.

“Obviously Joe’s concern was the wet track and the horse would have too carry too much dead weight on his back,” Ford said.

“That and the fact that he missed a bit of work recently with all the rain up at Coffs Harbour and he’s looking after the horse’s best interests by using a heavier jockey to minimise the dead weight he’ll be carrying.”

Ford admitted to being “extremely disappointed” but he remains upbeat that he will be reunited with the six time Group I winner.

“He’s got a big campaign in front of him and Joe gave every indication I’d be back on him next start in the Goodwood so hopefully he runs well and I’ll be back on board,” he said.

After putting the horse through his paces at Randwick yesterday morning, Ford believes Takeover Target is set to run a cracking race this weekend.

“The horse is well, he missed a bit of work up at Coffs but I galloped him yesterday morning and he’s bright and well and his work was good,” he said.

“I can’t see why he won’t come and on Saturday and be very competitive.

“He’s in the race up to his ears, all indications are he’s back as good as ever.”

Ford said despite the disappointment that he won’t be getting legged aboard his “old marvel” he’ll “still be cheering him on” and offered one piece of advice for Rawiller.

“Sit on and hang on,” he said.