McDonald to ride La Crique in the Empire Rose

Leading Sydney jockey James McDonald has committed to riding New Zealand raider La Crique in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington later this month.

“We have just had confirmation this afternoon that James McDonald will ride La Crique in the Empire Rose on the 29^th,” said Katrina Alexander, who trains in partnership with her husband Simon.

“That is really exciting news and we couldn’t wish for a better result.”

McDonald’s previous win in the race came aboard another New Zealand-bred in Shillelagh, who he rode to victory in the 2018 edition of the race.

La Crique heads to Australia in good form, having placed in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month before winning the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata.

Guineas aim for Pennyweka

A trip south to Riccarton next month to contest the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 1000 Guineas (1600m) has been locked in for Pennyweka after her win in the Mardigras Events 3YO Premier (1300m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Trainer Jim Wallace was pleased with what he saw from the daughter of Satono Aladdin over the weekend and will now press on for a tilt at the southern fillies feature.

“I thought she was very impressive, it didn’t surprise me,” said Wallace, who also co-bred and owns the filly.

“I was a little bit worried about the (Heavy10) track but she has shown us a lot of ability at home.

“She is in the 1000 Guineas and at this stage we will head that way. How we get there I am not sure yet, we will just have to see whether we give her another run, trial, or jumpout.”

Pennyweka, who is raced by the Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate, was welcomed back to the winner’s stall by her army of owners, and Wallace is hoping she can receive the same reception at Riccarton next month.

“There is a big ownership crew,” Wallace said. “My brother Les and I bred her together, and we still own her, but there are a crowd of Wekas who have leased her.

“There was about 30 of them at the races on Saturday and they had a great time.”