WIDDUP'S DOUBLE DOSE OF GOOD NEWS
Not only did Hawkesbury’s leading trainer confirm Sydney’s young gun Zac Lloyd as Savvy Hallie’s rider in Saturday week’s $20m The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick, but his first Everest representative Jedibeel is definitely on the comeback trail.
Having his first trial since undergoing throat surgery in May, Jedibeel (Tommy Berry) delighted his trainer when runner-up in a 740m barrier trial at Randwick this morning.
“He trialled well and importantly has pulled up well,” Widdup said this evening.
“I will definitely trial him again, and then try to find a suitable race to start him off again.”
Jedibeel, now a seven-year-old, has been a valuable flag-bearer for Widdup’s Hawkesbury barn.
He is the winner of eight races and more than $2m in prizemoney, and was his maiden runner in last year’s ninth running of the world’s richest race on turf.
The throat problem surfaced when the gelding tailed out in the $5m The Quokka (1200m) – a slot race similar to The Everest – at Perth’s Ascot racecourse on April 18.
Jedibeel had earned a guernsey after an excellent close second to Golden Slipper winner Marhoona in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 21.
Whilst Jedibeel has come through the first trial of his comeback campaign, Savvy Hallie is in great order as she heads toward Saturday week’s major assignment.
Nash Rawiller has been riding the mare but couldn’t commit to her for The Everest, and Lloyd hopped in.
Most likely he would have ridden Guest House, his Golden Slipper winner earlier this year, but the three-year-old is on the injured list and out of the spring.
“Zac had a couple of offers, but was happy to take the ride on Savvy Hallie,” Widdup said.
“And we’re equally happy to have him on.
“Zac has ridden a few winners for the stable, and is in great form.”
