Katelyn Mallyon to Ride for Te Akau

The Informant reports:

Group One-winning Victorian jockey Katelyn Mallyon will guide the fortunes of a leading classic prospect when his New Zealand Derby campaign begins in earnest on New Year's Day.

Mallyon, partner of champion expatriate Kiwi jockey James McDonald, has a strong book of rides at Hawke's Bay where Te Akau Shark will open his preparation for the Vodafone-sponsored three-year-old feature.

“It came about over lunch at Raglan with Dave (Ellis) and Steven Ramsay and Gary Cossey said Katelyn was coming over with James and she was keen to ride at Hastings,” said Jamie Richards, who prepares Te Akau Shark with Stephen Autridge.

“The horse is by no means screwed down, but he's done some nice work at home and he's got a few miles in his legs.”

Currently at $10 in the Derby market, Te Akau Shark will make his first appearance since finishing fourth in the Gr. 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas when he lines up in the Russell Roads City of Hastings Cup - Fasttrack 5K (1300m).

Mallyon, whose career highlight was a victory in the Gr. 1 William Reid Stakes on Silent Sedition, will also ride stablemates Fashionably (race one), Trendsetting (race two), Wide Awake (race six) and Wandering Eye (race seven). Her book also includes Zenovo (race four) for Shaune Ritchie and Terra Firma (race eight) for Ramsay and Julia Ritchie.

Meanwhile, Richards and Autridge will have strong representation in the black-type features at Ellerslie on Monday, including Heroic Valour and Melody Belle in the Gr. 1 Sistema Railway.

“Heroic Valour has a slightly awkward draw, but we're very happy with him and Melody Belle has drawn well and she should get a nice trip with her gate speed,” Richards said.

Royal Success will step out in the Gr. 2 Rich Hill Mile and the exciting youngster Al Hasa will contest the Gr. 3 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes.

“Royal Success has had his issues, but we're very happy with him and he's ready to run a big race,” Richards said.

“Al Hasa galloped well at Ellerslie last Friday. He doesn't overexert himself at home and we're really pleased with him as well.”