Avdulla closing in on jockeys premiership
BRENTON “The Gun” Avdulla has the 2015/2016 New South Wales jockey premiership at his mercy and landing two Godolphin rides this Saturday will only help.
Avdulla has been a busy man this season, riding in many low-quality midweek meetings, but that effort has paid off and now the likes of John O’Shea have taken notice.
With only three weeks left in the season, Avdulla has a 14-win lead over Greg Ryan, but he isn’t counting his chickens yet and attributes this seasons success to the decision to become a freelance rider.
“I set a goal at the start of the season to win the premiership but I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Avdulla said. “It’s not over until it’s over and a lot can happen in three weeks.”
Avdulla made the decision to go freelance in January and with 130 winners under his belt this season, he clearly made the right move.
“It was a business decision,” Avdulla said. “I wanted to be more freelance and be in a position to take the best rides available.”
Avdulla has ridden for the likes of Chris Waller, Kris Lees and he has now ridden 10 winners for Godolphin and with champion jockey James McDonald currently riding in Europe, Avdulla will get more opportunities to end the season.
“It’s great to get any opportunity to ride for an operation like Godolphin,” Avdulla said.
“James [McDonald] is away until the start of the new season so I’ll take any opportunity that comes my way.”
Avdulla has landed two plum Godolphin rides at Randwick on Saturday. He tales over from Brock Ryan on Badajoz which was given a poor ride under the apprentice last start, and also Morton’s Fork which was a black-booker behind Russian Revolution last time out.
“Morton’s Fork handles the give out of the track and went really well first-up behind Russian Revolution,” Avdulla said.
“That should prove a strong form reference and he’s drawn perfectly in four which should give me a few options.
“Badajoz ran well when I rode him first-up. He was stiff the other day not to win at Wyong so if he gets luck in running he’ll be right in it.”
Morton’s Fork lines up in the opening event at 11.30am at Randwick where it is currently paying $2.80 with Sportsbet. Badajoz lines up in the following race and is on the third line of betting at $4.