An Australian View

The Herald Sun's view today headlined "Trainer Jason Bridgman backs Brisbane jockey Jim Byrne to boost barrier 20 chances" -

COSTA Viva's “visitor's draw'' in the Queensland Guineas (1400m) today has knocked the confidence of Kiwi trainer Jason Bridgman.

But Bridgman feels that booking local Brisbane jockey Jim Byrne will give his three-year-old filly every chance to overcome the disappointment of drawing barrier 20.

Byrne had a fall on the Sunshine Coast yesterday but is hoping to be right to ride at Eagle Farm today.

Costa Viva is well weighted with 55kg despite being a Group 1 winner in New Zealand and should appreciate the expansive Eagle Farm track.

Her run first-up in Australia, when fourth behind Dothraki in the Gold Coast Guineas a month ago, was a real eye-catcher.

Byrne takes over from Vinnie Colgan today and Bridgman feels his local knowledge could be a real benefit for his filly, who is likely to push on to the Group 1 Tatts Tiara.

“We originally tried to get James McDonald to ride her in her Australian campaign and Vinnie was booked for a one-off engagement at the Gold Coast when James was riding at Hawkesbury,'' Bridgman said.

“But now James has decided to stay in Sydney to target the premiership there, we are very happy to use the best available Queensland jockey. It's great to have a jockey who knows the local conditions like the back of his hand.

“I will have a talk to Jim about how to ride her and I will watch the earlier races to see the pattern of the day. My initial feeling is there is a fair bit of speed in the race.

“From that barrier I don't think we will look to go forward because that could bring trouble. We will look to position midfield and get an economical run with some cover and be finishing strongly.

“There is nothing we can do about drawing the bad barrier. We have to play the cards we have been dealt.''

A Queensland Winter Carnival campaign had been on the agenda for Costa Viva since January when she was spelled after not running her best on a hard surface in New Zealand.

The winner of last November's Group 1 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton appreciates the sting out of the track but Bridgman says she can still run well on a good surface.

The riches of the Stradbroke Handicap were never a goal, with Bridgman preferring to keep his filly to three-year-old races before probably having a crack at the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm next month.

“If she wins the Guineas or runs well, she will definitely be going to the Tiara,'' Bridgman said. “I left her out of the Stradbroke nominations because I wanted her to stick to three-year-old events.

“The Tiara would give us our best chance to get an Australian Group 1 with her.''

Bridgman will be at Eagle Farm today after catching a flight from New Zealand this morning (6.50am in fact after overseeing trackwork!! - Ed).